neighbourhood

The magazine for residents of ISSUE 79: WINTER 2017 newsWest Kent Housing Association

FIRE SAFETY AGE - A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE PAGE 8 - ARE YOU

WINTER REPAIRS PREPARED? SEE PAGE 4 TIPS PAGE 10

@West_Kent West Kent westkent.org ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 02 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS DID YOU MISS THE AUTUMN eNEWS? IF YOU’RE NOT SIGNED UP TO OUR ENEWS YOU MISSED ALL THIS AND MORE! WELCOME FROM Re-housed, helped and happy - that's the positive result for FRANK one of our tenants who now lives Well the clocks have gone back and in Swanley's White Oak Court. in our house, we have already made "Welcome to Beeches" - a sign of a great our Christmas pudding. community. Guests at the opening of Beeches in Dover were welcomed by seven-year-olds from a Sign up at westkent.org/news Since I last wrote for you we have nearby school using signing. ■ Gold in RSPCA Community Animal had a general election and there Welfare Footprints awards has been the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower. West Kent has always taken ■ Residential fun for West Kent’s 8-12s the safety of our residents club members - Groups of children extremely seriously and will from some of the communities where continue to do so. We also need you West Kent has homes have enjoyed to do your bit - so please do read an exciting residential trip to the articles inside about fire safety. Thriftwood scout camp in Essex. ■ Triple success at Kent Housing Group And the new government is now in The air smells of sweet success at Montgomery Court in Medway, West Kent’s Emerald Extra Care Awards listening mode. They are launching scheme for over 55s, after five of their tenants a housing green paper and will be and staff have successfully quit smoking. ■ The newest members of our talking to tenants up and down the “West Kent family” were welcomed country. They will want to know to their homes at the official opening how you feel about your home, of Spires extra care in Tenterden how having a decent home helps on 28 June. you in getting on in life and whether you feel that your voice is heard. We will let you know how you can get involved in this conversation.

Enjoy the festive Cookery skills provide food for thought - a group of Eynsford youngsters learned new skills before season. sitting down to enjoy a splendid lunch when they Chief Executive Frank Czarnowski highlights the joined one of our Summer FunFest events. value of supported housing when Dartford MP Gareth Johnson visited Wellfield Community Hall in Hartley. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 03 IT’S GOOD TO SHARE BUYING A SHARED OWNERSHIP HOME HAS NEVER BEEN SIMPLER.

If you can't afford to buy a property outright, our shared ownership (sometimes called low cost home ownership) scheme will be a great option for you. Our shared ownership scheme allows you to buy a percentage of your home and rent the remainder from us. Over time you can buy bigger shares in your property until you own it all, at which point you won't have to pay us any find out about availability on sites in For more information on our new homes more rent - this is called staircasing. Headcorn, Ashford and Gravesend. for shared ownership please email us More information about being a shared We’ll be even busier from next year with at [email protected] or call us on owner is on our website. developments coming through in 01732 749400. West Kent has an exciting building Canterbury, Tenterden, Sittingbourne, programme offering homes for shared Hawkhurst, Lenham and Chatham, plus ownership across Kent. Contact us now to more homes in Ashford.

PAY BY DIRECT DEBIT Why have the hassle of having to automatically for you. You’ll receive ■ West Kent payment card at a remember to pay your rent each confirmation ten days before the Post Office or Payzone outlet week/month when you can set up a change happens. ■ standing order - please visit direct debit? www.westkent.org for further We have stopped taking payments information All you need to do is either call your at our offices in Sevenoaks and Income Officer (if you don’t have their Swanley so a direct debit would be Further details are on our website at details call our customer services an ideal option for those that have westkent.org/payrent team and they can direct you to the previously paid this way. If this right person) or complete a simple isn’t for you there are other ways direct debit form (you can download that you can pay: one from our website) and send it to ■ automated payment line - us and we can set it all up to come 01732 749442 straight from your bank account. ■ online through Santander You can choose to pay monthly, BillPay fortnightly or weekly and any changes to the amount you pay will be made ■ online, through your own bank ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 04 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS Fire Safety Are you prepared? The tragic events at Grenfell Tower continue to dominate the headlines with the government, housing associations, councils and organisations across the country determined that a fire on this scale must never happen again.

West Kent has always taken the issue of adequately lit, and that all doors to flats fire safety seriously, even before this can resist fire for at least 30 minutes. tragedy. Fortunately, the properties we We even check loft spaces because fire own are generally low rise, with the can spread if they are not exception of three blocks of flats and compartmentalised. none are clad with the material If you would like to see a copy of that was responsible for the the fire risk assessment for your spread of fire at Grenfell. Even block please contact our customer so, we do a lot to ensure the risk services team and they will send it of fire remains low throughout to you. our properties: Regular checks Fire risk assessments We carry out annual gas checks, including checking boilers are safe, We visit all our communal fit smoke alarms in all our properties properties at least every and check all electrics at least every five years and carry out ten years. a thorough check to ensure the risk of fire Build and manage our starting and spreading properties well is low. We check Our new properties conform to all the outside, for risks such latest safety standards and our existing as fuel stored nearby properties are well managed with the or obstructed paths, correct signage and regular checks in and inside for signage, place so we can pick up and tackle any any areas that are risks early on. cluttered or not ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 05

Fire action notice the power if there is a fault and can All our communal blocks have clear be found in any DIY store. information about what residents should ■ Have any gas cooker or other TAKING THE do in the case of a fire. appliances checked every year by a What you should do Gas Safe registered engineer and RISK OUT OF service them regularly. You can help to ensure that the risk of ■ EVENTS a fire in your home is low by following Close bedroom doors at night, the advice given by Kent Fire and should fire start this could buy Residents at Wellfield have taken Rescue Service: you precious time from the effects some positive action to ensure the of smoke. safety of the people attending the ■ Keep communal areas free of clutter Are you prepared? many events they hold in the and know what to do in the event of Christmas community centre. a fire. Some things are particularly important Kent Fire and Rescue Service ■ Keep any appointments we make to remember at Christmas time: (KFRS) invited a number of regular to do a gas, electrics or other ■ Make sure your family and any users to a talk about fire safety and safety check. visitors staying for the festive the precautions they should be ■ Ensure you have working smoke period know what to do in an taking to reduce the risk of fire alarms installed on all levels of your emergency. Tell them where you starting or spreading. home. It can give you the vital time keep door and window keys so they Zoe Everest, Tenancy Services you need to escape in a fire. can escape if a fire starts. Manager, who organised the visit, Test them regularly and never ■ Ensure you switch off fairy lights explains, “The fire officer who remove batteries! and unplug them before you go to attended spoke about general ■ Don’t overload sockets - ensure only bed, and before you leave the house. safety for residents in their flats as one plug per socket. Always turn off Check they conform to the British well as the use of the lounge and electrical items when they’re not in Standard (BS EN 60598) and are in the importance of carrying out risk use, unless designed to be left on, good working order before use. assessments for any events they like freezers. ■ Never leave burning candles hold there. We had some really ■ Never leave cooking unattended. unattended. Keep candles out of the positive feedback from those Most fires start in the kitchen so reach of children, and away from attending, who now feel much more this is a high risk area. Be sure to decorations, cards and wrapping confident about what to do to avoid cooking while under the paper, fires, lights and heaters. ensure the safety of people using the centre.’ influence of alcohol. Always turn off ■ If you have a real Christmas tree, kitchen appliances when you’ve keep it watered regularly to finished cooking. prevent it drying out. If your tree ■ Put your cigarette out - right out! catches fire, a watered tree will Make sure your cigarette is fully burn more slowly. extinguished and take care when Unless you live in accommodation with under the influence of alcohol or specific instructions to stay put, in the tired. It’s very easy to fall asleep event of a fire - get out, stay out and call while your cigarette is still burning 999 and ask for the fire service. and start a fire. ■ Always use a residual current device

(RCD) on outdoor electrical Andrew Pidduck from KFRS equipment. This safety device can with Mrs Powell save lives by instantly switching off ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 06 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

COME ON IN! LOTS OF FACILITIES ARE All our Kent Excellent Homes for All AVAILABLE AT OUR schemes have been built with a small fitness/gym studio, health suite, RESIDENTIAL SCHEMES IN activity and meeting rooms, hair salons HAWKHURST, RAMSGATE, and restaurants and they are all there to TENTERDEN, DOVER AND use or rent for very reasonable rates. DARTFORD AND THEY ARE They are available to anyone with no THERE FOR THE WHOLE restriction on age or ability and are fully accessible. If you are running classes or COMMUNITY - NOT JUST THE events that our residents can also enjoy RESIDENTS LIVING THERE. then all the better. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 07

If you are looking for a place to host a small informal meeting or group activity our meeting rooms hold up to 12 people. LIFELINE If you already have a group and are looking for new members why not hold it ALARMS at one of our schemes and invite the residents there to come along too? Rooms cost just £20 a day and there ARE are excellent restaurant facilities at all our sites. CHANGING The restaurants and hair salons at all We are making changes to the the schemes are open to all non- lifeline alarms that many of our residents, so if you live nearby why not Emerald tenants have. pop in and give them a try? We have written to all affected For information on any of the tenants. In the coming months Our fitness studios in all five schemes schemes please email we will be moving from a would be ideal for a local person that [email protected] system that's hard wired in the wants to run classes for a small number property to a mobile unit that of people (up to about 12). If you’re a connects to the telephone line. pilates teacher, run a ballet class or want to burn some calories offering an For more information about the aerobic workout you can rent the space lifeline service and how it is for just £10 an hour, provided you have changing please contact the your own insurance. Freephone Emerald helpline 0800 197 0097 or email Our health and beauty facilities are [email protected]. bright and spacious and can be rented permanently or by the hour/day from just £20 a day or £52 a week. Space is available in Hawkhurst, Tenterden, Dover and Dartford. You’d need your own insurance and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 08 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

AGE - A POSITIVE EXPERIENCE WEST KENT PRIDES ITSELF ON what we have already done, and what their own home safely and able to PROVIDING EXCELLENT we intend to do, to provide excellent manage their daily lives. We will homes and services for older people in have strong partnerships with HOMES FOR OLDER PEOPLE. our communities. health, social care and other WE RECOGNISE AND BELIEVE Our aims are to provide quality homes, organisations to be able to provide THAT WITH KENT’S to support older people to live in these a tailored response to the different INCREASING POPULATION OF independently and to ensure they needs of residents. OLDER PEOPLE THERE IS remain connected with their ■ reduce social isolation for older STRONG DEMAND FOR communities and the wider world. people by offering opportunities SUITABLE HOMES THAT Our strategy states that by 2026 for them to come together with we will: others to take part in activities, SUPPORT ACTIVE AGEING ■ for lifelong learning and to AND PROMOTE WELL-BEING. provide 1300 more quality homes in good locations, with a range of ensure they can share their design choices to meet individual experience and knowledge for the Our long term aim is to be a leader in benefit of others. meeting the accommodation needs of needs and options of different older people in Kent and we have tenures, to support individual Find out more about our plans in developed a strategy that will ensure lifestyles as part of active aging. the full strategy on our website at we achieve that. It’s called Age - ■ offer a range of services to www.westkent.org a positive experience and sets out support older people to remain in ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 09 LOOKING AFTER YOUR HOME WHEN YOU BECOME A TENANT whether an item needs to be replaced and fittings to last a long time, with proper WITH US YOU ENTER INTO A we take photos so we can monitor how care, depending on the item. For example, well these items are performing we expect kitchens and bathrooms to last RELATIONSHIP. compared to our expectation. up to 30 years, and doors 38 years We provide you with a place to live you can If the MOT inspection reveals that your before needing replacement. If these call home and in return you agree to pay kitchen, bathroom or doors need to be fittings in your home fail earlier than your rent and keep to all your other tenancy replaced we’ll record that on our systems expected due to misuse or accidental responsibilities. Both you and West Kent and tell you when this work will happen. damage we will you charge you for have a responsibility to maintain your home Planned work like this may take up to 18 replacing them. and to carry out repairs. months to be carried out. So please help us to look after your home. This time last year we unveiled our new If your rent account is not up to date we repairs service. This included the new may not replace major fittings like ‘Property MOT’ where we check the state kitchens and bathrooms until it is. of your home and carry out any small We’ll work with you to set-up an repair jobs that are our responsibility arrangement to pay your arrears so we right there and then within the time we can then get on with that work. have left, instead of booking an We use good quality, long lasting appointment to come back later. products in your home so they should When we perform this annual check we continue to work properly in line with use a set of specific standards to identify industry standards. We expect major

KEEPING BENEFIT CLAIMS ABACUS UP TO DATE MAIDSTONE Do you claim housing ■ travelling or moving IS MOVING “Our aim is to help everyone make benefit or receive council abroad their house a home without tax support from ■ no longer being sick Our popular furniture project in incurring debt enabling us to Sevenoaks District or ill. Maidstone is moving to a new reinvest the money we make back home in Shepway. Council (SDC)? If you don’t tell them, into the community.” From mid-November you will be charged £50 if You must inform SDC you’ll be able to find us at Abacus Furniture projects recycle the change results in an immediately if you have a 1 Northumberland Court, unwanted, pre-used furniture and overpayment of housing change of circumstances Northumberland Rd, household items and sell them on benefit or £70 if it affects such as: Shepway ME15 7JT. at low cost to families and people your council tax support. ■ getting married, Open every day except Sunday in need. They also have some entering into a civil You have one month to from 8.30am to 4.30pm. bric-a-brac items and clothing. partnership or moving notify changes that affect Kim Palmer manages the project Most household donations are in with a partner housing benefit but just and says: “The new building is in a welcome. 21 days for council tax ■ getting a new job or great location for us to serve both Find them on Facebook support so don’t leave it pay rise existing and new customers. We’re @abacusfurnitureproject, Twitter too long - let them know ■ taking in a lodger close to the shops and community @abacus_westkent as soon as it happens. facilities and easy to find. and on eBay abacusfurniture ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 10 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

ESTATE WINTER REPAIRS - INSPECTIONS Come and join us on an estate TIPS TO KEEP YOU inspection. Your local knowledge is important to us and together we can make a real difference WARM THIS WINTER to your neighbourhood. Tenancy Services Officers walk BOILERS Check our DIY videos at www.westkent. around their patches four times a org/videos for advice on troubleshooting During busy periods it can take us up to year, joining forces with our other problems such as cold radiators or three days to respond to repair requests, residents, resident groups and low pressure. partners to identify areas of which could leave you without heating for concern or for improvement, a few days. Checking your boiler now PREVENTING FROZEN AND such as: means you can rest assured there will be BURST PIPES no cold nights for you and your family, ■ Health and safety issues in and if you find a problem we can book a Make sure you leave your heating on low the neighbourhood convenient appointment. If your boiler if you go away to prevent your pipes ■ Repairs that haven't already doesn’t work as you expect it to, try these freezing - and top up the credit on prepaid been reported troubleshooting tips: meters for the time you are away. ■ Abandoned or illegally ■ Check the power supply is turned on; parked vehicles these can easily get switched ■ Grass cutting and other off accidentally. estate services - checking ■ Check you have enough credit on these are being effectively your meter and that the meter is delivered. on. Call your supplier if you find any We welcome all our residents problems with the meter. to join us on the regular ■ Check the thermostat is set to a quarterly estate inspections. temperature higher than the Schedules are variable so please temperature in the room. contact us to find out when we're ■ Check the programmer is next in your area. demanding heating and hot water. This is usually shown by red lights beside pictures of a radiator or tap. If the system is still not working, ask our Customer Services team to guide you through an easy boiler reset by calling 01732 749400. Tell us straight away if you notice a leak from any part of your heating system as it can affect the function of your heating and damage your home. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 11

Keith Raggett AND THE WINNERS ARE... Mr Matthew Smith

Roy Watkins Mrs Jean Carter

Residents of Montgomery Court

Residents of Bonney Court BEST OVERALL Zoe Bennett THIS SUMMER’S GARDENING COMPETITION ONCE AGAIN SAW Anything goes GREEN-FINGERED RESIDENTS YOUNG AND OLD TAKE UP THEIR Winner TROWELS TO BRIGHTEN THEIR NEIGHBOURHOODS. Jean Carter, Swanley Runner up There were 45 entries across seven Best front garden Lilly Grant, Sevenoaks categories, and the judges who toured Winner Best small container the gardens in July had their work cut out Keith Raggett, Weald, Sevenoaks to choose the winners. Winner Runner up Barry Mundey, Sevenoaks The winners received a £20 National Matthew Smith, Westerham Garden Voucher and the runners-up Runner up received a £10 voucher. Overall winner Wildlife/eco garden Ronald Martin, Bowles Lodge, Hawkhurst Zoe Bennett from Sundridge also Winner Best communal garden David King, Edenbridge received a trophy. Winner Results: Runner up Residents of Bonney Court, Swanley Lilly Grant, Sevenoaks Best back garden Runner up Winner Young gardener (Under 16) Residents of Montgomery Court, Zoe Bennett, Sundridge Winner Wainscott St Mark's Church of England School, Runner up Best overall Tunbridge Wells (no runner up) Roy Watkins, Whiteoak Court, Swanley Zoe Bennett, Sundridge ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 12 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

SUMMER'S YOUTH EVENTS OUR YOUTH SERVICES TEAM The youngsters took part in activities year’s Summer FunFest, which took HAS BEEN KEEPING THE including water roller ball, raft building place in August. and a water splash challenge as well as a FunFest gave young people an YOUNGSTERS OF THE bonfire and barbecue - complete with COUNTY BUSY. opportunity to take part in free cookery, campfire songs - followed by hot circus skills, drama and urban art chocolate and a film. Youngsters from our six 8-12s clubs sessions run by our youth services team enjoyed a two-day summer break at the A total of 44 young people joined in the with support from experts in their fields. Thriftwood Scout Camp in Brentwood, fun, including children from the Swanley The half-day sessions were held in Essex, the site of this year’s successful Nurture Club and the new 8-12s group at Eynsford, Westerham, New Ash Green, residential week. Dunton Green. Dunton Green and Chevening. West Kent Youth Services members Youth Co-ordinator Amy Cole-Perner said supervised the activities, which manager the idea was to give youngsters Kate Craib said had allowed the staff to something exciting to do in the holidays spend quality time with the children. while teaching them something new. “It was amazing to see the young people One of the first sessions was aCome dine ‘grow’ so much during their time away,” with us event that saw a group of nine to she commented. 14 year-olds learn about food safety “The children challenged themselves to before cooking themselves bruschetta do things they didn’t think possible, they and chicken fajitas for lunch. solved problems, explored, played, tried The fun and games continued into new things and overcame their fears - September, thanks to our Skatefest event as well as making lots of new friends.” in Gamecock Meadow, West Kingsdown, Youngsters also enjoyed learning new attended by more than 100 young people skills while having lots of fun at this and their families. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 13

Skatefest featured the Challenger Troop climbing tower and obstacle course, football skills training with Charlton Athletic Community Trust, a second obstacle course organised by West Kingsdown Rugby Club and other challenges designed to encourage physical and mental strength. Youngsters ran the Smoothie Bike and enjoyed a free barbecue and ice creams as well as helping artist Graham Upton paint an ‘urban art’ style mural on the end of the skate ramp. Also on offer was sexual health advice, an opportunity to watch BMX riders from Grind BMX in Swanley and a chance to listen to Andy Watson, WELL-FEST from Inspirational Talks, discussing the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Former Paralympics wheelchair rugby DJ Arick, who is also a skater, joined captain Steve Brown captivated the the young people at the free event. audience recently at a series of events "I really enjoyed organised by West Kent to promote “It was a great afternoon and meeting people at the mental, physical and financial wellbeing. thoroughly enjoyed by all those who Well-fest events and attended,” said Kate Craib. The events were held in Sevenoaks, was pleased to share “Following the success of Skatefest Swanley and at our residential scheme my experiences in an we have launched a new youth session for older people in Medway, and marked on Thursday evenings at The Bus youth Mental Health Awareness day on informal setting" centre in Gamecock Meadow for young 10 October. people aged 12 and upwards in Steve talked openly about his struggle to partnership with West Kingsdown come to terms with his injury, the result Parish Council.” of a fall from a first floor balcony when he Visitors to Well-fest enjoyed a number of was 24. With help from family and friends other free activities throughout the day, he refused to let his injury define him and, including sports advice from Kent Sport, since captaining the wheelchair rugby back and shoulder massages, healthy team for the Paralympics in 2012, food demonstrations and tastings and he has gone on to present and advice on how to cut your bills. commentate for the BBC and Channel 4 Corinne Beech from West Kent, who and recently landed his dream job as a organised the event said: “We are always presenter of Countryfile. looking for ways to encourage the people Steve says: “I really enjoyed meeting living in our communities to look after people at the Well-fest events and was their health. This gave locals a chance to pleased to share my experiences in an learn how to do just that and have a bit of informal setting. It’s important to me fun at the same time. We are really that people can continue to strive to grateful to Steve for his time, he gave a realise their dreams - we are stronger truly inspiring talk and left us all feeling than we think.” that anything is possible.” ISSUE 79WINTER 2017 14 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS LOOK AFTER YOUR MENTAL HEALTH AT CHRISTMAS THE FESTIVE SEASON IS A TIME and help you solve practical problems - Samaritans are available to speak to all OF JOY AND SPENDING TIME enjoy this time to catch up. If alone year round, their free helpline number is and/or away from family, the Campaign 116 123 and calls to this helpline number WITH LOVED ONES, BUT IT CAN to End Loneliness provides some do not appear on phone bills. ALSO BE ONE OF THE MOST helpful resources. STRESSFUL AND LONELY Care for others Accept who you are PERIODS OF THE YEAR. Present-buying is not the only way of Some of us make people laugh, others showing that we care about others. During the December rush it is important cook fantastic meals. Some of us share Christmas is the perfect time to reach to try and remember how to maintain our lifestyle with the people who live out to loved ones who you haven’t spent your mental health and wellbeing. close to us, others live very differently. much time with in the past year; ask how If you have mental health problems, they’ve been and whether they have plans Talk about your feelings don’t feel pressured to do more than you for the holidays. Caring for others is an It’s hard to admit that at such an exciting feel up to. Remember Christmas is just important part of keeping up time of year, you don’t actually feel that one day of the year. relationships with people close to you. great. But talking about your feelings can Keep active improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times. It’s important Research shows that doing exercise to create space for these conversations releases chemicals in your body that can and also worth identifying who you make you feel good. Regular exercise can can speak to if you are concerned about boost your self-esteem and help you to your wellbeing. concentrate, sleep and feel better. Exercise also keeps the brain and your Eat well other vital organs healthy. Christmas is typically a time of Drink sensibly overindulgence, but what we eat can sometimes impact how we feel. Christmas parties encourage socialising Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without and it’s very easy to get carried away, a little bit of overindulgence, but a good but know your limits - it’s important to tip is to balance this out over the festive maintain your personal wellbeing too. period - everything in moderation! For more information visit www.drinkaware.co.uk Keep in touch and reach out Ask for help When putting the finishing touches on holiday plans, we can often become At times we all get distracted from the support systems overwhelmed by how we around us and lose our footing. feel, especially when things Friends and family can make you feel go wrong. If things are included and cared for. They can offer getting too much for you different views from whatever’s going on and you feel you can’t inside your own head, keep you grounded cope, ask for help. The ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 15 VOLUNTEERS PLAY A BIG PART IN READING CHALLENGE SUCCESS A SCHEME TO HELP KENT YOUNGSTERS FALL IN LOVE WITH LIBRARIES WAS A SUMMER SUCCESS, THANKS IN PART TO THE SUPPORT OF VOLUNTEERS WE RECRUITED.

The Summer Reading Challenge, books after they have been handled by promoted in Kent’s libraries each year, sticky fingers.” encourages children to get into the We recruit volunteers to help in the reading habit during the holidays. libraries all year round, but they’re This year’s event, on the theme of particularly useful during the summer Animal Agents, saw 18,700 youngsters break, when the reading challenge results Christine Court sign up, an increase of around five per in an influx of young readers. cent on 2016. While most are adults, some, like Milly Volunteering is becoming a habit West Kent is responsible for recruiting Gibbons, were making their own first visit for teenager Shannon Phillips, who volunteers to the county’s libraries, to the library not that many years ago. thought helping out at the Kent and Volunteer Development Coordinator The Lyminge youngster, who turned 12 History and Library Centre would be a for Kent, Caroline Williams said their this September, volunteers regularly at worthwhile way to spend a few days in efforts had played a major part in the the library across the road from her the summer holidays. success of the reading challenge. home, helping to organise craft events With the holidays over and her final year “Volunteers add value by supporting staff and inspiring young visitors at Baby at Valley Park School in Maidstone now and doing the extra tasks that make a big Rhyme Time sessions. well underway, 17 year-old Shannon is difference to the success of our libraries,” Anna Kibble started working at Hythe planning to return to help out with a new she explained. Library as a sessional worker after she after-school club she hopes to set up with “Volunteers help by getting craft retired, and later became a volunteer. her library supervisor Claire Bevis. materials ready before the sessions, “I love working with the children and To find out more about volunteering or simply by making sure all the pencils there are some very rewarding moments, contact Caroline Williams, are sharpened or wiping down toddler-age such as when a parent decides to join the Volunteer Development Coordinator, library after visiting with their on 03000 421986. youngster,” she commented. Anna runs monthly craft sessions at the library with fellow volunteer Christine Court and finds the children - “the library users of the future” - an inspiration. Anna and Christine had not met before they volunteered but have become close friends. “Meeting new people and making new friends is one of the unexpected extras you get from volunteering,” Shannon Phillips said Anna. Anna Kibble ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 16 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS HOMES PROPOSED FOR GARAGE SITES IN SWANLEY WEST KENT IS CONTINUING TO PROVIDE MUCH NEEDED AFFORDABLE HOMES ACROSS THE COUNTY.

With land for new homes in increasing constant maintenance and are demand, West Kent is looking for encouraging anti-social behaviour. opportunities on our own estates to We propose to replace them with much build low-cost rented properties. needed, affordable rented homes which Having carefully considered the options, will be let to families from the Sevenoaks it is proposed that land in Swanley district. We’ve consulted with local There are a number of garages to currently occupied by garages that are no residents and we’re grateful to those rent in Swanley and other areas longer fit for purpose, would be better who have spoken to the team about in Kent from just £10.10 per week used for affordable housing. the plans.” (+VAT if you’re not named on Shauna Healy, Head of Property Shauna went on, “We are offering all a West Kent tenancy.). Visit (Development) explains: “West Kent owns affected garage tenants alternative West www.westkent.org/garages/ to a number of garage blocks in Swanley, Kent garages in the area if they wish to see where there is availability or some of which are under-used, need keep a garage tenancy with us.” email [email protected]

is normally only paid to one member DO YOU CLAIM BENEFITS? of the household. As the payment includes an amount for housing costs You need to be aware of changes All other benefits such as Child Benefit, it is important that you make happening to the way benefits are paid. Carer’s Allowance, Personal arrangements to forward this amount The changes will start to happen from Independence Payment (PIP) and to us, as your landlord, as soon as you the end of this year in some areas Council Tax Support will continue to be receive it. The easiest way to do this is and will apply to couples and families paid as usual. by arranging a direct debit from your bank which you can do by calling us on with children. For now, everyone who is currently 01732 749400 or downloading the Universal Credit has started to replace receiving one of the benefits that will form from our website. a range of benefits for working age be replaced by Universal Credit will people. The benefits being replaced are: continue to receive them as normal. We want to hear from you if you are asked to claim Universal Credit or if ■ Income-Based Jobseekers But if they have a significant change in you have any queries about how this Allowance (JSA) circumstances, such as moving home for example, these claimants will slowly might affect you so please contact our ■ Income-Related Employment and be moved onto Universal Credit from Financial Wellbeing Manager, Mark Support Allowance (ESA) 2019 through to 2021 when the Faithful at [email protected] ■ Income Support government say they expect everyone or on 01732 749910. ■ Child Tax Credit to be claiming this new payment. For more information about Universal ■ Working Tax Credit Universal Credit will be paid once a Credit, please visit the government ■ Housing Benefit month directly into a bank account and website at www.gov.uk ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 17 IT’S NOT OK TO ABUSE OUR STAFF AND THERE ARE CONSEQUENCES ■ WE’RE SEEING AN INCREASE IN We record all instances of staff abuse We may ask you to sign an acceptable behaviour agreement THE AMOUNT OF ABUSE OUR on the tenancy record and investigate them all. setting out how you must behave STAFF AND CONTRACTORS ARE towards us or our contractors We will take action, which can include: RECEIVING FROM SOME OF ■ If your actions are serious enough ■ OUR RESIDENTS. Ending your call or your visit - if you to be a breach of your tenancy we are repeatedly shouting or swearing will serve you with a Notice of This has included shouting and swearing we are not able to provide a service Seeking Possession. This is a first on the telephone, racism, intimidating to you. If you do not stop when legal step to losing your home and staff by entering their personal space, asked, we will end the contact we can do this after just 24 hours if pointing fingers in people’s faces and at that time. we need to. actual physical assaults. ■ We will send you a warning letter If the abuse is serious enough there are Abuse towards our staff is never asking you to stop or change further legal options open to us that can acceptable. It is a breach of the tenancy how you communicate with us, result in injunctions, banning you from agreement to cause alarm, harm, setting out the actions we will take entering your home, and possession danger, nuisance, annoyance or distress, if you do not. orders, meaning you lose your home, or to harass, abuse, threaten or use ■ Calling the police. This could lead to or even a prison sentence. violence. Any of this behaviour can lead you being banned from our offices to the abuser losing their home and/or Jo concludes, “Nobody at West Kent and/or having restrictions in place being prosecuted. wants to have to take this kind of action around how you contact us. against our residents. All we ask is that Please treat our staff in the same way ■ Impose contact restrictions - our staff are treated with respect.” that you would like to be treated. Jo Fox, we may place restrictions around Head of Customer Services said “Most of how you can contact us, such as the people we deal with on a day to day only allowing you to contact us on basis are polite and friendly but there are certain days or at certain times, some, sadly in increasing numbers, or go through a specific member who are not. We take abuse against our of staff. staff very seriously. While we understand that residents can sometimes get ■ If we think you are a threat to our frustrated or may not agree with what staff or contractors because of your they are being told, that does not give past behaviours we will place an them the right to abuse staff. Shouting at alert on your tenancy record. someone will not mean that a person gets This may affect how we plan our a better or quicker outcome and it may contact with you when meeting you lead to action being taken against them”. at our offices or visiting your home. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 18 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS POSITIVE RESULT AGAINST ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR RESIDENTS FROM ONE OF OUR ESTATES, WHO HAD BEEN ENDURING REPEATED ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR FROM A NEIGHBOUR, WERE RELIEVED AFTER A JUDGE ORDERED THE FAMILY RESPONSIBLE TO MOVE EARLIER THIS YEAR. West Kent takes reports of anti-social This work led to five injunctions, a highly behaviour very seriously. We encourage significant outcome, which prevented the residents to sort out their differences family from being allowed into the area between themselves if possible, but if that where they were causing anti-social fails we help them collect the evidence that behaviour. Our evidence and the partnership anti-social behaviour and have proved that will permit us to take appropriate action, working allowed the other landlord to secure by working together with affected residents, including court if necessary. a possession order. and police and community safety partners In this case, the behaviour of just one family, One of the affected residents said, "I and we can resolve it and get positive results." tenants of another landlord, was threatening other neighbours had suffered from months Since the family causing all the problems the safety and well-being of the entire local of verbal, and at times physical, abuse and has moved away, life has returned to normal community. The residents were intimidation around our block of flats and for the residents and they can get on with understandably nervous about coming the local shop. We worked closely with West their lives without fear of being the targets forward but with the support of West Kent, Kent and the local police and eventually had of abuse. the police and other local agencies carefully our day in court, getting a positive result." If you are suffering from anti-social building up relationships between all the Phil Dey our Community Safety Manager parties, a good case was put together. behaviour in your community, (pictured) says, "We will not tolerate visit www.westkent.org/ASB for advice.

NEW RULES CHANGE HOW WE USE YOUR PERSONAL DETAILS Through the work we do as your landlord easier for people to access the personal 5. kept for no longer than is necessary we hold a lot of personal data about you - data organisations hold about them. 6. processed ensuring appropriate contact information, dates of birth, details The new regulation will require West Kent security. of the children you have and some health to observe six principles when processing information, for example. There are strict Although we are largely doing all this your personal data. These mean personal already, there are some areas where we will rules about how we use this data and we data will be : have always been careful not to share it need your permission to use your data - for with people we shouldn’t, or use it in a way 1. processed lawfully, fairly and example, we may need to ask you to agree you haven’t agreed to - such as selling or transparently to us sending you information about our passing it on to third parties. 2. collected for specified, explicit, services. This may mean we’ll be sending and legitimate purposes letters or emails asking you for consent to New data protection legislation comes into use your data in certain ways. force in May 2018. This will give everyone 3. adequate, relevant and limited to only rights over what personal data businesses what’s necessary If you would like to know anything else can hold about people and how those about this please contact our customer 4. accurate and kept up to date organisations process it. It will also make it services team on customerservices@ wkha.org.uk or call 01732 749400. ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS WESTKENT.ORG 19 YOUR GUIDE TO STAYING WELL THIS WINTER

THE RUN UP TO WINTER IS Children aged two to eight usually get it injuries such as burns, sprains, cuts and as a nasal spray - two quick sniffs is all it foreign bodies in the eye, nose and ear. A GREAT TIME TO MAKE takes. The vaccine works very well in Some units have x-ray facilities. SURE YOU KEEP HEALTHY children and it also helps to protect other AND THAT YOU KNOW THE members of the family from catching flu. NHS 111 When you need urgent healthcare but RIGHT PLACE TO GO IF YOU Other eligible people will be contacted by it is not a 999 emergency, ring 111, DO FEEL ILL. their practice and invited to a flu clinic. If 24 hours a day, seven days a week. you haven’t already had a letter about this Your medicine cabinet from your GP practice, ask about Accident and emergency departments are vaccination there or at your local for life-threatening or serious injuries Make sure you keep your medicine pharmacy as soon as possible. only. Please help to keep them free for cabinet well stocked, especially with cold those who need it. and flu remedies, and painkillers such as Visit www.nhs.uk/staywell for ibuprofen or paracetamol. If you are more information prescribed regular medication by your GP, Feeling unwell? Don’t wait - check you have enough and order more in plenty of time, particularly ahead of get advice from your Christmas and New Year. nearest pharmacist Taking care of yourself At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just a cough or cold, The best treatment for a cold is to drink get advice from your local fluids, take paracetamol and rest. pharmacist before it gets more Antibiotics don’t work against viral serious. Act quickly. infections such as colds and will not be prescribed by your doctor. Try not to The sooner you get advice from a spread illness. Use tissues for coughs and pharmacist, the better. sneezes and dispose of them in a bin. Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course Diarrhoea and vomiting is very common in of action. This can be the best winter and will usually improve within and quickest way to help you four days. Stay at home for 48 hours recover and get back to after you last have symptoms to avoid normal. giving it to anyone else. If you can’t get to a pharmacy Flu can be a very unpleasant illness, yourself, ask someone to go for with potentially serious complications, you, or call your local pharmacy. particularly for young children, older people, pregnant women and people with Minor Injuries Units a long-term health condition. That’s why If you are injured and it is not free flu immunisation is available for serious, you can get help from a those people, along with family carers, minor injuries unit (MIU). They can and frontline NHS staff. see a range of minor illnesses and ISSUE 79 WINTER 2017 20 WESTKENT.ORG NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS RENT CATCH-UP WEEKS CHRISTMAS The final two rent catch-up weeks this year are the weeks beginning 18 and 25 December 2017. Rent is payable in CLOSING advance and your account should always Our offices will be be in credit unless you receive housing closed from 3pm on benefit or universal credit. If you owe us money you must continue paying through Friday 22 December 2017 the rent catch up weeks. This may mean reopening on Tuesday 2 paying by another method because we January 2018. don’t collect direct debits on some tenancies through these weeks. For emergency repairs during this period please If you are struggling to pay your rent, or would like to make an agreement with us, call 0800 169 1122. please contact us on 01732 749400. From all the staff at Help is available if you work with us. West Kent, have a Extra care residents do not have rent very happy Christmas and catch-up weeks because their rent is joyful new year. calculated differently.

GETTING IN TOUCH CUSTOMER SERVICES REPORT A REPAIR WORRIED ABOUT YOUR Contact our customer service advisors 01732 749400 DEBTS OR STRUGGLING TO PAY YOUR RENT? to pay your rent, report a repair, get 0800 169 1122 advice about finding a home or for any between 8am and 5pm. Contact us as soon as possible for help other housing related question. In emergencies at other times and advice 01732 749400 0800 169 1122 01732 749400 [email protected] [email protected] www.westkent.org/payrent www.westkent.org

WESTKENT.ORG CONTACT US ON OUR WEBSITE Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111