Providing Quality Homes & Neighbourhoods

Inside this Issue

Cover Story - Under the microscope Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Donna Bell reveals how we inspect your estate Grand Design We unveil the new plans for Swallow Court, A1’s Sheltered Scheme in Misterton Tenant Training See what you can achieve at A1 Housing’s Training and Development Centre www.a1housing.co.uk Issue 26 Winter 2011 Involving you & Community News Welcome from David Welcome from Bernard A message from In Touch’s Tenant Editor, David Smith A message from A1 Housing’s Managing Director, Bernard Coleman

WELCOME to the winter issue of In Touch and WELCOME to what a winter it’s been Letters to the Editor the Winter issue so far! Who would have Dear A1 Housing, of In Touch and thought we would see since my last that amount of snow fall If you have something column there has in Bassetlaw? to say about In Touch or I, like many A1 Housing tenants, suffered with been a lot going would like to let us know frozen pipes when the weather got really cold. I know from personal Dear A1 Housing, on, both with the about anything that has I was told that there wasn’t much that A1 experience that while weather and in happened in your area, Housing could do, but that as the temperature the weather was bad, Government. you can write to us with I’d just like to say thank you to the helpful rose it seemed to ease. Do you have any tips to the A1 Housing repairs team were stretched man who got my heating to work again. to the limit and had a record number of your views. stop it happening again? call outs. I know I’m biased, but they did a During the worst of the snow, one of your Mr T, Retford Firstly, many of you will have seen fantastic job in getting to the people they Please mark your letters heating engineers trudged down our road or read about the could. for the attention of the as he couldn’t drive his van down it and Government cuts However, it’s not always the job of A1 to Tenant Editor, using the had to go back to it at least four times for Ed – Well Mr T, we had an unprecedented to local authorities and Council keep an eye out for people and I have a address below, and we different things. He never complained once, number of people ring us up about frozen has not escaped this. The Council has announced suggestion. If you have not made a New will print the best ones in was very nice, very polite and apologised pipes so you are not alone! And because of cutbacks of its funding, which will also have an Year’s resolution yet, why not make one to be our next issue. for the fact that it had taken so long to get this we have put together some simple hints impact on A1 Housing and you as tenants. a little more neighbourly this year? out to us. and tips on Page 12 to help you should the We are currently working with the Department of If you have an elderly neighbour on your Miss K, via Facebook temperatures plummet again. Communities and Local Government, the Homes street or someone who fi nds it diffi cult to get You can email us at: and Communities Agency and The Council to see out of the house, why not make a point of [email protected] how we can manage these cuts and still provide the seeing if they are OK should the weather get Ed – Hello Miss K and thank you for taking Or write to us at: services that you expect. As soon as we have any bad again? the time to let us know. There were many Customer Services exact details we will let you know. But, if you are elderly yourself, don’t open the people in the same position as you and we Carlton Forest House Back in November we were inspected by the Audit door to anyone you don’t know and always would like to thank all A1 Housing tenants Hundred Acre Lane Commission to see if we are still rated as a Two-Star ask for identifi cation if a tradesman calls. for being patient during what was a diffi cult , Notts organisation. We expect to receive their fi nal report There have been many reports of bogus time for everyone. S81 0TS and recommendations in February and once we callers and you need to be vigilant. have this, you will be the fi rst to know the results and I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, a copy will be placed on our website for everyone to and wish you the all best for 2011. New text message service read. David Finally, the last three months has seen Bassetlaw, Getting in touch with A1 Housing and the rest of the country, hit with some of the worst is now even easier with our NEW weather for years. text message service. You can use Despite this, it was pleasing to see A1 Housing ‘Be Prepared’ this to ask for any enquiries you offi cers get into work so that we could maintain Editor’s Tip may have, such as Non-urgent an emergency service and help out wherever we THAT’S it, the festive season is over for another year and means you can defrost bread as you Repairs, Decent Homes or Resident could, as you will be able to read about later in the hopefully you’ll have some leftovers from your Christmas need it rather than a whole loaf at once. Involvement. newsletter. Hampers. That’s because my tip for this issue (and without Panic buying also affects supplies of Simply text your enquiry to 07725 sounding too much like a Cub Scout) is ‘Be Prepared’. I would also like to thank you as tenants for milk so consider getting some cartons of 768444 and we will get the relevant your understanding that we could only deal with Having already suffered two extreme bouts of snowy, icy and UHT milk, tins of condensed milk or even department to call you back. emergency repairs during this period. We know that cold weather, spring is still a long way off and there is always powdered milk which will come in handy. the snow has caused a lot of problems and we have the possibility of more arctic conditions. Alternatively, OXO cubes and Bovril make all possible staff working to resolve any situations Therefore, it’s a good idea to stock up with plenty of food excellent winter drinks with no need for that are still outstanding. milk. and drink as cheaply as possible. Tinned goods such as I hope you all had a Merry Christmas and a Happy baked beans, tomatoes and especially soups are obvious Finally, it’s not always possible to afford New Year, and best wishes from everyone at A1 examples, but the fi rst victim of panic buying is usually the best brands so consider the cheaper Housing. bread. ranges such as Tesco Value or Sainsbury’s If you have a small freezer then stockpiling it with bread is Basic. The good news is that when the sun probably not the best way to use space. So, for people living does eventually show itself you can still use alone or couples, putting slices into separate freezer bags everything and save on your weekly shop.

Our freephone line is open from 8am to 8pm 2 - to beat the rush, call after 1pm 3 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News

EdieA1 Housing picks Winners! up a prestigious national award Michelle’s my lifesaver A1 Housing Warden is hailed as a hero after saving the life of a tenant

MICHELLE Smith was carrying out a routine three-monthly visit “I remember going to bed on Saturday night with some pains in to Ordsall resident Ted Francis, but as soon as she reached the my chest and shoulder,” he added. “I have a few ailments so I’m front door, she had a hunch that something was wrong. used to a bit of pain and just wanted to sleep it off. The next thing The curtains were still drawn at his bungalow and when she I remember is coming round in hospital on the Monday.” investigated further, the neighbours said they had not seen Ted Mr Francis’ experience highlights the importance of the Warden for a couple of days. Service and has now upped his visits from three-monthly to Luckily, Michelle was able to get into the house and discovered weekly. Ted close to death in his bed and turning blue. He said: “I didn’t want to become dependant on someone, but I “I thought he was dead at fi rst,” said Michelle. “It was very scary now realise that it’s an essential service.” but I felt him and he was still warm and I could see his breathing A1 Housing’s Joice Richards, Director of Strategy and Change, was very shallow.” praised Michelle for her bravery and said: “We would like Thanks to fi rst aid training that Michelle has received, she was to commend Michelle. Her quick actions and thoughts have A1 HOUSING has celebrated winning an important national Our retrofi t house in Tuxford, Retford, is part of a national able to clear Mr Francis’ airways and treat the 63-year-old until undoubtedly saved the life of Mr Francis and we are all extremely award that recognises our work on environmentally friendly research programme to test ground-breaking technology, the emergency services arrived. She added: “Suddenly the colour proud of her. which also reduces Carbon emissions and increases energy projects. came back to his face and he started to come round.” “Michelle is a credit to A1 Housing and the Warden Service and effi ciency. The Edie Awards for Environmental Excellence rewards Following a short stay in hospital, Mr Francis is back at home and this incident further highlights the essential job that Michelle, and And we are also one of the fi rst ALMOs in the country to trial a companies who are doing more than their fair share to protect recovering well but has no recollection of what happened. many others like her, do on a daily basis.” the environment. And A1 Housing was one of the big winners new boiler that is 90 per cent more energy effi cient and greatly reduces Carbon emissions. “I can’t thank Michelle enough for what she did,” said Mr Francis. as we topped the Renewable Energy category. “I probably wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for her actions. If you would like to Former Red Dwarf actor and comedian Chris Barrie presented If you live in a home that has recently had Ground or Air Source know more about the the award to Don Spittlehouse, A1’s Director of Technical and Heating installed, then you should not only be benefi ting from a Warden Service, please Housing Services, who said: “To gain national recognition for call 01909 479980 warm home and cheaper bills, but you have also played a part our efforts in renewable energy, carbon reduction and tackling in the important environmental work we are doing. fuel poverty makes us all feel very proud. Just some of the projects we have been working on include, Mr Spittlehouse said this was just the beginning and added: fi tting around 150 Ground Source and 60 Air Source Heat “Our plan is to allow even more people to heat their homes Pumps across Bassetlaw that will help to tackle fuel poverty, as more affordably, as well as work towards a target of reducing well as reducing our carbon footprint. carbon emissions by 20 per cent by 2020.” Radiating towards charity BASSETLAW Hospice received a warm gesture from Spinks and A1 Housing as they handed over a cheque for £393. The money was raised after the plumbing, heating and bathroom company became an A1 Housing supplier and agreed to donate £1 for every radiator that was installed in an A1 Housing property between March and August. Bassetlaw Hospice charity administrator Ian Hall said: “Thank you to A1 Housing and Spinks for making this very generous donation. It will certainly help.” Spinks Branch Manager Lee Tunnard added: “During hard times it’s nice that we can give something back to local charities and we hope to raise even more in 2011.” Hopefuly this is the fi rst of many donations and A1‘s Don Spittlehouse, said: “It’s great that two local companies can Ian Hall (left) receives a cheque from work together and raise money for a local charity such as this.” Lee Tunnard (centre) and Don Spittlehouse

4 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 5 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News

The latest news and events from New look for Swallow Court TRA news your neck of the woods GRAND Sheltered Scheme Christmas Fair at Prospect DESIGN PROSPECT Tenants and Residents Association (TRA) has been busy over the last few months, the highlights of which include the Christmas Fair and their annual Pantomime. The fair was held on Saturday 19th November at Christchurch on Thievesdale Lane, where visitors were able to buy their Christmas presents from a selection of stalls that sold wood turning, handmade soaps, jewellery and much more. While those who braved the weather and made it to Kilton Forest Community Centre on Saturday 4th December were rewarded with a great rendition of ‘Little Red Riding Hood’ in the annual Panto. Hallcroft trip to Chatsworth HALLCROFT TRA enjoyed a memorable day out at Chatsworth House where this year’s Christmas display took inspiration from the rich cultures and traditions of Russia. HERE is the fi rst look at A1 Housing’s plans to add a bright, wish to live within a community setting, yet still retain complete The trip was enjoyed by all who attended and proved to be great inspiration for modern and luxurious touch to Swallow Court. independence,” said Joice Richards, A1 Housing’s Director of Christmas gifts, especially when walking round the Christmas Market. Work to completely refurbish the Sheltered Scheme in Misterton Strategy and Change. However, the TRA were especially impressed with how well prepared into 13 new self-contained fl ats began in December 2010 and “This project, which is being funded by Bassetlaw District Council, tenants are expected to start moving into their new surroundings is part of A1 Housing’s desire to ensure that all our Sheltered Chatsworth were at looking after some of the less able members. in July 2011. Schemes are a vibrant, happy and comfortable place to live.” Consisting of four one-bedroom and nine two-bedroom fl ats, A1 Housing will be announcing more detailed information later in Harworth and Bircotes TRA each home will feature a fi tted kitchen, easy access showers and the year including dates of public events where you can ask A1 FATHER CHRISTMAS had an extra special escort when he held one warden call equipment for extra piece of mind. Housing staff more about the Sheltered Scheme and when you of his many Grottos last year, this one being at the Harworth and Other improvements include a spacious communal lounge and can experience Swallow Court for yourself. Bircotes Christmas Lights Gala on Thursday 25th November. kitchen, a guest room, laundry facilities, a mobility scooter store If you are interested in living at Swallow Court you must fi rst and a beautiful seated garden as well as structural enhancements register with A1 Housing. To do this you can contact Housing Even Santa found the recent heavy snow a problem, and to make such as new windows and doors and a new pitched roof. Advice on 01777 713 202 or visit the Homefi nder section of our sure he got there on time, he got a Police escort from PC Jim Martin, “Swallow Court promises to be an ideal home for people who website, www.a1housing.co.uk. complete with sirens and fl ashing lights. Thanks to the efforts of PC Martin and Harworth and Bircotes TRA members, especially Frank and Margaret Renner, many local children were able to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas. Helping to spread some community spirit COMMUNITY Groups across Bassetlaw are benefi ting from A1 Housing grants – the latest being ’s Happy Circle and Harworth’s Knitters and Natters. The Happy Circle group (pictured top right) are a collection of pensioners who meet each week on Wednesday afternoons for bingo and a catch-up. They were presented with a cheque for £100 that will go towards one of their annual trips away. While Knitters and Natters, who get together to swap stitches and gossip each Thursday afternoon in Harworth, received £200 which will help with the cost of knitting supplies and equipment. A1 Housing is able to donate a number of Community Awards each year, up to the value of £200. If you feel your community group could benefi t from one of these, please contact Customer Services on 01909 534520 for an application form.

Don’t forget Saturday morning opening 6 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk times are 9am to 1pm 7 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News

Estate Inspection Programme Estate Inspections January to March 2011 OUT AND ABOUT ON YOUR ESTATE Donna Bell is a Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer with A1 What differences can they make by going on an Estate Date of Inspection - Neighbourhood Worksop Areas Housing. Here she tells In Touch about what happens on an All start at 10am Housing Offi cer Inspection? Estate Inspection and how important it is that tenants get involved. They can tell us exactly what they would like and what is needed Manton – Featherston Avenue, Thursday Jenny Nilsson to make that area a better place to live. We can then try and Hardwick Road East and West, 20th January 2011 01909 533718 What happens on an Estate Inspection then? accommodate that. Rushey Close, etc Well, it gives us a chance to visit all the areas of an estate that we How much time would tenants have to give up? Prospect Thursday Donna Bell might not normally see and deal with problems like broken walls and fences, graffi ti, overgrown gardens and illegal parking. We It usually takes between 1 hour and 1 hour 30mins to walk around 27th January 2011 01909 533284 are really looking for things that need doing that will improve the the estate and they will normally have one or two inspections per Rhodesia Thursday Gary Plumpton area or make it look better for the residents. year. 3rd February 2011 01909 533715 Who normally carries out these inspections? Finally, how important do you think these inspections Manton - Foxglove Close, Tuesday Debbie Savage We have lots of different people from different departments of A1 are? Howard Street, Talbot Road, 15th February 2011 01909 534467 Housing, Bassetlaw District Council, Police and They are very important, not just for the reasons we have already Tenby Grove, St Paul’s Road, other agencies. talked about, but also that the tenants and residents see that Lincoln Street, Furnival Street It means that we have specifi c people on hand that can address we are interested in their area. It means they know that we are Langold – Chestnut Road, Thursday Paula Owen any specifi c problems we might come across. It also gives involved and they can approach us if there is anything they would like us to let us know about. Laburnum Drive, Dyscarr Close, 24th February 2011 01909 535516 tenants the chance to meet somebody they might not normally Goldthorpe Avenue, Goldthorpe meet and talk about relevant issues. Close, Doncaster Road If you would like to attend an inspection for your estate, Why not give us a poke? Do you think it’s important that tenants and residents please contact your Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Kilton North Tuesday June Pocklington also get involved in Estate Inspections? IF you have a Facebook account and are an 1st March 2011 01909 533178 A1 Housing tenant, or on a waiting list for one I do, because it’s their estate. They are there all the time and they of our properties, why not join us? know what the issues are on that estate more than we do. So it Valley Road and Gateford Thursday Donna Bell would be excellent if more tenants would come along and join us. By signing up to the A1 Housing Tenant’s group you can get the latest information on 10th March 2011 01909 533284 anything to do with A1 Housing and your Priory Estate and The Mews Thursday Jenny Nilsson area. 17th March 2011 01909 533718 You can also chat to some of our representatives through our weekly online Date of Inspection - Neighbourhood Retford & Harworth Areas surgeries which cover: All start at 10am Housing Offi cer

Retford - North Road, Mattersey, Tuesday Caroline Money Advice – Mondays, 2pm to 3pm Mattersey Thorpe, Sutton, Lound 25th January 2011 Halfpenney You and Your Tenancy – Tuesdays, 11am to 01777 713867 12noon Decent Homes – Tuesdays, 2pm to 3pm Retford Central – Spital Hill, Tuesday Jason Green Adaptations – Wednesdays, 2pm to 3pm Moorgate, Eagle Place and 1st February 2011 01777 713204 Armstrong Road Repairs – Thursdays, 10am to 11am Ordsall Tuesday Christine Eyre You can get an instant reply to any questions 8th February 2011 01777 713866 you may have during these times, or you can Elkesley, Gamston, Bothamsall, Tuesday Christine Eyre post a message and we will reply the next West Drayton, Thrumpton and 22nd February 2011 01777 713866 time a representative is online. Ranby We currently have more than 500 friends, of Tuxford Tuesday Christine Eyre which over 300 are A1 Housing Tenants and 8th March 2011 01777 713866 170 are on the housing waiting list. Hallcroft Thursday Caroline We also have a Be Heard from Home group Halfpenney that currently has more than 170 members. 24th March 2011 01777 713867 Find us at: Facebook/A1Housingcustomerservices Retford Central – St Saviour’s Tuesday Jason Green Estate 29th March 2011 01777 713204

8 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 9 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News

Introduction to Computers and IT Preparing meals on a budget Where: Training & Development Centre, Carlton Forest Where: Thievesdale Community Centre, Thievesdale Lane, Worksop From: 16th February - 23rd March 2011 From: 2nd February - 16th March 2011 Training and Development Centre Times: 9.30am to 11.30am Times: 9.30am to 11.30am DID you know that A1 Housing has its very own Training and training courses on any subject, should there enough people Development Centre where tenants and employees can learn interested. This is a fi ve-week course that will not run during This is a six-week course that will not run during school holidays. new skills? But as well as learning, you’ll also meet new people, share school holidays. Crèche facilities available free of charge if required. Our friendly, helpful and informative trainers will help you to experiences, and gain confi dence. Basic DIY Skills Applying for a job skills and coaching increase your skills and knowledge through a variety of courses Here are just some of the best bits of A1 Housing’s Training and that can give you qualifi cations and accreditations. Where: Training & Development Centre, Carlton Forest Training Dates Development Centre at Carlton Forest, Worksop. From: 18th February - 18th March, 2011 15th February, 2011 - Beverley Road Community Centre, Haworth As well as our scheduled courses, we can even offer bespoke Times: 9.30am to 11.30am 1st March, 2011 - Kilton Forest Community Centre, Worksop 8th March, 2011 - Westhill Community Centre, Ordsall, Retford This is a fi ve-week course that will run during school 22nd March, 2011 - Crown Place Community Centre, Worksop holidays. Times: 9.30am to 11.30am IT Suite This is a drop in session that will give you hints and tips on how to We can provide IT and create a CV and how to fi ll in job application forms. computer training at all To book a place on any of these courses, please contact Lindsay Bradshaw on 01909 533266 levels, from beginners to

Courses in 2011 or Sarah Meakin on 01909 534462 advanced on a range of software packages. Professional Qualifi cations Solomon is Free Training The majority of our We offer industry training courses are FREE qualifi cations such as the ‘The Apprentice’ for A1 Housing tenants CSCS Card for construction THERE is a new apprentice at A1 Housing, doing through West Nottinghamshire College and leaseholders. and CIEH Food Health and but this one won’t be hearing those immortal and will spend one day a week at A1 Housing Safety certifi cates. words from Lord Sugar – “You’re fi red”. until February 2012. Retford Oaks pupil Solomon Harland has “Most of my family have a trade of some sort begun a 52-week placement as a Young and I wanted to do the same thing,” said Apprentice in our Building Repairs Service 14-year-old Solomon. “Working at A1 Housing and will learn on the job skills such as is giving me a taste of lots of different things bricklaying, plumbing and electrics. and I just enjoy the experience of going out It is part of the construction diploma he is and learning new skills. Free Transport Fun Because Carlton Forest More than anything, we is a bit out of the way, we want you to enjoy your Local school pupils get stuck in offer free transport for the experience here – and tell majority of courses that others about it. FORGING links with schools in Bassetlaw is something that A1 Joe Mitchell, Elliott Wallhead, Adam Hale, Jack Harrop, Jake are run here. Housing is very proud off, especially when it comes to providing Ellender and Nathan Moore students with valuable everyday skills. While the Year 10 students from Retford Oaks school, pictured Over the last six months, Pupils of Retford Oaks and Worksop’s below right are: Kieran Longdon, Solomon Harland, Jordan Portland schools (pictured) have completed the CIEH Level Baker, Jay Atkin, Callum Double and Curtis Grout. 2 Health and Safety course at our Training and Development Pupils from Retford Oaks who completed the course but are not Centre at Carlton Forest. pictured include: Joshua Green, Tom Moles, Samual Apthorpe The course has taught them skills such as First Aid and also and Adam Stevenson. Community allowed them to complete accredited courses such as fi re DIY Skills safety. Other skills that were picked up include construction and Working We have practical how to apply for jobs, fi ll in CVs and interview techniques. We work closely with a training bays so we number of local schools can give you DIY skills Students going out on year-long work placements are required to offer practical courses like tiling, brick laying, to take the course, but it also gives them practical skills that helps with future painting and according to Lindsay Bradshaw, A1 Housing’s Training Centre learning. decorating. Manager. “It’s the same course that adults complete and it can help with their own personal development as well as providing them with skills they can use to apply for apprenticeships or jobs.” Year 10 students from For more details or to book a place on a training course please contact: Year 10 students from Portland School, along with Lindsay Bradshaw - 01909 533226 or email [email protected] Pictured right are Year 10 students from Portland School Retford Oaks School A1 Housing training staff along with A1 Housing training staff, they are: Joe Hopkinson, Sarah Meakin - 01909 534462 or email [email protected]

To report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour 10 out of offi ce hours call 0800 590542 11 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Stay warm this winter Beat the FREEZE A1 spreads some A few practical tips that could help to keep out the chill Preventing frozen pipes Firstly check that pipes and tanks in your roof space are lagged, Heating Your Home if they are not, please contact us and we will arrange for this to festive cheer Heat the rooms you use most to between 18-21°C (64-70°F) be done. CHILDREN from Holy Family and Prospect Infants Schools, along during the day and don’t forget to warm your bedroom up before Never insulate under a water tank in the loft as it needs heat with A1 Housing, gave Santa a helping hand this Christmas to you go to bed. from the house to come up from below to prevent it from deliver presents to poorer children around the world. You can also set the timers on your heating to come on before freezing. As part of Operation Christmas Child, pupils from the Worksop you get up and switch off when you go to bed. If you are going away for a few weeks it is a good idea to set your timer so that your heating will come on at regular intervals schools fi lled shoe boxes with toys, gifts, sweets and other presents Use an electric blanket or a hot water bottle when you go to bed, that were sent to underprivileged children who are living in poverty. but NEVER use them together as you could electrocute yourself. or even leave your heating on a low heat constantly. This will prevent a freeze up. You may even want to open the loft hatch Shoe boxes donated from the Worksop area were sent to Kenya, Children hand their Dress Correctly and allow heat into the loft. Kosova, Belarus and Kiev where children who would not normally shoe boxes to Santa Wearing several thin layers can be better than wearing just one Frozen Pipes – how to handle them receive a present had something to open on Christmas Day. thick one as they help to trap body heat better. Turn off the water at the main stop-tap, it can be found where the And, as well as lending Santa a van to help pick all the presents up, In very cold weather make sure you keep warm in bed by wearing water pipe enters your house and is usually under the sink. A1 Housing bumped the total number of shoe boxes collected to Santa comes to Holy Family over the 125 mark. extra layers, thermal underwear or bed socks. It is usually best to leave pipes frozen, but you can try to thaw them out by placing hot water bottles on them. “We have been involved with Operation Christmas Child for a few Stay Active years now,” said Sam Roberts, Customer Services Manager. “Each Exercise is good for your overall health and it can keep you If the hot water system is frozen then turn off any water heaters. year we are amazed by the generosity of the children who donate warm. Even a small amount of exercise can bring health benefi ts Burst pipes – what to do shoeboxes as well as our staff who help out.” so try to move around at least once an hour or spread chores First, turn off the water at the main stop tap and then turn off any Katrina Blackwell from Samaritan’s Purse, the organisation behind throughout the day. water heaters. Operation Christmas Child added: “It’s wonderful to see our Stay Healthy Turn on all your taps to drain the system, this may take about 15 children helping out other children less fortunate.” Get a fl u jab. These can be free on the NHS so talk to your doctor minutes. Then, when the water stops running turn all taps off. “People sometimes do not realise how much joy they can bring to or a pharmacist to see if you might qualify. If anything electrical has got wet DO NOT attempt to switch a child who might never have had a Christmas present before. We cannot say how grateful we are.” Eating regular hot meals, as well as sipping hot drinks, throughout anything on or off, and DO NOT touch the electrical item. the day will help to keep your energy up and keep you warm. Finally, call A1 Housing on 0800 590542 to report your leak or To learn how you can get involved with next year’s campaign, visit Prospect Infants with their www.operationchristmaschild.org.uk boxes for Santa For more information visit www.direct.gov.uk for any more advice. Winter Pictures How we helped during big freeze Winter photo’s WHEN the big freeze hit Bassetlaw in November and December, A1 Housing staff jumped into action. Four-wheel drive vehicles were used to get to stricken tenants during the worst of the weather and even helped Nurses at Bassetlaw Hospital get to work. Heating engineers battled against the elements to get broken boilers running again and Wardens headed out on foot to check on the most vulnerable tenants who needed medical supplies. Hundreds of electric heaters were also handed out to those who were hit Bracebridge A1 Housing the hardest, especially when a district heating boiler broke down in Ordsall Canal, Worksop Head Offi ce! and Tenants and Residents Association members as well as staff went door to door to check on elderly and vulnerable tenants. ”Our resources have been stretched since the cold weather hit, but we Lennon, from Worksop would like to thank customers for their patience during this diffi cult time,” said A1’s Don Spittlehouse. “I would also like to thank all A1 Housing in the snow staff for their fantastic efforts to ensure that essential services continued despite this extreme weather.” One of A1’s four-wheel drive But as well as the chaos, there was also a lighter and more beautiful side River by Red Bridge in Blyth Manchester United fan, vehicles heading out! to the snow as you can see from this collection of pictures. Lewis Hancock

12 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 13 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News A1 Housing’s Money Advisor LAURA’S MONEY MATTERS Stretches your cash to the MAX! CLEAR WINNERS CASH IN Could You Claim A Lower CONGRATULATIONS go to Christopher Chapman and Lucy Heaton who are the fi rst winners of our Sewerage Charge? new Clear Rent Account Prize Draw. OUR Money Adviser Laura looks into every possible way to save you money – even sewers! Both are from Worksop and were picked at We will be selecting two lucky winners every other Laura has gone beyond the call of duty this time and found random from all our tenants who have month, including our Super Prize Draw for March where that if your surface water drains into a soak away rather than a clear rent account, have provided two lucky tenants will receive a minimum of £300 each. a public sewer, you may be entitled to around £35 off your access for gas servicing and have The prize draw is our way of saying thank you annual bill. no breaches of their tenancy. for keeping your rent account up to date and A soak away is a piece of ground that absorbs water from Both received prizes of £150 but to be in with a chance of winning you must: your property rather than it draining into a public sewer, and were able to boost this to £175 by to fi nd out if you have one, you can contact your water authority or fi ll in a form online by choosing to open a Worksop • Have a clear rent account for the previous following these steps: Credit Union savings two months account at the same time. • Not be in breach of your tenancy Anglian Water conditions 08457 919 155 and press option 5 However, Christopher Visit: www.anglianwater.co.uk – click on Household – Your Account – Tariffs and Charges – (pictured) has made a very • Be up to date with your annual Apply for reduced sewerage charge charitable gesture and gas service has pledged to donate his Severn Trent Water If you would like more winnings to Bassetlaw 08457 500 500 information, please contact the Hospital after a close Visit: www.stwater.co.uk – click on Help with your bill – Surface water drainage friend received fantastic Income Recovery Team on 01777 treatment there. 713201. Get in touch with Laura Laura busts your money myths Laura Davies is A1 Housing’s specialist Money Advisor and can help with any problems you may have This issue - credit and debt when it comes to money, benefi ts, credit or debt advice. Everything you discuss with her is in complete confi dence and she helps many tenants each month with her advice. Contact her on: Tel: 01909 533 744 Email: [email protected] Facebook: Online surgery Mondays, 2pm to 3pm Q: I’ve seen on the TV that I can solve all Q: Is paying bills by direct debit always cheaper? my debt problems with an Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA), should Laura: Not always. While this is certainly true for most I do it? utility bills, and research shows that you can save money each year by paying by direct debit, it can also FREE Financial Health Check Laura: Despite the cheery TV ads an work against you for things like car insurance as most IVA is not an easy option and is a companies can charge at least 20% more for paying with a monthly direct debit. IF you have spent a little bit too much over Christmas or would just like to binding agreement between you get a better grasp of your money, then why not give Laura a call for a free and your creditors. An IVA will be fi nancial health check. on your credit fi le for 6 years Q: If I apply for lots of credit, will my credit and makes it very diffi cult rating be better? Nobody likes to admit they are struggling with their cash, but Laura can give for you to get credit. If your you advice in complete confi dence that will help you to: agreement with your creditors Laura: No, although having no credit at all can be a • Take control of your fi nances lasts for more than six years, problem, lenders will also be put off if you have lots of then the IVA will stay on your declined applications. This will show lenders that you • Help to sort out your fi nancial priorities credit report for as long as the have trouble managing your money. If you need to • Claim the benefi ts you could be entitled to arrangement lasts. My advice borrow money try the Worksop Credit Union as they are is to go to the Citizens Advice affordable and will look at your personal circumstances. Over the last 18 months, Laura has helped tenants to improve their income Bureau. by over £135,000. She has also completed more than 250 fi nancial health checks. Why not see what she can do for you!

Get in touch with A1 Housing by text on - 14 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 07725 768444 15 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Join us and ‘Be heard from home’ NewBefore and after - The boilershoots room before the transformation (aforbove left) and how Branching it Out looksTHE today saying (main ‘From pic). Mssmall Gregory acorns with do offi mighty cials from oaks A1, grow’BDC, Connaughtis a fi tting and Hornes way to describe A1 Housing’s Branching Out. CHANGING the way we provide some of our services What’s more, if you complete the ‘Question of the Month’ and While the service it is still very much in its ‘sapling’ stage, is something that every A1 Housing tenant can be send it back to us, you will automatically be entered into our prize Branching Out has certainly grown in the last six months and is involved in - without having to leave the comfort of your draw. about to provide skills and training to even more young people own home. Our lucky winners for October, November and December each in Bassetlaw. More than 700 tenants are already part of our ‘Be win £10 in Love to Shop Vouchers and were picked out of the Heard From Home’ scheme and hat by Joice Richards, our Director of Strategy and Change Thanks to the Future Jobs Fund, Branching Out has been able regularly answer questions about (pictured). to offer four of its existing employees a full time job for the next the way A1 Housing is run. six months, as well as taking on four extra young people who They are: will benefi t from skills and training. Each month we send out a ‘Question October – Mr and Mrs Burbridge, Worksop “We are delighted that more young people are now able to join the Branching Out team,” said Mark Sweeney. “This means of the Month’ to a November – Mrs P. Robertson, Harworth random selection of that not only are we able to provide an even better service members and your December – Eunice English, Worksop (via email) for our customers, but we can continue to provide skills and suggestions help to If you would like to join Be Heard From Home, please call training for young people in Bassetlaw and help them to forge change the way we Customer Services on 01909 534520. a career of their own.” do things. The latest recruits (pictured) will be with Branching Out for the Latest recruits of the Branching Out Team are George next six months. The four full-time members of Branching Out Roper, Alan Hughes, William Quinn and Paul Casey. will be announced by the end of January. When we asked you about What is Branching Out? GARDENING Question of the Month Branching Out, just 32% of you Branching Out had heard about this fantastic • Grass cutting Over the last three months, just some of the things we have BRANCHING OUT is a new service from A1 Housing that is G ar • de scheme SKILLS n M son TRAIN service. ai per ING • Hedge clipping asked tenants about include a new telephone number for A1 helping to improve communities in Bassetlaw. nte dy nance • Han Housing and our Branching Out service. It provides gardening, maintenance and handyperson • Landscaping services to people across the district at very competitive rates, GROUNDS MAINTENANCE HANDY PERSON regardless of whether they are an A1 Housing tenant. When asked if you would like to • Community Centres • Joinery call just one number for all of the For more information on Branching Out or for a free • Schools • Adaptations services that A1 Housing provide, a quotation call 0800 590542. • Businesses • Tiling, etc massive 87% of you said Yes. And it seems that we need to Well, in the next issue of In Touch let even more people know we will be announcing details of an about our gardening and exciting new project that will make handyman service as 44% of it easier for you to access all of our you said you would like help services. from them. Help is at hand with switch to digital TV

THE switchover to digital TV will be happening soon and if you Switchover Help Scheme information packs have not yet made the necessary changes, help is at hand with will be sent to those people who are already the Switchover Help Scheme. eligible over the coming weeks, however, Set up by the Government and run by the BBC, the scheme helps for more information or if you think a Be Phone Smart! friend or relative could be eligible, older and disabled people to convert one of their televisions to Don’t forget that our Freephone Repairs and Contact digital by providing and installing the right equipment, checking please visit www.helpscheme.co.uk or Centre is open from 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday to your current aerial and providing a 12 month aftercare service. call 0800 40 85 900. deal with your repairs requests and general enquiries. This service is available for £40 or FREE if you are eligible and on For more information on the digital We get the largest number of calls between 8.30am certain income-related benefi ts. switchover, please visit until 1pm so, if your call isn’t urgent you may want www.digitaluk.co.uk to avoid this time and ring in the afternoon when it is To be eligible for help you can be: much quieter. • Aged 75 or over • Have lived in a care home for six months or more Freephone Repairs • Get or could get, disability living allowance • Attendance or constant attendance allowance, The graph above shows the total number of calls taken every hour or mobility supplement 0800 590542 between 8am and 5pm on an average day. • Or if you are registered blind or partially sighted

16 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk 17 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News

There are more than 120 targets that we have to work towards, and so that you can see how we are doing, we have shown just a Top marks for gas servicing How are we doing? few of these in the table below. LAST year 100% of A1 properties recieved a gas Zero tolerance on drugs EACH year the A1 Housing Board, which is made up of A1 The information tells you how we performed in a selection areas safety check - and we hope to do the same in 2011. tenants, Bassetlaw residents and representatives of Bassetlaw between April 2009 and March 2010, April and September 2010 District Council set targets for us to work towards. If your home has gas central heating or a gas fi re, and how we expect to perform between April 2010 and March you will get a letter from our contractors GM&T to A1 HOUSING has continued its crackdown on tenants who associate These are spread across all areas of A1 Housing, such as 2011. say when they will carry out this safety check, as themselves with the supply of drugs, taking back three more properties across Housing Management, Customer ServicesBATRA and Repairs - Performance and make The colour Summary coded faces tell you whether we are on target, slightly well as an annual service. Bassetlaw. sure that we are giving you a good level of service and continue below or doing better than we expected. to meet high standards. April to September 2010/11 This is to ensure your boiler or fi re is working In recent months Worksop County Court has granted Possession Orders properly and is not a hazard to you or your family’s for properties in Harworth and Worksop, following a number of Police Area What we measure How we Our Our target How are performed in Performance for we doing? health and safety. investigations. Area What we measure How we Our Our target How are If you do not 2009/10 between April 2010/11 understand We are required by law to check all our properties A1 Housing’s Director of Technical and Housing Services, Don Spittlehouse performed in performance& Sept 2010 for 2010/11 we doing? any of the with gas every 12 months, and tenants must also believed this sent out a strong message to tenants and said: “A1 Housing fully 2009/10 between April information give our engineers access to their boiler or fi re. supports the work of to tackle the problem of drug & Sept 2010 dealing, not only in A1 Housing properties, but in the wider community as a or would like We will be in the following areas until April 2011: whole.” Customer Average number of working days to know more January - Carlton, Costhorpe and Sandy Lane Contact we take to respond to complaints 10 4 10.00 about the “We will continue to work in close partnership with Notts Police and Bassetlaw information we February - Langold, Harworth, Costhorpe, Ordsall District Council and reiterate the message to our tenants that the supply or have provided, March - Ordsall, Rhodesia use of drugs at any of our properties will not be tolerated and the appropriate Customer % of phone calls we have please call action will be taken.” 93.92 94.93 94.50 April – Retford, Beckingham, Walkeringham Contact answered in 10 seconds our Customer Possession Orders were granted against Paula Watson of 3 Dorchester Road, Services team Should you not be able to make your appointment it Harworth following Police raids that discovered Class A and B drugs; Clare on 01909 534 is vital that you make another. Failure to do so may Scarborough of 21 Sime Street, Worksop after she had been convicted of Housing Average number of days it takes 520. Management to relet a property 34.95 23.62 22.00 lead to your gas supply being disconnected until drug offences at her property; and Lee Gibson of 45 Vicars Walk, Worksop further notice. following a Closure Notice. % of Anti-Social Behaviour cases KEY Our engineers will always show their identifi cation Sergeant Tony Crofts of Nottinghamshire Police said: “These closures have Housing that have been resolved and 87.50 89.93 89.00 and if you are unsure, you can call us to check their only been brought about by valuable information that has been passed to us.” Management identity. For more information or to rearrange an closed Just Below appointment call GM&T on 0114 294 2040. “Owners of properties, residents and tenants need to be prepared to provide Target % of Estate Inspections that have evidence so that court action can be taken, and the recent closures show that Housing been done and a report sent out this type of action can have a positive effect and make the area a better place Management NEW 93.94 100.00 PAS scheme joins forces to live.” within 10 days Above / On BASSETLAW District Council’s Preventative Housing Current rent arrears (£'s) Target Adaptations Service (PAS) has now joined forces Management 351,357 384,408 328,673 with three other local councils to offer you a bigger and better service. ASB 24 HOUR Housing % of rent due that we have The scheme, which provides minor adaptations Management collected 99.7 98.91 101.06 for the over 60’s in Bassetlaw, has linked up with Mansfi eld, Ashfi eld, and Newark and Sherwood REPORTING councils and will now offer an additional handy To report incidents of Anti-Social % of emergency repairs we have person service using local tradesmen who have Behaviour outside of offi ce hours, Repairs completed with the 24 hour 100.00 99.87 99.85 timescale been vetted and approved by Trading Standards. including weekends and bank To fi nd out more about PAS, please call the new holidays, you can call A1 Housing % of appointments for non- on our freephone number Repairs number 08449 80 80 80. emergency repairs that are kept 99.54 99.56 99.50 0800 590542 Boost to repairs budget % of repairs that are completed Repairs 99.82 99.40 99.85 WE are always looking at ways to improve our right first time services and use our budgets more wisely. And A1’s latest idea is to put any money that we Average number of days taken to Adaptations 114.3 106.00 100.00 save on improving empty properties back into the complete all adaptations Planned Repairs budget.

This will help to fund things such as repairing % of customers who are happy Decent Homes communal areas, fencing, guttering and other areas with their Decent Homes work 88.20 90.54 94.00 that are not covered by Decent Homes work. To learn more about planned repairs, please see page 14 of our Repairs Handbook. Supported % of warden intercom calls that Housing we answered within 30 seconds 93.52 93.72 94.00

To report incidents of Anti-Social Behaviour 18 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk out of offi ce hours call 0800 590542 19 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk 7 6 0 Above / On Target Just Below Target Below Target Involving you & Community News

Advice and information from your Tenant Conference 2011 Community Surgeries Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer FOR the second year running we will be holding two Tenant Worksop Location Service Conferences - one in Retford and one in Worksop. Kilton - Rayton Spur Community Centre, Rayton Spur, Every Thursday, 10.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Where: The Crossing, Newcastle Avenue The Tenant Conferences give you the chance to shape the way Worksop A1 Housing delivers its services to you, and by holding two When: Monday 14th March, 9.30am to 2pm (lunch included) events, it makes sure that as many people as possible will be Sandy Lane - 1 Sandhill House, Worksop Every Wednesday, 10.30am to 12noon - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer able to have their say. Retford This year we will again be asking you to set our Service Where: The Well, Hospital Road Prospect - 91 Lancastrian Way, Worksop Every Tuesday, 10.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Standards for 2011-12. These are the targets and standards that When: Tuesday 15th March, 9.30am to 2pm (lunch included) we will have to meet over the next 12 months. Carlton - 24-28 Sycamore Road Every Tuesday, 2.15pm to 3.45pm - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer We will also be discussing other issues that will affect A1 Housing Every Thursday, 9.30am to 11.30am - Income Recovery Offi cer and tenants, which include updates on Decent Homes funding and the Supported Housing service, as well as explaining more Mattersey Thorpe - Community House, Last Wednesday of each month, 2pm to 4pm - Neighbourhood Housing about our Local Offer and the main services and improvements 3 Cunningham Close Offi cer that are part of this. Tuxford - Mine of Information, 2 Market Place First Tuesday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood We would like as many tenants as possible to attend so please Housing Offi cer return your personal invitation that has been included with this Misterton - The Misterton Centre, High Street First Wednesday of each month, 9.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood issue. Please note, you must tell us which venue you will be Housing Offi cer attending and the dates and venues are as follows. We hope to see you there. Harworth - Scrooby Road Information Offi ce Every Monday, 10am to 12noon - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer Every Wednesday, 9.30am to 11.30am - Income Recovery Offi cer Third Wednesday of each month, 10am to 12noon - Adaptations Offi cer Ordsall - West Hill Community Centre, Cheyne Walk First Thursday of each month, 10.30am to 11.30am - Neighbourhood Housing Offi cer

A1 Housing is on the loose again…. We will be A1 Housing’s Big Brother travelling around the district with our video camera to diary room does get your views on the service we provide. the rounds This is your chance to tell us: • What you think about A1 Housing • How we can do things better • Ways to get people involved

All tenants will be invited by letter to come along and those who attend will receive a goodie bag. We will also have free activities to

entertain any children that you need to bring with you.

SAID. Come along and tell us what you think, we can’t improve our

..

U A1 HOUSING service unless you tell us what we need to do!

You Said... You Said... O

AID SAID

Before we start any repairs on your property, Y Our gas servicing and repairs team,S GM&T Below are the dates and locations of where we will be.

YOU .

.

. . we need to let you know that we have arrived make too many visits before correcting faults.

. U DID . A1 HOUSING 9th February Misson 1pm to 3.30pm and tell you exactly what we will be doing. WEA1 HOUSING AI O D D S I SAID 23rd February Headon 1pm to 4pm .W E D Y U .. We did... YO 8th March Scrooby and Styrrup 1pm to 3.30pm U We now carry out a quality check on properties 22nd March Mattersey and 1pm to 4pm We did... A1 HOUSING . All operatives now have a calling card and will tell you where a high number of visits have beenEDID made. . Mattersey Thorpe O W A1 HOUSING what repairs have been planned for your property. D 5th April Oldcotes 1pm to 4pm SAID I 19th April Ranby 1pm to 3pm Y YOU W E D WEDID20 21 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk Involving you & Community News Dates for your Diary competition winners April 2011 26th A1’s Question of the Month released Where’s Alfie? January 2011 SUDOKU 25th A1’s Question of the Month released February 2011 2nd A1 Hundred Club meeting May 2011 Congratulations to winner 22nd A1’s Question of the Month released 9th Be Heard From Home Survey sent out Lewis Hancock who 31st A1’s Question of the Month released spotted me on Page 3 Every issue we have £15 worth of High Street of the Autumn issue. shopping vouchers up for grabs if you can March 2011 June 2011 By fi nding me he has 14th Be Heard From Home Survey sent out 28th A1’s Question of the Month released won a trip to Captain correctly complete our Sudoku puzzle below. 14th Tenants Conference - Worksop Jack’s Adventure 15th Tenants Conference - Retford Playground in Retford for himself and a friend. 21st A1’s Question of the Month released I’m hiding again somewhere in this issue and if you can fi nd And the winner is... me, you can win a great prize just like Lewis. When you have Mrs Sandy Mills found me, write down the page number together with your from Worksop, who Below are the dates for the 2011 meetings of the A1 Housing Board, name, address and a contact telephone number and send it to; all of which start at 6.30pm. The fi rst 15 minutes of each meeting are entered our Autumn A1 Housing Customer Services Team set aside for tenants to ask questions on relevant issues. Individual or competition and was Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, Worksop, S81 0TS personal issues cannot be discussed, these should be taken up with the fi rst person to be A1 Board Meetings Or email your entry to; [email protected] the appropriate offi cer. drawn out of the hat. She received £15 Day Date Venue Time If you would like to know more about Captain Jack’s Adventure worth of High Street Playground, visit www.captainjacksadventure.co.uk or call shopping vouchers. 01777 869966. Tuesday 25th January 2011 Worksop Town Hall, Ceres Suite 6:30-9:30pm Tuesday 22nd February 2011 Retford Town Hall, Council Chamber 6:30-9:30pm Tuesday 29th March 2011 Worksop Town Hall, Ceres Suite 6:30-9:30pm 3 9 4 6 Sudoku ENTER 8 6 1 Leaseholder news YOUR CHANCE TO NOW! 2 3 Leaseholder fee set to rise Gas Servicing WIN HIGH STREET 6 8 THE annual leasehold management fee is currently under review AS a leaseholder you are responsible for making sure all your 4 9 and, so that we can continue to provide you with the same high gas appliances, such as boilers, cookers or fi res, are checked SHOPPING VOUCHERS! level of service, is expected to rise over the next three years. regularly by a qualifi ed Gas Safe engineer. 2 1 Since being introduced in 1985, the current standard fee of Not only does this ensure that all your appliances are safe and Each coloured block needs to make 45 £18.97 has only ever increased in line with infl ation, rather than are not a danger to the health and safety of you or your family, 7 1 5 being calculated on the actual cost of providing this service. but it also reduces the risk of them breaking down, helps them to Cut out your completed Sudoku puzzle and send with the There are many services included in this fee such as, the day be more effi cient and could save you money. entry form by 1st December to: A1 Housing, Customer 9 5 2 to day management of properties, insurance and accounts To encourage leaseholders to carry out these regular checks Services, Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, management and providing a neighbourhood housing service we have negotiated a competitive price on servicing your gas Worksop, Notts S81 0TS. 2 3 7 6 amongst others.* central heating with GM&T Limited, the same company we trust The fi rst correct entry drawn will to service our tenants’ gas appliances. Unfortunately the current charge does not cover the full cost receive £15 worth of High of this service and calculations have shown the true cost to be If you would like to take advantage of this offer please call Sudoku - Competition Entry Form Street shopping £85.50. Therefore, it has been proposed to gradually increase 0800 542 720 and tell them you are a leaseholder of Bassetlaw Name ...... the fee to this amount over the next three years. District Council. vouchers. Address ...... All leaseholders will be consulted over the coming months Don’t forget our consultation event ...... Postcode ...... following a decision by Bassetlaw District Council’s Cabinet. The Annual Leaseholder Event will take place at Retford’s Town *For a full list of Leasehold Management services please see our Hall in February 2011. Look out for further information coming Telephone...... service level agreement on the A1 Housing website under You through your letterbox and on our website www.a1housing.co.uk Email ...... and Your Home, Leaseholders.

For the latest information on A1 Housing visit 22 Issue 25 Autumn 2010 www.a1housing.co.uk www.a1housing.co.uk 23 Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk How to contact us There are a number of ways you can contact us

Freephone Repairs Service and Contact By phone By writing to us Centre • Head Offi ce 01909 534484 A1 Housing Bassetlaw Limited • Area Offi ce West 01909 533426 Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre 0800 590542 • Area Offi ce East 01777 713202 Lane, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS

You can pay your rent by direct debit or £ Foreign language versions credit card, by phoning • 01777 713864 Automated payment line If you need any help communicating with us or understanding • 01777 713201 Retford any of our documents, please contact us on 01909 534520. • 01909 533175 Worksop Mandarin

On-line Visit our website at www.a1housing.co.uk Email us at [email protected]

Urdu Text message TxT 07725 768444

All of our offi ces are open Monday to Friday between 8.40am and 5pm

Punjabi By visiting us If you want to talk directly to a member of staff, you can visit us at our housing offi ces. We can also arrange to visit you at your home or meet you at one of the council’s community houses if you prefer. You can call into our housing offi ces without making Polish an appointment. However, you may need to make an appointment if you want to see a particular member of staff. Head Offi ce Carlton Forest House, Hundred Acre Lane, We can arrange for a copy of this document in large print, Worksop, Notts S81 0TS audiotape, Braille or for a Language Line interpreter or Area Offi ce East translator to help you. 17B The Square, Retford, Notts DN22 6DB Our contact details: Area Offi ce West Queens Buildings, Potter Street, Worksop, 01909 534520 Notts S80 2AH e-mail: [email protected]

Issue 26 Winter 2011 www.a1housing.co.uk