Safer Communities During Lockdown

Phased approach Issue 55 - Summer 2020 to recycling centre DOWN YOUR openings P23

Tenants’ Magazine

Safer Communities during #DYSFife www.fifedirect.org.uk/housinglockdown www.fife.gov.uk/housing p14 & 15

100th Birthday celebrations for two Fife Council tenants at 100 years young! p6 & p7 Contents Competition winners & summer word search 3 Stay well stay safe 4 A lockdown lowdown 5 100 years young 6 Support for rent 8 Retaining wall repairs deemed a great success 9 Broomhead Drive bike lockers 10 Cedar House - 2 years on 11 Protect yourself and others 12 Test and protect a step by step guide 13 Safer communities during lockdown 14 Clean up after your dog 16 Positive feedback at very sheltered housing 17 Honours recoginition for community champion 18 Fuel poverty conference update 20 Housing regulator news 21 Reporting repairs online 22 Alternative Formats Phased approach to recycling centres openings 23 Information about Fife Council can be Pest Control Service now available 24 Tenant Participation Bulletin College event 25 made available in large print, braille Kids’ corner 26 and audio CD on request by calling Mrs Doyle’s Kitchen 27 Alternative Formats line: Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland 28 03451 55 55 00 British Sign Language please text (SMS) 07781 480 185 BT Text Direct: 18001 01592 55 11 91 Get in touch Editor: John D Houston If you need to get in touch about this issue, you can contact us in the following ways: ☎ 01383 602220 Language lines @ [email protected] Arabic www.fife.gov.uk/tp 03451 55 55 77 Magazine Update Bengali Down Your Street, our free quarterly magazine for Fife 03451 55 55 99 Council tenants could not be published this spring due to disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Cantonese Thankfully, the disruption to our print production was 03451 55 55 88 relatively short. Polish Polskojezyczna˛ linia telefoniczna: All information aims to be accurate at time of print. 03451 55 55 44 Advice is subject to change, therefore, please check Urdu government guidance regularly. 03451 55 55 66 @fifecounciltp

2 Your opportunity to participate Competition results Word search

Winter competition winners

Word Search Nikola Henderson, Kirkcaldy £20 High Street Voucher

Where’s Herbie? Mrs C Brash, Buckhaven £30 High Street Voucher

Spot the difference Lorna Bald, Kirkcaldy £20 High Street Voucher

Fife Photography John Brailsford, St Andrews The red squirrel £20 High Street Voucher

Find the following words Balance Courage Faith Hope Journey Joy Purpose Trust Wisdom Grit With restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, there are currently no prize-winning competitions running in this edition of Down Your Street.

Winter Colouring Competition winners

Darshan, St Monans (15yrs) All win £20 Lorna, Kirkcaldy (5yrs) Taylor, Kirkcaldy High Street Voucher (10yrs) @fifecounciltp

3 Your opportunity to participate Tenant information

Stay well, stay safe

We are in exceptional times and the Council is people, and to support older tenants in sheltered seeking to cope as well as it can to deal with the housing. We have redeployed staff voluntarily to support “impact of the COVID lockdown. Even as the lockdown these critical parts of services to tenants. is gradually eased, it will take Housing Services some I have also understood that many of our tenants have time to move to deliver our full range of housing and been and will be affected by the COVID lockdown. safer communities services. This Recovery period Some tenants have already lost their jobs, or have been will probably be more difficult to go through than furloughed by their employers. We are here to help you the immediate reaction to the announcement of the to support your rent payments. Officers from Housing lockdown. & Revenue Services are continuing to make contact to For tenants, I understand that the disruption to normal clarify your financial circumstances and to help if we family life and employment has been significant. can to ease worries about increasing rent arrears. This is Housing and Safer Communities staff, working alongside a critical service that will continue to offer you support other council colleagues have been supporting some of for at least to 31st March 2021. Please contact our Rents our most vulnerable households in Fife with assistance Helpline if you need help.

with life’s necessities such as food and prescriptions. We The council will start up a wider range of services again

have also been offering advice and support if tenants to tenants as we move through the recovery from COVID. have been worried about their rent. We will continue to Regular updates will be published on Fife Direct. Housing do this over the coming months. Officers will also be more“ visible again in housing As a reaction to the COVID lockdown, the council neighbourhoods and are available to you to contact for suspended the delivery of a range of services to focus any support you may need. on our business-critical services in an emergency. For Above all, stay safe. Housing Services, this included normal repairs, housing allocations, and housing visits to tenants’ homes. We John Mills have sought to keep going with gas safety inspections, Head of Housing Services emergency repairs, urgent allocations to homeless

4 Your opportunity to participate4 Tenant information Tenant information A Lockdown lowdown

Hello! homeschooling their children at the same time; It is so good to be able to make contact with our and I’m sure you will agree with me, that they have tenants at this time. delivered an excellent service still. This quarter’s edition of Down Your Street is quite Many others were redeployed and have been working different to what we have normally seen. in areas that were not their usual place of work – or even their usual job! As the Housing Convenor, I have been keeping in touch with the Housing Service. Many staff have It’s been my great privilege as the Convenor for been working from home – with all its challenges: Communities, to visit the food hubs, set up by the Council. In these hubs, staff from many different departments, and furloughed members of the community were working together to make food packages. These were delivered to ‘shielding’ households; to people who could not travel to a supermarket; and pantries and larders, where people could come and collect food and toiletries to keep them going in these difficult times. I’ve volunteered and delivered food-parcels , or supported food-hubs and Foodbanks. I’ve visited Foodbanks and people providing hot meals to their residents. Furloughed staff working in community centres to cook and deliver this lifeline service. There have been activity packs made up for children to support their learning and fun as they are stuck at home; “Holiday-at-Home” packs for older residents to share holiday memories as they are at home. There are some amazing community activities going on to support us and to help. I’ve been meeting my neighbours as we came out of our houses on Thursdays to applaud our key-workers. For me, lockdown has been a truly inspirational time. I’ve seen the very best of public services working together with our communities and I’m very proud of Fife Council employees, who have worked very hard and supported the whole community. I do hope that you are safe and well! Cllr Judy Hamilton - Convener: Community & Housing Services Committee

Your opportunity to participate4 5 Your opportunity to participate Kirkcaldy area

Mary Stoddart 100 years young

Mary Stoddart, a resident of Craigmount, Kirkcaldy turned 100 years old in March. We thought we should ask her some questions about life in Kirkcaldy and how it’s changed for her. Mary was originally from Londonderry in Ireland and moved to Kirkcaldy 66 years ago. She undertook several roles during that time including being a cutter in a Glenrothes shirt factory. She also did a lot of valuable voluntary work with Age Concern including participating in the local Robert Burns group and line dancing for the elderly. Mary worked in a munition factory in London during the 2nd World War and got married in 1949. She had 3 children and now has 8 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, the youngest being 2 and the eldest being 21. While being a Fife Council tenant she has had some adaptations done to property to help her in day to day life including a handrail up to her front door and a wetroom shower which she finds very helpful. Housing Management Officers, Trisha Sproule and Evelyn Lavery visited Mary and asked her some questions.

Hi Mary and thanks for speaking with What’s the naughtiest thing you ever us. Have you always lived in Kirkcaldy? did as a wee girl? I’ve lived here for 66 years. Nothing I was a good girl What’s your earliest memory of If you could give yourself advice as a 20 Kirkcaldy Mary? year old what would you say? Kirkcaldy was a great place with great I wouldn’t change a thing. shopping opportunities. I enjoyed playing outside as a child. Well you can’t say fairer than that. From everyone here at Down Your Street we’d What’s your secret to a long and like to wish Mary all the very best. healthy life? By keeping fit and active and a brandy every night.

Your opportunity to participate 6 Glenrothes area

Margaret Morgan100 years young

Margaret Morgan was born on 27th May 1920 as need – especially during the covid-19 pandemic. My the Spanish Flu impacted the United Kingdom. food is made and delivered to me. My meals are the This year, Margaret’s centenary celebrations have perfect portion size and are so good. I enjoy spending seen the latest virus to sweep the world. time in the communal lounge. I’m looking forward to Margaret grew up in Methil and began working in getting back to playing bingo and dominos.” her uncle’s butchers in Leven at the age of 14. This Margaret is well thought of by staff and tenants. experience helped Margaret secure a job in Woolies “Margaret is sociable and enjoys getting involved in all (Woolworths). “I loved working there. It was a great the activities. She takes new tenants under her wing store. I began as a shop assistant, moved onto an to make sure they settle into the community. She is inspectress, and finished up as a cashier for many a very well-liked character here at Jubilee Grove” said years.” Lisa & Shelley, Very Sheltered Housing Officers. Margaret took four years off from Woolworths when Margaret was unaware that the staff at Jubilee had the Auxiliary Territorial Service called her up to serve. “I planned her a special 100th birthday celebration. was doing office work… so they didn’t give me a gun!” “A piper, my family, lots of friends and the staff were In September 1949, Margaret married Mr Daniel all gathered outside. It was just so lovely! I could not Morgan in Leven Church. The newly-weds moved to move for all the beautiful flowers and birthday cards I Markinch as Daniel worked at the paper mill. Together received. Everyone was so good to me.” they had one daughter and a grandchild. The Lord-Lieutenant of Fife and the Queen sent Margaret sadly lost her husband 17 years ago. “When Margaret messages of congratulations. “I’m glad I’ve my husband died, people said that would be the finish. reached this age - I don’t feel old. I still have energy to I said ‘no, I will see him again’. This is not the last of us, do things. I use my head and do crosswords to keep we will meet again.” my brain going. I look forward to what I’ve got in front of me”. Margaret lives in Fife Council Very Sheltered Housing at Jubilee Grove in Glenrothes. “The staff see to what I

7 Your opportunity to participate Tenant information Support for rent

It’s important for those who find themselves in a If you would like more information on the Universal position to pay their rent, to keep doing so. We need Credit Mitigation Fund or would like to apply, please this money to provide vital housing services – all contact us 03451 55 00 44 to discuss your circumstances normal methods of payment will stay in place at with a Housing Management Officer. present and Direct Debits will be taken as normal. Money Advice We know that many households may be struggling A range of money advice and information about benefits financially at this time – some people may not be getting is available at www.fife.gov.uk/moneyadvice paid as normal or your job may be at risk – so we have created support packages worth £2 million to help you.

Covid-19 Rent Support Scheme We have introduced a Covid-19 Rent Support Scheme to support tenants who have been affected by the Covid-19 crisis. If you have been furloughed, made redundant or are self-employed and have seen a reduction in your income, you may be entitled to assistance through the scheme.

You will need to provide proof that your income has reduced as a result of Covid-19, for example, a redundancy letter or furlough letter from your employer, or government award letters if you are self- employed. Fife Covid Community Helpline If you would like more information on the If you are unable to access Covid-19 Rent Support Scheme or would like to apply, please contact us on 03451 our online services, or you 55 00 44 to discuss your circumstances with a Housing are struggling with food, Management Officer. shopping, prescriptions, Universal Credit Mitigation Fund finances, personal care or We are continuing to provide support to new Universal anything else because of Credit claimants through the Universal Credit Mitigation Fund. New Universal Credit claimants are subject to a coronavirus, you can call five-week wait between being approved for the benefit us free on the Fife Covid and receiving their first payment. Community Helpline 0800 To help tenants during this period, we will credit all Fife 952 0330, Monday to Friday, Council tenants who have new Universal Credit claims 9am to 5pm. with two weeks rent. Any tenant who signs up to “rent direct to landlord” and makes a two-week rent payment will be credited with an additional two weeks rent into their account.

We can provide advice about a new or existing Universal Credit claim, online using the Universal Credit Enquiry Form (https://www.fife.gov.uk/services/form-pages/ universal-credit-enquiry-form) or by calling 03451 55 00 44.

Your opportunity to participate 8 Levenmouth area

Retaining wall repairs deemed a great success

Fife Council have recently been carrying out extensive work to the retaining wall at Mcdonald Terrace and Durie Court in Methil. The concerns for the state of the wall were raised initially by tenants and residents within the area. The housing manager kick started this project, and after multi agency meetings with Technical Officers from Housing, engineering Technicians and Building Services, a plan of action was decided, and funding secured from Levenmouth area housing budget. Due to the level of work required to repair the wall and make it safe, the project is being undertaken on several different phases. The retaining wall and metal fencing was in a poor condition. Officers looked at what was achievable with the budget available and decided that repairs were required. After inspection, it was identified that the two retaining walls had broken away from each other and were unstable. Also, the external facing bricks were damaged by frost and water penetration throughout the length of the wall. Working together with Building Services, we were able to identify a new material called Kalath, which you will see has transformed the area of the wall, with new copes being fitted and new powder coated bow-top fencing installed. Phase 1 work was completed March 2019, with Phase 2 completed June 2019 Phase 3 planned for Mid Feb 2020. The Final phase is planned for 2020/2021 financial year. This project has already shown great success, and local tenants and residents can look forward to its completion in the near future.

9 Your opportunity to participate SaferDunfermline communities area Broomhead Drive Bike Lockers

Bike lockers were put in place at Broomhead Drive, to the tenant to ensure they can access their locker. Dunfermline in November 2019. Monthly inspections of the lockers are carried out by the Caretakers to ensure they are being kept in good The idea was suggested by members of the Tenants and condition and being used for the sole purpose of storing Residents Association at their monthly meeting. Housing bikes. Services were keen to act on this idea as it would provide a secure place for tenants to store their bikes, helping to One tenant who has been assigned a locker states: “I keep the communal walkways free from any obstructions think they’re a great idea! I found out about the lockers and therefore reducing fire safety risks. The lockers are through the Tenants and Residents Association and was a great way to promote good health and wellbeing, allocated one by the Caretakers. Since we’re in flats there encouraging tenants to get out on their bikes. isn’t storage for bikes and we can’t keep them in the stairwells for health and safety reasons. The lockers are Three sets of bike lockers were installed, one outside perfect and a great size”. each block of flats. The lockers are free to use and any tenant who wishes to access one can be assigned The lockers have been a great success and have been a specific locker from the Caretakers or Housing well maintained and welcomed by the residents of Management Officer for the area. Unique keys are issued Broomhead Drive.

KEEP CALM AND GET ADVICE For General Enquiries contact 0345 1400 095 For Debt enquiries contact 0345 1400 094 Or visit www.CABFife.org.uk

Citizens Advice and Rights Fife is registered as a charity in Scotland No SCO27015 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No 178060

Your opportunity to participate 10 Cowdenbeath Revisiting Cedar House

It’s been 2 years since Cedar House Sheltered House intend to purchase a bingo machine and bingo Housing in Lumphinnans opened its doors. cards for their lounge along with outdoor planters and Since then, it has gone from strength to strength a bird table for the garden. thanks to tenants, staff and the local community who It has been a successful two years for Cedar House, have worked hard to help it be the best it can be. and it is great to see the community join and work The Tenants and Residents Association has been towards a bright future together. running for well over a year now and along with the social fund they help to improve the lives of residents and the local community. Cedar House has hosted many fundraising events including quiz nights, coffee mornings and a Burns supper. These events have created an opportunity for all to get involved and work together as a community. Cedar House was selected by ASDA’s green token giving scheme from October to December 2019. Tenants, friends, family and the local community supported Cedar House by collecting tokens at checkouts and adding them to the box in store. As a result, tenants at Cedar House were delighted to receive a cheque for £1,000 towards their funds. Cedar

It’s important to make sure that your gas boiler, gas fire and gas cooker are working safely and correctly. Gas Safe Register is the only official list of gas engineers who are legally allowed to Fife has an online self assessment tool called ‘Smart Life in Fife’. The website do work on your gas boiler, gas cooker and can enable people to access advice, services, recommendations, and equip- gas fire. By law, all gas engineers must be on ment available on loan from Fife Community Equipment Store. These vital services can make everyday activities easier and enable people to live more the Gas Safe Register. This list is there to help independently at home for longer. protect you from unsafe gas work. The online system will allow a person to select an area of the home which Gas they, or family members are having difficulties with. Step by step each person As your landlord, Fife Council will is guided through an easy assessment process to identify what solutions may annually service your gas boiler and gas fire. be best for them. Our system can offer quick and easy access to a range of If you have a gas cooker you will need to get solutions, and advise if a further professional assessment is required. Safety To start a self-assessment go to www.smartlifeinfife.org it serviced and safety checked every year. sign up and create an account Annual servicing not only helps keep your heating and hot water working properly, it Reminder helps keep you safe. All Gas Safe registered engineers carry a Gas Safe Register ID card. Always check the card and make sure the engineer is qualified for the work you need. To check an engineer go to www.GasSafeRegister.co.uk or call free on 0800 408 5500. www.smartlifeinfife.org

11 Your opportunity to participate Covid 19 4 JUNE 2020 TEST & PROTECT: Following these steps is vital to Protect yourself and others A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE tackle coronavirus in Scotland 1 2 3 How does coronavirus spread? For the latest guidance visit www.nhsinform.scot/ The virus doesn’t spread itself – humans spread it. coronavirus. It’s spread via tiny droplets from a person’s lungs. If you can’t get online, you can also phone 0800 028 It can pass to other people through the air, or from 2816 (8 am–10 pm). surfaces. Test and Protect Symptoms of coronavirus Test and Protect is Scotland’s approach to preventing RECOGNISE SYMPTOMS REQUEST A TEST RIGHT AWAY ISOLATE The most common symptoms are new: the spread of coronavirus in the community. A new persistent cough, fever, It is important to get Isolate for 7 days from symptom start • continuous cough It will prevent the spread of coronavirus in the or loss or change in sense a test as soon as possible. date, longer if fever continues and • fever/high temperature (37.8C or greater) community by: of taste or smell means you Visit NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect 48 hours after fever ends. Others you should immediately begin live with should isolate for 14 days. • identifying cases of coronavirus through testing or call 0800 028 2816 • loss of, or change in, sense of smell or taste household isolation. if you cannot get online. (anosmia) • tracing the people who may have become Generally, coronavirus can cause more severe infected by spending time in close contact with 4 5 6 symptoms in people with weakened immune systems, them MONDAY older people and those with long term conditions like • supporting those close contacts to self-isolate, diabetes, cancer and chronic lung disease. so that if they have the disease they are less likely TUESDAY transmit it to others WEDNESDAY

What to do if you have symptoms Anyone in Scotland who is self-isolating because they are showing symptoms can be tested. Details of the If you have symptoms that may be coronavirus, do not Scottish Governments Test & Protect: a step-by-step GET TESTED GET RESULTS PROVIDE DETAILS leave your home for 7 days. If you are in a household guide, can be found on page 13. with someone else who has symptoms, do not leave When isolating, you should They should be with you If you have coronavirus, your home for 14 days if you remain symptom-free. Information on how to book a coronavirus test is only leave home to get within 48 hours. NHS contact tracers will contact you available online at www.nhsinform.scot/test-and- tested. There are various ways to confidentially ask who you have If you start to display symptoms during those 14 days, protect, or call 0800 028 2816. of having this done. had contact with recently. If you you must not leave your home for 7 days from the date don’t have the virus, you and your the symptoms began. Household isolation will help us household can stop isolating. all control the spread of the virus to family, friends, the 7 8 9 wider community and the most vulnerable.

NHS INFORMS CONTACTS CLOSE CONTACTS ISOLATE HOUSEHOLD OF CLOSE CONTACT

If you have coronavirus, the NHS They will be asked to isolate for If the close contact has no symptoms, will contact the people you have 14 days from the last time they others in their household don’t need had close contact with. Your name had contact with you. to isolate. If the close contact develops will not be shared unless you give symptoms, they should follow this permission. All data will be held guide starting from step 1. safely and securely.

If you do not have community or family support and need essential help, call the National Assistance Helpline on 0800 111 4000 (Mon–Fri 9am–5pm) or via textphone on 0800 111 4114. The helpline is for those who cannot leave their home or get the help they need elsewhere. For current health advice and more information about the Test & Protect service visit NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect Your opportunity to participate 12

00660146_SGV Test & Protect_Door Drop Infographic A4.indd 1 04/06/2020 17:17 4 JUNE 2020 TEST & PROTECT: Following these steps is vital to A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE tackle coronavirus in Scotland

1 2 3

RECOGNISE SYMPTOMS REQUEST A TEST RIGHT AWAY ISOLATE

A new persistent cough, fever, It is important to get Isolate for 7 days from symptom start or loss or change in sense a test as soon as possible. date, longer if fever continues and of taste or smell means you Visit NHSinform.scot/test-and-protect 48 hours after fever ends. Others you should immediately begin or call 0800 028 2816 live with should isolate for 14 days. household isolation. if you cannot get online.

4 5 6

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

GET TESTED GET RESULTS PROVIDE DETAILS

When isolating, you should They should be with you If you have coronavirus, only leave home to get within 48 hours. NHS contact tracers will contact you tested. There are various ways to confidentially ask who you have of having this done. had contact with recently. If you don’t have the virus, you and your household can stop isolating. 7 8 9

NHS INFORMS CONTACTS CLOSE CONTACTS ISOLATE HOUSEHOLD OF CLOSE CONTACT

00660146_SGV Test & Protect_Door Drop Infographic A4.indd 1 04/06/2020 17:17

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Safer Communities during lockdown

During the lockdown period of the Covid-19 We also had officers helping in local community pandemic Fife Council’s Safer Communities Team centres providing a drop-in advice service to young have had officers carrying out a variety of duties. people struggling with lockdown, and helping the Some staff have been dealing with business- coordination and delivery of food and crisis packs for critical duties such as dealing with complaints vulnerable people and their families, and for people about anti-social behaviour, fly tipping, pest who are currently shielding or self-isolating. control and dog warden duties. Officers were also deployed to assist Fife Voluntary Staff have been working jointly with Police Scotland Action to provide a prescription delivery service. These and other partners to deal with serious anti-social staff have been out daily visiting local pharmacies behaviour such as assaults, domestic noise complaints, and collecting prescriptions to deliver to people lack of social distancing, and general neighbour who are unable to visit the pharmacy to collect complaints. This has been made more difficult due them personally. Over the last 10 weeks staff have to staff being unable to carry out home visits due to made 3353 prescription deliveries to people in our the lockdown restrictions and staff have had to work communities who are shielding or in self isolation. from home. Officers attending noise calls will discuss Whilst carrying out their duties team members have the situation with complainers and perpetrators from been wearing PPE relevant to the duties they have a safe distance. No noise measurement readings can been doing i.e. face masks, and gloves, and using hand be taken as that would involve setting up equipment sanitiser and wipes frequently. in the complainer’s house. Officers will use their professional judgement when assessing noise from It has been an exceptionally busy time for the team, street level. and this looks set to continue for the foreseeable future. The Safer Communities Team have officers out daily investigating complaints of fly tipping. The officers are arranging for one off incidences of fly tipping to be removed urgently. However, if there is obvious evidence as to where the waste has come from then a warning letter is being sent out and the person’s details are kept on file. Fixed penalty notices are still being issued against repeat offenders. Our Dog and Pest Control teams have also been out in the areas daily and although they have been offering a reduced service, their focus has been on keeping the Kingdom free of stray dogs, and rats and mice. However, a large number of team members have been redeployed to provide other critical services which are not part of their normal duties. We have had officers deployed to help out in the older persons housing complexes carrying out duties such as shopping, and prescription collections as well as learning the roles of Housing colleagues to ensure cover can be provided if needed. A significant part of the role has been making contact with residents and providing a listening ear in times when many are isolated alone at home. Two of our Safer Communities Assistants have been providing business support and assisting with the redeployment of staff for older persons housing.

Your opportunity to participate 14

Spotlight on

15 Your opportunity to participate Tenant information Clean up after your dog!

There were 1028 complaints of dog fouling last year the North East Fife Area, covering Kingskettle, Freuchie, covering the whole of Fife, 872 of which were in a Falkand and Newburgh. This initiative will move around public space. Dog owners have a legal duty to clean Fife on request throughout 2020. up every time their dog fouls in a public place. If dog fouling is an issue affecting your area, you can Fife Council have a tough stance on dog fouling and report it by emailing [email protected]. failure to clean up after your dog may result in a fixed uk, calling 03451 55 00 22 or online at www.fifedirect.org. penalty notice of £80. If the fines are not paid it may be uk/dogfouling referred to Sheriff Officers who will recover payment from Keep an eye out for regular updates on initiatives and the you which will also include their fees. work of the Safer Communities Team by following https:// Initiatives are run by the Safer Communities Team to www.facebook.com/safercommunitiesfife encourage owners to always pick up after their pets. Signs, banners and pavement stencils in parks and streets are used to raise awareness and encourage people to ‘Just Bin It’. The Safer Communities Officers increase patrols in the areas identified as hotspots and will enforce the Council’s tough stance to those not cleaning up after their dog. There is currently a ‘Just Bin It’ initiative being run within

Your opportunity to participate 16 Older Persons Housing Positive tenant feedback at Very Sheltered Housing

The Care Inspectorate recently circulated questionnaires to a selection of tenants in Very Results showed: Sheltered Housing across Fife. • 95% of respondents Very Sheltered Housing is suitable for vulnerable agreed or strongly agreed older people (aged 60+) who need support to live that they were happy with independently. the overall quality of care and support The Care Inspectorate scrutinises the quality of housing support services in Scotland to ensure high • 97% of respondents were confident staff standards are met. had the skills to support them 83 questionnaires were distributed, and 61 tenants • 98% of respondents felt treated with returned completed forms – this provided a return respect rate of 74%. • 97% of respondents knew the names of An action plan has now been developed staff who provide their care to address the issues raised and improve performance. We pledge to: • 23% of respondents didn’t • Advise of the ways to comment and complain to know they could make the Care Inspectorate and Fife Council. This has a complaint to the Care been actioned immediately, with all Very Sheltered Inspectorate Housing tenants receiving an individual leaflet providing these important contact details. • 16% of respondents didn’t know about Fife Council’s • Issue a housing support leaflet to explain the complaints procedure service provision and process. • 16% of respondents disagreed or didn’t • Review the Older Persons Housing Participation know if they had a personal plan/support Framework with the Tenant Federation. plan Thank you to tenants, families and carers who took • 11% of respondents didn’t feel they the time to complete and return the questionnaire – were asked for their opinions on how the your feedback is valued and appreciated. service could improve

Feedback included: “The service is excellent in all aspects. I am very happy with everything the Very Sheltered Housing Officers do for us.” “Every member of staff I come into contact with treats me with total respect.” “I am completely happy with all aspects of my care plan.” “I have only praise for my flat in Very Sheltered Housing.” “The staff help you in any way they can. I am very grateful for everything they do for me.”

17 Your opportunity to participate

Community champion

Honours recognition for Fife community champion

A community champion has been recognised is especially dear to Amy as they looked after her for her incredible service to the Levenmouth husband when he became ill. “My husband enjoyed community in the 2020 New Year honours list. going to Arden House and they looked after him so Amy Mathewson from Methil was awarded a British well. Through my voluntary work there, I felt I was Empire Medal (BEM) for services to the community. giving something back to the community and I got a The Honours system recognises people who have lot of pleasure out of it”. made achievements in public life and/or have The Arden House Project offers a range of services and committed themselves to serve their communities in activities for older people in the area who are living and around Britain. independently. The project provides an opportunity Amy has lived her entire life in the area, said “It was a for older people who are at risk of social isolation due terrific surprise and I kept asking, why me, why me?” to complex health issues to get out of the house and when she found out she had been nominated for the enjoy social activities and enjoy a warm meal in a honour. relaxed and friendly environment. While best known to many for her long-term There is no sign of Amy slowing down even though association with the Girl Guides, she started as she is 82 years young. She is also a member of Methil a volunteer helper, going into uniform in 1972. Community Council, Buckhaven and Methil Rotary She acquired her warrant in 1973 and became Club, and the local Sea Road tenants’ and residents’ Quartermaster in 1975. This culminated in Amy association, and is an elder at Wellesley Parish Church. rising to be the District Commissioner, looking after Amy was to be presented with her BEM by HM Lord all the groups in the Levenmouth area. Amy loves lieutenant of Fife, however, this has been delayed due the opportunities the Girl Guides offers young girls. to the coronavirus pandemic. “They learn about working in a team, making friends, learning new hobbies, to taking the lead, to speaking out on issues they care about”. Amy had to come out of uniform when she reached the Guides retirement age of 65, however, she remains involved with the Girl Guides as a member of the Glenrothes Trefoil Guide, for retired Guiders. Trefoil Guild members agree to support the guiding ethos - including the pledge to help other people. Amy said “I love my Guiding, and I have taken my Guides to London, and Switzerland. The Guiders had the amazing opportunity of travelling to New Zealand. It’s all been a wonderful experience”. In 1980, she became the volunteer chair of the board for the Memorial Park Neighbourhood Centre, a role she still holds four decades later. The centre aims to ensure that facilities and activities reflect the needs of the community of lower Methil and surrounding areas. Amy used to help organise the discos and other events at the centre, which is still used by local clubs and groups. Amy has been a committee member at the Arden House Project since 2003 and later became the chair of the organisation’s board in 2012. This project

Your opportunity to participate 18

Community champion

19 Your opportunity to participate Tenant information

Fuel Poverty Conference Update

Fife Council hosted its Fuel Poverty Conference on have to make a choice between eating and heating. 10th March at Fife Renewables Innovations Centre in This is not just a housing issue - and it’s only through Methil. The purpose of the conference was to bring partnership working that we will make a difference to partners together to help residents in Fife who are people’s lives.” struggling to pay for heat and power in their homes. The conference provided an opportunity to raise Professionals from a range of council services and awareness of the new changes in legislation and to partners including Cosy Kingdom, representatives from discuss how all partners will endeavour to significantly Fife Forum for Tenants and Residents (FFOTRA), Fife NHS, reduce the number of people living in fuel poverty by Energy Action Scotland, and the Chartered Institute 2040. The Conference feedback will be used to form an of Housing came together with the aims of sharing action plan moving forward and will contribute to Fife’s experience and reducing fuel poverty through improved Fuel Poverty Strategy which will be produced before the partnership working. end of the year. Convener of Fife council’s Community and Housing This project will link to the Integration of Health and Services Committee Cllr Judy Hamilton welcomed Social Care and the growing pressure on both NHS Fife delegates and commented: “Fuel poverty is a very real and Social Work Service to manage the growing demand issue for too many people. This Conference will help us for services for Adults and Older People. make progress towards a time where people no longer

Your opportunity to participate 20 Tenant information

Housing Regulator news

The Scottish Housing Regulator has published its and ideas. This direct tenant and service user feedback is new plan for involving tenants and service users essential to help inform and shape our work. which it said will put them at the heart of its work. “The COVID-19 restrictions have made it more difficult for The Regulators plan sets out a strong commitment all of us to engage as we normally would. So, we’ve been to empowering tenants and service users as well as keeping in touch with our stakeholders in other ways. promoting an effective tenant voice. Recently I took part in a well-attended webinar organised The Regulator said it continues to work with its nearly by a tenant advisory body, and we’re all likely to be relying 500 National Panel of Tenants and Service Users to hear more on remote engagement for the foreseeable future.” directly about the experiences of a diverse range of Alongside the initiatives set out within the plan, there is tenants, people who are homeless and others. a commitment to ensure the information they produce The Regulator will continue to engage with tenant about landlords is relevant and easy to access. With this representatives, the Registered Tenant Organisation in mind a short video that summarises the plan has been liaison group, and with the four Regional Networks as an created with further information on the Scottish Housing essential part of their work. It will also speak with bodies Regulator available at www.housingregulator.gov.scot who work on service users’ behalf. Michael Cameron, the Regulator’s chief executive, said: “We’re very grateful to everyone who has taken the time to tell us about their experiences and feed in their views Reengage Because a good chat means the world

Our call companions offer friendship to older people 1. When you sign up, we’ll ask you a bit about who live alone. yourself. We’ll then do our best to pair you with a Do you enjoy chatting over the phone? call companion we think you’ll get on with, so the conversation flows and the friendship blossoms. We’ve been running social gatherings for older people for 50 years. Now, we’re also offering call companions 2. You can choose when to receive the phone calls who can brighten your day with a friendly phone call. and whether you’d like a call every week or every other week. Our call companions love a good chat and they’re great 3. You can receive the phone calls for as long as you listeners too. They’ll enjoy want and you never need to pay a penny. Because a good chat means getting to know you and the world telling you a bit about their Who’s eligible for a call companion? Our call companions offer friendship to older people who live alone. lives. Soon you’ll be sharing gardening tips, favourite We’re offering a call companion to older people who books or just chatting about live alone or in sheltered housing. However, we do Do you enjoy chatting over the phone? the day to day. consider applications on a case-by-case basis, so if your We’ve been running social gatherings for older people for 50 years. Now, we’re also offering call companions who can brighten your day circumstances are different to this and you feel you’d like with a friendly phone call. Whatever you talk about, Our call companions love a good chat and they’re great listeners too. a call companion, just get in touch. They’ll enjoy getting to know you and telling you a bit about their lives. Soon you’ll be sharing gardening tips, favourite books or just chatting their phone calls will give about the day to day. Give us a call on 0800 716 543 (calls are free) or visit Whatever you talk about, their phone calls will give you a real boost. you a real boost. Because Because if there’s one thing we’ve learnt from the people we’ve helped over the years, it’s that a good chat really does mean the world. if there’s one thing we’ve www.reengage.org.uk learnt from the people Re-engage is a registered charity in Scotland (SCO39377) we’ve helped over the years, it’s that a good chat really does mean the world.

20 21 Your opportunity to participate Tenant information

Reporting repairs online

Reporting a repair – What do you need to do? In an emergency We have a responsibility, as your landlord, to make If you believe the repair is a danger to health sure your home is wind and watertight. If any repairs or safety, you should report the problem as are required to your home, please let us know as soon as possible online at www.fife.gov.uk or soon as possible. We’ll need to know: call 03451 55 00 99. • your name, address and contact number Missed a tradesperson It’s now much easier to reschedule your repair, if you • as much information as possible on the repair missed the tradesperson. Please click on the Chat required icon at the top right-hand side of • if any damage has occurred and how it happened the page. You’ll be asked for the job number on the card left through • any access details that may affect us being able to your door, or your name and do the repair within an agreed timescale address if you don’t have a card. With this information, we’ll advise you of the time it takes to complete the work. If possible, we’ll offer you an appointment. It will be one that is suitable for both yourself and our trades person. Repair timescales can vary, depending on the work required. We’ll always aim to complete the repair as soon as we can. If your repair is not an emergency, for example a danger to your health or safety, you should report this online via [email protected]. Please provide your name, address, contact number and full details of repair required. You can also report repairs using our Chat button at the top right-hand side of the page.

Your opportunity to participate 22 23 Tenant information

Phased approach to recycling centre openings

Some Fife recycling centres have been re-opening, as • Have only one person per vehicle. Blue Badge part of a phased approach, that began in early June. holders or those with dependants that cannot Fifers must book a slot to access any open household be left at home are the exceptions. Even in these waste recycling centre. Strict guidelines and essential circumstances, only one person is allowed to leave changes to how recycling centres are run are in place the vehicle when on site. to keep local people and staff safe. Sites will close if the • Staff will not be able to assist with disposing of the COVID-19 access policy and site rules are not adhered to. items on-site, so please make sure you can lift what you bring.

The following sites have been assessed as suitable • Travel by car. No vans, trailers or pickups are for opening: currently allowed on sites. 1. Dunfermline Recycling Centre • Only book one visit a week by car per household. 2. Glenrothes Recycling Centre There are over 300 Recycling Points in Fife to make it easy to recycle small packaging items such as glass bottles, 3. Kirkcaldy Recycling Centre cans and textiles. Your nearest recycling point location 4. Lochgelly Recycling Centre can be found at www.fife.gov.uk/kb/docs/articles/bins- and-recycling/recycling-points 5. St Andrews Recycling Centre Fifers are also reminded that they should not visit a 6. Pittenweem Recycling Centre recycling centre if they are unwell. Everyone should be 7. Dalgety Bay Recycling Centre following the 7-day self-isolation guidance. If a household member is unwell, people should be following the 14 8. Methil Recycling Centre days stay at home guidance. 9. Ladybank Recycling Centre 10. Cupar Recycling Centre

For the latest information see: www.fife.gov.uk/ recyclingcentres

Recycling centre visitors must: • Have booked an available appointment online at fife.gov.uk/recyclingcentres • Check to see if your waste materials can be taken to the site. Only limited materials are being accepted at present: landfill, green garden waste, paper and cardboard and cans and plastics. • Arrive at your allocated time that you have booked online. There may be delays accessing the site and possibly queues of waiting vehicles. Please bear with us as we work safely on the site to limit contact between people. • Have their ID and proof of Fife address with them – driving licence or council tax bill.

23 Your opportunity to participate Tenant information

New service for council tenants

Is there a moose loose aboot yer hoose? Council tenants can now book a pest control appointment online. The new online service is only available to council tenants at this time. Tenants can now book a pest control visit for rats inside/outside the house, mice inside the house and ants inside the house by using the new online form at www.fife.gov.uk/pestcontrol

Getting involved as a tenant

We want our tenants to get involved and influence the housing services we deliver. You can decide the depth and degree of involvement you wish to take. This can be done in a number of different ways, for example: • as an individual tenant • through a Tenants & Residents Group • by being a member of a Tenants Federation • by getting involved in our tenant scrutiny activities We encourage Tenant & Resident Groups to register with us as a Registered Tenant Organisation (RTO). We provide full support and advice throughout the entire process. In addition, applying for RTO status means your group may secure greater funding through the Annual Grant Awards. If you have any questions about tenant participation or would like more information about how you can get involved, you can contact us in the following ways: Post: New City House 1 Edgar Street Dunfermline Fife KY12 7EP Tel: 01383 602220 Email: [email protected] Facebook: @FifeCouncilTP Twitter: @FifeCouncilTP

Your opportunity to participate 24 Have your say

Tenant Participation News Bulletin

Fife College Student Housing Event St. Brycedale campus - “Ask the cooncil”

Fife Councils Tenant Participation Team, Private Landlord Team, local Housing Officers and members of the Fife Federation of tenants - staged an “ask the cooncil’ event at St. Brycedale campus on Wednesday 26th February. The aim of the event was to reach out to campus students and chat about housing issues that are impacting on them. Officers spoke to students who are living in Fife Council properties as well as the Private Rented Sector. ‘The Fife College Students Association (FCSA) try and hold multiple events throughout the year such as the recent ‘Ask the Cooncil’ event, all of which aim to arm the students with more skills than the ones they learn through their college courses. It is important to us that when students leave the college they are confident, not just in their chosen subjects but in general life skills, such as knowing who to ask for help, what their rights are, and the many amazing opportunities that are available to them. With such a diverse student population at Fife College, it is key that we facilitate opportunities that network our students with organisations they can rely on throughout their life. Fife Council tenant participation team and their colleagues are always happy to attend events and deliver amazing advice and information to the student’s, year after year. ’

Jade Burnett, FCSA Student President of Welfare and Equality at

Fife College.

25 Your opportunity to participate Colouring Colour in our seasonal picture Just for fun! With restrictions in place to prevent the spread of the Coronavirus, there are currently no prize-winning competitions running in this edition of Down Your Street.

Spot the 5 differences in our summer pictures

Your opportunity to participate 26 27 Recipes

Delicious Pear Pie Ingredients 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt Mrs Doyle’s 3/4 cup shortening Kitchen features 6 tablespoons cold water FILLING: amazingly tasty 5 cups sliced peeled fresh recipes for the pears whole family. Check 1 tablespoon lemon juice out this seasons 1/3 cup all-purpose flour delicious and easy 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon sugar, divided ideas… 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons butter

Method 1. In a large bowl, mix flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add water, tossing with a fork until dough holds together when pressed. 2. Shape into a disk; wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight. Chicken Noodle Soup 3. Preheat oven to 220C. Ingredients 4. In a large bowl, toss pears with lemon juice. In a small 1 tbsp sunflower oil bowl, mix flour, 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon; add to pear 4 skinless boneless chicken thighs mixture and toss to coat. 1 garlic clove, crushed 5. On a lightly floured surface, roll half of dough into an 1/8-in.-thick circle; transfer to a 9-in. pie plate. 1 thumb-sized piece ginger, grated 6. Trim crust even with rim. 500ml chicken stock 7. Add filling with a dot of with butter. 1 tsp soy sauce 8. Roll remaining dough to a 1/8-in.-thick circle. Place over ½ Sweetheart cabbage, finely sliced filling. Trim, seal and flute edge. Cut slits in top. 150g mushrooms 9. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. 150g straight to wok noodles 10. Bake until crust is golden brown and filling is bubbly, for Optional 45-50 minutes. Sriracha or other chilli sauce 11. Cover edge loosely with foil during the last 20 minutes if needed to prevent overbrowning. Method 12. Remove foil. Cool on a wire rack. 1. Heat the oil in a saucepan over a medium heat, and begin 13. Serve with fresh cream or ice cream to brown the chicken a little. 2. After 2-3 mins add the garlic and ginger and stir so that the chicken is totally coated. 3. Fry for a further minute, then pour in the chicken stock and soy, and bring to the boil, then reduce to a simmer. 4. Cover with a lid and leave to gently bubble for 25-30 mins until the chicken is tender and pulls apart. 5. Meanwhile, mix the peanut sauce ingredients together with a splash of water. 6. When the chicken is ready, lift it out with a slotted spoon and use two forks to shred it on a plate. 7. Add the cabbage, mushrooms and noodles to the pan, turn up the heat, then stir in the chicken. 8. Add a dash of sriracha, if using, and ladle into bowls.

26 27 www.fifedirect.org.uk/housing Remember FACTS for a safer Scotland

Face coverings

F Face Avoid Clean Two metre distance, Self isolate and coverings crowded your hands or one metre book a test if you Avoid crowded places places regularly where advised have symptoms

A Face Avoid Clean Two metre distance, Self isolate and coverings crowded your hands or one metre book a test if you Clean your hands regularly places regularly where advised have symptoms

C Face Avoid Clean Two metre distance, Self isolate and coverings crowded your hands or one metre book a test if you Two metre distanceplaces regularly where advised have symptoms

Face T Avoid Clean Two metre distance, Self isolate and coverings crowded your hands or one metre book a test if you Selfplaces isolate and regularlybook a where advised have symptoms test if you have symptoms Face Avoid S Clean Two metre distance, Self isolate and coverings crowded your handsnhsinform.scot/coronavirusor one metre book a test if you places regularly #WeAreScotlandwhere advised have symptoms

www.fifedirect.org.uk/housing

00660275_SGV FACTS Posters A3.indd 1 07/07/2020 12:40