MatterNeighbourhoods
Issue 12: Spring 2021
Become a Neighbourhood Champion
Gardenslooking bloomingmarvellousafter clean-up
Newfencing givesstreet freshnew look
Garden Competition 2021 launched Cheddar,Axbridge and North Sedgemoor Villages Hello... Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Brean and Berrow Ijoinedthe AssetTeamatHomes in Sedgemoor (HiS)inJuly2019, butamexcited to have now Hamp, North Petherton, South stepped into my newroleofDirectorofAsset Bridgwater Villages and La Ciotat Management andSafety. Some of youmay already know me from my previousrole, butfor Sydenham and the Levels thoseIhaven’t spoken to before,Hello! My role meansIam Youmay be awarethatthe responsiblefor ensuringthat Government wantsall Woolavington, Puriton and homesare safe,warmand propertiestobecarbonneutral Polden and Parrett Villages meetall required legaland by 2050.Thismeans that by statutoryrequirements.Since this date,runningahomewill Bridgwater Central and joining HiS, Ihave beenheavily notgenerateany excess carbon dioxide. This is areally West Bridgwater Villages involvedwithreviewingand developing ourlandlord dif cult,but important, target compliance services (which andweare currentlymidway includes re, gas heating, throughanenergysurveyof Corporate News electrical,asbestos, legionella everyhometoestablishwhat andliftservicing).Wehavea measures will be needed.We greatteamwhich worksreally will then putaplantogether, hard to ensurehomes remain linked to theDecentHomes safe foryou,yourfamiliesand Investment Plan,ofhow we othervisitors.Aswithother canachieve this.Weare serviceareas,the pandemic excitedtoshare this plan with has made things abit more youwhenitiscomplete. complicated andIwouldliketo thankeveryonewho has Best wishes worked withustohelpensure that we’vebeenabletodeliver thoseessential safety related Naomi services despite thevarious NaomiMacey, lockdownsand restrictions. Director of Asset We want homesand Management andSafety communities to be thebest they can, so we hold regular surveys to allowusto continuallyimprove what we Don’tforget... do. Please respondtoany If youclaim Universal surveys youget,orfeelfreeto Credit, you’ll need to update getintouch with anyideas for Resource Reg. No. 2110 your rentcosts on your howwecan improve,asthis Journaltoensureyou’re helpsustoshape andtailor gettingthe correctamount ourservices. We arealways of bene ts. readytolisten.
2 Thegoodlife Corporate News andthe wildlife
•BestSmall Garden We’d also like to sayabig thank -gardens under 30ft long youtoall of oursponsors. •BestLarge Garden -gardens over 30ft long •BestImproved Garden -have youtransformed your garden into somethingbeautiful? •BestCommunalGarden -doyou andyourneighbourscreate Callingall green-fingered somethinggreat together? customers… We areexcited This year’s judgingcriteria to have launched thisyear’s includes: Garden Competition. •Companiongardening-What plants go well nexttoeach We allknowhow greatbeing out othertohelpencourage growth in thefresh airisfor ourmental andwildlife? andphysicalhealth. Butgardening Benefitsof is not only good forour souls, •Edible planting -thisdoesn’t it’s also good forour wildlife, have to be afullallotment. gardening ourenvironmentand of course, Vegetables canbeplanted in ourpockets. amongst owering plants in •MentalHealth-gardening smallerareas. canhelptoreducestress by This year,wehaverevisedthe •Rural Urban -whatkindof focusing themindaway categories to make it more from thestresses of theday inclusive, achangewhich was plants do youhaveaccordingto instigated by ourBoard members. your environment? •Physicalbene ts -lotsof Youdon’t need to have alarge •Environmental responsibility diggingand planting can outdoorpatch to reap thebene ts -plantingfor theenvironment, help burn calories and either.Lotsofgreat gardenscan what plants do youhavethat strengthen your heart be created in containers and attractinsects,doyou •Supportingthe pots, whetheryou areina ator reproduceplantsbyusing their largeplot. environmentand the seeds, useawater butt or your wildlife -plantingcolourful OurGarden Competition2021is owncompost? nectar rich owersisa nowopenfor entries, andthe Everyentry will receive afreegift, havenfor nature and categories are: kindly donatedbyPorter House increase biodiversitywithin •BestContainers/Pots/Balconies Wood Art, andthere areafurther ourtowns -displaysthatare completely £500 worth of prizestobewon •Pockethealth-home made from containers sponsoredbysomeofour grownfood cannot only contractorsand suppliers. •BestBuddingGardener help youtoeat healthier -Under 16s-we’d love to see So,whatare youwaiting for? butcan be alot cheaper ouryounger generation learning Entriesclose on June16, and than buying plastic life skills andbeing creative in judgingwilltakeplace on June23 wrapped fruitand veg thegarden andJune24. Our sponsors:
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 3 Bridgwater Central and West Bridgwater Villages 100thBirthdaycard New Cannington Primary School helped us outbyproviding Neighbourhood some fantastichomemade cardsfor oneofour Officer customer’s 100thBirthday! Hello! My name is Lauraand Iamthe new Neighbourhood Officer forWestBridgwater Villages andNewtown, Ialsocover Woolavington andPuriton area. Ihaveworkedfor HiSfor around two-and-a-half years, across two differentdepartments.Someof youmay recognisemefrommy Raising time as aCommunity Enabler with HiSwhere Ialsocovered West Bridgwater Villages. Aspirations Iamreallylooking forward to gettingout andabout and programme meeting youall. Ican be contactedon 0800585 360 or NorthgatePrimary School,in “Theylovedthe funand 01278552 400. Bridgwater,isone of the rst interactive games and schools to complete the rst resourcesthataccompanied Take care, year of theRaising Aspirations thelessonsand were grateful Laura programme. andinterested to be learning We commissioned Positive aboutthe world of workand Footprints forfourschools in what it entails.” Sedgemoortobene tfromits Raising Aspirationsprogramme. e This careers-ledprogramme has Northgat beenrecognised in Ofsted imary reports andfocusses on personal Pr developmentand resilience for School Didyou know... pupils in years5or6.The programmeisfully resourcedby If youopenaChristmas Savers PositiveFootprintsand delivered AccountwithWestCountry by teachers. Savingsand Loans with 1% interest anddeposit 3times Nicole Priestman, of Northgate before October31, youmight be PrimarySchool, said:“My Year entitled to a£10 bonus, thanks 6class fullyenjoyed theRaising to HiS! Formoreinformation, Aspirations Programmeand it contactyourIncomeOf cer. soonbecametheir favouritepart of theweek.
4 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 Woolavington, Puriton and Woolavington and Polden and Parrett Villages PuritonDream Scheme Woolavington andPuriton DreamSchemehas been providingcommunityopportunities foryoung people forovertwo years, thanks to fundingsupportfrom Villages Together.
TheDream Scheme is an opportunityfor youngpeople, aged 8-14,fromWoolavington andPuriton to take part in theirown communityactivitiesduringschoolholidaysand to be rewarded fortheir commitment. Throughout lockdown, acommittee madeupofHiS,SHAL, YouthGroup,Avonand Somerset Police andYoung Somerset,have continuedtosupport activities foryoung people in both villages. During thehalfterminFebruary, themembersreceived some excellent challenges to complete andachieve some well-earned points. TheDream Scheme needsyou!Ifyou wouldliketovolunteer forthisamazingproject, or know ayoung person whowould like to join,get in touch by emailing [email protected]. Formoreinformation,visit www.facebook.com/ WoolavingtonandPuritonDreamscheme.
Garden Cheddar,Axbridge and Your North Sedgemoor Villages clean-up NeighbourhoodOfficer Anumberofcustomers’gardens are Hello! My name is Cyan andIam the looking blooming marvellous thanks newNeighbourhoodOfficerfor Cheddar, to thehelpofNeighbourhood Officers, Axbridge,North SedgemoorVillages CommunityEnablersand Link Power. &Parrett Villages.
We teamed up withthe voluntary organisation, Ihaveworkedfor HiSfor around seven yearsnow based in Taunton,and worked with customers andIhave worked in severaldepartments within the ndingitdif culttoremove wastefrom organisation.IhavebeenaNeighbourhood Of cer their gardens. foraround ve yearsout of theseven andIhave worked in many differentareas within Sedgemoor. Onecustomer said:“My garden wasfullofrubbish andold junk.Istruggled to getitremovedand it Youmay recognisemeas wasnot thebesttolookatand it surewasn’tvery Icoveredthe area about safe foreithermychildren or dog. twoyears agoand Iam looking forwardtocoming “After emailingthe team at HiS, Ireceivedavery back.Ican’t wait to getout quickresponsefrom Sharon,[CommunityEnabler] andaboutand meetyou all. with awonderfulvolunteer company, who removedthe rubbishfor me andhave done aquick Ican be contactedon andwonderfuljob. 0800585 360 or 01278552 400. “Overall,weasafamilyare very satis ed withthe servicefrom both HiSand theguys whoremoved Take care, ourrubbish.Couldn’tthank them enough!” Cyan
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 5 Burnham-on-Sea, Highbridge, Brean and Berroww Highbridge Foodbank AlphaHouousese donation improvements HiScontractor, Deltron,donated afood parcel of groceries worth£50 to theTrussell We are pleased tohave been abletostart workonthe long- TrustinHighbridge. awaitedroofrepairs atAlpha House, Highbridge. Dan, Customer Liaison Of cer at itself,which enabled us to HiS, whohelpedtoco-ordinate provideitems that arerequired Theroofrepairs,carried out thedeliverytoHighbridge most by thelocal community, by contractor TheMDGroup, Foodbank,said: “Itwas greatto ourDeltron Project Manager and arepartofabiggerpiece of meetour lift contractor Deltron theHiS Customer Liaison Of cer workwhich will also see at theHighbridge Foodbank, carriedout theactualfood improvementstoexternal aftertheir kind donation. donation at theHopeBaptist andinternaldecorations, “The TrussellTrust has done a Church,one of theFoodbank’s upgradedheating andslip fantasticjob at providingvital donation locations.” resistant ooring installed in support to thelocal Highbridge, communal areas. Burnham-on-Sea andBerrow communities.” Theworks areexpectedto nishinJune. Formore TheTrussellTrust is anationwide information, andfor regular networkofFoodbanksthat updates, visitour websiteor provides emergencyfood and Facebookpage. support to people whohave been referred by certain authorities. Deltroncolleague Lukas, said: “Itispartofour companypolicy to give back to thecommunities we areworking in. “Fromour perspectivethere is often no better andmoredirect waythanlocal Foodbanks. “After identifyingthe general lowstock itemsinproactive Chilland Chat collaborationwiththe Foodbank In partnershipwithYouth Unlimited, LiveWestand the Food NotWaste Gospel Tabernacle,support is TheCommunity Enabler Team availablefor youngpeoplein theshape of theChill andChat has beenworking in partnership sessions where they canrelax, with LiveWest, Together Team, eat, chat, andseekfurther Youth Unlimited, Zing andthe support where necessary. MorlandHub in Highbridge to help redistribute surplus food TheMeeting Place, at Church Street,Highbridge,providesa from localsupermarkets. safe chilled-outspace for Many families andcustomers youngpeopletoengagewith were supported over the professional youth workers Christmas period withfood andfriends. parcelsand some extraarts Formoreinformation,please activitiesfor children viaSEED call 07895 224000. Sedgemoor.
6 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 Hamp, North Petherton, South Gibb House Bridgwater Villages and La Ciotat refurbishment Partnership The AssetTeamhas been busy refurbishing the working exterior at Gibb House, Bridgwater. Workinginpartnership with others is really importantto As part of theworks,the uneven handrail andour contractors us so it’s greatwhenwecan patioareahas beenliftedand replaced theold storedoors. gettogetherwithLiveWest, re-laidtohelpgiveour Finally, thegrass areaswere theTogetherTeams andYouth customerseasyaccess to treatedand restoredtohelp Unlimitedtoprovide activities for thebuildingand,inaddition, improve thegardenarea. youngpeopleinthe Hamp area. thepaths surroundingGibb Nick,SurveyoratHiS,said: “All of We arealsoworking towards Housewere re-coveredwith extraactivities to enhancethe newtarmac. theseimprovementswillmake thebuildingamorewelcoming RaisingAspirations programme Themainaccess path hasalso placefor visitors andour with theLandscapesPartnership bene ttedfromanadditional customersliving in Gibb House.” andLiveWest. Youngpeoplewillsoonbeable to bene t from therange of optionsavailablefromthe partnershiptolearn aboutcareers workinginthe outdoors and lookingafter theenvironment. NewNeighbourhood Officer Hi my name’s Jo, andI’m thenew Neighbourhood Of cer forWest Street,Bridgwater,alongwithLa Ciotat Houseand properties in Baymeadupgrades NorthPetherton. IhavebeenwithHiS since We’vebeenbusyimprovingthe walkwayss November andamreallyenjoying therole. at BaymeadMeadow, NorthPetherton. Ihaveworkedinhousing forover BaymeadMeadow is oneofthe We hope ourcustomers wiillll 11 yearsand have gained alot latest areastosee external enjoytheir newwalkwaysand of experience andknowledge in improvements, includingthe old nditeasiertoaccess their this time.Iamlooking forward slabsbeingreplacedwithmore homes. to gettingout andabout in the modernlooking brick,giving the area andmeeting customers– area amore welcominglook. hopefullythismay be easier in Access pathways that connect thecomingmonthswithCovid-19 BaymeadMeadowtoSchool restrictions easing! Fields Road have also been Ican also be levelledoff. contactedon After thepaths were tted, soil 0800585 360 or andgrass seedswerescattered 01278552 400. around theedges ofthe walkways to help improvethe Take care, lookofthe community. Jo
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 7 Corporate News
Whybecomea Block Champion:
OneBlock Championsaid: “Tenantsliving in ablock of ats, please thinkabout becominga BlockChampion. It will prove somethingreallyworthwhileand will give youthe chancetowork closelywiththe caring staffat HomesinSedgemoor. Youcan make thejob as bigoraslittle as youlike.” Become a Making a Neighbourhood NEIG HBOU Difference Fund RHOO CHAM D Champion PIONS We’vehad abumperyearthis year supporting14groupsand We’rehappy to launch ourNeighhbourhood organisations throughout Sedgemoorwiththe Making a Champions campaign,which will give our Difference Fund. customersmoreopportunities to be thevoiceoftheir Thepanel of customershave community, ensuring youlovewhere youlive. grantedmorethan£14,000 to worthycausesand community If youhaveany ideasorwould support neighbourhood organisations overthe last year like to help improve your improvements. Youmight also bene tingthe wholeof communitythena help us to advertisenew Neighbourhood Championrole Sedgemoor. communitygroupsorattendour couldbefor you! Estate Walks. Keep an eyeout on ourwebsite Butwhatroles arethere?Asa BlockChampion andsocialmedia pages for Neighbourhood Champion, you If youliveinablock of ats or a updatesonwhich groups have will be workingclosely with our bene ttedfromthe grant, and CommunityEnabler Team to ShelteredHousing Scheme you howthe moneyhas helped. complete tasksthatwillbene t maywanttobecomeaBlock your community. Championand getinvolvedright on your doorstep.AsaBlock Thesetasks aresharedbetween Champion, youwillbe threedifferentChampions: undertaking blockinspections, Digital Champion update noticeboards, andhelp theCommunity Enablersto As aDigital Champion, youwill support newinitiatives. review strategies,policies, and oursocialmedia andwebsite. Youcan becomea This will be throughemailsand Neighbourhood Championby ourclosed Facebookgroup. calling ourCustomer Services Community Champion Team on 0800585 360 or by sendinganemail to community. CommunityChampions canhelp engagement@ us to promote localactivitiesand homesinsedgemoor.org.
8 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 Firstvirtual scrutiny Corporate News
When it comestoscrutinyevents, we don’tlet anything getin theway,including Covid-19.With face-to-face meetings not possible, sixcustomers metvia Zoom to reviewour Antisocial Behaviour(ASB) Service. Customerswere supported give your recommendations Operations by Jane Eyles,SeniorTpas forimprovement. Committee Associate, andthe draftreport, Formoreinformation, contact We areinthe processof whichiscurrentlybeing reviewed theCommunity Enabler Team by thepanel members, will be on 0800585 360 or viaemail launchingour new availableonour websiteinthe at community.engagement@ Operations Committee. coming months. homesinsedgemoor.org. Customer scrutiny allows TheOperationsCommittee customerstomonitor and will providecustomer assurance commentonthe services to theBoard abouthow Homes we deliver. in Sedgemoorisdeliveringon ourservice commitmentstoall Wouldyou be interested in ourcustomers. joining ascrutinyteam? Youwillreview andreporton The‘consumer standards’are howwellweare doingand theregulatorystandardsset for HomesinSedgemoor, andother socialhousing providers, and include theday-to-day landlord Whybecomean services such as repairs, managingneighbourhoodsand Involved Customer? communities,allocation of homesand collecting rent. We’vespokentoinvolved customer of four years, Lewis, Thedeadlinefor applications to seewhy he thinksit’simportant to getinvolved. to join thecommittee has recently closed,and we are Lewissaid: “I’vegainedinsight such adifference to lots of local currentlygoing throughthe into howdecisionsare made organisations andgroups, with recruitmentprocess.Ifyou within severalareas of HiSand grants that they canuse to missed thedeadline, andthink metnew people.Ihave learnt a nancetheir community projects. youmight be interested,call lotofthingswhich have given ourCommunity Enabler Team me satisfaction if Ican usethis “I regularlyattendService forachatasweare always to help others. Improvement Groupmeetings, lookingfor more customersto “I have gained knowledge where we look at howservices getinvolved! andskillsand agreater aredelivered, discusshow to understandingofhousing, do things differently, costings, dispelling some mythsand problems within serviceareas preconceivedideas.I’veseenthe andlookatsolutions.Ihave Don’tforget... humansideofthe organisation beeninvolvedinthe decision- making process within areassuch andworkedwithateam of If you’re an EU,EEA or individualswho care about as recruitment, tenderingand customersworking within awide reviewingcontracts.Initially Swisscitizen, youand your remit of ‘looking afterpeople’, Ithought themeetingswould be family canapply to the treating people like individuals atalking shop buthavefound that EU Settlement Scheme to notjustatenant. my questionsand feedback have continue livinginthe UK “I have attended avariety of genuinelybeenheard. after June30, 2021.The meetingsand participatein “HiS is genuinely deadline forapplyingisJune panels andconsultations.The 30,2021. Making aDifference panelmakes customer focused.”
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 9 Bridgwater Central and Sydenham and the Levels West Bridgwater Villages WyndhamRoad 100th FencingProgramme Birthday card WyndhamRoad, Bridgwater,has afresh newlook followingthe completionofour fencingprogramme. Children from St John andSt FrancisChurchSchool, TheAsset Team has beenbusy Investment Manager,said: Bridgwater,made some lovely replacingthe frontgarden fences “Despite restrictions duetothe cardsfor acustomer who of HiSpropertiesatWyndham Coronaviruspandemic,overthe Road,withacloseboard fenceas past year we have beenableto celebrated her100th Birthday chosen by ourcustomers. maintian ourGreat Estates andsupplied some great Programme. Christmas cardsfor residentsat Nick,Surveyor, said:“Thenew DunwearHouse,Sydenham. fencingisamarked improvement “Wehaveworkedhard to deliver on what wasthere before. From this programmetoimprove the speaking to thecustomers, appearance of ourhomes and they’reall happywiththe quality communities to make them of thefences. better places to live.” “The new-look liftsthe area;the newgates have alookofquality andare very robust compared to thepreviousones.” Theworkhas beencarried outby contractor, ENGIE, as part of our GreatEstates Programme. Talkingabout theGreat Estates Westonzoyland Programme,Chris,Property TheGreat Estates Programme is committedtoimprovingeachof litter pick ourneighbourhoods by improvingthe look of acommunity, making better useofopenspaces, providing better refuse and AlongsideSedgemoorDistrict recyclingfacilities,and replacingfencing andgardengates as well Council, we look forward to as improvingthe layout of alleyways. furthersupportingthe litter pickersatWestonzoyland to We have committedtospend £2.5 million on thesix-year help improve their community programme (2015-2021). by collecting allthe rubbish around thevillage. Pantry Packs
TheCommunity Enabler Team at Bridgwater,and Sydenham, HomesinSedgemoorhas been andtheyprovide vitalfood and busy packingbagsfulloftoiletry toiletry products to families and products that will help support individualsinneed. families in ourcommunities. The70bagswere packed and donatedtoThe LocalPantry Sedgemoor. TheLocal Pantry Sedgemooris dividedintotwo areas, South
10 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 Independent HiSBoard Update Hello, At thetimeofwriting,we Living Service have just experiencedthe rst relaxation of lockdown We launchedthe newIndependentLiving arrangements andthe sun Service, formally knownasSupported is shining! It hasbeenavery traumaticand, Housing, at thebeginningofApril. formany, lonely andisolating 2021 to date buthopefully, Thenew serviceisnot just a Meet ournew Independent as asociety,wecan startto name change,wehave Support f cers resumemorenormalactivities remodelledand greatlyimproved andcontacts overthe next few months.The HiSBoard has theservice ensuringitis tfor continuedtomeetvirtually purpose, sustaining tenancies, throughout lockdownand has andcreatinganenvironment progressed some important where ourcustomerswithin issues,not leastabout customer, IndependentLiving arehappier Maria Kate colleague andcommunity safety within their homesand have OurIndependentSupport Of cers andwelfare. overall better health. visitour customersonaSilver TheTAG membership of involved Meet ournew Hub Managers andGoldlevel of service, to customershas done abrilliant provideahigher level of tenancy jobofcontinuingtosupport the sustainabilitysupport.They business andscrutiniseservices. Board recently approved the support ourcustomerswith formationofanOperations ensuringeligible bene tsare Committeetoconsider maximised,support with servicedeliveryinitiatives and Angi Janet accessingheath andcare performancereview as well as providers, help resolveminor make recommendationstoBoard OurHub managersoversee the neighbourhood disputes,assist on keyplans andstrategies. Iam day-to-day deliveryofSheltered with correspondence including delightedtoinformyou that this HousingServicesinlinewith newbut keypiece of theoverall making essential appointments organisationalobjectives across governance frameworkisnow andliaising with your GP to therelevantallocated“Hub” of progressingtothe recruitment ensuremedicationisavailable, activities. of thecommittee members. assistwithplanningmeals and Youwillbeprovidedwithupdates Meet our new Independent essential shopping. This is on progress as theOperations Living Advisors coordinated in awellmaintained Committeegetsactivelyinvolved. androbustsupport plan. Board hasalsoheldavirtual Meet ournew Away Day which involved receiving presentationsfrom Handyperson externalpartners. Askills OurHandyperson assessment has beenconcluded Sue forall Board memberswhich Teresa Pauline maintainsand manages site will nowbeused to develop a Geoff trainingplansowecan continue OurIndependentLiving Advisors facilities, including to develop thecollectiveand visitour customersonaBronze thecommunalareas.Theyare individual skills needed. also responsiblefor theday-to- level of servicetoensuretheyare Igenuinelyhopethatthe rest of happyintheir homes. They help daycleaningofcommunalareas, 2021 will be more positive and ourcustomers paytheir rent, groundsmaintenance, minor allowustomeetwithfamilyand ensuretheir homesare safe and repairs andensuringhealthand friendstoget back some much- risk free,discuss neighbourhood safety obligationsare adheredto. needed freedoms, butinasafe andresponsible way. issues,helpwithany issues of If youwould like to know more loneliness andcoordinatethisall aboutour IndependentLiving Please take care. throughawell maintained and Service, please visitour website PaulStephenson robustsupport plan. or call us on 0800585 360. Chair of theBoard
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 11 Corporate News Building inspections Throughoutthe coronaviruspandemicwehavebeen Radontesting undertakingextensive building inspectionsevery HomesinSedgemoorwillbe monthand over thepastyearhaveseenapositive working with Public Health England(PHE) in thecoming increase in blockswith no issues regardingfire and months, to identify andreduce potentiallyhighlevelsofradonin compliance. But, thereisstill work to do surrounding propertiesthatcould possibly be housekeepingwithinthe blocks. at risk. What is Radon? As always,yoursafetyisour Radonisanaturallyoccurring priority, andour BuildingSafety radioactivegas which, if presentin Inspector has beenworking with high concentrations in thehome, youtoraiseawareness of re mayaffectthe health hazardsand therisks surrounding of occupants. Some areasof thecountry aremoreatrisk obstructions within blocks. than others. We have also setupanew re What we will be doing? door programmewithinblocksto If your home has beenidenti ed make sureyou have thehighest as beinginanareawhere Radon level of safety andsecurity, and couldbepresent,you will receive we areworking towards atesting kit from PHEand instructions on what to do. installing emergencylightingin This will involveplacingtwo lowlit blocks. detectorsinyourpropertyfor threemonthsand then posting them back at theend of thetest. If youhave anyquestions or Electrical safety concerns,pleasecontact our Compliance Team on 0800585 360. In ordertoensureyou remain safe,weundertake an Electricity: The electrical inspectionatyourhomeevery fiveyears. Do’s andDon’ts Regularchecks arethe best way •The stateofwires andcables to ensureelectricalinstallations •Don’t do it yourself -DIY •Sendaquali ed,competent aresafe, andtospot potential electrician, whomay undertake wiring canleadtoelectrical problems before it is toolate. partsoverheating,causing aPeriodicInspectionwhich res, shocks anddeath What we do? will result in thecreationof an EICR •Don’t overload sockets When we carryout an electrical -pluggingintoo many inspection at your property,we •Carry outany necessaryrepairs devicesintoone socket will check: or remedialwork andoverusing extension leads,can lead to •The electrical intake (where overheating and res theelectricity entersthe property,neartothe consumer •Dobuy reputableelectrical unit fusebox) goods -cheaper,‘unof cial’ electrical products such as •The consumer unit phone chargers maynot meetsafetyregulations, •The main protective bonding increasing theriskof re (which connects pipeworkwith theelectrics in aproperty) •Doallow electrical inspections to take place •Any xturesand ttings(such as light ttings andsockets)
12 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 Social HousingWhite Paperand ourcustomers What is theWhite Paper? Anew Charterfor Social HousingResidents, oftenreferred to as the WhitePaper,finallyarrivedinNovember2020proposingafuture directionoftravelfor social housing.
TheCharter sets outseven key have avibrant andin uential themes to raisethe standardsof customer involvementgroup socialhousing andthe aspirations that hold us to accountand our of residentswithfocus on communicationistransparent buildingsafety, compliance and andrelevanttothe audience we regulation,and thefuturefor aresupporting. tenant engagement. If youwishtoknowmoreor Lotsofworkhas beengoing wouldliketoget involved in this on by of cersand ourinvolved work,contact ourCommunity tenant groups to consider howwe EnablerTeamon0800 585360. continue to ensureour customers aresafeintheir homes, that we What does it mean to ourcustomers? We spoketosomeofour customerstohearwhattheythought of theWhitePaper,what it means to them andwhattheycan expect moving forwards.
Karensaid: “I waspleased to see “ThiswillmakeHiS more “Ifthe WhitePaper becomes law HiSwas actually doingalot of accountabletoall of itstenants, it will hopefullyimprove thelives things in theWhite Paperalready. so we needtomakesurewetake of alltenants, although there is always thedangerthatsome “Itisgood HiSwillbeeven thetimetoreadany information landlordswilleithergiveup more open than nowtoinvolved sent to us!Alsobackupplans if lettingaltogether or stilltry to tenants,makingusfeelour things go wrongthatare outof getawaywithbad practices.” viewsreallydomatter andare their control.” genuinelylistened to.Itisalso Annsaid: “The WhitePaper importanttooffer even more will ensurehomes aresafefor training. tenantsand in good repair, that “I am most impressed withthe customershave agood quality newway complaints arehandled home andneighbourhood to Don’tforget... andHiS’timetabletobeCarbon liveinand that staffare well neutral. equipped to work with mental Youcan receive your customer health needs.” newsletter digitally. To have “[Customerscan nowexpect] your Neighbourhood Matters more openness,listening MB said: “Itwillbeinterestingto andaccessibilityfromevery see howmuch of theWhite Paper emailed to you, contactour department, beingabletosee if is enactedintolaw.Ihopethat Customer Services Team on targetsare metand where and HiSwilltakeonboard many of 0800585 360orat whythings mayhave gone wrong thesuggestions andact on them customer.services@ or,moreimportantly,how HiSis regardless of whetherornot they homesinsedgemoor.org. gettingthingsright. becomelaw.
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 13 Corporate News HQNaccreditation The Income andHomes andLettingsTeams at HiS Working have received accreditation from HousingQuality Network(HQN) fordeliveringahighqualiityty ooff service with SEED to ourcustomers.
OurCommunity Enabler team Accreditationisasign that our is workingwithSeed services notonlymeetgood Sedgemoorasa‘Grower and practise standards, butthatwe Sower’tosupport community offerabest-in-class serviceto arts projects. ourcustomersand residents. Seed is the rstSouth West OperationsManager,Darren based CreativePeopleand said:“It is greatnewsthatthe Places (CPP)–anArtsCouncil Income Team andthe Homes Funded initiativeall about andLettingsTeamhave gained allowing more people to choose, HQNAccreditation. create andtakepartinartsand “Everybodyhas worked hard to cultural activity. achieve this. Throughfurther funding, Seed “Havingexternalvalidation hasbeenputting together givesour customerscon dence activitiestohelpcombat in ourservicesand demonstrates isolationand lonelinessdue to that they areatthe heartof theCovid-19pandemic. ourwork.” service, makesbestuse of Arts facilitators were recruited To achieve accreditation,the resourcesavailable, was to providevirtual creative teamshad to demonstrate they innovative andcommitted to sessions includingdance,choirs, understood itscustomers, developing andsustainingstrong song writingand theatres. deliveredexcellent customer partnerships. They also launched the Stepping Outprogramme to support thosepeople experiencingloneliness or isolationand wouldliketotalk with an artist or writer to connectwiththe arts project.
Garages
We have arange of garages whichare availabletolet across Sedgemoor. Garagescost£10.76for HiScustomers, or £10.76+VAT fornon-HiS customers, aweek. To register your interest in lettingagarage, please llout ouronline form andlet us know whereyourpreferred area is,and we will getin touch.The online form canbefound at www.homesinsedgemoor.org/ article/4821/Applying-for-a-garage-with-us.
14 Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 Customer feedbaacck Corporate News andcomplaints We understand that from time to time,thingscan go wrong, butweare committed to resolving complaints at thefirstpoint of contact, wherever possible, andalways strive to adoptalessons-learned approach so we canimprove ourservices.
During thelastyear, we have seen two-stageprocess,including a We really do want to hear from thepublicationofthe Social review panel with involved youifyou have notbeenhappy HousingWhite Paper, andthe customers, thereby ensuringafair with anyaspectofour service, as HousingOmbudsmanCodeof and consistentapproach to all this is howwecan make things Practice,and in conjunctionwith complaints received. better goingforward. this,wehavecompleted aself- Youcan logacomplaint by Afullcopyofour complaints assessment of ourcomplaints whatever meansispreferableto you, andyou will then receive an policy is availableonour website, policy andprocess,and also or youcan request aprinted copy commissioned an independent acknowledgement withintwo workingdays. Your complaintwill viaour Customer Services Team auditvia SWAP Internal Audit – 0800 585360 or customer. Services. be investigated by theService Lead,and youwillthenreceive a [email protected]. As aresult, we have nowupdated furtherresponsewithin10 ourpolicy, so that we have a workingdays. Survey of Tenantsand Residents (STAR) results
We arecontinuingthe quarterly STAR surveys, andour Customer Services Team will also make a viaour partnerMEL Research. follow-up call forany negativefeedback received, so that we canensureissuesare addressed foryou. They maycontact youvia telephoneoremail to take part,and there are10standardquestions that ask During thelastyear, we have triedtomaintainour youtorateyoursatisfaction. services throughout thepandemic,but realisethere are some areaswhere this has just notbeenpossible, and If youtakepart, youwillbeenteredintoaquarterly arelooking forwardtobeing abletoget outand about prizedrawwhere youcan wina£50 Love2Shop withinour neighbourhoodsonceagain. voucher. Ourtargets forthe comingyearare challenging, Allresults aresharedwithour SeniorLeadership butthiswillensureweall maintain acustomer Team,toenableour servicedeliverytobeimproved, focused approach. Q3 Q4 Overallsatisfactiontakingeverything into account82% 85% Satisfaction with overall qualityofhome80% 78% Satisfaction with HiSprovidingahomethatissafeand secure85% 82% Satisfaction with HiSeasytodealwith83% 82% Satisfaction with neighbourhood as aplace to live76% 83% Satisfaction with rent providingvalue formoney 87%89% Satisfaction with servicechargesproviding valuefor money76% 72% Satisfaction with overall repairs service(experience from arecentrepair) 78%74% Satisfaction with HiSlisteningtoviews andactinguponthem66% 65%
Neighbourhood Matters Issue 12: Spring 2021 15 Puzzle Time! £2 Enterour Winter wordsearch. VOUC 5 up HER Find all10words from thelist, then return it alongwiththe gr for completedentryform. abs! HWDEWR FYHYGC QSRESUSLGDQW SPRING QD IBJWNFNXIH WELLINGTONS APRIL VMBKPOOREDAS BUTTERFLY USYIMB TEGFPM FLOWERS XLDT INGTDLRM LADYBIRD KITE MJAEHINTGO IN BEE OS LXCA IUNWLI BLOOM ORBQRRLBIEEE RAINBOW LUBVKCLPRRVN Please complete your details forachance of winninga BQPQUEEZPSGD £25voucher. Send your completedentry form CSVZRLWB SIFD to:Homes in Sedgemoor, Bridgwater House, King Square, Bridgwater TA63AR,email Name:...... customer.services@ Address:...... homesinsedgemoor.orgor messageusonFacebook...... Closingdate: Telephone:...... Friday,June4,2021
Congratulations Congratulations
To MrsJames,ofNetherStowey, andMrs Wheeler, To MrsCoombes,ofBridgwater,MrHodgkinson, of NorthPetherton,who won£50 worthof of Burnham-on-Sea,and MrsJamieson, of Love2Shopvouchersfor taking part in theSTAR Highbridge,who were thewinners of thewinter andTransactional surveys. newsletter competition.
HomesinSedgemoor@HomesSedgemoor Don’t forget to follow us on social media andcheck ourwebsite! [email protected]
www.homesinsedgemoor.org0800585 360/01278552400
Homes in Sedgemoor, BridgwaterHouse,KingSquare, BridgwaterTA6 3AR