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Here’s what’s inside the June issue of the Key.

HERE TO HELP: our environmental teams help keep tenants safe

70th anniversary joy...... p6 Fire hero Robert to the rescue TENANT has praised GHA’s “It could have been so much worse.” environmental wardens after Environmental Operative Robert said Athey stopped a fire breaking out there’s more to GHA’s NETs than in her home. keeping communities clean and tidy The Neighbourhood – they also help keep tenants safe. Environmental Robert, 49, from Royston, said: Team (NETs) was cleaning “We were cleaning the close and the stairs at Stronvar Drive, I saw the tenant go out. When I Milton hall is a winner...... p8 Scotstounhill, when a fire heard the fire alarm going off I alarm sounded. was sure there would be no one GHA’s Robert Little, right, had at home. seen the tenant leave minutes “Straight away I could earlier so he sprung into see the smoke coming action and called 999. from the kitchen Fire officers arrived soon “That’s when I after to put out the small realised something was fire in the kitchen. wrong. I immediately Tenant Joanne said: “I phoned 999. New homes change lives...... p9 was shocked when I heard about the fire, “It’s just part of the job. We’re always but thankful the wardens were there and looking and listening to make sure tenants for them calling the fire brigade. are safe in their homes.” Domestic abuse: GHA is here to help WE want everyone to Your housing officer is here helpline 24/7 on 0800 be safe and happy in to help. They will listen to 027 1234. their home. what you say and work with Wheatley Group’s But we know that you to make sure you get Alex Adrain said: “We is thriving...... p11 thousands of people all the support you need. are determined to do across aren’t – You can find a list of everything we can to tackle Help with Universal Credit…..p4 because of abuse by a support services in your domestic abuse in our Tarfside tasty treats…...... p10 partner or ex-partner. area on our website, www. communities and help our We want to do all gha.org.uk customers lead safe and Your letters…...... p12 we can to support You can also call the happy lives. Your housing Win a tablet computer….....p15 customers affected by National Domestic Abuse officer can help you, so domestic abuse. and Forced Marriage please get in touch.”

Glasgow Housing Association The Housing Association Limited is a not-for-profit housing www.gha.org.uk association: registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014 No. 2572R(S); recognised by HM Revenue and Customs better homes, better lives as a Scottish Charity No. SC034054; registered social landlord No. 317 with the Scottish Housing Regulator under the Housing (Scotland) Act 2010. Registered office: Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow G1 1HL. the Key is printed on paper made from responsible sources. Please recycle responsibly. theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 3 Easy ways to pay rent

Direct Debit Set up a Direct Debit, speak to your Housing Officer or call us on 0800GHA and 47 9ou 7979r parent. company Wheatley Group… Bursary scheme helps supported 336 people people with financial tenants achieve dreams Paworriesy online in 2018 HA tenants are being offered to continue with my studies.” thanks to MyMoney cash support to help them go to Thomas Johnstone, pictured above, Visit gha.org.uk and Guniversity or college. from , is doing a degree in click ‘Pay at My GHA’ Tenants can get grants of up to £1500 horticulture at Scotland’s Rural College in a year to support them with the expense Edinburgh. of studying. He said: “The bursary made me feel The bursaries, supported by the more secure knowing my expenses Other ways to pay Wheatley Foundation, can make a were covered and I could just get on Phone big difference. with my studies.” Call us for free 24 hours a Bursaries of up to £1500 a year are available for people who want to study day, seven days a week, on ‘I am so grateful for an HNC, HND, Undergraduate Degree 0800 479 7979 to pay by or Postgraduate course. debit or credit card. for the support’ Wheatley Foundation Director Lorraine McLaren said: “We’re delighted so many Standing order people from our communities have been Sehelpedt up a standin 482 tenantsg order Zeyad Rashad, 42, from , is able to benefit from our bursary scheme with your bank. studying for a civil engineering degree at and achieve their dreams.” get free recycled the University of the West of Scotland. People should be looking to start their He said: “The bursary has been a great studies this year or already be at college Postfurniture office last year help. Buying books and buying equipment or university. Pay at the post office with is expensive. The deadline for applying is 30 a GHA rent payment card. “I am so grateful for the support. June 2019. Email bursaries@wheatley- Without it, I don’t think I’d have been able group.com PayPoint Pay at any shop that Hayley: the bursary has displays the PayPoint sign. helped me massively In person Drop into one of our local HAYLEY Miller, 19, from , become a offices. is studying an HNC in acting and drama teacher. performing at City of Glasgow College. “The bursary has helped me She said: “I am the first person massively. in my family to study at college. It is “It has given me opportunities to do Sign up for My GHA such an amazing opportunity. things related to drama, such as visit “After I complete my HNC I want theatres, watch plays and travel to FinYodu oucant morpay eyou at r rent, to do an HND and then go to drama groups. I had to buy a brand wwreporw.wheatley-group.com/t a repair and much university to study teaching to new laptop too.” dimore.dyouknow Register at gha.org.uk

theKEY - www.gha.org.uk 4 News GHA IS STANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH TENANTS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY UNIVERSAL CREDIT - COME AND TALK TO US Best ways to pay rent Don’t worry alone – we will help you E can’t change Universal Credit If you receive a disability benefit, come – but we can make sure tenants and talk to us before you make a claim Wget all the help they need. for Universal Credit. The new benefit has left many tenants If you move on to Universal Credit, we struggling. GHA is standing shoulder will help you make a claim and offer Direct Debit to shoulder with people lots of support until your first Set up a Direct Debit, affected. payment comes in. If youhave to move on to We can help you prepare for speak to your Housing Universal Credit, the first thing interviews and go with you to Officer or call us on to do is to get in touch with us appointments and meetings. straight away. It’s really important to 0800 479 7979. Don’t worry alone. We are have the right documents when here to help you. you start a claim, If your circumstances such as photographic ID and a change and you need to copy of your birth certificate. claim Universal Credit, do it quickly so your If you don’t, it could lead to a delay in Pay online first payment isn’t delayed. getting your money. www.gha.org.uk and click ‘Pay at My GHA’. ‘Our expert welfare benefit advisors are Phone always on hand to Call us for free 24 make sure people are hours a day, seven days receiving everything a week, on 0800 479 they’re due’ 7979 to pay by debit or credit card.

Arthur: support is vital lifeline for people who are struggling A TENANT has urged people to talk “My Housing Benefit was stopped Sign up for My GHA to their landlord straight away if they and that’s when my welfare benefits Creating an account only move on to Universal Credit. advisor phoned me. Arthur Rodden, a tenant with GHA’s “She contacted the DWP for me, takes a few minutes, you sister organisation Cube, says the help helped me fill in my application and can pay your rent, report he got is a vital lifeline to people who helped set up an interview. I can’t a repair and much more may be struggling as they switch to speak highly enough of her. at a time that suits you. Universal Credit. “You need photographic ID and a Arthur said: “I was due to start work copy of your birth certificate to start a but the job fell through so I had to claim, otherwise it leads to a Register at start claiming Universal Credit. delay. She made sure I had all that. www.gha.org.uk theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 5 GHA IS STANDING SHOULDER TO SHOULDER WITH TENANTS WHO ARE AFFECTED BY UNIVERSAL CREDIT - COME AND TALK TO US Don’t worry alone – we will help you Young people changes We can help make sure you have enough for rent and IF you’re aged between 18 no money – and at risk of are ready. other necessities. and 21, there are important losing your home. You need to be online and GHA’s Managing Director changes to Universal Credit. Your job coach can direct have an email address to Jennifer Russell, left, said: “Our From September, a you to organisations make a claim. expert welfare benefit advisors ‘Youth Obligation’ is being such as the Prince’s Trust We will help you get online. are always on hand introduced for young and Skills Development Talk to your housing officer. to make sure people are people who make a new Scotland for training and Your Universal Credit money receiving everything they’re claim for Universal Credit. job opportunities. will go into a bank account. due, make appeals and It means you must take If you take part in these We will help you set up a bank challenge unfair decisions. part in training, placements voluntary schemes you’re account. Again, come and “But we have extra staff to and work experience to less likely to be sanctioned, talk to us. help make sure people have improve your interview even if you miss a session. Universal Credit is paid everything they need to skills, search for a job, Remember, Wheatley monthly, so your money will start a claim. and more. can help you into training have to stretch for a month. “We’re here to help.” The aim is to support or a job, including our We will help you budget and Talk to your housing officer or young people into modern apprenticeships, plan your finances so you phone 0800 479 7979. employment, training or an the Wheatley Pledge and apprenticeship. our ‘community benefit’ It is mandatory, so you scheme. Talk to your must take part in it. housing officer. If you don’t, you will be Our Wheatley Works sanctioned – which means programme can also help. having your money cut. Email wheatley.works@ That can leave you with wheatley-group.com

www.gha.org.uk

Pension Credits HERE TO HELP: Arthur Rodden, pictured with housing officer Jill Meffan, has urged tenants to get in touch if they are affected are changing by Universal Credit If you think you’re entitled to Pension Credit and your partner is under 65, Arthur: support is vital lifeline for people who are struggling you need to act now.

“I’m quite confident with get through the five or six Changes could leave some couples worse off. budgeting, I’m pretty good weeks before their first We can help you – get in touch today. on computers and know how payment comes in. to fill in my online journal, “I arranged an advanced Phone: 0800 479 7979 but not everyone is. payment from the DWP, Email: [email protected] “Wheatley can help people though I know it has to be make sure they have the paid back. documents they need, and “My message to tenants help with using computers, is to talk to Wheatley – and and with budgeting. talk to the DWP as well. They The Glasgow Housing Association Limited. “Wheatley can help people are there to help.” Scottish Charity No. SC034054.

theKEY - www.gha.org.uk 6 News MYSAVINGS ONLINE DISCOUNTS CAN HELP YOU SPEND LESS ON EVERYDAY ITEMS AND WEEKLY SHOP Army sweethearts Mary and Sydney celebrate 70 years

A GHA couple marked a active, but say they are so major milestone recently by grateful to the concierges in celebrating 70 years their block for their support. of marriage. Mary said: “We really like Sydney and Mary Lomas, living here. The concierges 92 and 91 respectively, are very helpful and it’s a from , celebrated lovely area.” their platinum wedding GHA’s Locality Housing anniversary. Director Peter Smith, The couple met – and later pictured presenting the got married – while they were couple with a bouquet, said: both serving in the armed “Sydney and Mary are a lovely forces in Egypt. couple who have had really The couple are still fit and interesting lives.” Help make your money go further UNDREDS of tenants are and takeaways. already saving money on MySavings is easy to use. Htheir shopping. Just log in to your online account, We’ve launched a new click on MySavings and then on Carpets that don’t scheme – MySavings – which ‘See today’s best deals’. offers discounts every week at The first time you go in, you will cost the Earth! lots of different shops. be asked to signup to MySavings. In the first week alone, Once you’ve signed up, you’re Suppliers almost 350 customers used good to go. to Households, it – and were able to take Tenant Susan Rowan, 52, from advantage of almost 750 , said: “There are lots Voluntary Sector, Businesses and different offers. of ways you can make Housing That means tenants and their the most of the savings. Associations families are making savings “You get a reloadable card on everything from food at for different shops and I supermarket to clothes for load mine up when I get As a Social Enterprise Spruce has FREE the family. paid and use it at Asda for established strong partnerships with Survey & There are even offers on my weekly shop. carpet manufacturers to enable us Measuring things like cinema tickets “I’ve used it for the to provide quality, affordable flooring Service discounts on holidays and materials to our customers. at Asda, buying things We sell quality new, end-of-roll surplus like clothes at stock carpets and vinyls, new and Primark. You get refurbished carpet tiles, rugs and RUGS 4% off your food runners, both bound in-house in our FROM shopping. Tesco showroom. £10 do it too. Delivery and fitting service available. “It just makes your money go su tisiV 308 Broomloan Road, Govan, Glasgow G51 2JQ t: 0141 425 1555 | www.sprucecarpets.org.uk further.”

e: [email protected] Driving up standards in pre-use theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 7 MYSAVINGS ONLINE DISCOUNTS CAN HELP YOU SPEND LESS ON EVERYDAY ITEMS AND WEEKLY SHOP

START SAVING: tenants Wemmy Ogundiwin and Nine things to Susan Rowan with GHA housing officer know about Ashley Mongan, centre, and the MySavings GHA mascot. • You must have an online account with us to benefit from MySavings.

• If you don’t yet have an online account with us, sign up for one today. Just go to www.gha.org. uk/mygha and follow the steps.

• With an online account you can log in at any time and check your rent balance, pay, book a repair and much more.

• MySavings is exclusively for customers of GHA and the other organisations in Help make your money go further Wheatley Group. • MySavings is delivered Wemimo Ogundiwin, from by a specialist provider , added: “With five which is not part of kids, I’m always looking for ways Wheatley Group. to save money.

• Offers will change every week and will only be ‘That’s enough for available by signing in to a week’s food for your online GHA account. us – so it’s a really • MySavings will keep you up to date with offers by big saving’ email, but you can opt out of these if you want.

“I’ve used it once – my daughter • As well as shopping wanted an iPad for school. I didn’t deals, you will also think I could afford it, but I found a see jobs and training deal and got £45 off. opportunities and a “That’s enough for a week’s food handy budget calculator for us – so it’s a really big saving.” to keep your finances GHA Managing Director Jennifer on track. Russell said: “MySavings can really help people save on the cost of everyday things. • Over time, we will bring “With lots of different offers you more great benefits every week, we hope it will help to help you save money people with the costs of running through MySavings. their home.”

theKEY - www.gha.org.uk 8 News New-look Milton hall is a hit NEW-LOOK community “We live in an increasingly hall in a GHA block in digital society and people A Milton is bringing people need to be online for together and helping them Universal Credit, or to save improve their skills. money or keep in touch The newly-refurbished with family. Castlebay Tenants’ Hall at 123 “There’s support out there Castlebay Drive, is a focal for tenants. point for residents who are “The social aspect of the using it for clubs, classes and classes is important too.” meetings – as well as mental GHA’s Locality Housing health sessions and Director Karen McLaughlin community meals. said: “We always want to The new-look hall is also help our tenants lead better used by groups including lives and the hall is really North United Communities important for the community and Castlebay Residents’ GET TOGETHER: GHA tenants Helen Traynor and Liz McNee here in Milton. Association. with IT tutor Steven Smith at the new-look hall “It’s a great way for people Tenant Michelle Winter to get together and learn said: “It’s important to have and welcoming now. “The hall is really thriving.” new skills.” somewhere people can meet up “There’s so much going Steven Smith, who runs For more on what’s because it can be quite isolating on – from kids’ clubs to computer classes at the happening at Castelbay living in the blocks. employability programmes, hall every Wednesday, said: Tenants Hall, ring 945 1540 “The hall has been completely and a breakfast club to mental “We’re here to help people or pop down and knock transformed. It is really bright wellbeing classes. get online. the door. It’s brilliant... they call McLean’s me a trainee pensioner Funeral Services 644 Alexandra Parade,

TENANT Liz McNee, a machine, and helped me regular at the hall, loves make cushion covers recently. the sewing club. “It’s a brilliant wee group. She said: “The hall is great. I’m only 59 – but they call me It’s good to be out doing a trainee pensioner! An Independent Family funeral parlour providing a things rather than sitting “We’re hoping to get a quality service, whilst looking to keep costs affordable at home. bingo group up and “I go to the sewing club running soon. McLean’s Funeral Services – on a Wednesday. The ladies “Having the hall is a really Servicing our community for 19 Years are great. good way of getting people “They’ve been showing out of their homes and Tel: 0141 550 0533 - 24 Hours me how to use the sewing meeting others.” theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 9

GHA IS BUILDING MORE NEW HOMES THAN EVER BEFORE ALL ACROSS THE CITY

HAPPY HOMES: New homes, such as these ones in Tarfside Oval in New-look Milton hall is a hit , can change people’s lives

Big plans for GHA is teaming up with Housing Association to build 106 new homes in Easterhouse. GHA and Provanhall Housing Association are building the new, energy-efficient houses and flats at Auchinlea Road. New homes change lives The development will be made up of 80 homes for GHA HA has built almost 900 new In , 98 homes in Linkwood and 26 for Provanhall. homes since 2016 – with another Drive, as well as 53 homes in Bellrock It should be ready by G800 coming soon. Street, , should be finished next next autumn. From Milton to Castlemilk and from year. Pictured are GHA tenant Ibrox to Pollok, hundreds of tenants are Another 143 homes in the Gallowgate are Board member Cathy enjoying modern, spacious, energy- due to be ready early next year, while 48 McGrath, Councillor Kenny efficient homes. in Kennishead Avenue, and 80 in Auchinlea McLean, and Liz McEwan of New homes can change people’s lives Road, Easterhouse, should be complete by Provanhall at the site. and help build communities people are autumn next year. proud of. Sometimes tenants may have front ‘New home will change and back gardens for the first time, or a kitchen table big enough for a family to my dad’s life massively’ sit round – or kids doing better at school because they have their own rooms and Cheryl Brogan, who also moved into space to do their homework. Tarfisde with her disabled dad George, A number of our ground-floor flats added: “Our new home is going to change have transformed the lives of people in my dad’s life massively.” wheelchairs by meaning they can come Wheatley’s David Fletcher said: “GHA is and go from their homes. building new homes on a scale we have New developments often have amenity never seen before. Can we build it? blocks, which are one of the ways in “As well as changing tenants’ lives, GHA which GHA helps older tenants live more continues to play a leading role in the city’s Yes, we Cran… independently for longer. regeneration.” BUDDING builders of the future got a special tour of a GHA new-build site. Mid-market rent is a good option Youngsters from Bellrock MID-MARKET rent homes Gallowgate and Ibrox. Nursery in Cranhill had a look are also a good option for Pictured here are new mid- around the site in Bellrock people who don’t qualify market rent homes in Leighton Street where 53 new GHA for social housing, but can’t Street, . homes are being built. afford to buy. If you’re interested, or The kids donned their hard A total of 230 mid-market someone you know is, email hats and saw forklifts, diggers homes are being built Lowther Homes, GHA’s partners and dumper trucks in action. across Glasgow, in , in Wheatley Group, on The 53 homes should be the , the [email protected] ready early next year.

theKEY - www.gha.org.uk 10 News Call free for your home Stay safe from white goods fires ID you know fire crews that house fires involving white your tumble dryer after safety visit were called to 327 goods happen every week. every use. Dwhite goods fires in Our message is clear. Use Registering your appliances MAKE sure you protect Scotland last year? your white goods safely. Don’t will let you know if there’s yourself from fire at home. They included 121 fires risk it. If you’re out or asleep, a safety issue identified. Visit A home fire safety caused by washing machines, it’s just not on.” www.registermyappliance. visit could save your life. 111 caused by tumble dryers, Follow this advice to org.uk Call free on 0800 53 by fridge-freezers and 33 help you stay safe: You can also check for 0731 999. caused by dishwashers. • don’t leave appliances product recalls in case there Make sure you have David McGown, Scottish such as dishwashers, is a safety issue with any of a smoke alarm and Fire and Rescue Service tumble dryers and washing your white goods. Visit www. it works. (SFRS) Deputy Chief Officer, machines running when electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/ If you don’t, call us said: “People are aware of you are sleeping; product-recalls free on 0800 479 7979. the traditional causes of • if you’re not in, make Remember, setting up a free fire in the home, such as sure appliances are home fire safety visit will help cooking, smoking and switched off; protect you from the risk of alcohol, but the risk of fire • don’t overfill your washing fire at home. from white goods is also machine or tumble dryer – it To set one up for you or one which we all face. could help avoid a fire; someone you know, call 0800 “These new figures show • clean the lint trap on 0731 999 or give us a phone.

Staying safe from falls TUCK IN: Dara, Ini and Teslim Tijani enjoy MOST accidents involving the barbecue. older people are falls, especially at home – and often on the stairs. Follow this advice to Neighbours event is a tasty treat stay safe: You’ll find lots more colourful photos and • don’t leave items on ENANTS at a new-build development stories about what’s happening in GHA the stairs met their neighbours at a barbecue. neighbourhoods on our website. • ensure stairs are well T The event, in Tarfside Oval, We’ve great stories from our communities maintained and worn Cardonald, helped people who have just all over Glasgow. carpet repaired moved into the 51 new homes Find out about investment in • make sure stairs are there get to know each other. your street, what improvements well lit and banisters Folk enjoyed a barbecue, we’re making to your home and are sturdy. face painting and more, and met GHA staff and local community projects Worn rugs, slippery floors, elected members. we’re supporting. trailing flexes and items left Mohamad Al Shamari said: And you’ll also see the latest lying around can increase “The Meet Your Neighbours summer events, gala days, the danger of falls. event is a wonderful idea. litter picks and lots of people For more advice on We enjoyed the entertainment, getting together and having preventing falls at home, meeting our neighbours a bit of fun. visit the Royal Society for and the children are making YOU BEAUTY: Visit www.gha.org.uk/ the Prevention of Accidents new friends.” Fadak Al Shamari communitynews website at www.rospa.com theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 11

MORE TENANTS EXPLAIN WHY THEY LOVE LIVING THE HIGH LIFE Kennishead community Living in a is thriving high-rise block is like being in a

Roddy MacLeod, 80, castle... lives with wife Sarah in Kennishead Avenue. TENANT Rudy Mbunzama, from Linkwood always very helpful and responsive. ’VE lived in the Crescent in Drumchapel, has lived in high The concierges are like security, looking high-rise flats here rise blocks all over Glasgow. after the buildings. They have CCTV cameras Ifor 40 years and I to keep people safe, they check on the really like it. OR me, living in a high-rise block building all the time, making sure doors The concierges are is like being in a castle with loads are locked and so on. really helpful. They keep Fof bedrooms. You feel safe in the landings and the landings clean. You I’ve lived in high-rises all over Glasgow – the stairwells. can call them any time, , the , Knightswood, Living in flats makes it very easy to get 24 hours a day, seven and Scotstoun. along with people. days a week. I love living in high-rise blocks because People are very friendly in the flats. I’m a If there’s any bother, you get a good view. very forward person so I say hi to anyone. they deal with it right You have all the facilities around here too – There’s a launderette in the block and away. the health centre, the shopping centre, and every time I go in there I meet someone. The concierge makes there’s good public transport too. It’s a good way of talking to people, you feel secure. One of the best things about living here reducing isolation. There are great views is the concierges. It’s a real plus – they’re I have great views from the 16th floor too. from the blocks too. I can see right down to . Soon after I retired I got Fast lets allows quick move for tenants an allotment down at Road. We have HIGH-rise blocks are a “Fast lets are great. Director Maura McGregor an open day in September great option for anyone People can note an interest added: “Fast lets are a and people from around who wants to move into a on a house, come and really good way for people the area come and buy home quickly. see it and get the keys to move into a new our produce. MyHousing – our online really quickly. home quickly. There’s a good housing information, “I was living in East “In some cases, someone community here in advice and letting service – Kilbride and using can note an interest in a Kennishead. includes a ‘fast lets’ MyHousing and a flat home, come and see it There’s a train station section for people who at Linkwood Crescent and get the keys within close by, a good bus want to move into a new came up. 24 hours. service, shops close home quickly. “My housing officer got “That quick turnaround by too. ‘Fast lets’ help customers in touch and the next day is great for tenants – and There’s the Community – and help GHA make sure I went to see it and it it stops homes from lying Hall nearby too and a homes don’t stay empty was perfect. empty for long.” couple of other shops. for long. “I moved in soon after. It Interested? Go to www. It’s a thriving Tenant Rudy Mbunzama, was very fast.” myhousing.org.uk and click community. from Drumchapel, said: GHA Locality Housing on ‘fast lets’.

theKEY - www.gha.org.uk 12 News

YOUR LETTERS AND PHOTOS Dear the Key a winter cold pack, a vacuum flask and a I want to complain about the road works blanket and said I would get foil put at Dyke Road. The ‘give way’ lines are in the behind my radiator and new window seals. middle of the cycle lane and there are no They never came back. Can you look into signs. This is potentially dangerous. this for me? Disgruntled cyclist, Archerhill Square G Murphy, Dougrie Terrace Knightswood Hi Mr Murphy. Apologies for any confusion Hi there. We contacted the council on here. We’ve arranged for the reflective foil your behalf. They put in new lines at the to be fitted and the new window seals too. junction of Craggan Drive, but there’s no Thanks. requirement for a ‘give way’ sign. Hope this helps. For more info, call 287 2000. Dear the Key Thanks. I wrote to you about this before. Our grey recycling bin went missing nine months Dear the Key ago. Our blue recycling bin too. We found it Can I get a button put on the wall to shut two streets away five weeks later. Can bins off the smoke alarm in my home? I’m in be put back after they’re emptied? A large a wheelchair and can’t reach the buttons motorised brush was used to clean the on the alarm, then it takes between 2 to 4 moss in our backcourt. hours for GHA to get someone out to help. It’s left a very uneven surface which is a Michael Stevenson, Road trip hazard. Also, the fencing in the centre Hi Michael. We’ve been to see you about reservation of Thornwood Place is in a bad this. We can’t allow people to switch off way after a car crash. smoke alarm, I’m afraid, because safety is Billy Macdonald, Thornwood Place the priority. But we’ve had them checked. Hi Billy. Thanks for writing in. We If it goes off again, we’ve alerted our discussed this with the council’s cleansing call centre and we’ll attend asap. It’s team and asked them to return bins important to take care while cooking too. after they’re emptied. We’re aware the Dear the Key tarmac in the back court needs replaced, My son has been homeless for three years. but owners in the area weren’t willing to He is staying with a friend. He has two boys agree because of the cost. too. I have all his things stored in my house. We’ll use weed killer rather than Hope you can help. machinery to get rid of the moss. Also, the Mrs E Ross, Royston Road council is arranging to repair the fence. Hello Mrs Ross. We’ve been in touch with Hope this helps Billy. you and your son. We’ve explained how to Dear the Key bid on MyHousing and talked him through Still no progress on my fence which is in a the process. He was happy with our state of disrepair. Even a small dividing fence explanation. We’re always here for advice between my back and side garden would be and support. Just talk to your housing helpful. Thank you. officer. Thanks. Mark Henderson, Pollok Dear the Key Hi Mark. We had a look at the fence and it I’m writing to complain about the stairs does need repaired. We’ll get this done as in my close in Sandyhills. Our close was soon as we can. Thanks. painted a few years ago but not the stairs. Dear the Key At my own expense I painted them myself I’m writing to complain about the litter from top to bottom. I am now 60 and work on the nature trail next to two jobs and would appreciate GHA taking Parish Church in Helenvale Street. Hope a turn. you can help. Lynda Walker, Ardgay Street Robert Hodge, Helenvale Street We’ll get this close painted as soon as we Hi Robert. This land isn’t ours but we’re can. Thanks for your patience, Lynda. trying to find who it belongs to and ask Dear the Key them to sort it. Your housing officer will Last year someone came to my house with keep you updated. Thanks. theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 13

Send your letters to us at: the Key magazine, FREEPOST RTJU-TRRA-GHKA, Wheatley Group, Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow G1 1HL or email [email protected]

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Why don’t you go online? It’s easy, STAR PHOTO secure and 24/7.

MORE interesting entries to our Star Photo Dziemienczuk snapped this unusual competition – revealing a talented crop of photo of a swan’s feet. 5925 people tenant photographers in GHA communities. This issue’s winner is Jean Nish, from Monika Mansfeld snapped this photo of a Knightswood, who took this photo of paid their rent rainbow over Edinburgh Road, while John the transport museum at the Clyde on a James McCourt took this image of the beautiful summer’s day. online in Crane at dusk. Well done to Jean, who wins £20 of Sara Ally took this photo of a sunset, shopping vouchers. April 2019. William McCracken took this pic of Remember, send in your snaps to be in Pollok Park on a sunny day, while Marcin with a chance of winning. Sign up now on our website i Email your photos to [email protected] www.gha.org.uk

theKEY - www.gha.org.uk 14 News New online Can we fix it? Shirley can directory for GHA’s repairs teams are out and about youngsters delivering excellent services to tenants in every corner of Glasgow. ARE you a young From mending a window frame to sorting your person living in the north boiler, our repairs teams are there for you 24/7 to west of the city? make sure your home is in good condition. part. When jobs are complete and go through If so, a new website In each issue of the Key, we’ll introduce some of smoothly it gives me great satisfaction. can tell you what’s on, them to help you get to know them a bit better. when, where and how What’s the most important thing you do to get involved. What’s your name and what do you do? for customers? The youth providers Shirley McCorquodale, 50, Senior Repairs Planner. Making sure the correct tradesperson with the online directory – correct material arrives to sort out a repair and Where do you work? www.y-pod – is packed leaves the customer satisfied. This is particularly I work with the responsive repairs team during with info on youth important when it is an emergency. We focus the day and sometimes with the out-of-hours/ services, learning on reducing customers’ anxiety when it’s an emergency team overnight. and employability emergency and putting right any problem. opportunities. What does your job involve? Where would you like to be in five years’ time? You can check out I allocate day-to-day repairs to tradespeople, I love working with our tradespeople. It makes what’s happening at making sure the right trade is sent to the right job me proud to be part of a team delivering excellent community centres in the and they have the right materials so we get the customer service. I’d like to continue to do that, area, how to get involved repair done right first time. and maybe get a chance to move up the ladder. in sport, volunteering How long have you been doing your job? and theatre, as well as Tell us something interesting about yourself. I’ve worked at City Building for 21 years and have information on health, I was a Scottish Country dancer when I was been doing this job for nine years. caring and more. young. The focus on learning formations such as There’s also information What’s the best part of the job? the pa de bas helped me with the concentration I for families and how to Excellent customer service is the most important need to do my job now. access support services.

...a gentle hand extended to you in your time of need. Earth to Earth… Should a funeral cost the earth? The simple • Arrangements made in answer is no! Do families have a say in how a the comfort and privacy funeral is carried out? Of course they do! of your own home Janice Stevens believe funerals should be affordable to all, • Male & Female with no loss of quality or service provided. Costs should not Arrangers/Directors dictate how well a family feel they can provide a dignified farewell to those they have lost. • Pre Paid Funeral Plans They are committed to ensuring those you hold dear receive the best possible care in their hands at all times. Families • Private Rest Rooms don’t realise that they can work hand in hand with the funeral director, and that support and guidance provided by the • Assistance for those director in making decisions, is how ultimately the family can eligible to access social feel happy and content with the funeral on the day. funding Both Janice and Stephen believe in building a relationship • Affordable funerals with the family from the first moment of contact, right through for all to the day of the funeral. Should you require our services now or in the future, please contact: Janice Stevens • 979 Tollcross Road • Glasgow G32 8UU Tel: 0141 778 3697 or visit our website at: www.independentfuneralcare.com theKEY - www.gha.org.uk News 15

SUDOKU

Fill in this Sudoku and 1 9 4 7 5 send it to us for a chance WIN A to win a great prize – a £50 5 7 3 1 2 gift voucher. Send your TABLET answers to: 4 5 3 1 8 COMPUTER KEY SUDOKU, 8 1 5 6 7 3 4 the Key magazine, FREEPOST RTJU-TRRA- WE have another tablet 8 1 7 GHKA, Wheatley Group, computer to give away Wheatley House, 25 in our competition 5 6 4 9 2 Cochrane Street, for tenants who have Glasgow, G1 1HL by registered for a My GHA 4 6 9 26 July 2019. account. Online services – or My 3 9 1 7 6 LAST ISSUE’S GHA – means you can pay SUDOKU your rent online, check 9 4 your account, book a repair 1 4 2 8 9 3 6 7 5 and more wherever and Name: Telephone number: 7 6 3 4 2 5 1 8 9 whenever it suits. 8 9 5 6 1 7 3 2 4 To register, go to www. 2 1 7 9 6 4 8 5 3 gha.org.uk and follow our Address: 9 3 4 5 8 1 2 6 7 step-by-step guide. 5 8 6 3 7 2 9 4 1 Answer this question to 4 5 1 2 3 6 7 9 8 win a tablet computer: 3 2 8 7 5 9 4 1 6 6 7 9 1 4 8 5 3 2 What is the name of our new discount scheme for The winner of the Sudoku customers? competition in the last • MyOffers issue of the Key was Thomas Baxter, from • MyDiscounts Milton, who wins £50 worth • MySavings of shopping vouchers. Email your answers to Terms and conditions [email protected] or can be found on the write to the Key magazine, GHA website at FREEPOST RTJU-TRRAGHKA, www.gha.org.uk Wheatley Group, Wheatley House, 25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow G1 1HL by Friday, 26 July 2019. Please include your full GHA on target for success name, address and contact GHA aims to deliver excellent services – • Percentage of reactive repairs completed number. Terms and and we set targets to measure how right first time - 96.01% (target: 97.5%) conditions can be found at www.gha.org.uk we’re doing. • Average time to re-let properties - 15.79 The Scottish Housing Regulator also days (target: 14 days) Remember, only one expects all social landlords, including GHA, entry per household. to perform well and monitors what we do. • Gross rent arrears (all tenants) as a % of rent due - 3.85% (target: 3.6%) Wilma Sanderson, from Here are our latest performance figures: , won the tablet • Value of sitting tenant arrears – £4.3m. competition in the last • Percentage of tenants satisfied with the overall service provided by GHA – 90% For more on our performance figures, issue of the Key. GHA’s (target: 91%) visit www.gha.org.uk/performance investment work added £2billion to the Scottish economy. Thanks to Find us on facebook at Follow us on twitter everyone who entered. Facebook.com/glasgowhousing @glasgowhousing

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