Twentyriffic Years Providing homes and enhancing lives Introduction

Welcome to our 20th birthday book we hope We have been busy introducing new ways that you enjoy reading the contributions from of working for our colleagues so that we can our residents, colleagues and partners reflecting make the best use of technology, streamlining the growth of the business over the last 20 years. processes so that we can spend more time out and about in communities rather than in It has been a tremendous journey from the the office. Working together as one team’ has day that our residents voted to transfer homes brought about some really innovative ways of from Borough Council to a new working and helping our residents in a variety organisation – Worthing Homes to today, as of ways whether this is about helping them you can see from the timeline later in the book. address issues of loneliness, tackling hoarding However, there are some things that have not issues, applying for training and/or employment, and will not change as they are part of our DNA: helping to move into a new home, sustain their • Commitment to delivering excellent customer tenancy or taking enforcement action. It all experience. comes from the desire to ‘Help people create a • Commitment to engaging with our residents sustainable future’. The feedback that we have and working with them to improve the services had from residents, colleagues and contractors that we deliver. is that the team are very friendly, willing to help, • Investing in existing homes. take ownership to get things resolved and make you feel part of the team and we very much • Investing in providing new homes. want this approach to continue. • Supporting the wider community. As to the next 20 years, the business is These building blocks for the culture of the financially strong, we are planning on continuing organisation have been firmly embedded and to invest in existing homes, regenerating areas means that we have a firm foundation in place where this is required, building new homes and in order to continue to develop and grow over communities, listening even harder to what our the next twenty years. We have continued to residents are telling us about our services, their develop our ways of engaging with residents homes and communities and together working whether this is through the residents’ panel, towards ‘Enabling everyone to live in quality sheltered housing forum, block representatives, homes and thriving communities’. on line surveys, or social media. The feedback that we receive is really important as it helps us to develop or improve services. Worthing Homes is formally 20 years old on the With the Government wanting to maintain strict knocking on every tenants’ door to check they 31st March. A great achievement but the story control of spending, they began promoting had all the information they needed and answer began some years before. something called stock transfer. This allowed any questions they had. A massive effort given Councils, if tenants agreed, to set up their everyone still had the day job of providing a first In the early 1990’s, thinking started to change housing departments as independent Housing class housing service. about council housing. Tenants started to be Associations. Still closely regulated to ensure thought of as customers, council housing was tenants rights but able to borrow and spend So after a phenomenal programme of consultation renamed social housing. All done to get closer money outside of council or government control. the vote was taken in the summer of 1998 which to the people who lived in council homes and gave a resounding majority of tenants in favour give them opportunities to get the services they Worthing Borough Council felt this was something of Worthing Homes becoming a housing wanted from their landlord. Worthing Borough that could deliver real benefits to tenants that association. A huge statement of confidence in Council’s response to this was to set up its they would never be able to do and was a natural Worthing Homes. Housing Department as a separate organisation next step for Worthing Homes . It carried out a within the Council called Worthing Homes full investigation and assessment of the possible But that was just first step. The focus had been on whose priority was to provide improved services pros and cons for both tenants and the town the vote and although thought had been given and involvement for tenants. which led to a decision in 1997, supported by both to what would need to be done if the vote was Councillors and officers to put a transfer proposal positive, nothing was yet in place. Not through This new approach was hugely successful. to tenants for them to vote on. oversight but because it could not be financially Satisfaction with the service improved justified until the tenants had decided what they dramatically, people now got involved with their The first step was to notify the government that the wanted Worthing Homes to do. landlord formally and informally to influence Council wanted to do this and ask to be included what Worthing Homes did. One tenant even in their stock transfer programme in 1999/2000. There then followed further months of hard work. wrote in to say “It is much better since Worthing While a positive answer came back, to general Recruiting staff, establishing a board of directors, Homes took over”. amazement they asked if the council could obtaining funding from the banks, registration with bring it all forward for inclusion in the 1998/99 the Housing Corporation, finalising the Transfer However, one huge issue remained – money. programme. Initial concern that there would not Agreement with the Council and most importantly Councils were restricted by the Government be enough time to get everything done particularly putting in place the programmes of service and on what they could spend so investment in to ensure tenants had all the information they home improvements that tenants were promised. improving people’s homes was limited and wanted and time to think about it eventually gave However, it all got done and Worthing Homes building new homes was impossible. While way to a determination to get it done. In retrospect formally came into being on March 31st 1999 people appreciated the great service they were it was a good thing, concentrating minds, purpose and the rest, as they say, is history. And what a now getting, they still wanted to know when they and direction. might get that long-needed central heating, new history, 20 years of providing great services and kitchen, new bathroom or double glazing. The This led to months of daytime and evening new homes. answer, if Worthing Homes stayed the same, was public and community meetings, newsletters, an Robin King no time soon. explanatory video and housing department staff Chief Executive from 1999-2004 Suzanne Newman Marketing and PR Officer About Us

When I started 10 years ago Worthing Homes were busy celebrating their 10th birthday; and it was then I knew Worthing Homes has over 3,678 properties Our mission We believe that if we deliver and truly live these I had made the right choice to move housing 10,000 customers in the Enabling people to live in quality homes and values then everyone at Worthing Homes, our into housing. coastal area. We provide affordable rented thriving communities. customers and partners will take pride in being homes, key worker accommodation, low-cost involved with us as an organisation. They know Over the last 10 years I have shared ownership, sheltered housing and new Our vision that they can trust us to deliver an excellent watched my colleagues deal with homes for local people. We are committed to Helping people create sustainable futures. customer experience and work together as issues from the easy, like a leaking tap, providing great places to live and improving one team in shaping the places where they are through to the most difficult anti- communities. Our values proud to live and call home. social behaviour cases and each one Customer focus People are at the heart of has been dealt with in the same caring As an independent social business working with everything we do, and we remain focused compassionate way. local people and partners, we put our energy on ensuring all customers are given excellent into creating places where people want to live, service. Social housing residents have in recent investing in services as well as homes, whilst times been given bad press thanks to meeting our financial and corporate targets. Innovation As an organisation we are forward the media but I’m pleased to say that thinking and continually looking for ways to these kinds of resident are the minority improve, and new services to provide. and I have actually met the most Respect Everyone will be treated in a fair and fantastic, inspiring group of people in considerate manner, with individuals views our residents and for me that makes acknowledged. the job so worthwhile and rewarding. Clear We will ensure that we are open and Read on for more stories from our honest in all that we do; and that all of our colleagues (past and present), partners communications are understandable. and just a few of our many residents; Accountability We are dedicated to delivering as well as the timeline of our journey on the promises that we make. so far.

Worthing Homes is launched with the support We pass our first Housing of Worthing Borough Council’s housing Corporation monitoring with personnel, 18 of whom are still with us today! flying colours, invest £3 million In our first year, we had over 9,000 visitors to in improvements; launch our our reception, which meant that we were soon Resident Involvement Strategy 1999 looking around for more accessible, visitor 2000 and a five year programme of Timeline friendly premises. ‘best value’ reviews. Our Home, Our Streets, Our Community A Poem by Clive Cavenaugh

A home is not just the bricks It’s not just bricks and the mortar that make the wall that make a home The window frames, the hearth It’s the life within makes it breathe From the doorway down the hall The times people have This could be anywhere and the safety they have known ------o O o ------That you belong and have a place It’s not only the roof ------o O o ------or the space in the eaves Twenty years of homes provided The kitchen, the cupboards Houses, flats and maisonettes Doorsteps touched by autumn leaves All applicants regarded These are just things You will find a place hear ------o O o ------o O o ------But these rooves have But as well as the fabric mattered to us for 20 years it’s the people we meet These bricks which make houses It’s the community we build The doors, the rooves, It’s the block and the street windows and veneers It’s what we build together We care for every one of them with you, Us ------o O o ------o O o ------

Together we have built this community Despite all troubles We have created strong unity We are together This house will be a good house for the Scan here to watch future, if it floods people wont get wet the video on Youtube Faye 7 years old

We begin a programme of Davison House opens – offering The launch of the residents’ panel As a part of ongoing, community led sponsorship of local youth football level access, customer parking promotes the involvement of residents regeneration programmes, we support clubs; £1 shares are made available and a training and resource on the running of our organisation. In fund raising for the refurbishment of a to residents; open 12 homes at Alpha centre. Two learning rooms with partnership with Worthing MIND, we community park in Durrington. Court, kick starting the regeneration computers host adult learning set up ‘Garden Minders’ employment We launch our Community of a formerly run-down area of the programmes, pensions advice project. One and two bedroom Involvement Awards – celebrating the 2001 town and carry out an extensive 2002 and community clubs such as 2003 homes are made available on a shared 2004 work of our contractors, residents and survey of all our homes. creative writing groups. ownership basis. community groups. Tim Loughton MP Amy Dewey & Shoreham Resident & Board Member

Worthing Homes came about from the LSVT Out of the support they gave to Mick’s Garage I’m delighted to contribute to (Large Scale Voluntary Transfer) of housing where Mick Smith renovated old bikes for kids Worthing Homes 20th birthday stock from Worthing Council soon after I was on the estate and the seven a side football book. I have been a Worthing Homes first elected as the MP for East Worthing & team they ran for local kids a plan was resident for thirteen years, as a shared Shoreham and it has been a pleasure to work formed to reinvigorate the local community. ownership resident and lease holder. closely with them over all those years. This mushroomed into Worthing Homes offering to give over two of their properties As well as being a resident I have also They have been a model social landlord and for a community hub which mushroomed been part of the Worthing Homes an important and engaged part of the local into the Community House which has been a Board for 4 years as a Tenant Director. community well beyond just provided bricks tremendous success in providing a new heart Being one of two Tenant Directors and mortar for tenants. This has been amply for the local community and a wide variety of has given me and other residents the demonstrated by their generous support of the activities for all ages and all-comers. opportunity to ensure the views and Community House in Dominion Road which needs of tenants are highlighted to marked the turnaround of the fortunes of the I have no doubt that this has been central to Worthing Homes and for a tenant local estate which had been plagued by anti- addressing many of the challenges in the area perspective to be given when making social behaviour and neglect. and bringing local people together and for that decisions. I really enjoy working we are all grateful to Worthing Homes and wish with Worthing Homes and feel they Residents who felt let down and ignored them well for their next 20 years as an important are a customer focused and ethical approached me to help bring the community part of the Worthing scene. company who are passionate about together and bring regeneration to the area. providing quality homes to residents. They were led by the remarkable Chris and Mick Smith who had been at the centre of the community for so many years and did so much to confront the troublemakers head on. After an eventful public meeting I arranged we were able to get the local police and Worthing Council engaged again and Worthing Homes and the local church were crucial to this.

Mick’s Garage, which has since grown into Mick’s Garage Worthing Homes, Community House, was made against very strong available to Mick and Chriss Our newly formed 20 homes for refugees in An average of £15,000 national competition Smith, residents who voluntarily Greenspace team worked Worthing were transferred per home was invested, is awarded Constructing worked with local young people hard to restore overgrown from the Metropolitan meeting and exceeding Excellence’s first 2005 to help repair bikes and provide 2006 public spaces – pruning and Housing Trust, so that they the Decent Homes 2007 ‘National Client activities outside school. replacing shrubs and trees. could be managed locally. Standard. of the Year’. Sir Peter Bottomley MP CLLR Daniel Humphreys Leader of Worthing Council

Tim Loughton and I encouraged and applauded It is good that new homes are being created and I am delighted to congratulate Worthing Homes the formation of Worthing Homes just after we that some tired old ones are being replaced or on the 20th birthday. As Leader of Worthing became the local Members of Parliament. updated. Borough Council, I have seen first-hand the difference that Worthing Homes make to our We join in gratitude for the shared dedication As residents grow older, Worthing Homes community. and clarity of purpose of all who have served continues to help in practical ways. The aims the community of residents in their homes so are right: quality homes, thriving communities, While having been far too low down the successfully, with effectiveness and humanity. helping people create sustainable futures. political agenda for decades housing is now quite rightly right back at the top of the priority I thank the trustees, the leaders and every Worthing Homes does good and does it well. list. Here in Worthing we’re building more one of the staff during the first 20 years of Let us all help them to continue as they improve houses and it is thanks to the work of Worthing Neville Pressley committed service. The numbers are impressive: further and develop new services. Homes that we have been able to do that. Our Chair of the board 1999-2007 107 volunteers, 95 employees and 10 trustees; partnership recently released £10m in funding I am proud to have been nearly 4.000 homes for about 10,000 fellow to ensure the success of that work. the first chair of Worthing residents. Homes and to have been I look forward to an even more successful time involved in its transition from Worthing Homes rightly has a good reputation over the next twenty years! a Housing Department to a and it is trusted. A high proportion of residents high performing Housing are happy with their experience; over 90% Association praise the staff with whom they have contact. I can hardly believe that it is 20 years!

Worthing Homes ranks as one of the best In October Our telecare team – RedAssure are the first companies to work for, receiving a ‘Best we opened in the UK to achieve the Telecare Services Companies 2009’ star status accreditation. Norfolk Association new code of practice standard. and Suffolk Our Community House is awarded just under In partnership with Arun District Council, House, our £500k in funding from the Big Lottery Fund. Worthing Homes regenerates Wick’s old largest ever 2008 laundry to provide 22 new homes for local 2009 We signed up to work with Barratts on the development families. regeneration of land at Felpham. at the time. The team comprising of Zoe, Rob, Daniel, Robert, Kevin, Lawrence and Scott look after all of our outdoor communal areas and open spaces which includes 7 play parks! Rachel Young Tensions had been rising within the home for Eleanor Residents for 2.5 years a while due to mental health issues and certain Resident for 6 years siblings disruptive behaviour, so I went to the I came to Worthing Homes in 2016, I had Council to ask for help - where they pointed I have been lucky to have been a been a single mum working 5 days a me to Worthing Homes. I was offered a place homeowner in the past but due week while living with my parents while in July 2016 and finally moved into our flat in to a change in my circumstances I saved up for a place of our own. I October 2016. I found myself in private rented had rented privately up until having accommodation. my son and found I couldn’t afford We’ve been in our 2 bed flat for 2 years and a to stay private during this time, bit now, and it has been tricky sometimes with As often happens 6 years ago the my son was in the attic room my hours going up and down often (meaning landlady decided to sell up, leaving with our belongings while I changes with housing benefit constantly) me with no home and no savings so slept on my parents’ sofa. but Worthing Homes have always been I had no deposit to rent somewhere understanding of this. Being a resident has else; but I was lucky enough to be provided me with security knowing we live in an given a home by Worthing Homes. affordable home, have the support needed and landlords who will work on repairs and issues This has been a lifeline for me as it has within reasonable times. given me the security of a home for life, something we should all be able As well as the support being offered when I am to have. I have loved being able to due to move over to universal credit, they have make my home my own and I find that not left me knee deep in repairs and fixtures like in social housing areas there is always private landlords will argue you do. My main more of a community spirit which is concern was my son having his own room, and just lovely. me having my own space too. We love our home, people always ask us “when will you be exchanging to a house or bigger flat then” but unless we actually needed more space I don’t see a reason to, this place is what we wanted.

March 2009 saw our 10th birthday. Our 38th development project Relish™ wins the ‘Energy saving imitative We purchased Kerrison Worthing Homes were a founder donor of We kicked off the celebrations with a was completed, this saw of the year’ in the Sustainable Housing Mews, a development of the Worthing and Adur fund, in partnership party at Davison House followed by 10 family apartments built at Awards and the Legacy (sustainability) 18 flats from the Home with the Sussex Community Foundation. 10 events which included the relaunch Wordsworth Road, Worthing. award in the Constructing Excellence Group, and Cambourne, A charity set up to encourage and support London and South East awards. Dene and Glyndebourne of the Lovett centre, held a one day At Maybridge we got the local local giving. Courts from Moat. seven a side football tournament and children involved in building a Emmanuel court, another Worthing saw us take part in the carnival with a 2010 We were accredited with the centre for BMX track on a piece of land Homes development, completes in The Cortis Avenue wildlife seaside themed float. housing and support code of practice. behind The Avenue. August. garden project begins. Pat Maher Neil Harrocks 48 years a resident Empty Homes Surveyor

My husband and I have privately I started work with Worthing Borough Council In 1973, I lost the top of my left little finger while My job at the Council was very varied, I could rented before becoming Council (WBC) 49 years ago in 1970 as an apprentice at the carrying out maintenance to an air-raid siren! I be working at the Aquarena or the crematorium, tenants 48 years ago, firstly we lived tender age of 15 as an apprentice electrician. I did received £100 compensation which was like doing work under , maintenance in a flat in Chippers Close and then the apprenticeship for approximately 4 years with winning the lottery as I was not earning much at work on the lights along the seafront or working once our daughter came along we 4 other apprentice electricians and there were 5 that time. in a resident’s home. I also maintained the moved to Upton Gardens where we qualified electricians working for WBC. heaters in every public toilet in the borough! I have seen much life through my times working have lived happily for the last 41 years. My claim to fame is that I did the runway light at I have performed other jobs and been a for the Council and then Worthing Homes and Privately renting now is so expensive Shoreham airport! maintenance officer, and I am currently the I can tell many a story, most of which would not and you don’t always get a good empty homes surveyor. be for general consumption! I have been electrocuted several times, once it service or repairs done. threw me across the room and it was lucky there My first wage was £6.50 a week and in cash, I Once a tenant had left a really big lizard in an It was easier in the old days to get a was a bed to stop me hitting the wall. I also remember I would collect my wages from the abandoned flat and it scared the life out of me council home, my husband and I just came across a burglar in a property once but we wages office at the Council and I used to cycle and my colleague who were trying to put some went to the office and told them we were didn’t know it was a burglar at the time. everywhere! water in its cage! Another resident was keeping getting married, shortly after we were a pony in her back garden but I have never been Another funny story is about the chimes on offered a property. In those days you had In those days the electricians would book out bitten by a dog or a resident for that matter! the Town Hall clock, this was also maintained to go and pay your rent at the Council in 2 hours for a light switch but then time and by the WBC electricians. The clock had to be person not like all the different ways there motion came in and it felt like they had to do Once I was doing some work in Winton Lodge reset after the clocks changed but the chimes are today. 50 an hour!!! and asked the lady whose flat I was in what the are not linked to the clock and need to be reset best time to catch no. 7, to which the resident I am now 70 and I still enjoy working as separately. Thinking this had been done, when replied no you need to catch the no. 10! a part-time carer for adults with learning my colleague and I listened to the 10 o’clock chime it only chimed twice so they had got it difficulties. In my previous job with WBC, I used to maintain wrong, apparently there were several complaints schools, libraries and WBC had a water I always get a good service from Worthing from members of the public. department as there was no SWA then so they Homes and it’s easy, if I have a problem I maintained the sewer/surface water pumping either ring in or report issues on-line. stations.

RedAssure, our telecare service, The refreshed garden at the front of Pearsons retreat is With the recession in full Our developments at East We successfully bid for the celebrated its 25th birthday. dedicated in remembrance of Bernard Notley, a long swing we come to the aid of Preston and Littlehampton HCA Affordable Homes serving tenant board member. some homeowners with our (The Ostlers) were programme and were one As part of our commitment to first Mortgage Rescue case. completed providing more of the first four housing the wider community we were On the 13 September we held our first ever residents 2011 We would later go on to affordable housing in the providers to sign the one of the sponsors of the 2012 conference, giving residents the opportunity to meet the help 13 more. area. contract. Worthing Birdman. team and have their say. The Community House is a unique, informal drop in facility where people can meet up, take part in activities or drop in for help, advice and a listening ear when it is needed. It’s a relaxed friendly environment where everyone is welcome and you will always be greeted with a smile!

Based in the heart of East Worthing , the house was launched by Worthing Homes in 2007 with the help of some local residents. In 2009 the Community House was awarded £500k from the Big Lottery Fund which helped the house to increase its activity offering and engage with more people; with a further award of £350k from the Big Lottery Fund made in 2014.

Alongside a variety of activities and opportunities such as coffee mornings, after school clubs, and education and training the house offers more practical help such as access to computers and the internet, the use of a telephone, help to fill in important forms and signposting to external agencies who can help with issues that people may be facing such as substance misuse, financial problems or are feeling isolated A poerm by Pammy Long of Lavinia Court

There are many housing associations but I am sure ours is the best the houses are really the tops and the staff greet you with zest ------o O o ------If a repair needs doing, well I only have to call it’s done really quickly be it big or small ------o O o ------I moved into my bungalow when it was one week old 18 years ago that was and I’ve made some friends of gold ------o O o ------Some of the staff right from the start have been there to help me through and new ones have come along, they always help me too ------o O o ------Whether it’s a leaking water pipe or someone parking where they can’t I only have to ring them up I know they won’t say no or shan’t ------o O o ------Our garden is quite tiny but the bungalow is terrific especially after the flat we had, well that was really quite horrific ------o O o ------They deal with naughty neighbours or bushes that grow too high, Worthing Homes you are the best you’re the sun up in the sky ------o O o ------

Work began on We saw our surplus increase from At Felpham we held a party to celebrate On a less than sunny day we took part 63 Grafton Road, a £1million to £3.2million giving us even successful partnership working and the in our first beach clean with the Marine building of special more funds to build much needed completion of our first 139 homes on the Conservation Society. local interest which development. affordable homes in the area. The first phase of our Meadow Road had been empty for We also held a celebration of the completion Our New Brunswick development was regeneration project completed, changing 5 years, adapted to of our New Brunswick development which is 2013 highly commended at the Local Authority one of the old style studio blocks into provide 4 affordable on the old St. Barnabas site. Building Control South East Awards. 7 contemporary 1 bedroom flatlets. homes. PH Beck Alice Pugsley Cheyenne Greaves Neighbourhood Surveyor - west patch We have worked together for over 17 years and Resident for 4 years have formed close working relationships with I started working for Worthing Homes in August staff and have seen them individually follow 2017. It is one of the best decisions I have made I came to be a Worthing homes resident In recent years (4 that I have seen) there has their own journeys through life to marry, have in my working life and I haven’t looked back through the housing register that I joined when been some amazing changes to the company children and even retire. We have taken part since. I am thankful to have a job I enjoy and I turned 18, so in 2015 I was offered my first itself, with the very stylish, sleek office upgrades in quiz nights with other contractors and been feel very lucky to work for Worthing Homes. home within Worthing homes stock and was to the changes in the staff and company in a part of community days, although I admit I My role involves home visits to diagnose repairs very happy to finally have somewhere to call general, I find the office to be much more did turn down the “wet sponges being thrown and carry out quality checks on completed my own, although I had previously lived with my appealing and in general a really nice place at me” so sorry to whoever ended up with repairs. I enjoy being out in the community and parents who are also Worthing Homes’ residents to be, the gardening team do an amazing job that! Instead, I took part in “play your cards meeting our residents. Being able to help with I have only officially been a Worthing homes keeping all our lovely green lands clear and right” with Shawn Greenfield. We have good repair issues ensures that our residents can enjoy resident myself for about 4 years. looking wonderful and the staff are absolutely communication with residents, who often take their homes to the full. My role also enables me fantastic! time to have a chat to us when we are on site or to get involved in various community events Worthing Homes have been a huge support and on the phone. which is another great opportunity to meet help to me in the 4 years of being a resident, I Every single one of them does such an Congratulations on your 20th anniversary and residents in a less formal setting. If you see me find all their staff very friendly and approachable, incredible role and all work so hard to ensure enjoy your celebrations. out and about, please say hi! and haven’t had much of a negative experience that the residents are at the heart of everything in general with any contractor or staff member. they do! Worthing Homes changed my life I feel that Worthing Homes focuses on its and has helped to support me and give me Core Electrical Ian Cooke residents in a very positive way and enables us opportunities that no one else ever would Neighbourhood Housing Officer - central Core Electrical Services was previously known to have better decisions and a say in how the have! I love my home and I love my housing as Keith Long Electrical, a company which was Having only joined Worthing Homes in housing association is run and handled. association! So thank you from the bottom of founded in the early 90’s, Many of you will November 2018 from a non-housing background, my heart and happy birthday Worthing Homes remember our previous trading name and will I have been incredibly impressed with the efforts 20 years young! be aware we have been working with Worthing and efficiency of all departments to provide Homes since it was founded and prior to this quality accommodation and homes to its tenants. on behalf of Worthing Borough Council. We All departments are supportive, knowledgeable are forever grateful for the works and support and willing to go that extra distance to assist not we have received from the Surveying and the only the tenants, but myself and others who are senior management teams over the years. We new to the company. I’ve felt very welcomed have a strong and proven partnership which we and have enjoyed all the different aspects of the look forward to continuing with for many more role of a neighbourhood housing officer. year to come. Every day so far has certainly had a new and The Directors Rob Lucas, Adam Clark and the different challenge and with the help of the rest of the team at Core Electrical would like wider team, I’ve enjoyed trying to bring a to Wish Worthing Homes a very happy 20th successful resolution to them all. Anniversary and all the best for the future and the years to come.

Robin King, Chief Executive, The Relish™ Smartwire Following a detailed review Because of the good work Our Worth Award was launched Against much larger announces his retirement. is shortlisted for and working closely with our and difference it was making with resident Alfie Parker winning organisations, Worthing Later in the year Jackie Bligh 2 awards at the residents we decided to bring to people’s lives in the area a contribution towards a place Homes were named as the is appointed as the new Chief Constructing the external decoration of our Community House were at the Academy of music. He ‘Social Housing Provider 2014 Executive and takes up her Excellence London and our homes in-house and our awarded a further 5 years of has since gone on to star in the of the year’ at the 2014 post in September 2014. South East Awards. decorating team started. funding by the Big Lottery Fund. musical ‘School of Rock’. Sustainable Housing Awards. Ian Reed Head of asset and planned maintenance

I started at Worthing Homes when the company lives and see them take pride in their newly was originally set up back in March 1999…. improved homes. where have those 20 years gone!! I strongly believe that one of our strength’s as I have always worked on the property side a social landlord is our local presence serving of things in different roles – starting as the local residents and, wherever possible, using Programme / Contracts Manager, then Asset local contractors and suppliers so we can Manager and currently I am the Head of Asset deliver the best service possible. Over the years, & New Business. we have acquired a number of other homes in our core operating area from larger housing During the past 20 years, the company has associations via small stock transfers so these changed tremendously in the way we work residents can benefit from our local and more and services we offer our customers and wider personalised service. communities but providing quality, as well as, truly affordable homes and nice places to live I have had the pleasure of working with, both for our customers has always remained our core past and present, like-minded dedicated people purpose. at Worthing Homes, that really work together to achieve this vison and I am sure this will My passion for buildings and helping people fits continue so here’s to the next 20 years…….. well with the company’s core values and is why Decorating team I continue enjoy working for Worthing Homes. I Helen Neal The team comprises of Emma, Wayne, James, Lee, Nick, Michael, Paul, Rhody and Stephen particularly find it rewarding when we complete Head of Finance and IT The team look after all of the outsides of our properties as well as the internal communal area. They also take improvements to residents’ homes which makes care of any associated pre-painting repairs and window cleaning. such a difference to their and their family’s daily I grew up in Worthing and have always had family and friends living in homes owned by Worthing Homes, and formerly by Worthing Borough council. (And customers when I did my paper round many years ago in the town centre, I delivered to Clifton Court and Cambourne Court).

I started working for Worthing Homes in April 1999 when the stock transfer had just taken place. I consider myself very lucky to have worked for a company, for the last 20 years, which provides much needed genuinely affordable housing to my home town and the local area. Long may it continue to grow.

I think china is the gift for a 20th anniversary? Maybe some new cups as a present?!

Happy 20th birthday Worthing Homes

Property services team The team comprises of Paul, Ashley, Bob, Darren, Giovanni, and Phil They look after some of our kitchen and bathroom refurbishments. Whilst Bob undertakes some cleaning and clearances of our empty homes prior to re-letting. Steve Southwell Resident for 3.5 years

There were numerous factors which led me to Worthing Homes were especially living with Worthing Homes –the “bedroom accommodating when I had to request the Tax”, rising rent in the private sector and more change of my bathroom to a wet room. They importantly some very serious health issues! The had no problems agreeing the alterations and, latter was the most important factor to me and from their end, the administration process was with the help of Worthing Borough Council, I completed rather quickly. was found a new home. That was almost four I feel lucky to be living where I do and lucky to years ago now, and to be honest was the best have Worthing Homes as my Landlord. It’s not move I ever made. On viewing my potential Jen & Keith Watson an understatement to say that moving here has home, it was a bit of a tip, however I saw Residents for 11 years indeed changed my life, and certainly for the through the chaos, and realised its potential to better. We have lived in a Worthing Homes bungalow become a wonderful place to live. for 11 years. We were privately renting as I have everything I need to live here, from a we had lost everything due to Keith having a Jen says ‘we have a small garden and I am a secure place to charge my mobility scooter to debilitating accident. The landlord wouldn’t keen gardener, Keith says he does as he is told the wonderful views. The benefits of living in adapt the ground floor flat we lived in and he as he doesn’t know the difference between a affordable social housing far outweigh those of was not accommodating. Keith and I went to weed and a flower!’ living in the private sector. Being able to speak the Council and after being interviewed and We are both happy where we now live, we were to or email someone with any queries, having a accepted onto the register we were shown 2 not sure of the area when we were originally designated housing officer, having repairs carried properties both of which were not appropriate, offered the bungalow as we had heard some out within a reasonable timescale are all things the first was a top floor flat and the second bad things about the area but it has been for which I feel privileged for. OK, some things had a huge garden to maintain. We were then absolutely fine and we have no intention take time, but then that wouldn’t be any different shown the bungalow we still live in now and I of moving. We have both been involved if I owned my own home or rented privately. thought we had won the pools. It had a new with Worthing Homes over the years on the kitchen fitted and painted. Soon after we had a Residents’ Panel, undertaking market research wet room put in for Keith after going through and are still actively involved helping out at the disabled facilities grant process and all the events like the annual Worthing Homes Fun Day. internal doors were changed too.

More new affordable homes were completed; 11 apartments at the Aspects development by Goring-by-sea station, 15 1000th flats and two 3 bedroom houses at Yeoman Chase on Littlehampton Road, and at HOME Chesswood Road our redevelopment saw our 1000th home completed. Ruth Pollard Mark Richardson Jo & Jessie Cox Resident involvement coordinator Resident for 16 years Residents for 19 years

I started work with Worthing Homes in May 1999 Happy birthday Worthing Homes! We used to live in Arun and we mutual just after the stock transfer from Worthing Borough exchanged to Worthing as we had family Council as an audio/copy typist, and in those days You have been a key part in my recovery from a here. We lived in Meadow Crescent for some I worked for the whole company as we were much long illness, with kind thoughtful staff, expertise years and now live in Victoria Mansions by the smaller 20 years ago! in housing, benefits and some patience when station. My daughter and grand-daughter live I struggled to keep in control of my finances. with me and my son lives close by. I decided to The new post of resident involvement assistant Thank you. move from Meadow Crescent as I didn’t need the was created, I applied and was successful. I later large house anymore and also due to disabilities This year I stopped claiming any benefits – became the resident involvement officer, a post I I could no longer maintain the large gardens. The working some extra hours – once again without have held for many years. family I exchanged with now have the benefit of Worthing Homes I would not be able to live and more room as well as a garden to play in. I have seen many things during my time at thrive without your affordable rents. Thank you. Worthing Homes, I thoroughly enjoy my job I became a block rep because I was always reporting Whenever I think of Worthing homes, I smile, working with residents helping and supporting issues at Victoria Mansions on the Worthing Homes I feel safe (I have a good home). I have lovely them where I can. face book page and I wanted to make a difference memories of volunteering, copy-editing Home to where I live. Along with a couple of other As well as other events I have organised the annual News, mystery shopping, the residents panel residents living at Fenchurch Mansions we became Fun Day for at least 15 years and am proud that and being a board member – working alongside a constituted group and applied to the Worthing the number attending has grown every year. I am many lovely people, every opportunity a step Homes Neighbourhood Fund as we want to bring game for a laugh so I have, been gunged, ridden forward for me. Thank you Worthing Homes, the community together with the support and help of a surf simulator, floated along the seafront in the here’s to the next twenty years. Worthing Homes with our first event at Easter. Worthing Rotary Carnival procession, had a python Love Mark draped round my shoulders and dressed up as I like where I live now as it is very central to town and not far Robin Hood! if I need to go into Worthing Homes.

Jessie aged 5 says “I love living with my nana and my uncle is next door so I can pop in and see him. I like to watch the birds and cars from the windows.”

Worthing Homes Thanks to a close working The 12 two bedroom Community House Our in-house partnership we secured £20million Worthing Homes new homes being built on win the ‘Excellence grounds team additional funding from Lloyds Bank. sustainability co-ordinator, the regeneration site at in community action’ (then called This loan enabled us, along with the has secured £40,000 Meadow Road complete awards at the TPAS Greenspace) surplus that we make, to build 200 of funding from SGN to providing 12 local 2015 (Tenant Participation celebrated their new affordable homes in the local provide new gas supplies to families with new homes Advisory Service) awards. 10th birthday. area over the following 3 years. 35 existing homes. for Christmas. I drew a picture of the house I would like to live in, in the future. There will be lots of plants and flowers. My home will be made of wood and natural because I like ecology and I look after the environment. There will be a swimming pool and fire place. Pola 7 and a half years old

Thgis house will be a good house for the future because homeless people need a place to live, eat and drink. We don’t let them live out there by themselves because they need taking care of Guy Collar, Operations Director with Alex Baile,y Chief Executive at Adur & Emily Ruby Hersee Worthing Councils and Jackie Bligh, Chief Executive 9 years old Carol Gatford Rachel Harwood Residents for 13 years Resident for 8 years

My Journey to Worthing Homes is quite a long I first got involved as a resident in 2006 only a Since then I have attended conferences and My family and I used to be in the one beginning in 1999 the year my husband few months after I’d moved in, this came about housing exhibitions at Brighton and London, and private rental sector but the landlord died. Leaving me a young widow, a house I because I won £250 in a draw through paying even helped with tendering, looking at various didn’t care about us. We had to pay a couldn’t afford to maintain and two teenage my rent, this is drawn each year and everyone is contractors putting in a tender for works. I found horrendous deposit up front and the sons, one at college and one at highdown entered into it when their rent account is clear at this very interesting and extremely informative landlord would put the rent up every special school. I’d had a stroke in 1998 and my the end of the financial year. as I (probably like others) thought that it was few months which made it easy to get accommodation wasn’t suitable for not only me the cheapest contractors that got the jobs with into debt. The resident involvement officer and housing but my youngest son Chris needed more help Worthing Homes! This isn’t so and it can actually officer came to present me with the cheque than I could give him. Luckily Chris was asked take some days to interview all of the various We have now been with Worthing and after chatting to them about my voluntary if he would like to live with one of his respite contractors. Homes for 8 years and we have work as a chairman for the disabled club and carers and I eventually had help from a very even been able to have a wet room involvement with a Council panel. Sue Brown When Worthing Homes started a resident scrutiny good friend and also the local Worthing and put in for my husband, something the resident involvement officer asked me if I’d panel I decided to join this and again found it very Littlehampton Scope family liaison officer. our previous landlord wouldn’t get involved with Worthing Homes as a mystery interesting and made new friends. The services at have done. After a time the Council found me a privately shopper which meant phoning up customer Worthing Homes I have found excellent. I have rented ground floor flat which was fully services and other departments with a made done courses and through Northbrook College I did I am a regular on the Chat at accessible for me with a fairly high rent but with up scenario and writing down their responses. a distance learning course with the help of one of Worthing Homes Facebook the Worthing Scope liaison officer and doctor’s After a while helped with other activities like the the resident involvement team at the time. page, commenting on posts and help they managed to get me on the housing annual fun day and reading through the Home offering advice to other residents; I’ve also had great financial help from the specialist register. I’ll never forget my excitement when News before it was printed. being able to help each other in financial staff and also help from Relish. I go to the Worthing Homes rang to offer me my bungalow this way is fantastic and helps to RedAssure forums they provide and have recently and although it needed work doing on the build up a community spirit with asked for more help from the excellent staff. garden, the location was great and I found the all Worthing Homes residents. neighbourhood very friendly. I live in a lovely friendly court of accessible bungalows where we have a lovely green in front of six of our

bungalows and the grounds team keep this looking lovely. I have a lovely bungalow with a beautiful garden and I’m exceptionally lucky to live in such a great area. Thank you Worthing Homes for all your support.

Hollyacre, our largest and We launch the first of As a part of this corporate plan we Our Meadow first whole site development our ambitious 5 year undertake works to our Davison Road completes, with a mix of corporate plans with a House office to allow for one team development 20 affordable rent, 14 shared focus on providing more working. With colleagues now hot receives the ownership and 18 outright sale affordable homes and desking the flow of information RTPI (Royal homes, all of which have been 2016 enhancing our customer between departments ensures that Town Planning sold or rented to people with a experience. we can provide our best service ever. Institute) Award. connection to Arun. Graham Mills Chris Koven Shawn Greenfield Building Surveyor Resident for 2 years Planned Programme Manager

Having joined Worthing Borough Council 28 I came to Worthing Homes in 2017 at a really As someone who has been on the journey with Dave Godfrey years ago I have worked on many of the homes troubled time in my life, I had mental health Worthing Homes right from the start what can Resident for 9 years in Worthing Homes stock since its formation problems, employment problems and health I say? Well I could start by saying it’s been an in 1999, seeing it grow by over 1400 to its issues. I really wasn’t living I was existing and I ever changing ever evolving exciting adventure, We have now been tenants of Worthing Homes present size. was denying my kids the father they deserved. I could say that it’s been a fantastic experience for the last 9 years originally in a one bedroom to see the investments we have made in flat in East Worthing. As a building surveyor I have been involved I spoke to Worthing Homes about getting our housing stock, colleagues and residents Although we were very happy there and in a wide range of projects from multi-million involved as a way to build my self-esteem and pay off and take pride in the our amazing were prepared to stay my kidney failure was pound refurbishments, including lift renewals, interact with others. They arranged for me to achievements so far. reroofing, kitchen and bathroom upgrades, join the Residents’ Panel, where my opinion was progressing to the point where I would be through to minor disabled adaptations. listened to and it forced me to look at things I could say lots of positive and wonderful thing needing renal dialysis and was keen to do this at from other perspectives. but I think I will just say this it’s the people that home rather than traveling to the hospital. All of these in some way make a difference to make Worthing Homes so great. What do I After a period of time and help from Worthing people’s quality of life in their homes, but one As my self-esteem grew and my health (medical mean? There has always been a great supportive Homes and the renal welfare department of the most rewarding is to provide adaptations and mental) got more manageable I knew I was atmosphere within Worthing homes for the staff at Brighton Hospital together with some for a small child to find that they have flourished about ready to re-join the working world. Once and the residents and it’s always been and always intervention from our local MP, Tim Loughton and are now achieving great things in their again I reached out to Worthing Homes and will be a fantastic place to work. chosen career. got the opportunity to join their “Sure Futures we were offered a ground floor, two course” where we recapped things I knew and bedroomed flat in King Edward Avenue. also learnt knew things, it helped me get into We moved in Christmas 2017 and after eight the right mind set to re-enter the work place. weeks of intensive training at Brighton I started I am now back working full time. It wasn’t a home dialysis in October 2018. quick journey, but with Worthing Homes help I I cannot emphasise enough the support and am now a much stronger, happier and healthier kindness that Worthing Homes staff gave to us. person; my kids have a much better role model and I am back to the old me. Everything that I needed for my home dialysis was catered for and a lot more besides.

Graham with Angela Walker, neighbourhood housing officer – East

In May our site The introduction of regeneration project keep fit sessions at our on Littlehampton Road, sheltered schemes In line with our value for money and We chose to use bike week not just for keeping our Worthing (the old Becket helps to tackle social purchasing policies we award the carbon footprint down but also to raise money for WCHP chambers) receives its isolation as well as contract to replace windows and doors (now Turning Tides). With colleagues completing the new residents in the 2017 helping the residents in approximately 170 properties to challenge of hitting 1000 miles during the week they 22 new apartments. keep in tip top shape. Anglian Building Products. raised £500. Barbara Blann Faithorn Farrell Timms LLP Celia Rowe Resident & Board Member I have lived in Meredith Road for 48 years, before In 2001, Worthing Homes appointed living here my late husband, John, and I privately FFT to deliver a condition survey of When the letter came through the door saying Around five years ago I volunteered onto rented a flat in Westcourt Road but once our family its housing stock, representing one that Worthing Borough Council were selling all the resident panel, and enjoyed it so much, came along we needed a house. of our first significant surveying of their social housing to Worthing Homes, it I applied for the role of tenant director and commissions. The faith and support was received with a mixture of apprehension, have been on the board for nearly three years Back in the old days when we were tenants of shown by Worthing Homes in the and a fear of losing our homes, felt by myself now. I appreciate the opportunity of making Worthing Borough Council John was the founder year we founded our business and many other residents. a contribution as a resident and to be part of member of the east area tenants’ association, when will always be remembered and the exciting developments that are ongoing by the transfer happened to Worthing Homes the shadow appreciated. There were one or two Housing Associations Worthing Homes in and around Worthing. board was made up 15 members six of these being around, but most people, including myself did residents and John was one of the six. That successful project laid not really know how they worked and if the Speaking as a resident, I value the opportunity the foundation for a long and change would affect us and our communities. Worthing Homes gives us to speak up within We both had a family connection to east Worthing as fruitful professional relationship social media, surveys, residents conferences, John used to live in Ruskin Road and his family had lived between our organisations. We Twenty years on, and the majority of residents panels, and of course, to meet up as a in Worthing for five generations. My parents and aunt have enjoyed working on many would choose to be in a Worthing Homes community at the annual fun day. lived in Meredith Road and John and I have had many exciting and innovative projects, property than any other association. This I look forward in anticipation to what Worthing happy years here too. including the multi-award- is because over the years they have shown Homes will bring to our lovely town in the next winning RELISH, and are proud themselves to be an understanding landlord, I am very happy in my home and I collect thimbles which twenty years. Thank you. to be retained as professional building quality homes in the local area, was started off by my eldest daughter and I currently have advisors to Worthing providing families stability and high standards of around 600! Homes as you approach maintenance. Free advice and training in areas the milestone of your 20th such as IT and money management is on offer Anniversary. to all residents.

The Partners and Staff at FFT wish Worthing Homes continued success in delivering your strategic and social objectives in the years ahead.

Celia with Ruth and Julian

At the 24 Housing Awards our chief Refurbishment As part of our The Empty Plate Café executive Jackie works to commitment to wins the Southern region In March we ventured Bligh was highly Elizabeth sustainability we install TPAS (Tenant Participation into new territory and commended in the House, one of 2018 solar panels on our advisory service) Awards for completed on our first Chief Executive of our sheltered Community House roof. community focused service. homes in Chichester. the year Awards. schemes begins. The main purpose of our business is to provide low cost affordable homes, either for rent or home ownership via our shared ownership scheme.

Over the last 10 years we have added to our stock significantly now bringing us up to 3,446 homes (a Providing mix of social, intermediate rent and shared ownership homes) owned. Homes We also manage a further 327 homes including the Pearsons and St. Elizabeths Cottage Homes.

Number of homes built over the last 10 years:

246 118 116 101 59 46 114 73 46 12 09-10 10-11 11-12 12-13 13-14 14-15 15-16 16-17 17-18 18-19

... so far Enhancing Lives

As well as providing homes we provide a range Adults of all ages can acesss help and support To help support our older residents and tackle of activities to help people enhance their lives as well as attending mindfulness classes, support isolation we provide exercise classes in our and create sustainable futures. groups such as MIND the mental health charity, sheltered schemes. These classes are run by a Strive – a support group for people living with professional trainer who has a lot of experience Since 2002, when the Resource Centre long term health conditions and Moving on – a in working with people doing exercise for a first opened, we have been running IT classes to support group for people in long term recovery time and in exercise whilst sitting. help people of all ages get online. Previously from addiction. The house is also a place for we had providers such as Mind Gym, Futures people to just pop in, have a cup of team and We have been holding an annual funday since Training and Learn Direct holding the classes meet new people and make friends. 2000. These days give residents and the wider but in 2010 we bought the training in- community a chance to meet the team in a house and the classes are now run for us by Over the last 10 years we have had a partnership relaxed, informal, fun setting. Amber – Louise Everitt. with Albion in the Community (AITC). They provide football sessions out in the community Our fun days are so popular that the number The Resource Centre has also been the to encourage teamwork and healthy living to of people attending during the time they have home to our back to work courses which youngsters. Since AITC started they have now been running has risen from 60 to 673 people started in 2016 and has seen 21 people progressed and introduced Albion Goals which in 2017. We even had 517 people at last year’s take part with 9 of these people now is a football employability project, providing free event; despite there being an England World back in employment. weekly football sessions delivered alongside Cup game happening on the same day! lifestyle and job skills workshops. Aimed at At our Community House, which people aged 16 and over living in Sussex this has opened in 2007, we hold a variety of proved to be a lifeline for a number of adults classes. For children we have Krafty that visit our Community House. Kids – arts and craft making, cookery club, sport and exercise, gardening along with providing general homework help.

Church House, the old block of studio Conversion starts to the former doctors It’s our 20th birthday which flats in Tarring, is demolished to make surgery / childrens centre in Parkfield we celebrate with a number way for the regeneration of the site. Road, Worthing. Once completed of activities including tree Upon completion this will provide the 4 apartments it will contain will be planting, an open day residents 2019 14 new homes (2 flats and 12 houses) leased to Worthing Borough Council competitions and of course this for local people. for the next 30 years. birthday book.

Twentyriffic Years

Davison House, North Street, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1ER T: 01903 703 100 E: [email protected] www.worthing-homes.org.uk