The quarterly newspaper for Notting Hill Housing residents

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Living independently Everything you need to know about sheltered housing for over-55s p6

Festive recipes NHH staff share their seasonal, purse-friendly favourites p12

Staying safe online Protecting children and young people – top tips from NSPCC p11 winter Lionel Morrison OBE, 1935–2016 Big picture Celebrating the life of NHH’s former chairman CEO Kate Davies reflects 2016 on an eventful year for p2 housing and NHH p7 The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue 2 • News News • 3

Annual diversity Penfold Community Hub Fancy writing report published for this paper? fundraising success We have a dedicated team of residents NHH held a fundraising event at Penfold working with the editorial team to Community Hub in September, raising generate articles to inform, help a fabulous £1,062. Located in the City of and entertain our readers. We are particularly keen to hear from young Westminster, the hub provides a wide range people to ensure our paper is relevant of opportunities and activities for local and interesting for all of our residents. residents aged 50 and above, and carers. Working with us will enable you to gain The majority of sessions are held at the new skills and build up your CV, as well hub, with a number of others at accessible as ensuring your views are heard. We are community spaces across Church Street, an official news publication and you will Maida Vale and St John’s Wood. Activities receive a certificate of work. NHH published its annual diversity report in November. The report is an include tai chi, chair-based yoga and Contact the Involvement team on exercise, art classes, gardening and social 020 3815 0010 or opportunity to review progress against lunches, it also provide access to wellbeing [email protected] our equality, diversity and inclusion action plan, celebrate our achievements, and services – beauty therapy, reflexology and reflect on what more is still to be done. massage, and counselling. Alongside a spend funds raised, including a series of old Key contacts Our residents reflect London’s diversity, so tombola at the event, there were stalls laden time music hall events. We’re also looking with homemade cakes, crafts, home- to use the money to provide further support Gas issues it’s especially important that the homes and Photo courtesy of Elam Forrester grown vegetables and plants. Thank you to for our ‘cook and eat’ project, and to broaden Hammersmith and Fulham: BSW services we provide recognise that. During all of our groups who helped organise the the range of activities available. 0800 953 1229 www.elamforrester.co.uk 2015/16, we’ve used data to target support for event and worked tirelessly throughout the For more information, contact the Kensington and Chelsea: BSW households impacted by changes to welfare summer to plant, sew and create items to Penfold Community Hub: 0800 953 1229 benefits, improved satisfaction among older sell. 60 Penfold Street, Westminster NW8 8PJ All other areas: K&T residents, and supported and promoted Tribute to The hub’s consultative forum has put 020 38 15 0033 020 8357 4595 inclusion and awareness of disability and forward a number of ideas on how best to [email protected] Smell gas? 0800 111 999 mental health issues. Lionel Morrison OBE To read the full report, please visit Repairs Our former chairman Lionel Morrison OBE, an anti- www.nhhg.org.uk/publications. NHH repairs (out of hours) protester, journalist and housing campaigner, 0845 603 0714 died in November aged 81. Full house for Advice Call forwarding is Lionel’s involvement with NHH came in 1976 when he became a member of London Plus Credit Union being switched off older people’s conference 020 7471 2620 the trust’s board. He had been a prominent member of the Notting Hill and north Kensington communities as well as the only black journalist on Fleet Street. Around 100 delegates attended for an ageing population, and included Money Advice Service Earlier in the year, we He became Chairman of NHH in 1994, a role he performed for five years. He also NHH’s first-ever older people’s presentations on the views and 0300 500 5000 upgraded our phone system remained a shareholder. He was awarded an OBE in 1999. conference on Monday 24 experiences of people aged over 50, about Citizens Advice to make it easier for you to contact us, and 0344 411 1444 Born in 1935, Lionel grew up in , becoming politically active in his October. whether housing associations are ready teens, and was the youngest defendant in the Treason Trial of 1956, alongside phone numbers have been forwarding Feedback from the for an ageing population, and on how Holiday office closures other anti-apartheid activists, including and . He had from the old numbers to the new ones. packed audience, who were architects design properties specifically for previously served four months’ imprisonment in ’s notorious prison, Please note, call forwarding will be predominantly from local older residents. the Fort, for his opposition to apartheid, but this time he was acquitted. switched off from 6 January 2017 so authorities and other housing The second session discussed diversity He then began working on the first black weekly newspaper, Golden City Post please remember to contact your housing associations, exceeded all and inclusion for an ageing population. officer on the new 0203 numbers we and Drum magazine, during which time he helped found the South African . Your housing officer expectations, with 100% saying “Supporting the growing segment National Union of Journalists, a non-racial organisation. provided you with they would attend another of residents aged 65 or over provides In 1960 he was advised to leave South Africa as he was likely to be imprisoned still has the same mobile number for text NHH conference and 96% opportunities and challenges on many again, and stowed away to Southampton with £3.10s in his pocket. He got a job as messages and WhatsApp if you prefer to get giving the event a rating of four fronts,” says Pamela Sinnott from our Friday 23 December – closes at 3pm press officer for the anti-apartheid movement before becoming a journalist for The in touch this way. or five stars. extra care service, who led the team that If you have any questions, please ask your Monday 26 December – closed People. A feature on housing issues in north Kensington led to his involvement Called ‘outstanding housing organised the conference. “So, it was housing officer when you next speak to for an ageing population’, the great to see such a lively interest in this Tuesday 27 December – closed with NHH, initially providing advice and then joining the board in 1976. He was determined to gain greater representation for tenants on NHH committees while them. event featured speakers from important and growing issue.” Wednesday 28 December – closed also supporting sheltered housing for the elderly, housing with special care for If you don’t know your housing officer’s a range of organisations, who The event was part of a wider Thursday 29 December – closed those with disabilities and short-stay housing for the homeless. 0203 number, call us on 020 3815 0000 discussed topics grouped celebration of later life at NHH during Friday 30 December – closed He is survived by his wife Liz, their two sons, Sipho and Dumisa, and two or go to www.nhhg.org.uk/contact-us/ into two sessions. The first October. You can read more on our Monday 2 January – closed grandchildren. Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time. officer-search covered understanding website at www.nhhg.org.uk – search for and designing housing ‘older people’ from the homepage. The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue 4 • News News • 5

Powerful Developments round-up CTI plumbers earn partnerships NHH has ambitious plans to build 1,400 much-needed homes for London every year. With projects ranging from large community regeneration schemes to supported housing UK Young Builder properties, we’ve been hard at work in 2016. PR Officer Wayne Tuckfield shares the latest news.

Pupils help launch over-55s NHH fully committed to awards housing Aylesbury regeneration Two NHH plumbing trainees who have 2016 has seen a fantastic partnership In October, pupils from a local school We remain committed to the overcome tough personal issues have develop between NHH and the Mental helped unveil new homes for older people regeneration of the estate and, in been honoured at the House of Commons. Health Foundation, enabling us to jointly at Cheviot Gardens by creating a time partnership with Southwark Council, Daniel Stonebridge and Pablo Morgan have provide Standing Together groups for capsule that will be buried for 50 years. creating thousands of affordable homes both been part of NHH’s Construction our residents. for local people who need them. Training Initiative (CTI) – which offers work Groups meet weekly across London in In September, the Secretary of State placement opportunities and support to six of our extra care services. Mental Health refused Southwark Council’s application students in the construction industry – and Foundation, NHH staff and volunteers for a compulsory purchase order of they were recognised at the Young Builder facilitate activities and conversations, homes in the first Aylesbury Estate site of the Year awards 2016. enabling people to engage. Groups belong being developed. to the residents who, with support, generate While we share the council’s Up to 35 per cent of the homes planned the themes to be explored each week. disappointment with this outcome, the will be affordable, with the rest for private Daniel is now doing a job he loves that has Susana, a tenant living in Croydon CPO decision does not prevent the project sale or rent. enabled him to travel around London, meet and one of our weekly volunteers, told us from progressing and our contractor is John Hughes, NHH’s Development new people and gain a trade qualification. about her experience: “Volunteering with gearing up to demolish those residential Director, said: “The contract signing Pablo, 22, was working at NHH the Mental Health Foundation and for blocks that are already empty, as well as marks a key milestone. NHH now regeneration project Myatt’s Field in NHH’s older residents is highly rewarding The extra care scheme in Lambeth clearing the site known as Plot 18, which looks forward to the next stage of local Camberwell when he signed up for his – I enjoy seeing the positive impact I caters for over-55s who want to live will make way for a new public square engagement to shape the area into a NVQ level 2. He had been living with his make to people’s lives through support independent lives, but know support is on with a library, medical centre and early vibrant new place to live.” grandmother ever since he moved to the and encouragement. It’s been great hand when needed. It includes Lambeth’s years facilities. Work underway at Wood Dene UK from Jamaica as a child. While on watching the group evolve and people’s first older people’s shared ownership Sealing Woolwich market’s future Work has started on hundreds of new As part of CTI, Daniel, 24, spent time at his placement, his grandmother’s health confidence grow.” properties, which allow people to buy up The regeneration of an old covered homes, commercial space and parkland Garden Lane and Cheviot Gardens, NHH deteriorated and he became her carer. Following our call for volunteers in the to 75 per cent of a property. But, unlike market in Woolwich has taken a step at Wood Dene in Peckham, following sites in Lambeth, to gain experience for an He was working three jobs on top of his last issue of The Resident magazine, four traditional shared ownership, they will not closer with contracts being signed by the completion of a new energy centre NVQ level 2 diploma in plumbing. He has site placement to ensure they could pay NHH residents came forward to kindly offer pay rent on the rest. NHH, St Modwen and the Royal Borough providing hot water and heating to the suffered depression his whole adult life and the bills and then had to cope with his their time to support our Standing Together Cheviot Gardens also provides a range of Greenwich. new homes and surrounding area. this continued through his placements. grandmother’s death. groups. A huge thank you to Susana and of extra care facilities that can benefit Plans for the market are central to a There will be 333 new homes built on “Being depressed is more about not He battled through his grief, knowing his our other volunteers Audrey, Vic and Carole residents if and when their support needs £200m plan for the area around Spray Street the site providing a mix of social rent, feeling anything at all,” Daniel said. grandmother would have wanted him to – we are delighted that these groups will change. In addition to the 18 older people’s in the town centre. It will create around 600 shared ownership and private sale. “It’s like an empty feeling; one that gain his qualification. be able to continue beyond the initial six shared ownership homes, there are also 66 new homes alongside a cinema, shops, The scheme is due to be completed grows from the centre of you and Pablo is now working on the major months of the project. extra care properties for those in need of restaurants and business space. in 2019. makes everything you do and every redevelopment of Battersea Power If you would like to volunteer or find additional care and support. conversation you have feel pointless. You Station and Daniel is nearby on a smaller out more about the project, please feel as though you are inflicting yourself site in Battersea. contact Mandy Worster: mandy. on others and you feel worthless.” [email protected] Mildmays residents take centre stage at Sadler’s Wells Moving On scheme – call for volunteers In early summer, 12 residents at our disabled and able-bodied dancers, We want to help our older residents in we have created a Moving On volunteer homes and at other local areas to review Mildmays extra care scheme in Islington worked with residents for nine weeks to Hammersmith and Fulham to downsize role to do just this! properties available online (digital skills took part in Get Moving, a project choreograph a dance routine which was to properties which are cheaper to heat, If you are interested in helping older are a must), have a cup of tea and a organised by All Change, which aims to performed at London’s prestigious dance more accessible to move around and people find a property to suit them, are reassuring chat. We will support you by encourage a fun approach to exercising and performing arts venue Sadler’s Wells. easier to manage. Some of our older good with people, can always look at the providing training. and socialising. A huge thank you to All Change and residents have told us they want to meet bright side and perhaps have experience of If successful, we will look to expand the Candoco Dance Company, who Candoco Dance Company for their others who have downsized, see options moving yourself we want to hear from you. scheme. To register your interest, or to find specialise in contemporary dance for amazing support. for themselves and have someone who We are asking for two hours a week out more, please email Photo ©Leticia Valverdes can support them through the process. So, for six months to meet residents in their [email protected]. The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue 6 • Feature Feature • 7

Ask the expert: The big picture As 2016 draws to a close, Chief Executive Kate Davies takes a Independent living look at how the landscape has changed this year for NHH and explained for you, our residents. National Regional It’s certainly been an eventful year. We Sadiq Khan was elected as the new Tania Lack, Site Facilities Team Leader started it assessing how to deal with new Mayor of London in May. Housing was initiatives such as Right to Buy, Pay to one of his campaign priorities, and NHH offers homes that are tailored We do not provide care support within our Q Want to learn more? Stay and starter homes introduced by one he recently secured £3.15 billion for government, and ended contemplating affordable housing in London. This is the for residents who are over 55 and want services, so residents should be able to live If you’re already living with us and new funding opportunities for affordable capital’s share of a national allocation, those in later life is increasingly important to live independently but without independently or have a support plan in A are interested in moving to sheltered housing from a different one. In addition, and is the highest ever secured for as the population ages, and I’m glad we’re the worries that often come with place when they move in. housing, speak to your housing officer Right to Buy has been postponed until 2018. housing by City Hall – a good result for able to play our part. owning and maintaining a home. about which services may suit you. Also known as sheltered housing, To support residents to spend time with This shift in policy is an unexpected the new mayor. I hope it will also be good Finally, we celebrated five years since the consequence of the equally unexpected for us, and will help us continue to fulfil introduction of our local scrutiny panels our homes for independent living are friends and family, most of our schemes If you have spare rooms in your home, vote to leave the European Union in June, our mission of providing more homes for (LSPs). LSPs ultimately offer residents the one- or two-bedroom self-contained have guest rooms, meaning visitors who you may be eligible for a downsizing which led to a new government with low-income Londoners. chance to help us improve our services, apartments for individuals or couples, have to travel have somewhere to stay payment and help towards moving to a different priorities. The wider impact of and it was great to use the anniversary in buildings that offer a safe and during their visit. smaller home. Your housing officer will be Local the decision to leave is, of course, the to recognise just some of their many secure environment. able to advise you. economic uncertainty it has introduced, At a very local level, we’ve had a good achievements. What are independent living Q What activities are on offer which means we’re likely to be operating year. I’m especially proud of our new Q for residents? To those of you who celebrate it, I wish homes like? in a slightly unsteady financial climate for scheme for working households in low- you a merry Christmas, and for everyone a while yet. Properties often feature communal A All of our schemes run regular paid employment, which we’ve been else a happy (and perhaps less eventful) A Welfare reform has been another major gardens, lounges and kitchens. They activities and often work with testing in two outer London boroughs. The new year. partnering agencies such as Age UK theme. Changes to Housing Benefit, the pilot suggests that the scheme is making also have a range of social events on offer. “Our residents want to live healthy to help promote independence introduction of Universal Credit and the a real difference to the families it’s helped If you have any questions you’d Homes come equipped with easy access and independent lives, and often and wellbeing. reduction to the benefit cap touch many of so far, so I’m optimistic that we’ll be able to like the Executive Board to answer to a 24-hour emergency alarm. don’t feel ready to move into extra you directly. We’re working hard through introduce it more widely during 2017. in future editions of The Resident, care schemes, which can at times feel our unique Altogether Better (A2B) model We also opened Cheviot Gardens please send them to involvement@ Which boroughs offer all too final. What support is available in Q to ensure you get the support you need to in Lambeth, a mixed-tenure scheme nhhg.org.uk. Q independent living? “The residents I work with have the services? help you through these changes. exclusively for people aged 55 and older. the freedom of living independently Site facilities officers help create We manage more than 20 services, As our first-ever older people’s conference A A but with the reassurance of having a welcoming, safe and well- with between nine and 60 flats in October showed (see page 6), housing someone on site to help signpost to maintained building. They are a each, in the following boroughs: Ealing, external agencies. There’s also the convenient point of contact for residents Hammersmith and Fulham, Haringey, option to arrange for carers to attend to discuss anything, from repairs to the Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth, them in their home should they need weather! Each resident is also paired with Merton, Newham and Southwark. a little extra help”. a housing officer who will help with all housing-related issues. Naima Bakkali, Site Facilities Officer What does housing mean to you?

To celebrate their centenary, the It’s easy to enter – all you need to do Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) are is email your photograph to marketing. running The Big Picture – a photography [email protected] before the During NHH’s October competition. Tenants, housing deadline of Friday 6 January along with Gradimir Keravica, a Fellow resident Chris celebrations of Older People’s professionals and organisations across the a brief description of no more than 150 resident at Sidney Miller Abbots gave a lively Week we held a wide range of UK are invited to submit a photograph they words which sums up in your own words Court, said: “Having the presentation: “It was really activities for our residents and think sums up the real value of housing. what it shows about the value of housing. chance to come together nice to mingle with staff. staff, including sitting yoga Your photograph could be new, a year old A panel of judges will choose the with other residents and staff Based on the conversations that and healthy eating, gardening or 50 years old – it doesn’t matter, as long as winners who will be revealed at the CIH made me very happy. I’m looking followed, it helped get people thinking workshops, autumn barbecues it tells a story about housing. annual presidential dinner in February. forward to the next party!” about the past”. and music classes. You can find out more atwww.cih.org . The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue 8 • Get involved Money matters • 9 Want to learn The cost of Christmas Fairy lights are on, mince more about pies are warming in the oven and festive frivolities are underway – Christmas is resident almost upon us! But for lots of us the costs will have and tenant been mounting up and many end up spending more than we should. According to the Money Advice Service, associations? almost one in three people felt pressured to spend more than they could afford over A resident and tenant association (RTA) commitment to ensuring residents are at • Feedback from residents resulted in the the last festive period. is a group made up of local residents the heart of everything we do. Here are the introduction of a new tool that helps There are a few simple things you can living in a particular area. RTAs play a five guiding principles: officers assign more appropriate time do to make sure you don’t have a financial part in dealing with problems at a local 1. Residents are at the heart of everything slots and trades for repairs. We hope hangover in the new year. level, organising activities such as social we do and their views matter this will result in a more consistent and Make a budget events and finding ways to improve the 2. Listening to and acting on feedback better quality repairs service Make a budget and stick to it. It can be neighbourhood. They work with NHH through resident involvement, If you would like to find out more easy to get carried away over Christmas so and other organisations, such as the complaints and day-to-day about RRR roles, please contact the make sure you think about how much you council and the police, to find solutions to interactions is everyone’s responsibility Involvement team: can afford to spend and add up the cost of problems in the estate, block or street. 3. We will ensure there are a wide [email protected] NHH and food, travel and presents. We’ve recently updated our guidance variety of opportunities for residents 0203 815 0010 on setting up an RTA to make it easier and to influence services and give us Consider your options before London Plus Credit Union more flexible for residents to form a group. feedback so that they can get involved deciding to borrow any money We’ve teamed up with London Plus Can’t I get a loan easier or quicker from a Keep an eye out, We currently have 22 RTAs running across in a way that suits them If you decide to take out credit, check the Credit Union to offer all our residents payday lender? all of our properties but are always happy to 4. We support those wishing to get we’ll soon be launching an terms and conditions and do a household better ways to save, budget and borrow. In some cases you can get your loan paid help set more up! involved through training, capacity all-new online account area budget to make sure the repayments won’t More than 285 residents already enjoy the into your bank account on the same day. To find out if there is already an RTA in building, peer support and financial for residents. leave you in difficulty. Consider affordable benefits of being part of the credit union. Importantly, by law credit unions can’t your area, or to see how you can set up one assistance credit options, such as those offered by All NHH residents can join up, wherever charge interest of more than 42.6% APR and of your own, contact the Involvement team 5. We ensure that resident involvement is credit unions. you live! London Plus’s interest rates start at 4.9%. – we can even provide training and a small meaningful and adds value Never borrow money from an illegal The highlights: They’re also a more helpful and ethical grant to get your started! How our resident repair reps have money lender. There are many risks • Savings accounts – put money away option than payday lenders. [email protected] helped us in 2016 attached to borrowing from a loan shark; for school uniforms, Christmas or a What if I’ve been refused a loan from 020 3815 0010 you pay far more in interest than you rainy day a bank? Throughout the year, resident repair would through any legal borrowing and • Pre-paid debit cards – add money to Credit unions work to offer fair, competitive Open local scrutiny panel representatives (RRRs) have been working you may be harassed if you get behind your card to buy goods and services financial services regardless of an meetings in 2016 with staff and contractors to try to improve with your repayments. online and in shops individual’s social status and economic In our spring edition we told you about our repairs service. Reps have been • Budgeting support – coming soon, background. They believe that borrowing upcoming open meetings hosted by local meeting regularly with staff to monitor Get help with your finances a new account to help you manage money should be thought through scrutiny panels (LSPs). We’ve held four our performance and discuss ways we If you’re worried about debt, get help your money carefully and they’ll create a repayment across London throughout the year, which can make improvements where concerns now. Don’t put it off. Call Step Change • Loans – be treated as an individual plan that best fits your situation. have been a great success. are identified. Here is a taste of some Available 24/7, the new debt charity on 0800 138 1111 for free and and find a loan that suits your needs Are credit unions as secure as banks? They’ve provided residents with the achievements in 2016: My Account will let you: confidential advice. and your pocket Yes – like banks and building societies, opportunity to learn more about LSPs, and • RRRs noticed that there were delays with »»Check your statement A few FAQs from our residents… they are regulated by the Financial Conduct see how they influence their local areas and certain job types due to a shortage of If you spot a loan shark Authority and they are authorised by the »»Make a payment What is a credit union? services. Residents have also been able to staff in some trade roles. There is now or you’ve borrowed money Prudential Regulation Authority. Savers’ »»Report and view repairs Credit unions are not-for-profit meet each other, NHH staff and have more a recruitment drive in place and we from one, you can report deposits are also protected by the same organisations owned by their of a say in their communities. anticipate staffing gaps will be filled soon »»Update your contact details them anonymously: financial services compensation scheme. customers, called ‘members’. They serve Introducing the new resident • RRRs used their local knowledge to »»Get an overview of your account email reportaloanshark@ help ensure that more of the issues and local communities and were created More information involvement strategy »»Contact your housing officer stoploansharks.gov.uk, call properties that need to be addressed with the aim of helping everyone, not Sign up at www.londonpluscu.co.uk. Following consultation with residents 0300 555 2222 or text LOAN through the planned maintenance just people with plenty of money or a Joining is free for NHH residents if you sign and staff, we have a shiny new resident More info coming soon... SHARK and the lender’s details programme have been identified good credit history. up before 31 March 2017 (there is usually a involvement strategy. It sets out our to 60003. fee of £3). The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue 10 • Benefit update Health and safety • 11

Benefit changes Voluntary Fire safety in Repairs contractor at the The benefit cap is being reduced Right to Buy Current benefit cap your home door? Always ask to see ID! The benefit cap restricts the total amount of benefit a household can update We want you to be safe and secure in Our Hammersmith and Fulham local receive. The government is reducing your home. We also have a legal duty to scrutiny panel asked for guidance on What’s the latest? the cap from £500 to £442 per week for undertake an assessment of the fire risks when to request to see identification We know many of you are awaiting in any communal areas or workplaces (ID) from NHH contractors. There have lone parents and couples with or without Weekly £500 £500 £350 further details about when NHH will within housing blocks. been instances of bogus callers at NHH children and from £350 to £296 per week Monthly £2167 £2167 £1517 for single people without children. You launch the Right to Buy scheme for We have developed a fire safety strategy properties so protect yourself by always could be affected if the total amount our tenants. to help make your home a safer place to asking to see some ID. New benefit cap you receive in benefits is more than the Unfortunately, this scheme has suffered live in and comply with our legal duties. A Bogus callers are people who pretend to new cap amount. If you are affected the a number of government delays and key requirement of this is for communal be someone they are not, like a workman amount of Housing Benefit or Universal it’s now looking like it will not be rolled areas to be kept free of personal or someone from a utility company. In rare Credit you receive will be reduced. out until at least 2018. In the Autumn possessions, in particular items that are cases they could be looking to commit a Statement released on 23 November causing obstructions or can burn. The distraction burglary by tricking their way The new cap has already been Weekly £442 £442 £296 the chancellor announced a new “large London Fire Brigade also endorse this. into your home in order to steal. introduced for some people and will apply Monthly £1915 £1915 £1283 to everyone by the end of January 2017. If scale regional pilot” of the Right to Buy Fire safety signs Look out for these things to make sure scheme and although it has not yet been your caller is genuine: department to confirm it (a genuine you are affected you should have received Your blocks have fire action signs – In most areas there are lots of announced where this take place, we do • Employees should always carry caller will not mind waiting) a letter from the Department for Work and these provide instructions to follow in the restrictions on who can claim UC, but not think it will be in London. identification – always ask to see it If you are uncertain about someone Pensions (DWP) stating that you will be event of a fire and can be found by the once the new full service is introduced, (this could be an NHH ID or an ID who visits your property, please call subject to the lower cap. What’s next? entrance in all communal areas. anyone making a new benefit claim will from one of our partner contractors) your housing officer or the out-of-hours The benefit cap doesn’t apply to We will keep residents updated as need to claim UC instead of one of the Arson • When anyone claiming to be from a emergency repairs line on 0845 603 0714. working households. If you want help we find out more information. In the benefits it replaces. You don’t need to Arson is the number one cause of fire in service company comes to the door, If you believe a bogus caller has attempted to find work then you can contact Love meantime, you can fill out the survey do anything if you’re already claiming the UK. To avoid your property being at risk: always ask for their ID, then close the to gain entry to your home, please report London Working by calling 0300 100 on our website to register your interest, benefits and your circumstances • Close bin stores and don’t leave items door and call the customer services this to police and provide a description. 0310 or speak to your housing officer who and when we have further information haven’t changed. outside which may attract arsonists will be able to provide you with further from the government, we will be in The new service currently applies in • Make sure that doors are closed support and advice. touch. www.nhhg.org.uk/residents/ Hammersmith, Hounslow, Croydon, behind you when you leave your Universal Credit update staircasing-buying-and-selling/right-to- Southwark and Sutton. Next year, it will be property buy-for-tenants Staying safe online The government has announced its introduced in: • Be vigilant – report any suspicious With Christmas on its way, technology plans for the next stage of Universal Credit • Tower Hamlets (February) behaviour to your housing officer or is often high up on our wish lists. For some (UC) – a new benefit which replaces • Kensington and Chelsea (July) to the police parents, understanding the latest gadgets, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, • Barnet, Ealing (October) Do you have fire safety Snapchat, Twitter and a world where nothing Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, • Enfield (November) concerns? exists if it doesn’t have 500 likes can be Employment and Support Allowance, • Barking and Dagenham, If you are concerned about fire safety daunting! and Income Support. This new phase of Lambeth, Merton (December) within your home or the home of a Trying to keep children and young people the rollout will mean that more and more You can find out more about UC at neighbour, the London Fire Brigade offers safe online can be an even bigger challenge. people will be expected to claim UC rather your local Jobcentre or online at www. a free home fire safety check. They will Although the internet offers so many than other benefits. moneyadviceservice.org.uk and www. visit the property, inspect and assess the opportunities, children and young people can gov.uk/universalcredit. home, and offer advice. They can also fit a be at risk of cyberbullying, grooming, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation or emotional abuse. smoke alarm where appropriate. So, as a parent or carer what can you do to help keep children and young people safe? The following groups qualify for a visit: The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPPC) has joined forces Collecting your data – why do we need NI numbers? • Older people living alone with no with O2 to support parents to do just that. Here are their top tips: support NHH collects data about you, our so we need this data for two reasons: 1. Have the conversation about online safety early and often • People with mobility, vision or residents, so that we can provide a better • If there is an issue with a UC benefit hearing impairments 2. Explore online together service. Over the last few months housing claim, we need the NI number to try to • People accessing mental health 3. Know who your child is speaking to online officers have been contacting residents to support you to resolve this with DWP services ensure that we have accurate data on our • We need the numbers to process and 4. Set rules and agree boundaries • Those liable to intoxication through residents and properties. allocate UC payments correctly – alcohol and/or drug use 5. Make sure that content is age appropriate One of the things we collect is so that we can speak to the Department making sure they reach your account You can request a visit on the London 6. Use parental controls to filter, restrict, monitor or report content National Insurance (NI) numbers and for Work and Pensions (DWP) about If you have any questions about how Fire Brigade website www.london-fire. some residents have asked why we Universal Credit (UC). The DWP use NI we use your data, please speak to your 7. Check they know how to use privacy settings and reporting tools gov.uk/HomeFireSafetyVisit.asp or call collect these. NI numbers are needed numbers as an “identifier” on UC claims, housing officer. There is a lot more useful information on online safety, as well as all sorts of other 0800 028 44 28. advice on how to keep your children safe on the NSPCC website www.nspcc.org.uk. The Resident • December 2016 • winter issue 12 • Feature

‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry!

Here at HQ we’ve been greased tray. The kids can then get messy Whole roasted cauliflower gathering together a few by swirling their fingers in the centre of Justin Pearce-Neudorf, Designer tasty, cheap-to-make each disc to create rings, and then add red Method: Preheat the oven to 200°C. In seasonal recipes from our jelly beans or other red sweets around the a bowl, whisk 3 tbsp of Dijon mustard, rings, before letting them set in the fridge staff for you to try out over 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 minced for a couple of hours. garlic clove, and plenty of salt and pepper. the festive season. Read on Slather the mixture over a large head of and enjoy… Chai says: “When my cauliflower and roast it up for 30 minutes Mushroom loaf nieces were younger, until it turns a golden brown colour. they used to love it when Hannah Tadd, Administration Officer I made these Christmas Method: Preheat oven to 180°C. Melt 50g wreaths with them – Justin says: “A simple margarine in a pan and fry one finely being sweet-toothed, they insisted veggie side dish that tastes as impressive as chopped onion and 200g mushrooms for on using frosted flakes, but normal cornflakes work just as well.” it looks! Adding your five minutes until soft. Add100g grated favourite fresh herbs to cheese, 125g fine breadcrumbs, 1 tsp the mustard mix works well – I like marmite (add more for an extra tang!), a Grandma’s Christmas cookies to chuck in some rosemary.” pinch of sage and finally anegg . Mix well Caroline Watson, and bake in a loaf tin for 30 minutes. This Communications Assistant makes a 1lb/450g loaf. Method: Cream 150g unsalted butter with Apple, celery & bacon stuffing 125g caster sugar, then add an egg. Beat Ruth Garner, Hannah says: “This is a Senior Communications Adviser super easy dish to make until light and fluffy. Add½ tsp vanilla when you’re doing a essence and ½ tsp grated orange peel and Method: Cook 300g rice of your choice million things at once, mix. Sift 200g plain flour, 1 ½ tsp baking according to packet instructions (add a and loved by meat eaters powder and ¼ tsp salt, and stir into the chicken or vegetable stock cube for extra and veggies alike!” creamed mixture with 4 tsp milk. flavour). Chop150g streaky bacon and fry Divide dough in half, wrap in cling film until crisp and brown, then set aside. Sauté Sweet and sticky Christmas and chill in fridge for an hour so it’s easy to 3 medium chopped onions, 3 chopped wreaths handle. Roll out one half, keeping the other celery stalks and 1 diced, unpeeled apple Chai Block, Senior Business Analyst half in the fridge until you’re ready to use it. until soft (around 20 mins). Add to the Method: Put a pan on very low heat, melt Roll dough to at least ½ cm and use festive cooked rice along with the bacon, before a little bit of butter and add some white cookie cutters to cut out cookies. Bake for mixing in ½ cup flat leaf parsley, 6 tbsp marshmallows. Stir constantly to melt 10–12 mins until firm to touch, then leave dried mixed herbs and ¾ cup mixed them and create a gloopy mixture. Add to cool for 10 mins before transferring to raisins and dried cranberries. Season some green food colouring, then take wire rack. with salt and pepper, and then spoon the off the heat. Add a couple of handfuls of mixture into a lightly greased roasting tin, before cooking in the oven at 200°C for 10 cornflakes and mix carefully until you Caroline says: “We minutes for a nice crispy finish! get lots of green flakes and there’s not always mix up a batch too much excess gloop. Be careful not of buttercream icing to smash the cornflakes too much. By afterwards and divide it Ruth says: “If you’re this time the mixture is already cooling into different pots and add vegetarian, you can down and sticking together. Use a cookie food colouring, before decorating substitute the bacon the cooled cookies and adding silver for chopped walnuts – cutter or anything round to pick up the balls/sprinkles/edible glitter etc!” equally delicious!” cornflakes, then lay the discs out on a