StreetTalkIssue 18 – Summer News from Progress Housing Group

The Big Lunch page 14

Homing in on fire safety! page 7 Exciting times ahead page 10 Watch out! Benefit changes about! pages 20-21 News in brief Welcome to your

Head Office: tenants´ newsletter Sumner House, Invest in 21 King Street, Leyland, , PR25 2LW StreetTalk Youth helps Open Monday to Friday Reception 8.30am-4.30pm 10 reasons Warwick House, tenants at Kilnhouse Lane, , FY8 3DU We hope you enjoy reading this summer issue of to choose My Home Monday to Thursday your tenant newsletter. It covers lots of useful and The Bridge Reception 9.30am-12.30pm Contents Insurance Scheme Friday - closed important information for you. On page five and Parker Progress Connect is a reminder about your free annual gas safety 03333 204555 check and on page 20-21 we provide information Flexible regular Pay-As-You-Go Covers lost or stolen keys Monday to Friday 8am-6pm payment options Street You do not need to have special Repairs 03333 204555 on changes to benefits. No fuss, quick and easy to apply door or window locks [email protected] either through the post or over the The Bridge and www.progressgroup.org.uk The value for money article on page 17 talks about our telephone You do not need to have a Website development programme up to 2020 and in the ‘how are we bank account Parker Street, our www.progressgroup.org.uk No excess (you do not pay the first performing?’ article (page 24) we highlight the results of the recent part of the claim) supported schemes Email [email protected] STAR (Survey of Tenants and Residents) survey. Thank you to Covers fire, theft, flood, water for people facing everyone who took part in this consultation. damage and other household risks @ProgressHG homelessness, are www.facebook.com/ Also, do you have any stories, photos, recipes or money saving Covers damage to internal decorations currently working ProgressStreetTalk tips that you would like to share? If so, it would be great to hear Covers accidental damage to with Invest in Youth. from you. You will find our contact details below. sanitary fixtures such as toilets and washbasins Invest in Youth is a new If you would like this newsletter in project that supports young another format, please contact us. Be rnie K e e n a n Covers damage to external glazing people aged 15-24 and (Urdu) Executive Director (Services and Growth) for which you are responsible who are unemployed and Exclusions & limits apply. A copy of the policy wording is available on request. (Cantonese) not seeking employment. Ask your landlord for an application pack or This includes those not in (Mandarin) Features. . . to apply for cover today, call My Home on: education, employment or training (NEET) or at risk of (Polish) becoming NEET and will 0345 450 7288 help to improve their skills email: [email protected] or and employability. Invest in visit www.thistlemyhome.co.uk Youth is helping our tenants The National Housing Federation My Home Contents Insurance Scheme is a product name arranged and administered on behalf of the National Housing Federation by Thistle Tenant Risks a trading style of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. Thistle Insurance Services Limited is authorised Contributors and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Lloyd’s Broker. Registered in under No. 00338645 Registered office: 68 Lombard Street to find employment and London EC3V 9LJ. The National Housing Federation is an Appointed Representative of Thistle Insurance Services Limited. TENANT RISKS • Sarah Barnes • Laura Marshall education opportunities and • Sam Beattie • Claire Morris have also secured grants • Lucy Cheetham • Diane Nash Are you ready for Once a Warrior. . . 12 for household items and • Sian Coulton • Ursula Patten ‘The Challenge’? 11 arranged budgeting sessions • Cathy Fleet • Sue Phillips Congratulations! with Citizens Advice. Please • Ingrid Gaskell • Richard Tong visit www.selnet-uk.com • Margaret Lonsdale for further information. Miss Lee is our quarterly surveys’ prize draw How to contribute winner having completed a feedback survey. If you would like to contribute to StreetTalk or would like to receive the Please don’t forget to complete or return your customer satisfaction newsletter on CD then please contact questionnaires, whether it be a paper copy or via one of our engineer’s Joanne Hodson, StreetTalk Editor, iPads. It is a great way of helping us to improve our services and you on 03333 204555 or email It’s all happening in National Employability could be the next lucky winner of a £50 Love2shop voucher! [email protected] independent living! 13 Day 16 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG 2 3 Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk News in brief Charity Free gas budget safety check Are you part of a local charity? Does the charity need financial As a landlord, we are legally obliged to make support in their sure that the gas appliances that you have in fundraising efforts? your home are properly serviced once a year. If so, Progress Housing Group has a charity budget that might Your tenancy agreement states that If you refuse to give us access to your Please work with us and Best foot forward be able to help. The Group can you must give us access to your home then we may apply for a court do not ignore this notice, support local charities up to a home to allow us to complete the free injunction to gain access. Failure to it is your responsibility, maximum of £300. annual gas safety check. comply with an injunction can lead to as well as being in your a prison sentence or an unlimited fine, tenancy agreement, to Recently, the Group has We will write to you 60 days before Global Wellness Day was first celebrated in 2012 or both. In some cases, we may also allow us access into your approved applications to your annual gas service is due as a day dedicated to living well and it has now apply for possession of your home. home to carry out your support: to give you the date of your gas free gas service. become a world-wide annual event. Variety, the children’s charity appointment time. If the appointment All this legal action can be avoided if is inconvenient, please phone us on you allow us access to your home to This year our Health Champions On Wednesday 14 June staff and St Catherine’s Hospice Care marked Global Wellness Day tenants put their best foot forward 03333 204555 to arrange a mutually allow us to carry out the free annual which was on 10 June by and discovered ’s Cancer Research UK convenient time. gas service. adopting these seven simple steps hidden histories by walking The Legacy Rainbow House throughout the working week: Penwortham’s Heritage Trail. Ron Christopher, a tenant of Progress The Joshua Wilson Brain Walk for an hour Housing Group was our guide and Tumour Charity Drink more water led the way. If you are part of a group Do not use plastic bottles The walk was approximately two who would be interested Customers' in applying for a donation Eat organic foods miles long and took about an hour and a half to complete and was please contact the Progress Do a good deed thoroughly enjoyed by all who took Opportunities Team on 03333 204555 or email community@ Have a dinner as a family part (including our four legged fury progressgroup.org.uk to find priorities friends)! top Go to sleep at 10pm out more details.

As we reported in Our STAR (Survey of Tenants and This information will help us shape the spring edition, Residents) survey the services we provide over the Congratulations Linda - coming months and years. We Feedback forms from the spring we are carrying out a will report on the outcomes of this edition of StreetTalk consultation to find out consultation in future editions of Feedback from customers who StreetTalk. our latest housing hero! what the top priorities attended our recent tenant If you would like to be involved are for our customers. roadshows, and Linda Alcock, Head of West Chartered Institute of A spokesperson from the CIH said: in this process, please contact Operations at Progress Housing (CIH) Awards. “All of the entries received for this We would like to thank everyone Feedback from tenant focus the Progress Opportunities Housing Group (PHG) was award were of a high quality and a who has taken the time to give group meetings. Team on 03333 204555 or email Linda wowed judges with great testament to the achievements us their feedback. So far we have We are currently in the process community@progressgroup. recently announced as the her outstanding professional of the many individuals who are collated information from: of pulling all of this information org.uk. winner of the Exceptional achievement and individual personal dedicated and committed to together to establish what is really Contribution Excellence contribution to the housing industry improving lives and communities”. important to our customers. Award in the 2017 North and beat off stiff competition to win the award on behalf of PHG.

Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 4 5 Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Scrutiny Pool Homing in on update fire safety! Our Scrutiny Pool is made up of customers Following a recent pan fire at one of our independent living schemes, from across Progress Housing Group and we have been supporting the Fire Service in providing home fire safety carries out in-depth checks and information to our independent living tenants. Estate reviews of the services we provide. On Monday To check for faulty or recalled electrical appliances go to 3 July Sandra Trading Standards at www.tradingstandards.uk/consumers/ Over the last year the Scrutiny Alty, Community Appearance and Pool has been involved in five product-recall Safety Officer for reviews covering the following the Penwortham services: area of the Did you know. . .? Green Inspectors Progress Housing Group’s Lancashire Fire website and Rescue 90 people die each year because the battery in their smoke Repair communications Service, paid alarm was flat or missing At Progress Housing Group we are lucky to have a a visit to Tuson House to talk to the Independent living consultation tenants about fire safety including Every three days someone dies due to a fire caused by a number of dedicated tenants who help us carry out (to get feedback from how to avoid and prevent fires. cigarette inspections of open spaces to ensure they are well customers following changes to the service that took place Sam Beattie, our Independent Living Faulty electrics (appliances and overloaded sockets) cause maintained. They are known as Estate Appearance in 2016) Activities Co-ordinator, went along to around 7,000 house fires every year. find out more: and Green Inspectors. Progress Connect call waiting times “I sat and listened to Sandra and Sean, from two of our local fire The inspectors check to meetings if you don’t want to. Stage 1 complaints. stations and it made me think that A quick guide to fire safety: make sure the areas are of Progress Housing Group will This has resulted in 28 the advice they gave is important for a satisfactory standard and provide all the equipment you recommendations being made everyone, no matter where you live. Fit a smoke alarm and test it regularly highlight any issues which need need, assist with travel expenses and 11 completed actions. We all need to look at our homes and Take care when cooking to be addressed by the Group. and provide training. This is a In addition to the Scrutiny Pool understand fire safety. Don’t overload sockets This may include things like great way to get out and about, we have a number of tenants “Some of the facts I heard amazed overgrown grass or fly tipping meet new people and make who act as ‘mystery shoppers’ me, these included, the top three Ensure cigarettes are put out which makes an area look untidy a real difference to your local on telephone calls that they make causes of fire, which are: or unsafe. Our inspectors receive communities. It could also be to the organisation. This is a really Use candles carefully Kitchen/cooking fires – these training in what to look out for something to include on your useful exercise which provides us with customer feedback on types of fire cause the most injuries Take advantage of a home visit from your local fire station. and how to record what they CV. If you would like to join us what we are doing well and what every year find on a simple form and take or to find out more please contact we need to improve on when a Smokers’ material fires – although photographs if necessary. the Progress Opportunities Progress Housing Group has got a supply of ‘Fire safety in customer makes contact with us. these types of fires do not happen Over the last year there have the home’ booklets to give out, you can collect one of these Would you like to become Team on 03333 204555 or email very often they are the biggest killer [email protected]. been 54 mystery shopping calls. from one of our offices or check outwww.direct.gov.uk/ an Estate Appearance and Electrical fires – as we use firekills for more information. Your local fire service also Green Inspector? If you would be interested in joining the Scrutiny Pool, or electricity more and more in everyday offers Home Fire Safety Checks free of charge, please call The inspections can be carried becoming a mystery shopper life, computers, mobile phones, to arrange an appointment on 0800 1691125. laundry and cooking, these fires are out at a time that suits you and please contact the Progress Sam Beattie Opportunities Team on 03333 number three on the list – with faulty there is no need to attend any Independent Living Activities Co-ordinator 204555 or email community@ appliances or overloaded sockets to progressgroup.org.uk for blame”. further information. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk 6 7 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG Key launches Are you on new critical Facebook? If you haven’t previously support visited our Facebook page, why not check it out by going to www.facebook.com/ service ProgressStreetTalk. It features details of our up and coming events, news and also regular Facebook Q&A chats where you can talk to members of our staff about a range of topics, including anti-social behaviour and welfare reform. Key Unlocking Futures has recently launched Our Facebook Q&A sessions are proving a great way to chat with a new service to support tenants to maintain their you about the matters that are important to you. Celebration time for tenancies and avoid losing their homes. Thank you to those of you who joined us for our live Q&A session In partnership with Progress families and individuals to identify a because I was worried if I spoke to with our Neighbourhoods Team on Housing Group (PHG), Key has positive way forward. Progress Housing Group that they appointed two new support would take my house off me. I have Monday 24 July. Michelle Collins centenarian Mary! Ursula Patten, Operations Director workers to deliver the service which now made an agreement with them our Neighbourhoods Manager and at Key says, “We are really pleased is available to those tenants of to pay off my arrears”. Linda Alcock Head of Operations, to be offering this service and are answered all of your questions Independent living tenant Mary Jones Progress Housing Group who are confident that we can make a Another tenant, Darren, said: “I during the session and throughout in imminent danger of losing their reached 100 years old in April this year. real difference to people’s lives. was so glad when PHG told me the week that followed. We will be tenancy due to rent arrears or anti- holding another Q&A session with Key has a strong track record and that they had referred me because Mary is convinced that having a healthy lifestyle and riding a bike for many social behaviour (ASB) issues. our Neighbourhoods Team later on has provided high quality tenancy I know I needed help, but I didn’t in the year. years, has helped her to reach 100. Mary, who certainly does not look her Life can present us all with support for many years. Progress know who to turn to”. age was born in Whitehaven in and grew up there. challenges at times but for some Housing Group has been forward We have the following session For further information about of our customers, their personal thinking in recognising that tenants coming up: When she married, Mary and her family came to live in Fylde, the service, please contact Key circumstances can be extremely feel more comfortable in discussing following in the footsteps of her sister. She moved to Croft Court in directly on 01772 678979 or help@ difficult and the imminent threat their problems with an organisation Live Q&A with our Community Freckleton in 2001. keyyouthcharity.org.uk. If you of losing their home creates an that isn’t their landlord. This service Safety Team are worried about arrears or any Mary’s favourite time of the year is the summer additional pressure for those who shows the commitment of PHG Monday 21 August - 18.00 - 19:00 other issues affecting your ability as she likes to attend the Lytham Club Day, are already struggling. to ensure its tenants receive high to pay your rent, please contact Join our live Facebook chat with watching the floats and enjoying the carnival quality support services so that they Key works with these individuals one of Key’s trained advisors our Community Safety Manager, atmosphere. have the best chance of maintaining Marilyn Barber where she will be and families who are most at risk to as soon as possible to speak Since 1917 Mary has seen a lot of their tenancy. answering any of your questions. provide a service fully personalised in confidence on 03333 204555. changes and says the biggest ones to their needs to get them back on In its first month, the new support We can offer lots of support and We are planning more Facebook she can remember were getting a track. The service is completely service has already made a big advice to help you clear your rent Q&A sessions so keep an eye television and then a telephone. Mary says: out on our Facebook page and confidential and our support difference to 21 tenants: arrears and remain in your home. “technology has changed the way we live and workers are experienced and skilled if you have any suggestions for Helen says*, “I have been able to *Real names have not been used to we now take it for granted”. in tackling the most challenging of any further Q&As, let us know via sleep for the first time in weeks. I protect individual’s identities. personal circumstances whilst also facebook/ProgressStreetTalk. had been ignoring my rent arrears building on the strengths of these

Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 8 9 Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Improving health services in Kirkham and Are you Exciting Wesham! ready for NHS Fylde and Wyre Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) are proposing to move 'The Challenge`? times ahead local health services in Kirkham and Wesham. We are supporting the National Citizen Service (NCS) yet again this year with 'The The proposed new state-of- Challenge` project. The dates have been set and locations chosen to welcome our We have recently set up a the-art facility will be built on share of the 1,350 young people from the Lancashire area who are taking part in this the current NHS offices site on separate property development Derby Road, Wesham. Under amazing project over the summer months. the proposal, the Kirkham GP We will be hosting three projects with This year the projects will be We are keen to support the children company called Concert Living. practices – Ash Tree House three groups of young people all of taking place at: of our tenants to be involved in the and Kirkham Health Centre school leaving age, after the challenge scheme, so if you live in a Progress and Kirkham Clinic would be of sitting their GCSEs, they will now Orchard Grange Independent Housing Group property and are moved into the new building. face a different challenge which aims Living Scheme, Penwortham aged between 15 and 17 and would This company will stand alone, with Concert Living will also offer Help to Consultation regarding this no direct association to Progress Buy and a range of other incentives to build skills and confidence whilst 31 July & 1 August like to be a part of ‘The Challenge’ proposal is ongoing until 15 helping them to get work and life contact our Progress Opportunities Housing Group (PHG) or to the social to ensure our offer is competitive September 2017. Lowerhouse Independent Living housing sector. with other established housing experiences. Team on 03333 204555 or email Scheme, Leyland [email protected]. providers. If you would like to find out During the time we have been The sole purpose of this company 4 & 5 August We can offer funding for tenants who more information please visit involved with the NCS Challenge we is to generate profit by building and Developing for outright sale wish to take part in the project. the Fylde and Wyre Clinical have witnessed both tenants and Tuson House Independent Living selling homes for outright sale and represents a new business stream Commissioning Group’s (CCG) to use this profit to deliver more for the Group and is an exciting time young people building relationships, Scheme, Penwortham website www.fyldeandwyreccg. swapping skills, supporting one affordable housing. in the Group’s 23 year history. 20 & 21 August nhs.uk/derbyroad another, gaining knowledge and The housing developments Concert We are currently working on creating having a good time whilst completing All the above dates are social mixing Living will be building are likely to be a logo, branding and building a a community project. visits - where the young people will on sites located around Lancashire separate website for Concert Living. spend the afternoon swapping skills, Following on from the success of that are generally too small to be of We will share these with you in due playing games, crafting, singing or last year we received requests from interest to larger housing developers. course. fact finding, with the residents. This will be part of the company’s independent living co-ordinators If you would like to know more unique selling point. asking for the young people to come This is a fabulous opportunity for our about Concert Living please to their scheme to tackle a specific tenants to get involved in, to develop Concert Living is forecasting to contact our Development Team on area, as the tenants had seen and skills and create new friendships. deliver a profitable pilot programme 03333 204555 or email enquiries@ heard about the work completed of 100 homes for sale over the next progressgroup.org.uk in past years and had asked to be three years in the Lancashire area. included in the 2017 programme.

Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 10 11 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk Gary (left), Chris (far right) with the U14s when they won division three Fundraising - at the end of last season keeping it local! It's all happening in independent living!

Independent living is proving that life only gets better as you grow older.

Over the past couple of months there have been social evenings, pop-up cafes, community cafes, Once a Warrior. . . fashion shows, plays and more. Instead of going to the theatre the Following the arson attack in Leyland Warriors is a great facility for If you have a child(ren) who would theatre has visited us. Putting on May at Leyland Warriors Rugby the whole community, offering rugby like to play rugby, become three shows in three schemes, Club in Leyland, tenants that to all ages and abilities. They will not a member of the club or you would Northeast Producers Travelling support the Community Café be beaten and the club will go on! to donate please contact Gary Hill by Theatre Company’s show at Lowerhouse Community visiting leylandwarriors.co.uk ‘Mother knows best’ has been a Centre in Leyland have donated resounding hit. The show which four weeks’ worth of raffle starred two young ladies took takings to the local rugby club. us on a whirlwind tour of life as a This will help them with their young woman in the 1950s, with fundraising to rebuild the club house. songs and jokes to amuse and £113 was raised and donated to entertain. A great time was had At the beginning of June Ancenis style the completion of the work. the rugby club. Paula Hill, wife of by all! Chairman Gary Hill, said “Wow what Court in Kirkham hosted a social Greenwood Court in Leyland a fantastic amount, thank you”. The evening. The evening included is just round the corner from money will go towards the rebuild hotpot, songs from local singing the Fish and Chip shop owned of the club house and improving star Ken Morell, a quiz and a jolly and run by the parents of Saffie security, which is estimated to cost good dance. A thoroughly good Roussos the youngest victim £9,000. Dressing to impress evening was had by all! to die in the Manchester Terror attack, a raffle was held for the Many of the activities we arrange in our Following the redecoration Love Manchester appeal which independent living schemes support of all the communal areas at raised £182.00. fundraising for local charities. Greenwood Court a traditional afternoon of tea and song The schemes run raffles or football cards and donate the profits to charity. This year we have focused on local charities was held as a celebration. A or charities that our tenants support. full afternoon tea was served accompanied by singing from So far this year’s events have raised over £600 for St. Cat Morewin. A grand total of 45 Catherine’s Hospice, a local charity that supports people living people attended from a variety of with cancer and their friends and families. This has been done through a Fashion Show at St Gerard’s Social Centre, Lostock schemes helping to celebrate in Hall in conjunction with Colours Fashion, a pop-up boutique at Lowerhouse community centre, Leyland and a raffle.

Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG 12 13 Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Progress Futures

The Big Lunch - neighbourhood get together Are you looking for a change in career? Thinking of updating your CV? Or signing up for a college course but don't quite know how Each year the Eden The second lunch was held on to go about it? Thursday 22 June at Boundary Project in Cornwall Close community centre, New We have a free service to help you Arranging work experience at training element attached. These runs a project called Longton. After days of wonderful improve your employment prospects Progress Housing Group (PHG) or roles are advertised solely to our The Big Lunch. sunshine we were greeted by through training and education. at other companies customers on a fixed-term basis each year. the cloud and rain. In true British Progress Futures is an innovative Providing apprenticeships and The idea of the Big Lunch is to bring tradition we soldiered on with a service to help customers and their traineeships within PHG During 2016 the team directly communities large or small, young wonderful indoor BBQ and singing family members to improve their Helping you to create a CV, open supported 74 customers. We have or old together to have lunch. This and dancing from Freckleton-based employment prospects through a Universal Jobmatch account continued to create opportunities year’s events were made even 2’s Company, everyone had a lovely accessing training and education. and to complete an application for our customers and during 2016 more special by the family of the afternoon. Progress Futures offers a person- form appointed two housing trainees and late MP Jo Cox asking for her centred approach. This means we do two trade apprentices. We have to be remembered by having a not tell people what to do, but rather Assisting you with interview also offered paid work placement preparation community get together. ask people what their objectives and opportunities as well as work aspirations are, enabling them to Helping towards the cost of a experience throughout not only the achieve these. training course or course materials Group but with our contractors. Kingsfold Primary School joined You might be wondering, Providing practical help, such We will continue to offer these forces and picnicked together at how does Progress Futures as temporary childcare or a opportunities during 2017 so please the scheme. After lunch had been contribution towards transport keep a look out in future editions work? of StreetTalk, on our website eaten the children, all in fancy dress costs whilst attending job www.progressgroup.org.uk and from their favourite movies, played Progress Futures isn’t a college or a interviews school. Progress Futures is all about Facebook page www.facebook. games outside encouraged by you. Our approach is to talk to you Continuous friendly help, support com/ProgressStreetTalk. the residents and then everyone on a one-to-one basis to establish and encouragement throughout. gathered in the community centre If you would like further information together what we can do to support on our Progress Futures service, for story telling by Sue Allonby. So, who is Progress Futures A Big Lunch event was also held you to achieve your goals. available to? please contact the Progress We held two lunches to celebrate One tenant commented, “It was a at Lower Lane community centre Progress Futures can help you by: Opportunities Team on 03333 the Big Lunch. The first was on wonderful afternoon full of smiling on Friday 28 July where we held Progress Futures is for all customers 204555 or email community@ of PHG and includes those family Friday 16 June at Martinfield and faces, all the children were so a picnic style lunch with garden Arranging specific training in basic progressgroup.org.uk members living in the household. Leyfield in Penwortham, where local polite”. The Progress Opportunities games, inflatable football, music job skills just for you tenants and classes 3 and 4 from Team is looking forward to working and singing. Supporting you to apply for We offer apprenticeship and with the school on future projects. training courses at local colleges traineeship opportunities for our [of your choice] customers that have a learning or

Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 14 15 Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Do you want to boost your Value for employment prospects? money - Development

National If you do, we have One of our six strategic aims is to provide more and better homes. the perfect course Our commitment is to provide high quality homes in safe Employability Day for you - Preparation communities offering a positive environment for all age groups. for Education and We have recently to boost confidence, improve Employment. been successful in our wellbeing and increase employment If you have been unemployed Our Board approved a Development Strategy which Priorities for the future. . . prospects. The project is led by partnership application for a while and are looking covers the period up to 2020, within this period we will Environment approach Lancashire Sport Partnership and to return to employment or for European funding to delivered by partners including develop over 900 new homes at a cost of over £83m. Schemes will meet the minimum enable us to deliver the education after a break, we have standards of the design brief for Progress Housing Group. 2016-2021 – 5 year budget More Positive Together the perfect course to help you that specific type of property and In order to mark the launch of the Keyworker programme. achieve your goals. Preparation insulation standards for new build programme we held two Opportunity for Employment and Education Keyworker development. We are working with Fairs at The Place community centre, The partnership has received £4.1m will help you develop a range of 100 our colleagues in Property Services Wade Hall, Leyland and at Lower Other Projects of funding from the European Social inter-personal skills, useful for 160 Other Projects to agree a consistent approach to Lane community centre, Freckleton. Fund (ESF) as part of the 2014-2020 everyday and you will learn what energy efficiency amongst all our European Structural and Investment They were held as part of National today’s employers particularly Affordable Shared Ownership (HCA) properties. Funds Growth Programme in Employability Day and aimed to Affordable Shared Ownership (HCA) promote the support available locally. value. You will look at the latest Greater involvement of England. More Positive Together is 70 Total 208 a Lancashire-wide project which will Customers were able to find out methods of job searching, how Affordable Shared Ownership (S106) customers to promote yourself confidently help 2,250 residents of the county’s about accessing education, different 942 Affordable Shared OwnershipThe (S106) Development Team are looking most deprived neighbourhoods to training courses, volunteering as a potential employee in a properties Affordable Rent (S106) at ways to improve the way in which improve their skills and employment opportunities, work experience job application, CV, job seeking 101 we ask for feedback from customers, prospects. Eligible residents will placements, apprenticeships and job letter or at a job interview. From AffordableAffordable Rent (HCA)Rent (S106) this will enable the team to improve receive a tailored programme opportunities both by speaking to the design and quality of new confidence building to planning 91 of 1-to-1 mentoring, physical stall holders from Progress Housing for the future, this course 70 Supported Living schemes. activity sessions, training courses, Group and other local agencies Affordable Rent (HCA) gives learners the opportunity 142 Modular construction employment advice and work and organisations to see what to participate in a range of Outright Sale A small modular pilot project is being experience opportunities - designed opportunities are on offer. activities, meet visiting speakers Supported Living carried out in 2017/18 to enable and access a range of help and the Development Team to analyse advice. By approving the strategy the group which will allow us to develop more the potential savings and improved has re-affirmed its commitment to properties for sale. See page 10 Outright Sale quality of using modular construction. If any of these courses are of delivering a development programme for our article on our new property The speed of construction and the interest to you and you would that meets the needs and demands development company we’ve off-site manufacture are intended to like more information, or want to of its existing and future customers, recently set up called Concert Living. lead to the improved quality and save this in an increasingly uncertain book your place, please contact The Development Team have also time on site. the Progress Opportunities environment. Maths, English, ICT and other training courses undertaken development agency If you have any questions Team on 03333 204555 or email Would you like to improve your Maths and/or English skills? Would We have reviewed our Development work for Lune Valley Rural Housing or comments on any of the [email protected] Team structure and now have a Association and Forward Housing you like to get into further education? above, please get in touch by team with dedicated sales expertise Association. Places are limited so make contacting us via web chat on If the answer is yes, then we have great news for you! Lancashire Adult sure you book your place early our website www.progressgroup. College will be delivering accredited Maths, English and ICT functional to avoid disappointment. org.uk, emailing enquiries@ skills courses, locally from our community centres from September. progressgroup.org.uk or phoning on 03333 204555.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk 16 17 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG Shared ownership If you're looking to get onto the property ladder but are struggling to find the funds, Building shared ownership may be the answer for you. Shared ownership is a government- backed scheme, aiming to give potential housebuyers a helping hand to buy a home. What is shared ownership? Disabled people If you own 100% of your home, you can sell it yourself. new Shared ownership schemes are a You can apply for a scheme cross between buying and renting a called Home Ownership for What's the application property; aimed mainly at first-time People with a Long-term process? buyers. You own a share and then Disability (HOLD), for example rent the part you don’t own at a if you need a ground-floor Speak to our Progress homes reduced rate. property. With this scheme you Connect Team, to see what can buy up to 25% of your shared ownership properties How does shared ownership home. are available in your area and Croston Meadow, Farington Riverside View, Lancaster Lord St, Lytham whether you’re eligible to apply work? If you’re disabled you can also apply Moss, Leyland This development on New Quay Part of this development consists With shared ownership, you buy a for the general shared ownership Find out if you can get a As we mentioned in the spring edition Road by the riverside in Lancaster is of three, three-bedroom houses, share of your home (between 25% scheme and own up to 75% of your mortgage. Not all lenders will of StreetTalk the Group has acquired part of a section 106 obligation. As two, two-bedroom houses, 11, and 75%) and pay rent on the rest. home. give you a mortgage for shared 26 homes as part of a section 106 part of phase 1, five, three-bedroom two-bedroom apartments and 10, ownership but many of the major Shared ownership properties are Buying more shares ones will do so. You will still have obligation on this large site. The site houses for shared ownership have one-bedroom apartments, all for always leasehold. This is when you to apply for a mortgage to pay is being developed by Miller Homes been completed and there are a affordable rent and completion is due You can buy more of your home own a leasehold property for a fixed after you become the owner. This is for your share, and will have as part of the Preston City Deal. The further two phases due. March 2018. period of time. You have a legal known as ‘staircasing’. to undergo strict affordability 26 homes will be delivered in two Phase 2 consists of 13, two- agreement with your landlord called checks by the lender. You will St Peters Vicarage, The cost of your new share will phases. The final part of phase 1 has bedroom houses for shared a ‘lease’ and this tells you how also be expected to be able to depend on how much your home recently completed, with eight, two- ownership and are due to be The site comprises of one, two- many years you’ll own the property. provide a deposit bedroom house and four, three Ownership of the property returns to is worth when you want to buy the bedroom houses for affordable rent. completed in December 2017 and Make sure you will be able to bedroom houses, all for affordable the landlord when the lease comes share. Phase 2 consists of 11 homes phase 3 comprises of four, three- afford all the costs of home rent. These properties are due to be to an end. It will cost: comprising: bedroom houses, again for shared ownership; including mortgage completed in January 2018. ownership and these are due to be Who can apply for shared more than your first share if fees, moving costs, stamp duty, One, two bedroom house for completed in mid-2018. St James Bowling Club, ownership? property prices in your area have insurance, repairs, maintenance shared ownership gone up and, if it’s a flat in a block, your Chorley You can buy a home through shared service charge. Remember that Two, three-bedroom houses for Schemes receiving less than your first share if St James Bowling Club consists of ownership if your household earns for shared ownership, although shared ownership funding from Homes and £80,000 a year or less (or £90,000 property prices in your area have eight, two-bedroom houses, two, you own only a share of the Eight, two-bedroom houses for Communities Agency a year or less in London) and any of gone down. property you still have to pay all three-bedroom houses and two, one- the following apply: affordable rent bedroom apartments. Completion of Your landlord will get your property of the maintenance costs. Brock Mill, Chorley valued and will let you know the and is anticipated to complete in the these properties is due in May 2018. You’re a first-time buyer If you are interested in the This site has also received support cost of your new share. You will possibility of shared ownership autumn of 2020. You used to own a home, but have to pay the valuer’s fee. from Chorley Borough Council. can’t afford to buy one now please contact our Progress The Silks, Galgate, Lancaster The site comprises of six two- Connect Team via web chat on You are an existing shared owner. Selling your home bedroom houses for shared our website www.progressgroup. As part of this development eight, If you own a share of your home, ownership. There will also be six one- Older people org.uk, emailing enquiries@ two-bedroom homes (all for your landlord would have the right bedroom apartments for affordable progressgroup.org.uk or phoning affordable rent) have been completed If you’re aged 55 or over you can to buy it first. This is known as ‘first on 03333 204555. and a further four, two-bedroom rent. These properties are due to buy up to 75% of your home refusal’. Your landlord would also apartments are due to be completed complete this summer. through the Older People’s have the right to find a buyer for in October 2017. Shared Ownership (OPSO) your home. scheme. Once you own 75% you won’t pay rent on the rest.

Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 18 19 Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Watch out! Benefit changes Set up your the first time, who live in a ‘Full / Digital Service Area’. Although most about! Progress Housing Group tenants are not yet affected, Universal Credit Full Direct Debit online Service Areas are being rolled out nationally across all local authorities You can now set up a differently; Direct Debit gives from April 2017 to complete by you the option to schedule your September 2018. Direct Debit online. payments in a way that suits you, putting you in control of your Most vulnerable young people will This means it is even quicker income and expenditure. not be affected (for details check and easier to pay your rent, www.gov.uk/guidance/housing- service charges or sundry invoice Save time 1. Two child limit 2. Benefit Cap costs-for-18-to-21-year-olds). payments. Direct Debit only needs setting up once. No more queuing or Parents who already have two Since November 2016 any family Be aware! Even if you are currently All you need is a valid reference hanging on the phone while you children will not receive additional of three or more children must excluded from this rule (or will be number for your account; for rent pay. Child Tax Credit, Housing Benefit manage on a reduced maximum when Universal Credit fully rolls out in or service charges this will be or Universal Credit Child Element total weekly benefit limit of £384.62. 2017/18) there is no guarantee this your tenancy code; for sundry Peace of mind for new children born on or after 6 Any benefits over this amount are situation financially, for example, by exemption will continue until you turn invoice payments this will be your Automatic payments mean April 2017. Families will still be able taken from Housing Benefit, which finding work, any further DHP may be 22, seek advice if you are unsure. If a customer number and your bank deadlines are never forgotten so you shouldn’t go into arrears. to claim Child Benefit for additional puts tenancies at risk if they cannot refused. Our Progress Futures service young tenant becomes unemployed or building society account from children. Although there will be no afford the rent shortfall. There are can help our tenants back into work in future their rent arrears could which Direct Debits payments can Protection reduction in benefits there will be less exemptions, for example, disabled (see page 15 for further information) rapidly increase until they find work be made. You are automatically protected financial support to cover the cost parents on Disability Living Allowance and the Financial Inclusion Team can again. Remember, if you are not by safeguards that include an To find out your tenancy reference of bringing up three or more children (DLA)/Personal Independence help you apply for a DHP. eligible for Universal Credit towards immediate money back guarantee number you can log in to your on a lower income. With inflation Payment (PIP), disabled child in the housing costs you will not be able in the event of an error in A High Court judge ruled on 22 online account. If you have not increasing above wage rises this will household, parent claiming Carer’s to apply for a DHP. Think carefully payment. July 2017 that the Benefit Cap was already registered for an online cause real strain on family budgets. Allowance or working and claiming before leaving the family home and unlawful and causing ‘real misery’ account, please contact Progress Save money Working Tax Credit. Finding work of signing up to a tenancy! Be aware! If you are making a new to single parents with children under Direct Debit is the most cost- 16 or more hours per week means Connect on 03333 204555. For claim for Housing Benefit after 6 two years old. The Department for effective method of payment. the cap will not apply. Evidence your customer number please April 2017 and you have three or Work and Pensions has said they will To set up your Direct Debit shows that particularly single parent Our Financial Inclusion Team also contact the Progress Connect more children your local authority appeal… online, just visit www. families with children under two are Team. will automatically assess you on two is available to support you with progressgroup.org.uk/make- finding it difficult to find work due to children until you provide proof of a 3. No help towards rent any queries you may have. You What are the benefits of payment and follow the the associated childcare costs. Child Tax Credit award showing the can contact them on 03333 instructions. costs for many 18-21 year 204555 or email enquiries@ Direct Debit? three or more children. This could Be aware! You can claim a olds on Universal Credit progressgroup.org.uk If you require any further substantially reduce or even stop a Discretionary Housing Payment Pay any day information or would prefer to family’s Housing Benefit if no action (DHP) from your local authority From 1 April 2017 - this already Pay when it is convenient to set up a Direct Debit over the is taken. Make sure you seek advice to cover the rent shortfall for a affects people under 22 years old minimise the possibility of going telephone, contact the Progress immediately if you don’t understand temporary period. If you do not show claiming Universal Credit for help overdrawn. Everybody gets paid Connect Team on 03333 204555. your Housing Benefit award. you have taken steps to improve your towards their housing costs for on different days and pays bills

Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 20 21 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk Introducing Progress Mobile Housing Group's stock Home condition surveyors

The Tanning Shop on Bannister Drive, Broadfield recently hosted a ‘Talk To Me’ Event ran by They Eat Culture, an independent arts and cultural agency and Groundwork, an Spotlight on environmental organisation. Lower Lane Thank you to all our customers who have worked with us on Brian King (left) and Steve Slater our 'homecheck` visits. Progress Housing Group has two stock condition surveyors whose The week event encouraged This is the start of a bigger piece Over the summer there will local people to share their of work we would like to kickstart be a summer club for young job is solely to carry out a survey of your home to ascertain the thoughts about where they in the area. We have already people. live through a mobile video commissioned URPotential to condition of the major components of your property. booth. They Eat Culture and Please like our facebook page carry out a research study with the to keep up-to-date with what’s Groundwork will be working young people to determine what in the area over the next three happening at the centre. If you Brian King and Steve Slater will coming to do the survey which to survey they won’t be able to future activities they would like to would like to get more involved years with the local community see take place in the community. require access to your house or will have their phone numbers accommodate everyone if you all to identify and improve areas and help out at the centre please flat in order to check the age of on. Please do try to phone them phone at once! of green space as well as Various activities are taking place speak to Lucy Cheetham from the the main elements like the kitchen, back and they will try to oblige It is really important that you allow working with local people to at the community centre including: Progress Opportunities Team on bathroom and heating system. you with an appointment time 03333 204555. the surveyors access to your empower and create change. A coffee morning every two The surveyor visiting will display that is mutually suitable. We are home as they cannot do a survey weeks on a Friday 9.30am- We are in the process of their identification at all times and aware that some people will have Visit www.talk-to-me.tv./ without seeing around the inside. to view the photos taken at 12.30pm compiling a Lower Lane will try to be in your property for as appointments or school runs to If they cannot gain access to do newsletter which will have short a time as possible, usually do and we will make every effort the event. A Progress Futures drop-in the survey then your property every Wednesday morning information about how to hire around half an hour to 40 minutes to accommodate these requests. cannot be considered for any out the centre for FREE, watch depending on the size of your However, please do wait until 10am-12pm to come and future improvement programmes. use the internet, look for jobs, this space plus more activities property. the surveyors put a note through taking place over the summer your door. As you can imagine, speak to us about volunteering Brian and Steve will put a note opportunities holidays. through your door prior to them with several thousand properties

Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG 22 23 Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk How are we performing? From April 2016 to March 2017 Housing Management Target Result Target met Trend Top quarter*

Better than We aim to re-let general needs 20 days empty properties within 21 days 21 days 30.7 last quarter

STAR survey days 0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% We aim to have less than 1.2 properties Better than 1 out 1.2 0.7 Overall quality of your home 48% 33% out of every 100 vacant at any time last quarter of 100 Your neighbourhood as a place to live 56.3% 28.9% We aim for current tenant rent arrears Better than £1.90 of to be less than £4.10 of every £100 of £4.10 £2.60 last quarter every £100 Your rent provides value for money 53.1% 30.8% rent due

Your service charge provides value for money 43.4% 28.3% We aim for current tenant rent arrears, Worse than £0.80 of excluding that owed by Housing £4.10 The way Progress deals with repairs and maintenance 43.4% 26.8% Benefit, to be less than £4.10 of every £2.60 last quarter every £100 £100 of rent due Progress listens to your views and acts upon them 42.5% 29.7% Repairs Target Result Target met Trend Top quarter* Overall satisfaction 49.4% 33.7% We aim to complete responsive New within 6.5 days Very satisfied (9-10) Fairly satisfied (7-8) Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied (5-6) Fairly dissatisfied (3-4) Very dissatisfied (1-2) repairs within 6.5 days 6.5 days 10.8 the year days

rest

urgent In March we asked The Everything has nearly the same Four key themes have been We aim to complete 95 out of New within 95 out importance to you identified as recurring, see the every 100 responsive repairs 95.0% 96.8% Leadership Factor to diagram below right first time the year of 100 contact a sample of tenants The overall quality of your home rest The three key drivers to improve urgent and the neighbourhood you live We aim to keep 99 out of to complete the STAR in, are the top two most important overall satisfaction are, dealing with Better than Not every 100 responsive repairs 90.1% (Survey of Tenants and factors. repairs and maintenance, listening 99.0% last quarter available to views and acting upon them and appointments made Residents) survey and here Results rest the overall quality of your home. urgent are the results. As a whole, satisfaction levels were We aim for 100 out of every 100 Same as 100 out good. We received 2,652 responses What will we do with this gas appliances to have been 100% 100% May we take this time to thank information? serviced in the last 12 months last quarter of 100 everyone who took part in the from a variety of households. survey. As always the commitment We are now developing an action 83.1% of customers are satisfied Target Result Target met Trend Top quarter* from tenants to help us improve our with the overall service, above is a plan to target the recurring themes. Tenant Satisfaction We will compare our findings to other rest services is overwhleming. chart showing the results for all the urgent key questions registered providers and contact We aim to keep 96 tenants out Worse than 97.6 out Importance of every 100 satisfied with the those who are performing well in 96.0% 77.8% last quarter of 100 Within the survey we asked you how Satisfaction levels are above the our areas for improvement. We will service provided to new tenants average for all questions except satisfied you are with our services but update you again by the end of rest the way we deal with repairs and also how important they are to you. the year with outcomes from these We aim to keep 96 tenants out of urgent maintenance (compared to other actions. every 100 satisfied with the overall Worse than Not Here is what you told us: registered providers) service provided regarding arrears 96.0% 84.0% last quarter available management

rest

Key recurring themes urgent We aim to keep 96 tenants out of Worse than 97 out every 100 satisfied with the overall 96.0% 97.6% quality of a responsive repair last quarter of 100

rest

urgent We aim to keep 96 tenants out of New within Not every 100 satisfied that the repair 96.0% 96.8% has been completed right first time the year available First time resolution Speed Information and Quality Be friendly. Answer This is not about doing things communication Set customers’ expectations *This column shows the performance figures of the highest performing housing associations across England and questions. Keep promises. quickly - it is about giving Turn up when you say regarding the standard of Wales. We aim to be within the top quarter of all housing associations. You will see that for some of these indicators Return calls. customers timescales. Let you will. Give customers work or state of home. we are already on the top quarter whilst for others we need to do a bit more work. them know what is going to timescales or keep them happen and when. informed. Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 24 25 Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Dates for your diary Out and about

Forum or Share your photos with us. If you would like a photo to appear in ‘out and about’ please email it to Event Tenant inspection Training panel meeting [email protected] or post a copy to StreetTalk, Progress Opportunities Team, Sumner House, 21 King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LW. August September 8 Tue Digi drop-in. 5 Tue Repairs Forum Quarterly Meeting. 10.30am-12.30pm. 2pm. Derby House. Sumner House, Leyland. 8 Tue Void Inspectors Quarterly Meeting. 6 Wed Community Investment Fund - working party. 2pm. 2.30pm-4pm. Sumner House, Leyland. Penwortham Community Centre. 20 Sun & The Challenge at Tuson House 13 Wed Estate Appearance Quarterly Meeting. 21 Mon Independent Living Scheme. 2pm. TBC. Warwick House, Lytham St Annes. Penwortham. 20 Wed Scrutiny Pool Quarterly Meeting. 22 Tue The Forum. 2pm. 10am. Warwick House, Lytham St Annes. Warwick House, Lytham St Annes. 26 Tue Digi drop-in and bacon butty. 29 Tue Digi drop-in and bacon butty. 10.30am-12.30pm. 10.30am-12.30pm. South Hey community centre. South Hey community centre. Florence, St John’s Court Easter Ladies at St Gerard’s, Lostock Hall modelling their Easter bonnets Bunny in Lytham St Annes

View all our upcoming events online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Looking for estate walkabouts? Please contact Progress Connect on 03333 204555, email [email protected] or view them on our website www.progressgroup.org.uk/ news-events/events Lower Lane, Freckleton roadshow

At the beach wordsearch

Waiting for the show at Tuson If you would like to be in with a chance of Lighthouse L P G J Y O K T F L F winning a £20 Love2shop voucher why not Lower Lane, Freckleton roadshow Lower Lane, Freckleton roadshow House, Penwortham Flip flops Y I S N O R K E L O S have a go at our ‘At the beach’ wordsearch. Lifeguard Deadline for entries is Friday 15 H C G D H L Z K I X A Sandcastle September 2017. Picnic J N P H K O J C P V N Congratulations to Mrs Thorpe from Waves E I G S T W Q U F Z D Lytham St Annes, who won our spring Seashell wordsearch. L C X B F H P B L I C Towel L R E G J W O Y O M A HOW TO ENTER Snorkel Please send your entries along with your name, Y T Z N O U P U P K S Bucket age and home address to: StreetTalk, Progress F O L S W A V E S A T Housing Group, Marketing Team, Sumner Jellyfish I W H G L Q P Y H E L House, 21 King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LW. Surfboard S E A S H E L L S A E Name H L P L G J F O N T B A S U R F B O A R D S Age R L I F E G U A R D X Address Lowerhouse, Leyland pop-up boutique Tenant roadshow at The Place, Leyland

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk 26 27 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG We help hundreds of people live independently in their own homes every day. First four weeks free Progress Lifeline offers remote We can help support you to stay (Quote ST17) monitoring in your home and in your own home for longer and emergency personal assistance also provide much-welcomed 24 hours a day, 365 days of reassurance and peace of mind, the year to help to make your not only to yourself but also to life easier, safer and more your family, friends and carers. comfortable.

Get in touch

For more information call today on 03333 204999 (please quote ‘ST17’) or email [email protected] www.progresslifeline.org.uk www.facebook.com/ProgressLifeline

Progress Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal alarm system that can enable you to remain independent and more confident in your own home. Prices start from £3.60 per week.