Loreburn Living Issue 8 Summer 2018 Hello everyone, Welcome to the summer edition of the newsletter. It is great to be saying that with the sun shining through the window as we all know summer in can be quite short and often quite wet. I hope you’ll note from the newsletter content that this has been a very interesting and busy time for everyone at Loreburn. We have just completed and submitted our year- end performance figures to the Scottish Housing Regulator and I was delighted to note improvements in a number of areas. Many of the improvements are linked to key service delivery such as empty property allocation; which the team have managed to reduce to under 15 days this year. Our anti-social behaviour response times have also significantly reduced and the Asset Management Team have worked hard to reduce repairs appointment waiting times. The Income Team have introduced a new IT system which helps identify people who need help with arrears by predicting their payments. Our full Annual Report on Performance will be published soon and I hope you’ll see from the document that trends around performance and quality service delivery continue to improve. This newsletter also includes an article on Loreburn’s Modern Apprenticeship Programme which has been a great success again this year. Every one of the young people were a pleasure to work with and Loreburn have recently announced the launch of the scheme for a third year. If you or anyone in your family is interested in an apprenticeship with Loreburn please get in touch with Kirsty our HR Assistant [email protected]). Loreburn were named Scottish Charity Employer of the Year for a second consecutive year recently. We have also been short-listed for an innovation award for our work with older people and received a local nomination for our work with young people through the apprenticeship scheme. Everyone is committed to the delivery of innovative projects and service improvements which bring added value to Loreburn customers. If you have any questions relating to the newsletter or would like to bring a community matter to my attention please do not hesitate to contact me on 01387 321384 Warm regards, Lorraine

2 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Garrick Site Launch

n Friday 9th March 2018 we celebrated the launch Oof our redevelopment of the former Garrick Hospital site in . The development will include dementia friendly housing, an innovative Youth Foyer and adapted bungalows. The launch of the redevelopment was hosted by our Chief Executive Lorraine Usher, Loreburn’s Management Committee and the Lord Lieutenant for Wigtownshire John Ross and was attended by local politicians, the Wigtownshire Health and Social Care Team, Alzheimer’s Scotland, the Royal Bank of Scotland, and members of staff from Loreburn HA. Our Convenor Brian Pattinson welcomed attendees to the event and the ribbon What launching the redevelopment was cut by Lord Lieutenant John Ross. John is a youth Why are mentioned that he knew the site very well as he was born at the former Garrick foyer? these young Hospital! A youth foyer provides people at risk of Our Chief Executive Lorraine Usher supported accommodation had this to say about the Youth Foyer: for young people, in order to homelessness? “Foyers are recognised as international combat youth homelessness. By far the largest cause of youth best practice, providing safe and secure Foyers are recognised as homelessness is relationship housing, support and training for young international best practice breakdown, usually between young people aged 16-25. The Stranraer Foyer is and operate throughout the people and their parents or step- a first for and Galloway. world, including the UK and Europe. There is currently parents. Many have experienced long- Young people living at the Foyer will only one foyer in Scotland (in term issues at home, often involving be encouraged to access education, Aberdeen), however some of violence, leaving them without family volunteering, an apprenticeship or other the team at Loreburn Housing support networks. Other reasons can employment/training. We are currently in Association, including the include young people living in poverty discussion with local employers to shape a Chief Executive, have previous or young people leaving care. whole range of volunteering opportunities experience in setting up within the local community. Working and running youth foyers in How many young with partners, we aim to reduce youth Cumbria. homelessness through opportunity and positive outcomes. The Stranraer youth foyer will people will live here? cater for 16-25 year olds at risk 12 The Stranraer Foyer will offer community of homelessness, giving them access areas, meeting space, agile a stable, secure affordable working spaces and access to free WiFi. environment and support from When will the Foyer Creating a transformational space for the trained staff. They will also have Wigtownshire area that we are incredibly access to education, training be completed? proud of piloting in Stranraer.” and employment services, We are expecting the building work to and an opportunity to develop be completed in Summer 2019. independent living skills. 3 Development Update ur Development Team are busy working towards reaching Oour ambitious new build targets over the next few years. Work is well under way in Castle Douglas and we have recently purchased Longmeadow House in Annan where we are proposing to build 30 new properties. Six of these properties will be Passivhaus accredited, a first for social housing in Dumfries & Galloway! For more information on Passivhaus please visit - http://www.passivhaus.org.uk/ The Development Team have also spent time away at the Dementia Services Design Centre based in the Iris Murdoch building at the University of Stirling. By visiting facilities like this, our team hope to gain knowledge that can be implemented in new developments across the region. If you would like more information on our development programme please contact either Sean Black, Fiona Pennington or Scott Anderson on 01387 321 300.

4 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Brill-I-Rent Brill-I-Rent has been set up to provide short term financial assistance when it’s needed most for our customers affected by Welfare Reform. With Brill-I-Rent we can provide; ● Mobile phone top ups to allow contact to be maintained with Job Centre/DWP ● Grocery Vouchers ● Gas/electric meter top ups ● Clothing vouchers (for school uniforms or ahead of a job interview) ● Transport costs to attend the Job Centre, training or interviews Meet your Income If you think you would benefit from Brill-I-Rent please contact Services Team your Income Services Officer. t Loreburn we have an Income Services Team responsible for maximising Loreburn’s income and minimising losses Adue to unpaid rent. Based in the Dumfries Office we have Manager Joanne Gordon, Assistant Manager Tony Barrett, Lead Officer Karen Duncan, Income Services Officers Jo Petherick, Vicky McDonald and Kerry Graham, and Income Assistant Christy Welsh. In the Stranraer Office we have Income Services Officers Ian McGeoch and Margaret Thompson, Service Charge Officer Martina Moore and Modern Apprentice Aiden Rennie. As well as maximising Loreburn’s Income we are also responsible for initiatives for the benefit of our customers; ● We work with our customers to ensure that they are receiving all the income and benefits that they are entitled to. ● We provide assistance with and signposting to agencies to help with employability, budgeting, fuel debts and other relevant support to help customers manage their tenancy. ● We also manage our innovative Brill-I-Rent Budget set up to assist customers who have been disadvantaged due to Welfare Reform. With access to the internet and IT equipment whilst out on site, our Income Service Officers can visit you at home to assist you with Income related matters. Bring your If you think that you would benefit from speaking to a member of our Income Services Team, please do not hesitate to contact us on 01387 321 300. You can daughter to find the mobile numbers for our Income Services Officers on the last page of this Loreburn Living newsletter. work day This is Cassie McKeown, the daughter of Bank Staff Support Team member, Sharon Pinney’s, Annan closure McKeown. Cassie had a great time being ‘dragged’ in to her Are you a Loreburn Customer currently employed by Pinney’s in Annan and mum’s work when staff couldn’t affected by the news of the impending closure? get in due to the horrendous If so please let us know. We have a number of initiatives on offer that you snow. An opportune ‘bring may benefit from. your daughter to work day’ and Contact your Income Services Officer to discuss your individual Cassie was rewarded with a tin circumstances. of sweeties for her effort!

5 Universal Credit Full Service Universal Credit Full Service is now live in . Claims for Universal Credit Full Credit please contact your Income Service must be made online and Services Officer on 01387 321300. claimants will have an online account to manage their claim. This account will allow you to report changes, to What if I don’t get support and use your journal to send messages to your work coach. have online You will be affected by Universal Credit if you have to make a new access? claim for one of the following Our Stranraer office has benefits; an Internet café with ● Housing Benefit 3 laptops, 2 tablets ● Income Support and printing/scanning ● Job Seekers Allowance facilities. We hope to ● Employment Support Allowance have a facility like this ● Child Tax Credit in Dumfries in the near ● Working Tax Credit future. If you are unable Should you have any queries to visit our offices, libraries regarding the roll out of Universal throughout Dumfries and Galloway will have computers for you to use. Stranraer 100 Years Commemorations his year marks 100 years since The Armistice. To commemorate the hugely significant date, and in memory of those lost from TStranraer and the surrounding district, the ‘Stranraer 100 Years Commemorations’ group is celebrating this event by arranging to decorate the Castle of St John with hand knitted and crocheted poppies. A display that will be called – Weeping Windows.

Permission has already been sought, and granted, to over 5000 knitted and use the Castle of St John and plans are underway to crocheted poppies will create the structure needed to display thousands of be needed. Could you handmade poppies. make even a couple? A Facebook page has been established - https:// If you require Poppy patterns www.facebook.com/Stranraer-100-Years- you can message the Stranraer 100 Commemorations-2063400583944218/ and from Years Commemorations page and they will forward patterns on there you can join the Chat Group. Already a number to you. of ‘poppy parties’ have taken place where groups Wool can be purchased locally at Redheads, Charlotte Street have got together to learn how and to make some of along with Sams’ Tearoom, Station Street, Stranraer. Both of the poppies. these are also drop of points for the completed poppies along Can you help? with Loreburn Housing Offices at 29 Hanover Street, Stranraer. If you can knit or crochet, or know someone who This is a great initiative and the group would be grateful of any can, please consider supporting this. To be a success support.

6 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE s1jobs.com Awards 2018 or the second year in a row Loreburn HA has won Charity Employer of the Year at the s1jobs.com Awards in Glasgow Fon Thursday 19th April 2018. The awards ceremony was held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Glasgow and was hosted by comedian Russell Kane. We were shortlisted alongside Simon Community Scotland, ENABLE Scotland and Butterfly Trust. Well done to our fellow finalists.

“I am delighted that Loreburn has once again been recognised as a great place to work and as a leader in the Charity sector for our approach to People and Culture. It’s wonderful to work for such a fantastic business, which is continually recognised for valuing it’s people.” Lindsay Lauder

7 A first for Loreburn

Loreburn Housing Association is the first RSL in Scotland to install Communicall Vi IP, a new, advanced communication and door entry system. Over the next few months seven schemes will see their old warden call pull cord equipment replaced with state of the art digital systems with touchscreen handsets that enable customers to contact people on and off the scheme, get help in an emergency and use video door entry. The upgrade also ensures schemes have Wi-Fi, to support the growing number of customers going online, and enables the use of telecare sensors, such as fall detectors, to support customers with assessed needs. The systems are provided by market leader, Tunstall Healthcare. Hollie Mitchell, Community Engagement Officer, said: “We’re always keen to provide the best services possible for our customers, and to choose solutions which offer value for money. The existing systems were nearing the end of their life, and we wanted to replace them with something that would enable our customers to connect with our staff, each other and their friends and family. We also wanted systems that would stand the test of time, making the most of our investment by futureproofing for the increasing use of smart phones, tablets and connected devices and able to adapt to advances in technology.”

8 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Loreburn Lettings Loreburn Lettings is a system of housing allocation that offers choice and empowerment to customers about their future homes. Loreburn Lettings operates a banding system to allocate properties. This works on a priority basis in the first instance, and then by application registration date. The four bands are, in ascending order, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Once you submit an application you will be informed of your band. The greater your housing need, the higher the banding will be. We advertise properties on a Tuesday and Thursday at 12 noon on www.loreburnlettings.org.uk under the “See All Properties” tab. Please visit this page to place your bid on the properties that you are eligible for and interested in. You can apply for housing with us via the Loreburn Lettings website www.loreburnlettings.org.uk or contact our Customer Engagement Team on 01387 321300 or via [email protected] to arrange a phone or office appointment. If you struggle with internet access please contact our Customer Engagement Team.

In the first 6 months of Loreburn Lettings, we have; Registered 1313 Applications Advertised 137 Properties Housed 98 Applicants Keep checking back every Tuesday and Thursday for new properties at www.loreburnlettings.org.uk

Download our Loreburn App

9 Community reuse shop ost of our readers in the Wigtownshire area will know of the Furniture Project (Stranraer) and for many years Loreburn HA has worked alongside this great enterprise. Following Ma change of premises towards the end of last year, the Furniture Project (Stranraer) has rebranded to become the Community Reuse Shop. Our Loreburn Living team met with Paul Smith from the Community Reuse Shop at their new premises on Fountain Way, Stranraer and asked him some questions about the Reuse Shop and their recent move.

What is the Community Reuse How many people work and Shop? volunteer for the Community The Community Reuse Shop is a charity serving the Wigtownshire area. We are open to the general public Reuse Shop? who can donate all types of goods for reuse by other We have up to 30 people in working with us Monday to people across Wigtownshire. Importantly it is not Saturday. This is a combination of volunteers, trainers, restricted to furniture. We encourage people if they have supported employees and employees. something at home which they think is too good to throw away, to ask us and if it is something that can be reused we can collect free of charge. We stock any items that can be reused in our shop for the general public to purchase from us.

10 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE How did the move of premises go? It was a lot of hard work however with a dedicated group of people who helped empty, clean and close down our old premises at the same time as setting up our brand new building from scratch. Whilst it was an exhausting time, when we completed our move we were given the Queens Award for Voluntary Service to our Community adding to our list of awards. It is a great place to work and volunteer so it is nice to have our hard work recognised. What are the plans for the future? We have a 20 year agreement to deliver reuse services across Wigtownshire so we expect that during this time we will be exploring a number of initiatives for the benefit of the local community. We are currently looking at a number of new items that we can reuse, such as building materials, textiles and bicycles. We have been on the go since 1997 and have been heavily involved in Community projects that children, the elderly and vulnerable members of the community will benefit from, we fully expect to continue this work. for Santa’s grotto on the Castle Green, building the Loch Ness Monster and Sealink Ferry for the Scottish Week Why did the Community parade, and building gazebos for Garlieston School. Reuse Shop rebrand from the If people refer to us as the Furniture Project or the Community Reuse Shop we are happy either way as we Furniture Project (Stranraer)? will never forget our routes. First of all we must apologise for the confusion caused by our name change. With our move of premises we What are the aims of the have expanded the range of goods that we reuse and we wanted to change our trading name to reflect what we do. Community Reuse Shop? We aim to help relieve poverty throughout our locality. By We realised only after we moved that people may think elevating the effects of poverty on people in a practical that the Furniture Project has closed with our move and way we can help reduce the poverty people live in. name change. We have always been very proud of the services provided How do I donate? by our team of volunteers at the Furniture Project Contact us by calling 01776 707375, pop into our shop or however we recognised that because our name included message us on Facebook. We visit every town and village furniture people often held the belief that this was all we throughout Wigtownshire on a weekly basis and book did, reuse furniture. For the past twenty years we have jobs for free collections on a first come first served basis. been involved in initiatives such as building a log cabin We recommend booking a week in advance to book a preferred date. We book jobs for mornings or afternoons on weekdays however if you prefer we can arrange a call from our van team on the day, so that you do not have to wait in at home all day. Please advise at the time of booking if you would like our van team to call you. Who can use the Community Reuse Shop? Everyone, young and old. Residents across Wigtownshire, visitors, tourists and local businesses too. Other than business waste, which we cannot accept, we do not restrict who can use our services because we aim to maximise the benefits of the service for everyone and anyone who wants to use it.

11 New ‘Extra Care Housing’ developments planned for D&G oreburn are thrilled to be helping meet the demands of the region’s growing older population with plans to develop a new type of retirement housing Llater this year. This type of housing is more commonly known as ‘extra care housing’ where apartments and bungalows are built alongside a range of other services, all of which help to support independence and well-being. The accommodation is easy to manage and will have all the bells and whistles that comes with a new home, including state of the art technology. Extra care housing benefits from staff being on-site to manage the building and services, along with a support team who can provide a bit more help to those who need it. Developments will be designed to encourage wellbeing and to provide opportunities for socialising and making new friends. We’re really excited to be bringing modern new homes to the region - looking beyond bricks and mortar to provide you with more GREAT HOMES and GREAT SERVICES. And you can help us on our journey…. Look out for future updates here and on our website. If you’re interested in helping us work out our new housing offer we’d love to hear from you. Please contact Denise Carr or Nina Brunton by telephone on 01387 321300 or via email - [email protected] or [email protected]

Baird Drive and Brewis Terrace, – Rubbish Amnesty With the help of the Community Action Team, Housing and Community Engagement Officer Louise McCormick held a rubbish amnesty in our Sandhead developments. The aim of the amnesty was to tidy up the developments and gardens in time for spring. The Community Action Team took items away for disposal and were even able to upcycle some items to be sold at the Community Reuse Shop in Stranraer.

12 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Raised beds and picnic tables for Meal Mill, Minnigaff aised beds and picnic tables have been provided for customers at our Meal Mill development in Minnigaff. RLoreburn HA invited children aged 8 to 16 to come along and help us build the picnic tables at the Community Reuse Shop in Stranraer. Stranraer Cubs along with some children from Garrick Drive volunteered their time, and with assistance from Jackie Rae and his volunteers at the Community Action Team, successfully built the picnic tables. The cubs who took part received their DIY badge as a result of their efforts. The picnic tables were then delivered to Meal Mill by the Community Action Team who also built raised beds while they were in the development. Our customers told Housing and Community Engagement Officer Louise that they were very appreciative of the donation and are looking forward to the summer weather so that they can sit out. They also hope to plant vegetables and flowers in the raised beds but hope that the deer don’t eat them!

Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards Loreburn staff recently attended the Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards in Edinburgh. We were nominated for our work along with other organisations in the use of technology and predictive analytics to help prevent falls at home whilst allowing people to be more active. Although we didn’t win it was a good opportunity for staff to learn from other agencies with ideas that could work for our customers.

13 Cameron Close Parking Customers at the Cameron Close development in Lockerbie reported issues with members of the public parking in the customer car park, abandoning vehicles on the double yellow lines and leaving litter in the development. There was a high volume of traffic into the development as it is just off the High Street and people were leaving their vehicles to go to the shops. The customers told LHA that they wanted a reduction in the volume of traffic into the development and a deterrent to non- customers parking in the car park. Following consultation with residents, numerous measures were put in place to alleviate the problems. ● A padlocked parking chain across the entrance to the car park – keys to be provided to all customers in the development ● Re-painting of the double yellow lines around the development ● Additional “No Parking” signs Following these measures being put in place residents have since seen a reduction in the volume of traffic coming into the development. Customers report feeling safer walking on the pavements in the development and happier to leave their cars in the car park as it is more secure. There has been no parking on the freshly painted double yellow lines. The customers were so delighted that they wanted to thank Joanne Threlkeld, Housing and Community Engagement Officer, with a lovely bouquet of flowers.

HOUSING AND WANT TO WHAT WOULD HEAR FROM YOU LIKE TO SEE COMMUNITY HAPPENING ENGAGEMENT IN YOUR you! DEVELOPMENT? Let us know by calling the Housing and Community Engagement Team on 01387 321300

14 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Dogs Trust Events Our Community Engagement Officers have been working in partnership with Dogs Trust and the Community Safety Team to deliver events for dog owners across the region. At these events dog owners have been able to get their dogs microchipped for free. Microchipping is a legal requirement in Scotland for dogs over 8 weeks old so this has been a great benefit for those who attended. Attendees were also able to take advantage of advice and health checks for their dogs. Dogs Trust host these type of events throughout the UK so to find the next event near you, go to their Facebook page @DogsTrust

15 Colourful 5k A colourful 5k was held in Agnew Park, Stranraer on Saturday 14th April. Loreburn staff volunteered along with other agencies to throw paint at runners. Loreburn customers were also given the opportunity to take part for free. A great day was had by all!

Event co-ordinator Laura McClymont with Local Police and David, Margaret, and Louise from Loreburn HA Youth Volunteers along with special helper Ethan

Loreburn Customer Christopher Bland

The Glasgow family and friends who raised over £750 for UK Bowel Cancer. Loreburn Customers Mr and Mrs Sharples

16 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Data Protection New data protection regulations were introduced on 25th May 2018. The Burns Supper General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires organisations, such A Burns Supper was held for as Loreburn, to be accountable for Loreburn Customers at the Usual how we collect, store and use your Place, Dumfries on Wednesday personal information and to be able 31st January 2018. The haggis was to demonstrate how we comply with addressed by our former Convenor the principles of GDPR. We have John McNaught. Thank you to all the updated our Privacy Policy and staff at the Usual Place for making associated procedures to reflect: this event possible. ● How we collect information from you ● What information we collect ● Why we need this information Curious About Computers ● What we will use this information In this digital age people without computer skills living in rural for ● communities can sometimes find themselves at a double disadvantage. Why and how we may share With this in mind we have recently held Curious About Computers information about you ● sessions in two of our most rural communities, Glentrool and New How this information is stored and Galloway. how long for ● Your rights regarding requests We would like to thank the IT Centre, to view, amend or delete the Castle Douglas, Glentrool and information we hold about you Bargrennan Community Trust and For further information please visit Local Initiatives in New Galloway for our website where you are able to their help in providing these sessions. view our full Privacy Policy and Fair We gratefully acknowledge funding processing Notice. through Digital Participation Charter Fund supported by the Scottish Government and BT. Our Data Protection Officer is Rebecca Wilson. If you have any questions about our approach to data protection please contact our Data Protection Officer by e-mail [email protected] or by telephone on 01387 321356.

17 The Loreburn Apprentice t’s been almost a year since our apprentices started with Loreburn and they are now coming up to the end of their apprenticeship. We have asked them to look back at their Itime with us over the last year.

Euan Caldwell Ryan McGhie Aiden Rennie Organisation Development Customer Advisor Modern

Housing Management & Human Resources Modern Apprentice Modern Apprentice Apprentice

How have you enjoyed your time at How have you enjoyed your time at How have you enjoyed your Loreburn? time at Loreburn? Loreburn? Overall I have enjoyed my time at My time at Loreburn has been GREAT! I have thoroughly enjoyed There have been so many learning working within the Housing and Loreburn. I have learned a lot about HR such as the different working opportunities and I have gained a Community Engagement, and range of new skills. Income Services Teams. I have policies, and the recruitment found the whole experience process. I have also learned more What has been the biggest challenge very fulfilling. about training and the Learning & during your apprenticeship? Development side of the business. What has been the biggest Working for Loreburn has expanded A few months into my modern challenge during your my skills and given me more of an apprenticeship Loreburn launched our apprenticeship? idea of what to expect working in an new Loreburn Lettings system. This office environment. was quite daunting as I was relatively I found that adapting to working new to allocations and as we were within the Income Services What has been the biggest making a major change I had to forget Team was the biggest challenge challenge during your almost everything I had learned so for me as I had to adapt quickly apprenticeship? far about our old system. However to their ways of working. My biggest challenge was dealing I kept my head down and worked What are your plans for the with Learning & Development as this hard to ensure that I was able to future? was a huge task requiring me to find meet the challenge. This was noticed by colleagues who passed good Looking to the future I am out for all employees what training they had completed and what feedback to my manager about my currently considering applying conscientious attitude. for the Police. training they required. What are your plans for the future? What are your plans for the future? I hope to stay working in an I have recently been offered a full time administration type job. I enjoy position in an office within Stranraer working for Loreburn and would as an Admin Assistant. I am looking like to continue working here either forward to starting my new job and in OD & HR or taking on a new putting the skills I have learned at challenge in a different role. Loreburn to good use.

18 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Murron completed What has been the biggest challenge during your her Modern apprenticeship? Apprenticeship I liked being able to work at the same time as completing in the Housing my course – the biggest challenge of my apprenticeship Management was trying to accurately portray how community events Team before went, because there was so much work that went into to successfully preparing for a community event and it was a challenge to applying for put these into my course work as I had to detail each part the Asset of the preparation. Trying to ensure that I completed work Management to a high standard in a busy office was challenging but I Assistant position. always managed to find the time to do this with the support As a result we of colleagues. have added in an extra question for How are you settling into your new role in the Asset Murron to answer. Management Team? How have you I have been in the Asset Management Team since the start enjoyed your time of March. I am enjoying learning new things and taking on at Loreburn? various projects/tasks. It is a very fast paced office – much Murron Bissett like they all are at Loreburn. There is never a dull moment I have been Asset Management Assistant with plenty to be done. with Loreburn since July 2017, I The Asset Management Team are very supportive and have thoroughly helpful in ensuring I know what I am doing, they are always enjoyed my time more than willing to answer any question I have in my new here so far and have been fully supported in everything role. I have done. Every day is different which I enjoy as What are your plans for the future? it means I never know what to expect when walking through the doors in the morning. There is always I hope to further my knowledge within the Social Housing something new to learn and everyone is extremely Sector and continue in my role as Asset Management helpful in ensuring I have enough support and Assistant. After leaving college I did not know what I knowledge in place before being asked to complete a wanted to do in my future career but I am enjoying working task. at Loreburn and hope to develop my career within the organisation.

Local MSP visits Loreburn HA for Modern Apprenticeship Week Finlay Carson, MSP for Galloway and West Dumfries visited our Stranraer office along with Lesley from Skills Development Scotland (SDS) as part of Modern Apprenticeship Week. They were keen to find out about our Modern Apprenticeship Scheme and spoke with our Stranraer based Apprentices Euan, Ryan and Aiden along with Lindsay Lauder Head of Organisational Development & HR. We’ve been running a Modern Apprenticeship scheme for the last 2 years now at Loreburn, with 3 of our Apprentices securing jobs with Loreburn at the end of their Apprenticeship. Our latest Lesley from SDS, Finlay Carson MSP, Euan, Ryan, Aiden and Modern Apprentices start with us Lindsay Lauder Head of Organisational Development & HR this summer and we wish them all the best in their year with us.

19 Hugh Nibloe curls for Team GB! oreburn customer Hugh Nibloe recently Lrepresented Team GB at the Winter Paralympics in PyeongChang, South Korea. We visited Hugh at home to ask him about his experience.

Mr T tweeted about wheelchair curling, what I was relieved more than anything. I had been working did you think about him being a fan? towards the Paralympics since 2014 and had been on the team since 2015. If I had missed out I would have been It was brilliant to see a figure as famous as Mr T interested really disappointed. in the sport. It really made me realise how massive the Paralympics were and that were on the world stage. I However despite being relieved I was ecstatic to be able Tweeted Mr T offering him my chair to give wheelchair to represent Team GB. Seeing my name on the back of my curling a try however he is yet to respond! kit really made me proud, as it had done previously when I first received by Scotland kit. How did you react when you found out that How did you find competing in South Korea? you had made the team and were going to South Korea? South Korea is a great country with phenomenal people who couldn’t do enough for you. The landscape reminded When I found out my partner and I were on the way to see me a lot like Scotland. We stayed in the athlete’s village Kasabian in Leeds. I was expecting the call while I was in the mountains around 50 mins away from the curling driving down however it wasn’t until 6pm that I was told I venue on the coast. The difference in weather was was going. They really made me sweat and when I heard amazing, in the mountains it was cold but it was like summer outside the curling venue. How did you find the local fans? They were noisy when South Korea were competing and were really behind their home team. However they

20 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE were very respectful and knowledgeable about the sport. They would STRANRAER cheer and clap if you made a good shot or when you were coming out onto INTERNET the ice. When we played against South Korea we nearly ran out of time due to it being so loud and CAFE having to repeat instructions to each other. We ended up losing the game but I really enjoyed the experience as I am used to curling in front of quieter fans. AT OUR STRANRAER Did you eat any of the local food? We were advised to avoid any change in our diets in case OFFICE WE HAVE it had a negative affect on us! The athlete’s village had food from all sorts of cuisines so there was something for everyone. My downfall was the pizza which was amazing! I INTERNET ACCESS ended up eating more pizza than I wanted to though as we went out of the competition early. FROM 9.15AM What are you future ambitions in curling? Due to my MS I can’t plan too far into the future. I hope to TO 4.45PM go to China in 2022 however right now I am taking it one tournament at a time. The next World Championships are in Scotland next year which will be the first time that they have been held here since 2005. I hope to make the team again for this and represent Scotland at home. Being at home would make it extra special as my friends and family would be able to come see me. Even if I don’t make it I’ll be sure to be there to support the team! What would you say to anyone thinking about taking up curling? Do it! Curling has been phenomenal for my health and wellbeing. I was diagnosed with MS in my 20s and it left me mentally in a bad place. I didn’t want to leave the house and more often than not I was left watching Jeremy Kyle! I was playing dominoes in the pub and Brian Park asked if I wanted to try the sport. I loved it straight away and over the last 5 and FOR MORE a half years curling has taken me across the world, introduced me to new people and given me goals to strive for. Curling is a really inclusive sport and I am able to play against INFORMATION PLEASE able bodied participants on a level playing field. I can throw a stone as good as anyone young or old. As well as competing internationally I am still a part of Castle Kennedy Curling Club CONTACT CALLUM OR and curl in Stranraer at least once a week during the season. There has been some great talent come out of the Stranraer Ice Rink and I have had the chance to learn and play with DAVID IN OUR some of the best curlers such as Hammy McMillan, Gail Munro and Peter Wilson, curlers who have made an impact on the world stage. STRANRAER OFFICE Everyone is friendly and supportive so if you want to take up curling, I highly recommend doing so. ON 01776 705 479

21 Stranraer Police Scotland Youth Volunteers Awards tranraer Police Scotland Youth Volunteers (PSYV) recently held an awards ceremony to celebrate the achievements of their volunteers. SLoreburn HA sponsors the Outstanding Commitment award and this was won by Erin Topping. Erin only joined PSYV last October but immediately she has shown great enthusiasm for volunteering in the community. Erin was incredibly committed to the annual PSYV Christmas Shoebox Appeal in which the Youth Volunteers deliver mini Christmas Hampers to elderly residents in the Stranraer area. For this reason the committee of Adult Volunteers who run PSYV felt Erin’s commitment was exemplary and deserved recognition.

Did you know? Discarded hypodermic needles and syringes are extremely dangerous and could cause injury or infection. Don’t put yourself or others at risk. If you find a needle of syringe then please report this immediately by; ● Contacting our offices ● Contacting your Housing and Community Engagement Officer ● Contact Dumfries and Galloway Council Community Safety Team on 030 33 33 3000 or by emailing [email protected] Don’t handle the needle or syringe with your bare hands. Immediately contact your doctor or nearest Accident and Emergency department for medical advice and treatment if you do suffer an injury from a needle or syringe.

22 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Get the best deal on your energy supply! ith the summer months here the heating is likely to be off and energy costs will be lower than usual. With this, many of us won’t be thinking ahead to the winter months when Wusage will increase and with that so will energy bills! Taking the time now to find a better deal will help you in the winter months. How do I find a better energy supply deal? You can find a better deal through a number of routes; 1. Contact your energy supplier and check if you are on the best deal available to you. 2. Contact Our Power, a non-profit organisation set up to provide cheaper energy deals. Their pre-payment meter is one of the cheapest on the market! You can reach them by calling 0808 189 3085 or go to https://our- power.co.uk/ 3. Use a comparison site. There are loads of sites out there that can help you to find the cheapest deal and even help you to switch. Popular comparison sites include; a https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/cheapenergyclub b https://www.uswitch.com/gas-electricity/ c https://www.moneysupermarket.com/gas-and-electricity/ d https://www.comparethemarket.com/energy/ If you require assistance in finding a better energy deal, give us a call on 01387 321 300. D&G Homes &G Homes is a private sector subsidiary of the Loreburn Housing Group and owns a mix Dof residential and commercial properties as well as student accommodation for the University of Glasgow, Dumfries campus. D&G Homes also act as a factor for Loreburn’s Shared Ownership properties. The D&G Homes team are currently working on a number of improvement programmes. They have recently finished replacing kitchens in our Caledonian Place, Dumfries development and are now working on replacing bathrooms at our Nithsdale Mills, Dumfries development. This is a very exciting time for D&G Homes as they have recently recruited a new Managing Director, Lindsay Lauder who moves to D&G Homes from HR & OD at Loreburn. Furthermore, D&G Homes have recently purchased a new office which is based at 7 Heathhall Industrial Estate, Heathhall, Dumfries, DG1 3PH.

For more information on D&G Homes please contact the Operations Manager, Martin Gordon on 01387 321399.

23 Safety in the Home nfortunately, according to statistics, your home is the place where accidents are most likely to occur. Preventing accidents in the home means looking closely at things you or your Ufamily do day in and out. We want you and your family to be as safe and secure in your home as possible so we have pulled together a few general household safety tips.

Kitchen Safety Electrical Safety ● Never put metal or aluminium containers in the ● Change light bulbs safely, without the risk of falling microwave – this can start a fire. by using a stable step-stool - avoid using old chairs to ● All surfaces and utensils that have come into contact climb on. with raw meat should be washed to prevent cross ● Never using appliances with cracked plugs or worn contamination and infection. cables. ● Refrigerated food should be stored between 0°C-5°C ● Never overload electrical sockets with too many so that bacteria cannot thrive. appliances and use a power strip adapter rather than a ● Keep knives and sharp utensils out of reach of cube adaptor. children. ● Don’t risk electrocution by taking electrical appliances ● Do not overload kitchen wall units or pull on the doors. into the bathroom. Water is a good conductor of Overloading and pulling on the doors can pull the electricity so you should never touch electrical fixings from the wall leading to the unit falling off or appliances with wet hands. shelving collapsing, which could result in injuries. If ● Avoid passing electrical cables under rugs or carpets you notice any movement in your wall units, please as they can become worn. contact our Repairs Service on 01387 271221. ● Never attempt to get toast out of a toaster while it’s plugged in, especially not with a metal knife. Fire Safety* ● Stay safe from fire by testing smoke alarms weekly and Carbon Monoxide be sure all the family know how to escape in the event ● Annual gas safety checks are a legal requirement as of a fire. well as being essential for your safety. Please allow ● Avoid fire risks by using guards with all fires and our tradesman access when they arrive to do your gas heaters and keep clothing, furniture safety check. Any work carried out on gas appliances and curtains away from all heat must be undertaken by a Gas Safe Registered sources, including candles and never engineer so please ask to see their identification dry clothes over the electric fire or before they start work. fireguard. ● If you have a wood or coal burning stove fitted, make ● Avoid the risk of fire by never using sure it is fitted by a HETAS approved installer and a bulb with a higher wattage than ensure your chimney is swept twice a year. allowed by the light fitting. ● Always make sure there is enough fresh air in the room *Look out for our Fire Safety feature containing your gas, oil or solid fuel appliance. If you coming soon on our website. have a chimney or a flue, ensure it is not blocked up and also that vents are not covered up. ● Never take a BBQ into a building or tent when it is still warm. When the embers have nearly died down, the BBQ will produce very large amounts of carbon monoxide.

24 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Slips, Trips & Falls ● Avoid trips, slips and falls by ensuring halls and stairways are always well lit and free from clutter. ● Reduce slips and falls by cleaning up spills quickly. Burns & Scalds ● Avoid burns and scalds by always using the back rings on a cooker or hotplate first, and position pan handles so that they can’t be pulled over. Keep hot drinks out of reach of children. Keep your communal ● Avoid bath time scalds (especially to children) by running the cold water first and carefully testing the water temperature with your elbow. Children should area clear never be left unattended. To ensure the safety of you and your neighbours we ask that you keep communal areas clear of items such as Chemicals bicycles, door mats and prams. ● Prevent poisoning or chemical burns by storing We also ask that you use the bins provided to dispose of medicines and household chemicals out of sight and rubbish and not to dump any items in communal hallways out of reach of children, preferably in a secure, high- or bin stores. level kitchen cupboard. If you need to dispose of any items of rubbish please take advantage of schemes such as; Windows Dumfries and Galloway Council Uplift Service - ● Avoid strangulation from blind cords by keeping the Contact 030 33 33 3000 cords well out of reach and tied up, or by buying blinds without loops. Or if the item can be reused; ● Always supervise children and keep their play area Community Reuse Shop Stranraer – away from windows Contact 01776 707375 ● Keep furniture away from windows as they could tempt a curious child to climb and potentially fall British Heart Foundation Furniture and ● Use restrictors on windows to prevent children from Electrical Collection – go to https://www.bhf.org.uk/ opening them fully shop/donating-goods/f-and-e-collection If Loreburn has to arrange for items to be uplifted you could be liable for the cost of this.

We Need You! Although we try to keep our housing developments as hazard-free as possible, we can’t do it by ourselves - we need your help. If you see any issues in your development or areas that are in need of repair, please contact our Repairs Service on 01387 271221. If you have an accident and you think it may be related to a Loreburn property or activity, please let us know by contacting us on 01387 321300.

25 Loreburn Cycle Project oreburn have received grant funding from Cycling Scotland to deliver an innovative cycle project in Stranraer bringing Ltogether partnerships at both a local and national level. The cycle project is another example of Loreburn providing GREAT service and creating GREAT places to live for the people of Dumfries and Galloway. The project will be housed at Stair Park Community Garden Centre, also known as “Potters”, in Stranraer the two projects having a wonderful synergy, bringing members of the community together in a beautiful location with health, wellbeing and inclusivity at its heart. Loreburn recognise the importance of health, wellbeing and peoples need to feel connected through activities and having fun therefore a proportion of the funding is being used to purchase a “trio-bike” which will provide an opportunity for those who are frail aged or who have mobility issues to get out and about in the fresh air, with friends and family. It’s also an opportunity for those who are Cycle UK socially isolated to come together with their peers, enjoying company and the beautiful surroundings of Stair Park Community Garden Centre, including the sensory garden. The funding provided by Cycling Scotland will increase access to bikes in Stranraer by creating equality of access to regular pedal cycles for all ages, electric bikes for those who may have health conditions and the trio-bike, all at no cost to the individual. The project also aims to promote the use of cycling as a social prescription for both physical and mental health. The provision of bikes and helmets along with motivational and supportive led group bike rides will support individuals @PedalPower.org.au to achieve their own goals to health and wellbeing. Loreburn will be working in partnership with CM2000 and Napier University, to deliver innovative technology in the form of wearable devices (Polar Loop), normally used by elite athletes, that will monitor heart rate, hydration levels, activity, sleep, muscle mass and grip strength, all of which can assist an individual in active self- management. Young people within Loreburn supported accommodation will be trained in led bike rides, cycle maintenance courses, piloting the trio-bike, first aid and facilitation skills all of which will offer both transferable skills and pathways to employment. By working with young people to pilot the trio-bike the project will also introduce an intergenerational aspect that will have long lasting benefits for all involved. Maintenance workshops will also be available to encourage people to look after or restore their old bikes. By encouraging people back onto bikes we can work towards reducing the carbon footprint in the local community and as well as @copenhagencycles.com enjoying the beautiful Galloway countryside. The project will be launch in late May but we will keep you posted on progress and how to get involved via social media and information events in Stranraer. For more information contact Head of Partnerships & New Initiatives @ Loreburn Housing Association.

26 CREATING GREAT PLACES TO LIVE Blooming

All entries must be Loreburn 2018received by Monday 16th July 2018

ur annual garden competition is back again for 2018! We had a great response to last year’s competition with Osome amazing entries from across the region. We are hoping for an even better this season and have added some additional categories to this years competition. The categories are as follows; Floral Garden Vegetable Garden Window Box/Hanging Basket/Tub Display Feature Display – including decorations and ornaments Most Improved Children’s Corner Each category winner will receive a £50 garden centre voucher.

Entries for Blooming Loreburn 2018 can be made using the entry form available at www.loreburn.org.uk You can return completed forms to your Housing and Community Engagement Officer, by emailing [email protected] or by post to Blooming Loreburn, Freepost RSTA-SRCL-KHGK, Loreburn Housing Association Ltd, Huntingdon, 27 Moffat Road, DUMFRIES, DG1 1NN. A Neighbourhood Garden Competition is also running again this year. This competition takes into consideration gardens in a development or street and offers a prize of up to £150 to be enjoyed by everyone in the neighbourhood. If you would like to enter our Neighbourhood Garden Competition please contact your Housing and Community Engagement Officer, otherwise they will be looking at gardens whilst out on site and will nominate any neighbourhood they think deserves a nomination. The closing date for Blooming Loreburn and our Neighbourhood Garden Competition is Monday 16th July 2018. For more information please contact 01387 321 300.

27 Contact Numbers Income Services Officers: Housing Community Dumfries Engagement Officers: Jo Petherick: 07712 323 271 Dumfries Karen Duncan: 07872 126 983 Deborah Thomson: 07703 818 728 Kerry Graham: 07525 276 966 Joanne Threlkeld: 07741 260 723 Vicky McDonald: 07880 035 301 Natalie Richardson: 07872 127 009 Stranraer Stranraer Ian McGeoch: 07818 591 425 Clare Burns: 07872 126 992 Margaret Thompson: 07525 276 968 Louise McCormick: 07471 035 122

Supported Housing Management Officers: Helen Slavin: 07872 127 013 Louise Perraton: 07872 126 978

D&G Homes Property Management Officer: Seonaid Hislop: 07872 126 997

To find out who the Income Services Officers or Housing and Community Engagement Officer is in your area, go to www.loreburn.org.uk/you-and-your-home/ To Report a Repair All repairs, office hours and emergency, should be reported on 01387 271 221 @LoreburnHA Loreburn Housing Association loreburnha

http://loreburn.org.uk/ [email protected] Loreburn HA

Loreburn Housing Association Ltd is a registered Scottish Charity No SC029917 Registered in Scotland under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act, 1965 Financial Conduct Authority No 2110R(S) Scottish Housing Regulator Registered No HAL 153 PRINT 01387 262960 SOLWAY