SILVER AWARD APEX STAFF SCOOP NVQ SUCCESS BROOKHILL VOTED ONE OF UK’S BEST APEX CELEBRATE SUCCESS AT TOP NATIONAL AWARD - P5 OF STAFF MEMBERS - P8

Apex Housing Association

Issue 5 Spring 2011

At the award ceremony in London’s Hilton Hotel, left to right: Fred MacAulay (Comedian/Host); Michael Mongan (Mill Race Resident); Paddy Mongan (Mill Race Resident); Lynn McLean (Apex); Derek Hanaway (An Munia Tober); Brian Harkin (Apex) and Martin Winn - Director of Professional Development with Chartered Institute of Housing Outstanding Achievement in UK Housing Award

Apex Housing Association, the DSD to take over the develop- two levels - firstly from each of the 3 working closely with the Belfast ment of the proposed housing family groupings and then from travellers support group, An scheme. each individual member. Through Munia Tober, developed an Never before in Northern Ireland ongoing, direct and meaningful award winning group housing has a housing scheme for 21 trav- communication this was achieved. BREAKING NEWS scheme for 21 traveller families eller families who divide into three The completed scheme, known as at Mill Race in West Belfast. distinct family groupings been con- Mill Race, has proved very First Voluntary The scheme was first envisaged sidered. For the development to be Transfer in in 1999, when Lord Dubbs, then successful, ‘buy-in’ was needed at CONTINUES PAGE 2 Environment Minister in NI, Northern Ireland announced four pilot traveller group housing schemes would be Tenants at Rinmore Drive, Linsfort developed for locations, “where Drive, Balbane Pass and Culdaff travellers were living on sites with Gardens in the Creggan Estate, inadequate conditions at the turn Derry have voted to become Apex of the 21st century.” tenants. This paves the way for The traveller community had the transfer of 55 Housing camped on the edge of the Executive homes to Apex. Monagh Road since 1992 and at These dwellings will now be one time over 30 families substantially improved by Apex occupied the site along side a busy using private funding over the road. In 2003 Apex was asked by next two years. 2 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 First things first Budget Impact HIGHLIGHTS Apex already seeing the affects of cutbacks COVER STORY Does anyone really know what associations will have to make 8% Award Winning 03 Best Practice News the next four years will bring for savings year on year for the next four Tenant Satisfaction Survey - Northern Ireland as we move years. Apex Housing Association will Housing Scheme towards a new Programme for not shrink in its responsibilities and Outcomes Government? The recent publica- will continue to identify opportuni- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tion of the draft departmental budg- ties to reduce overheads where possi- successful. A recent survey among ets indicate 40% reductions in capital ble and identify ways to modernise the residents showed a high funding and 8% in revenue funding, our business without adversely level of satisfaction. Mill Race meaning cut backs are inevitable. impacting on the delivery of services. accommodates each of the family Within the draft DSD budget, Times ahead will be challenging, groups within 21 purpose built allocation for social housing will fall but Apex is ready to embrace change bungalows in a development which 04 &05 News & Events from its current level of £160m to and pilot new ideas to bring about achieves both a sense of separateness around £95m in 2011/12. This may greater efficiency and value for and connectedness. No family group mean only 1,200 new social houses money for the public purse. This we Charter Launch feels that it has been treated less will be provided in Northern Ireland believe is the best way to continue to fairly than the other and there is a each year, although the Housing deliver high quality services while consensus all have benefited equally Executive estimate 2,500 are needed. trying to grow our business as we from the development. The We appreciate Minister Attwood’s move forward into somewhat travellers’ traditional businesses of efforts to protect vital revenue unchartered waters. scrap dealing and horse trading programmes which target the most were accommodated on site by the vulnerable households. provision of extensive yards and a Even before the next Programme stable block with a paddock. for Government, Apex is already The families selected the name Mill facing cutbacks. The current practice Race, for the scheme, and of the Western Health and Social Care recently the children designed a Trust to limit the number of care- sculpture that has been mounted at managed residential and nursing the entrance. Stepping Back in Time placements has affected the financial The judges declared that the viability of some of our schemes. Marjorie Keenan OBE scheme showed a “positive example Older People Awards Difficult choices lie ahead. We Chairman of engaging with a hard to reach must ensure that Apex not only group.” The judges were particularly remains financially sound, but struck by efforts to engage the highly competitive. Housing HOLD THE families’ children. FRONT PAGE! Approval for 729 Responding to Winter Crisis new dwellings Impact of recent unprecedented winter weather conditions During 2010/11 Apex received gov- For a number of years Apex has ernment approval for the delivery of had contingency plans in place 729 new dwellings. This is our largest Improving our Response to respond to issues that could development programme ever (241 We have reviewed our We have asked our out-of-hours possibly arise that would put our in 2009/10) and has been achieved Contingency Plans in place to call centre provider to review their service delivery ‘at risk’. These through committed effort and team ensure they will provide an Contingency Plans to ensure the serv- plans are reviewed and updated working across the Development, appropriate response ice our tenants receive is adequate on an ongoing basis to ensure Finance, Property Services and that we can always provide a We have increased the number We have implemented a facility Housing Departments within head satisfactory service irrespective of staff available during extreme to transfer telephone ‘voicemail’ office. This equates to an invest- of circumstances. weather conditions to ensure our messages to e-mail so staff can ment of around £100m of which In December 2010 we all response is appropriate return calls to residents / tenants £45m will be coming from private experienced the unprecedented We have implemented a ‘latest during extreme weather conditions borrowing. weather conditions and the news’ information section on our We have increased the quantities This is a huge achievement which resulting water crisis which affect- website highlighting emergency of water containers available in the will have an immediate benefit for ed many over the Christmas period. ‘out-of-office hours’ telephone event there is a water shortage in those working within the construc- These factors did impact on numbers. This can be viewed at the future tion industry and eventually for a number of our schemes. We www.apexhousing.org those on the housing waiting list. We have increased the quantity implemented our emergency plans We have increased our telephone of heaters available for Supported at the time and have since reviewed ‘voicemail’ messaging capacity Living schemes in the event that Contact the Editor them in the light of how we dealt We have increased the number there is no heating supply If you have any community news or with the situation. As a result of this events you would like the Apex of maintenance contractors avail- We are reviewing our ‘Guest we have made a number of changes Observer to cover, please get in touch: able to undertake emergency Room Policy’ at Supported Living to improve our response in future, repairs schemes to consider the availability Email: [email protected] similar circumstances which we We have asked our Measured of these services to be utilised by now list in blue. Telephone: 028 7130 4800 Term Contractor to review their staff where there are difficulties in Our aim is to work to minimise Fax: 028 7130 4801 Contingency Plans to ensure the travelling to and from work in any risk to our service which may service our tenants receive is adverse weather conditions 10 Butcher Street have an adverse impact upon on adequate Londonderry BT48 6HL our tenants. Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 3 Best practice news Tenant Satisfaction Survey - Outcomes Housing Survey shows high levels of satisfaction amongst Apex tenants In mid-2010 more than 25% of our Apex would like to thank all those tenants took part in a survey who took part in the survey. Your Tenant Contact with Apex which measured the quality of views are very important to us and services delivered by Apex. assist us in improving how we deliver Respondents were asked how satisfied they were with the response 523 tenants were contacted to services. The results have helped us they received from staff regarding queries. participate in the survey which to produce a plan which sets out how was carried out by the Housing we will improve our service delivery 87% had contacted Apex in the 12 months before the survey and of these, Executive’s Research Unit, at the to tenants over the next 3 years. 78% were very or fairly satisfied. The main reason for contact was for request of Apex. repairs (78%), 5% for rent accounting and 4% for anti-social behaviour. The remaining 7% had another reason for contacting Apex. The majority of people who contacted Apex (81%) said that staff had been able to deal Summary of Satisfaction Levels with their query.

• Respondents were asked about overall satisfaction with the repairs Almost all respondents had telephoned Apex in the past 12 months. service and 75% reported that they were satisfied or very satisfied. 87% were happy with the telephone service they received. The following • 75% of respondents were satisfied with the rent they were charged table shows the telephone callers’ views regarding staff who answered and felt that it represented good value for money. their telephone call: • 89% were satisfied with their current home. Satisfaction Levels with staff contact • Respondents were asked, when taking everything into account, how satisfied they were with the services provided by Apex - 94% a staggering 85% said that they were very satisfied or satisfied. Polite 89% Friendly 86% Home Repairs Easy to Understand 83% Patient More than four-fifths of all respondents had reported a repair to 82% Apex. Of these, 80% were satisfied with the way staff had dealt with Knowledgeable their request. 11% The following table shows the satisfaction levels of tenants with regard Not Interested/Off Hand 9% to staff carrying out repair work. In a Hurry/Rushed 3% Satisfaction Levels with staff carrying out repairs Rude

76% Speed of Repair • 23% of respondents had visited an Apex office and of these, 87% waited Quality of Materials 76% less than 15 minutes • Overwhelmingly, respondents thought that staff were polite, friendly Quality of Work 76% and knowledgeable Tidiness of Staff 79% • Almost half of respondents had received a home visit • 83% of these reported that they were happy with the visit Friendliness of Staff 80%

Politeness of Staff 80%

Apex Services Length of Tenancy & Satisfaction with Home • 46% of respondents thought that their area was not really changing, 34% thought that it was changing for the better and 15% thought that 59% of respondents reported that they had been tenants for more than it was changing for the worse five years. Apex was pleased that tenants reported very high levels of satisfaction with regard to overall satisfaction, the condition of property • 67% felt proud of their area and the areas as a place to live. There were slight differences in the level • 95% said that they were aware of the Apex ‘Observer’ newsletter where of satisfaction between those tenants living in Derry and those living tenants were informed of performance against standards outside of Derry, as the following table demonstrates: • 59% said that they were satisfied with opportunities for participation

Overall Satisfaction Levels 92% 89% 88% 81% 79% 77% 79% 78% 81% Profile of Apex tenants

• Average size of household 2.57 people (national average is 2.48) • 40% surveyed were under 20 years old and 13% were over 60 years old • 17% of tenants were working (8% full-time, 8% part-time and 1% were self-employed) • 15% were retired, 17% were permanently sick/disabled, 19% were Tenants in other areas Tenants All Tenants in Derry Tenants in other areas Tenants All Tenants in Derry Tenants All Tenants in Derry Tenants in other areas Tenants looking after the home, 19% were unemployed Satisfaction with Satisfaction with Satisfaction with • 72% provided information on income and more than half of these Place to Live Current Home Property Condition had a gross household income of £10,400 or less 4 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 Best practice news

Front Row L-R: at Dove Gardens Neighbourhood Charter Launch: Sheena Mc Callion - Director of Housing & Care Services, Apex; Toni Mc Daid, esidents of Ferndale & R Mary Nelis & Michelle Toland - Residents. Back Row L-R: Colm Barton - Triax; Thomas Carlin - Tenant Participation Officer, Apex; R aunch Kathleen Rush - Resident; Cllr Colum Eastwood - Mayor; Stephen Power - Housing Officer, Apex; Melanie Kelly - Resident. esidents of Cava Fernabbey at Charter L ndale Park at Charter Launch Working With Communities Building Better Neighbourhoods - Charter committed to: Colum Eastwood said: Show consideration for their neigh- “I welcome the development of a launched in three more Apex Estates bours and not cause nuisance or Neighbourhood Charter in these estates. The development of good Apex is delighted to announce To guarantee this ‘principle’, annoyance to them or their visitors working relationships between that a further 3 Neighbourhood Apex has committed to: Be aware of the problems caused by Apex, service providers and commu- Charters have been launched excessive noise, particularly late at Work in partnership with tenants, nity organisations and tenants will at Fernabbey/Ferndale, Derry; night community organisations and other prove beneficial to these estates.” Dove Gardens, Derry and relevant agencies Take responsibility for the behav- Sheena McCallion, Director of Cavandale Park, Enniskillen. The Support the local communities to iour of children and visitors Housing & Care Services said: “It is very principle underpinning these create an environment that makes Respect their neighbourhoods important to Apex that tenants feel safe Charters is that tenants, their fam- places where people want to live ensuring that houses and gardens are and happy where they live. All of us ilies and visitors ensure a safe and Respond quickly and effectively to kept clean, tidy and properly main- share the right to be treated fairly and welcoming neighbourhood by reports of anti-social behaviour tained with respect. All of us share the responsi- showing respect and tolerance to bility to make this happen. Imple- neighbours and by promoting In return, the tenants of Launching the Charters for Dove mentation of the charter demonstrates good neighbourliness. Cavandale Park, Dove Gardens, Gardens and Fernabbey/Ferndale, and Fernabbey/Ferndale have the Mayor of Derry, Councillor our commitment to achieving this.”

identified on her Support Plan were achieved. Floating Support On exiting the Floating Support Service, Carol and her daughter ANNOUNCEMENTS One Tenants view of using Floating Support were now able to live independent- Carol was 22 years old when she Carol with furniture, a cooker and a ly and she expressed her feelings in ISO Awards called to Apex to seek assistance wardrobe. a card to Alison: “Thank you so Apex’s Development Department from our Floating Support Service An application was made to a Trust much for all your help. You made it was awarded an ISO 9001 and ISO to help her to move into her new whose Child Support Programme possible for me to get back into a 14001 third party certification in home. helps children and young people in house to make a home for my December 2010 following an After an initial assessment, Carol’s desperate need. Carol’s application daughter and myself.” inspection by external auditors. needs were identified. She was due was successful and she was awarded The ISO 9001 quality management to begin a new tenancy after been a fridge freezer and a system and the ISO 14001 environ- homeless for seven months and was washing machine. Carol mental management system are daunted by the prospect of setting was ready to move into her internationally recognised stan- up her first home. Carol and her new home! dards for the management of busi- Floating Support Officer - Alison, Week after week, ness. They apply to the processes that drew up a Support Plan which high- Carol and Alison met create and control the services pro- lighted Carol’s needs, her current and Carol’s confi- vided and prescribes systematic con- circumstances and the goals she dence and ability to trol of activities to ensure that the wanted to achieve. deal with hurdles needs and expectations of customers Carol was unable to move into her increased. Each of are met. her goals were Both ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 are now new home due to the lack of furni- Olga Chauhan ture and appliances. Alison addressed and even- (left) and an integral part of how Apex manages Alison Mason approached a local charity and tually all the goals Floating Support the development programme to together they were able to provide which had been Officers ensure continued improvement of service. Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 5 Achievement

Stepping Back In Time GARDENING At its Families Forum Meetings in COMPETITION April/May 2010, Apex committed to focusing activities during 2010/2011, particularly within You could win £50! Nursing Care, on the theme of It’s that time of the year again ‘Mental Stimulation’. when we begin to spend more In 2009 the Association had com- time in the garden. The spring pleted an Activities Benchmarking weather seems to spur us into Audit; this, along with implementa- action. tion of the new Standards for Care, The annual Apex Garden identified the provision of activities Competition has been running now for those living in the Association’s for 4 years and has proven to be of Nursing Care Schemes as a priority interest to many of our tenants. for 2010/2011. So why not complete the application In response to this, Apex developed L-R: Mary Clare McKenna, Philomena Cassidy, Vera Sproule, Mary Kate Reid and Nellie McElhinney - Residents of Beechway House at the launch of the form and enter the competition? Reminiscence Project. a ‘Reminiscence Through the Use of Every tenant with even a little inter- Photography’ project. It was initially This innovative project, which is While this element has been a great est in their garden is invited to piloted within Daleview House ongoing, uses old and restored success, the project further developed enter... we’re not just looking for the Nursing Home and is currently being photographs as aids to mentally by creating a slideshow of old photo- experts amongst you. extended to include Parkview House, stimulate residents. The project graphs of local places. Some of these Bell Gray House and Brookmount encourages residents and their fami- images have been framed and are on House Nursing Homes. The project lies to provide old photos of images display within each scheme. Street For an entry has proven to be even more success- that have ‘meaning’ for them. Where names were also photographed and form contact: ful, with the involvement of residents necessary, the photos are restored mounted on corridor walls, giving from Beechway House which pro- using specialist equipment. Once schemes a more local identity. Mary McGrory vides accommodation and care for restored, the photos are transferred The project will be added to in the 028 7130 4834 those with a learning disability and on a ‘slideshow’. Events are then coming months by sourcing and plac- or e-mail: Dunvale House, which provides organised within each Nursing ing ‘old items’ throughout each [email protected] accommodation, support and care for Home, bringing together residents scheme. So why not take part, it’s free those with mental health difficulties, and their families and provides an If you have any ideas for activities, and you could be a winner!! proving to be instrumental in the suc- opportunity for reminiscence and please contact Thomas Carlin on cessful delivery of the project. the sharing of memories. Tel: 028 7130 4800

Brookhill Scoops Silver CORPORATE Voted one of the UK’s best at 2011 Housing for Older People Awards PUBLICATIONS Apex Housing is delighted that Corporate Strategy one of its Housing with Care schemes, Brookhill House, 2011/14 Coleraine, has been voted one of Senior management and represen- the UK’s best at a top national tatives of the Board of Management award ceremony. held 2 workshops to draft the new 3 The 2011 National Housing for year Corporate Strategy. The work- Older People Awards saw Brookhill shops identified the contexts for House scoop a Silver award. Run by Apex’s work including recent the Elderly Accommodation Counsel trends in the housing market, care (EAC), the awards recognise special- market, society and community ist housing schemes which are the generally, and relevant policy best in their field. They were areas. The analysis of these issues launched in 2010 to showcase the resulted in the next three years seg- range of retirement living options mented under four themes: available in the UK. Brookhill House was one of 34 win- ners which were nominated by more Key areas of activity than 3,500 residents from across the Managing and maintaining stock UK. Using a deck of cards designed to Developing and delivering care stimulate discussions and capture L-R: Eileen McCauley - Resident; Denise Carson - Officer-In-Charge; Robert Sharpe - Resident and Marion Tasker - Senior Residential Worker at the Awards and support satisfaction ratings, residents scored Ceremony at Ascot. schemes on design, services and said: “We’re delighted to win this many friends here. It’s great that The development agenda well-being. award and be a part of such an we’ve received this award and that Governance A total of 34 schemes were important event. The residents are EAC are taking the time to listen to crowned bronze, silver or gold really proud to feedback their views what we think. It was great to be able Objectives were agreed within medallists at the special event held at and have had a wonderful day, as to attend the awards ceremony and each theme and provide the basis for Ascot Racecourse. The 12 categories well as lots of fun!.” celebrate our achievement.” the 2011/12 Business Plan which is range from best housing with care by Resident Eileen McCauley added: “I If you would like to find out more formulated at staff meetings held size through to best UK rural retire- love living at Brookhill House. The about Brookhill House, please within each of Apex’s five depart- ment housing scheme. staff here are brilliant and are always contact Denise Carson, Officer-In- ments and co-ordinated by senior Scheme manager Denise Carson very kind and considerate. I have so Charge on Tel: 028 7032 7917 management. 6 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 News and events

Apex Builds New Homes in Portballintrae APEX (IRELAND) Apex allocated a new develop- ment in Portballintrae, Co. Antrim New Leasehold in February 2011. The develop- Venture ment, which consists of six dwellings built to Lifetime Homes In 2009 the Department of the standards is the result of lengthy Environment, Heritage and Local negotiations with the Northern Government (DoEHLG) in the Ireland Housing Executive and Republic of Ireland launched a extensive consultation with resi- ‘Social Housing Leasing Initiative’. dents of Portballintrae. The aim of the initiative was to Gregory Campbell, MLA, who was increase the number of ‘social involved in the consultation process, homes’ available by using the launched the new development and stock of ‘unsold affordable’ and presented a bouquet of flowers to vacant houses available on the L-R: Bridget Kerlin, Martha McGrath, Olive Annesley, Kenny Britton, Linda Thornton, Hazel Kelly - Residents of Iona House with Carmel McCorristen - Esther Taylor, one of the new tenants. Senior Residential Worker, visiting the new Iona House scheme. market, by making the properties He commented: “I am very pleased to available for letting as ‘social be associated with these new homes, housing’ through approved hous- which are of the highest standard. Iona House - ing bodies. Apex has worked with the communi- In mid-2010, Donegal County ty and interested parties to provide Council advised Apex (Ireland) that On the Move their application to lease 8 units of these homes. This is to be wel- comed.” Opening of new purpose-built residential accommodation under the scheme Esther Taylor was delighted to had been approved. Apex (Ireland) move to her new home. She and her home for adults with a learning disability welcomed this new opportunity. husband Phil were originally from Between August and December Bushmills, but urgently needed to Apex is pleased to announce the new home and have been visiting 2010, the Association worked closely move to a bungalow due to mobility imminent opening of the new the site to monitor progress. The with Donegal County Council to difficulties. ‘Iona House’ residential home for new facilities offer high quality develop the initiative and in January Gerry Kelly, Chief Executive of Apex adults with a learning disability. accommodation with 12 en-suite 2011 the first tenants moved into the commented: “Apex is delighted to This new 12-bedded development shower rooms, extra living areas, 8 properties in Carndonagh, Milford provide the first social housing to be replaces the existing 10-bedded and new facilities such as an activity and Ramelton. built in the area in the last 10 years. I home currently located at room and a visitor’s room, to further would like to extend best wishes to 45 Derry Road, Strabane which has enhance the quality of life for our Esther and her new provided accommodation and residents. A landscaped garden area neighbours.” care for residents since 1992. The is available for the residents to enjoy new home is conveniently located outdoor activities. The proximity to on the outskirts of Strabane, at 19 town will also enable the residents to Derry Road with easy access to the avail of the local amenities and town centre and all local commu- increase opportunities for their nity services. All existing residents social inclusion. will be moving to the new develop- If you would like to find out more ment which will also provide information or apply for accom- opportunities for a further 2 new modation, please contact Dolores residents. Forbes, Officer-In-Charge on 028 The residents at Iona have been 7138 3400 or Maureen O’Connell, involved in decisions regarding their Housing Officer on 028 7130 4800. Radharc na Cille, Milford, Co. Donegal

Gregory Campbell MLA presents a bouquet of flowers to new resident Esther Taylor. Time to Read - Improving Literacy Skills to ten year olds). 100 Years Young - Volunteers commit to one hour each week to do one-to-one paired birthday wishes reading, initially for one academic from the Queen year. Catherine Doherty, Personnel Officer talks of her experience of the programme: “I have witnessed not only improvements in the reading abilities, but the confidence and self-esteem of the children has Back Row - L-R: Apex Staff - Catriona Ward, Catherine Doherty, Helen Heaney, Natasha Gutherie & Elaine Taylor; Aaron McShane - First Source and undoubtedly increased. ‘Time to Mrs Daly and pupils from Long Tower Primary School. Read’ is a great opportunity for Volunteers from Apex has been Read’ is in its 11th year businesses to give something back working with children from Long and has been developed to foster to their local community. You can Tower Primary School since a love of reading, build confi- witness first-hand the positive September 2010 in an attempt dence and enhance social skills impact the programme has on the to improve literacy skills. ‘Time to of children at Key Stage 2 (eight children involved.” Jean Todd - Resident of St Julian’s House, celebrating her 100th Birthday. Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 7 Apex Departments The Supported Living Team In the last edition of the Observer, we profiled our Board of mental health difficulties, those with an alcohol addiction and young people Management & Senior Management Team. In this edition we profile our in need of support. Supported Living Team. The Supported Living Team is part of the Housing & Care Services The Apex Supported Living portfolio includes the provision of accommoda- Department and is responsible for delivering our landlord responsibilities tion, care and/or support to a range of client groups including: those and managing the delivery of care and support to residents living within the requiring nursing care, older people requiring housing with care, those Association’s Supported Living Schemes. living in Sheltered Housing, those with a learning disability, those with The following chart shows ‘who’s who’ in the Supported Living Team:

Supported Living Team 1

Supported Living Team 1 is managed by Muriel Sands - Housing & Care Services Manager, and is responsible for service provision within the following schemes:

Nursing Care Castlederg - Parkview House Coleraine - Brookmount Derry - Daleview House Newtownstewart - Bell Gray House Muriel Sands Martina Gamble Housing & Care Services Senior Housing Officer Manager Housing with Care Castlederg - Parkview House Coleraine - Brookhill House & Killowen House Derry - Abbey House, Alexander House & Daleview House Omagh - St. Julian’s House

Hostels for those with an Alcohol Addiction Derry - The House In The Wells & Foyle Valley House Belfast - Springwell House

Sheltered Housing Castlederg - Parkview House Simon McCarron Caroline Donnelly Claudy - Creggmount Housing Officer Administrative Assistant Derry - Abbey House, Alexander House & Culmore Park Eglinton - St. Canice’s Close Letterkenny - Fortwell Place Omagh - St. Julian’s House Strabane - Mulvey House

Supported Living Team 2

Supported Living Team 2 is managed by Yvonne Cassidy - Housing & Care Services Manager, and is responsible for service provision within the following schemes:

Learning Disability Derry - Beechway House & Belmont Cottages Limavady - Mullagh House Omagh - Railway Court Yvonne Cassidy Ellen Hall Strabane - Iona House Housing & Care Services Senior Housing Officer Manager Mental Health Derry - Ballyoan House, Clondermott House & Dunvale House Omagh - Woodbank House

Foyer Derry - Strand Foyer

Sheltered Housing Derry - Beechwood Court, Brickfield Court, Father Mulvey Park & Glenbrook House Maureen O’Connell Stacey McNulty Moville - Taobh na Cille, Moville Housing Officer Administrative Assistant 8 Apex Housing Association Observer | Spring 2011 And finally

CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY Strive 2 Work As part of its corporate social responsibility strategy, Apex employed six graduates from the highly successful Strive 2 Work programme. This unique three week employability workshop, delivered in partnership with Crecso Trust and Business in the Community, aims to increase the participants chances of getting and sustaining employment whilst acknowledging the fact that some people require extra assistance to overcome the barriers that prevent them from finding and keeping work. Back Row L-R: Jennifer McCorry (SHSCT); Lynn Irwin (SHSCT); Maria Devlin (TA); Joanne Laughlin (Ballyoan); Elaine Taylor (Director of Personnel & Training - Apex); Lorraine Moore (Killowen); James Morrison (Dunvale); Imelda McCormack (Railway); Ann Rice (Railway); Patricia Mullan (Brookhill). Front Row L-R: Mena Carey, Colum Eastwood (Mayor); Rosemary Duffy (Brookhill). Cresco and Apex delivered an employer led workshop in October 2010 and once completed, appli- cants had access to a pool of job NVQ Success for Apex Staff vacancies and ongoing support via a ‘Workforce Buddies’ mentoring NVQ’s prove to be excellent learning experience on many levels scheme aimed at helping people settle into the workplace and make a Apex celebrated the success of Catering to over 44%. This achieve- NVQ’s on front line service delivery successful transition to the world of their latest staff members ment is compounded by the fact that has been very evident. Staff are employment. becoming NVQ qualified through a significant proportion of these staff competent in their practice and Successful recruits were placed in a special awards presentation in (16%) have not studied for 15-20 NVQ’s have proven to be an excellent permanent posts in a variety of the the Tower Hotel, attended by Cllr. years. Gerry Kelly - Chief Executive of learning experience on both a Association’s Supported Living Colm Eastwood, Mayor. Apex supported this view, stating professional and personal level.” schemes including nursing care, Apex employ over 330 care and that: “NVQ’s are excellent stepping learning disability, mental health support staff within its Supported stones for individuals as they offer a and hostels. Living Schemes and this brought the progression route, particularly for Commenting on the success of level of staff working with and car- those who have been out of study or Strive 2 Work, Elaine Taylor, Director ing for vulnerable adults within the academic life for some time.” of Personnel & Training said: “This Association, who are qualified to Marjorie Keenan - Chairperson of has been a win-win situation for both NVQ Levels 2, 3 & 4 in either Care or Apex commented: “The impact of the organisation and the individuals concerned. As an employer we have been able to open the recruitment pool to new applicants so providing more job opportunities.” Back Row L-R: Helena McVeigh (NWRC); Maria Devlin (TA); Catherine On the back of this success, Apex McCallion (Beechwood Court); Marion Tasker-Lynch (Brookhill); Geraldine Lavery (Head of School NWRC). has already scheduled a further Front Row L-R: Elaine Taylor (Director of Personnel & Training - Apex); employer led workshop for Colum Eastwood (Mayor); Maureen Slater (Foyle Valley House). September 2011 and as part of our Financial Inclusion Strategy is very keen to see any interested tenants ...NVQ’s are excellent step- availing of these employment ping stones for individuals opportunities. as they offer a progression For further details contact any route... member of the Strive 2 Work team Back Row L-R: Maria Devlin (TA); Lynn Irwin (SHSCT); Jennifer McCorry (SHSCT); Martin Doherty (Beechway); Jacqueline Browne (St Julian’s); based at Cresco Trust Ltd, 20 Pump Norma Auld (Killowen); Noeleen O’Hara (Alexander). Front Row L-R: Elaine Taylor (Director of Personnel & Training - Apex), Colum Eastwood (Mayor); Street, L’Derry on 028 7126 9400 or Keith Stewart (Mullagh). [email protected]. Retirement of Jean McGill On Friday 7th January 2011, Jean commitment to the field of learning McGill retired from Apex after 16 difficulties was recognised by her years as Officer-In-Charge at colleagues at a retirement lunch in Beechway House. the Tower Hotel. Her nursing career however All the management and staff at spanned over 42 years during Apex would like to take this oppor- which she held positions in tunity to thank Jean for her years of Stradreagh Hospital and service and wish her a long and ful- Back Row L-R: Therese McMenimen; Gareth Cullen; Sean Gallagher; Jean McGill & S Meadowbank. filled retirement. heena Cabrini Emmerson; Niome Devine. McCallion at Jean’s r Front Row L-R: Gerard Diver - Cresco Trust; Gerry Kelly - CEO Apex Her long-term service and etirement Housing; Elaine Taylor - Director of Personnel & Training Apex Housing.