North Housing Association’s newspaper for tenants and owners

New North Glasgow – a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in WINTER 2010 ISSUE 30

YESorth Glasgow Housing Association theYES result which comes after months of hard YESRobert Tamburrini, Chief Executive of North secured a triple YES when GHA tenants work and campaigning. Glasgow Housing Association, said: “We are Nwere asked if they wanted to switch During the consultation process, we arranged absolutely delighted that GHA tenants in the landlord. many events so we could engage with GHA North of the city have listened to us, put their Tenants in North Glasgow LHO voted 88.6% tenants, get their views and make sure their trust in us and voted to join us. in favour. In Balmore LHO it was 86.5%. And in aspirations could be included in our plans for “They have voted for proposals which they Red Road , tenants voted 80.8% to the future. helped to shape. This is all about real local transfer. It is our view that community ownership for control and we can’t wait to get started. The transfer should be completed by the end tenants in the north of the city can now become “Tenants will have a much bigger say on local of March 2011 and will almost double the size of a reality. Working with our existing tenants and priorities with local services on their doorstep the Association. other partners we believe we can build a new delivered by a talented and professional team at Staff, committee members and existing North Glasgow – a great place to live, learn, North Glasgow Housing Association. tenants in North Glasgow HA are delighted with work, visit and invest in. CONTINUED ON Page 2

Football training The offical opening of the 1000th camps prove a hit New Home built by North Glasgow HA P4 P6 2 NORTH News NORTH News 3 Tenants Back clean up campaign for possil North Glasgow HA Reduce home FROM Page 1 energy costs “We look forward to welcoming voted in the recent ballot. We are GHA tenants and to providing them committed to the Second Stage You may be overpaying for your gas and electricity if you haven’t with a first class local service. Transfer of homes from GHA if this reviewed the market for the last six months. is what tenants want. I As part of our constant drive to improve, we asked our business we look forward to working wish the tenants of the areas involved every utility consultants how they could together for the benefit of the best help tenants and staff to North“ Glasgow community success in the future.” The Association held reduce domestic energy costs. “We are delighted they have many events during the successful Their recommendation is for voted to have North Glasgow ballot. tenants and staff to log on to a Housing Association as their new There were lots of formal public new independent website, www. landlord. We want to thank them meetings and others less informal switchmyenergy.co.uk or to call sincerely for putting their trust in occasions such as a tea dance and the switchmyenergy helpline on us and we look forward to working a concert. Freephone 0800 410 1262. together for the benefit of the North An open top Boogie Bus toured www.switchmyenergy.co.uk is Glasgow community.” all of the transfer areas and our a new website which is dedicated The Association has feathered friends from the Clyde to helping tenants and staff within housing associations to get the received dozens of messages of Valley bird of prey centre were lowest prices for their electricity and gas supplies. It is easy to use ORTH Glasgow Housing Association younger adults (aged 18–24) for employment congratulations. They included one a popular attraction in many and on average users will save more than £200 per annum on their and (GCC) and further training by focusing learning from Patricia Ferguson, Member locations including sheltered yearly energy bill. Because they show prices from every supplier Land and Environmental Services and developing of the Scottish Parliament for housing complexes and shopping in the UK and every tariff available in your area, they are 100% have agreed to work together to skills in Estate independent. N Glasgow . outlets. help improve the environment in the Maintenance. She put a motion before the Pictured below are two Within the first day of launching, some housing association area. The team have Parliament stating that: “North Possilpark youngsters. tenants who signed up through the website identified that they are The new environmental team supported and already made a Glasgow Housing Association has Ten-year-old Billie Urquhart, due to save more than £500 over the next 12 months. managed by North Glasgow HA will provide a big impression on The X Factor.” from Killearn Street, met Popcorn Recent research has found that many people stick with the same clean up service designed to enhance the work the area when they She asked that the parliament: the little owl at her local Co- company for many years. Unfortunately, this loyalty often means already being carried out by GCC. power washed “recognises what it believes was operative store. excessive profits for the energy companies. The suppliers benefit Councillor Jim Coleman, executive member all the paving in the imaginative campaign that And fearless three-year-old from customers sticking with them because the price schedules are for Land and Environmental Services, said: “The the Balmore Road often “phased out.” In the industry, those price schedules are known they engaged in and the additional Dylan Donnelly, from Covlin City Council is delighted that North Glasgow HA area. Councillor Jim Coleman (right) and John Devine benefits offered to tenants in these Gardens, held Lunna, a male as “tariffs”. If the customer does not move from an out-of-date is assisting Land and Environmental Services to A planned visit areas; congratulates the housing barn owl. tariff, they usually default on to an expensive rate. improve the local environment of Possilpark to inspect the work association on this achievement, The Association wishes to Five minutes every 6 months can determine if you’re on the best “It’s another great example of joint coincided with the heavy snow at the start of and wishes it and its new tenants thank all our tenants, committee deal. The “Price Updates” section shows new tariffs being launched initiatives which support the local community. December. Once John Devine had removed well as they work to build a new members and staff who helped in all the time. It’s also great to see that local young people some of the snow, Councillor Coleman was able vision for North Glasgow.” the successful ballot campaign. The transfer to a new energy supplier normally takes about a will be involved in the clean-up and have the to see the cleaned up stone. The motion was supported by And, of course, all GHA tenants month. Another money saving tip is to take your meter readings opportunity to learn and develop their skills for He was also able to witness the environment MSPs Sarah Boyack, Jackie Baillie, who voted to have North Glasgow every month and pass them to your energy supplier to avoid the benefit of their own communities.” team working together to clean some of the Frank McAveety, Mary Mulligan, Bill HA as their new landlord. “estimated” bills. John Devine, Head of Business Development snow from the pavements. Butler and Trish Godman. Together we aim to build a New Housing association tenants, staff and homeowners are able to at North Glasgow HA said: “I’m pleased the The Green Machine, used by young people on Gordon Sloan, the Chair of GHA, North Glasgow – a great place to use the www.switchmyenergy.co.uk website right now, or speak to Association is working in partnership with the Kick Start Futures development programme, said: “I am pleased tenants have live, learn, work, visit and invest in. someone by calling the Freephone number, 0800 410 1262. Glasgow City Council and local business Allied has been put to good use. Vehicles to enhance and support a physical When the snow fell recently, a plough was clean up of the Saracen fitted to it and Jason Turner pictured below, was Street area.” able to help staff and tenants gain access to the The new clean- Association’s offices. up service is being At Millennium Square, right, it was used as supplemented by the part of a clean up of the granite stones. Association’s Kick Start Futures Programme – an initiative aimed at preparing

StePHen Lauder joined the association last month. Prior to that he worked with the Wise Group in Milton and Sandyhills visiting tenants and listening to their views on energy efficiency. He is about to complete an SVQ in Business Administration, level II. Stephen heard about us through the Glasgow Centre for Inclusive Living. Stephen said: “All the staff have made me feel

really welcome and I’m delighted to be involved in the Billie Urquhart, left, with Popcorn,

New face in the face New office... work of the Association.” and Dylan Donnelly holding Lunna. 4 NORTH News NORTH News 5

Coaches Ryan Taylor, Mark French and John Nicol Possilpark Players of the Week with our team and the players HOUSE, Brian Davey and John Devine from the Association with coaches Gary Sibbald and Arron Lias with players of the week Stevie Elder and Jay McKeever.

There was a superb response from youngsters at all three venues. So many attended at Possil that two Kids get a kick groups were needed to meet the demand.

games, small sides games, fun challenges and All of the youngsters who took part out of holidayswere presented with a certificate and FOOTBALL fiesta organised by the competitions. Springburn Player of the Week, Kyle Higgins with his certificate Falkirk FC goodie bag. with coaches Association during the October It wasn’t all football though and some Scott Arundel and Danny Johnstone The coaches also selected a Player school holidays proved to be a real other fun was added with special themed days of the Week who received a special hit with youngsters. including a crazy hair day, design a strip day certificate to mark the achievement. AProfessional coaches from Falkirk Football and North Glasgow’s got talent day. Falkirk run the camps through their John Devine, Brian Davey and the Association’s Club led a four day training programme for community team which has gained the mascot HOUSE attended the presentations at all three venues. school pupils from primary one to six. Robert Tamburrini, Chief Executive of North Glasgow Housing There were three training camps – at Possil Scottish FA’s Quality Award. In addition to football skills, all players Association, said: “It is often said that we are more than Point, the Red Road Multi-Storey Flats and attending the camps had to abide by ground a housing association and this is a further demonstration the former tennis court now a small pitch or rules including using appropriate language at of our commitment to the local community.” basketball area in Springburn Park. the camp, timekeeping and general behaviour. Tom Elliott Head of Community Coaching at Falkirk FC said: The training involved a full range of football “We were delighted to be able to organise and run football disciplines including skills development, coaching camps for the boys and girls in the North Glasgow individual technique, ball mastery, group area and it is something that we hope to build on.” Red Road Player of the Week, Mohamed

Red Road & Balornock players POSSILPARK players 6 NORTH News NORTH News 7

Gordon Matheson, (right) Leader of Glasgow City Council congratulates Robert Tamburrini, (left) Chief Executive North Glasgow Housing Association on the opening of the 1000th new home.

GLASGOW LEADER Local residents enjoy the occasion with the cutting of the cake. PRAISES NORTH GLASGOW THERE were smiles all round when Councillor Gordon Matheson, Leader of Glasgow City Council, cut a ribbon at a special show house to open the 1000th new home built for North Glasgow Housing Association. He is pictured, left, with Robert Tamburrini, the Association Chief Executive, and some of the apprentices who have gained invaluable practical experience on the development at Broomfield Road, Glasgow. Councillor Matheson told staff, tenants and guests at the ceremony: “The whole of the city is proud of you. This is a significant achievement and I am delighted as the leader of the council to officially open the 1000th home. “To all in North Glasgow Housing Association, on behalf of the city council and the people of Glasgow Gordon Matheson (middle) cuts the ribbon on the special show house, Robert Tamburrini (left) & Willie Docherty (right) Managing Director of City Building thank you and well done. You should North Glasgow HA’s feel rightly proud today.” He also paid tribute to City Building for their recruitment of apprentices to work on the project and also to their special division, the Royal Strathclyde Blind Industries (RSBI) describing it as the best sheltered employment in the UK. 1000th New Home The workforce there made the timber kits and kitchens for the houses and all the furnishings for the show house. The pictures below show just how good the interior HE official opening of the 1,000th new “That’s because North Glasgow Housing “The Association and City Building might looks thanks to their efforts. home built by North Glasgow Housing Association invests the rent money it takes in build and improve houses, but it is people who Some of the tenants who attended the opening TAssociation was an amazing landmark back into the properties to keep them up to the turn these houses into homes and communities. ceremony later helped to cut a specially crafted cake, with in our history. same standard as when they were first built. “We sincerely hope that the residents are as a picture of the exterior of the showhouse on top. The ceremony was carried out by “We strongly believe that we have a role to proud and delighted with their new homes as And that provided a delicious end to another superb day Councillor Gordon Matheson, the Leader of play in addressing the wider housing needs we are.” for North Glasgow HA. Glasgow City Council and he praised everyone of the city. In recent years we have always The 1000th house is in the community for their efforts (see story on sought to include homes for vulnerable or located in the £27million the right). disadvantaged sections of the community in our 16-acre Broomfield Road developments. development. When “Working with complete, there will be the most important ingredient in all of this partners in Springburn 198 new homes in a mixed are the people living in these new homes and throughout North tenure development. “ Glasgow has been one The project is a unique Speaking to tenants, staff members, and of the Association’s key partnership between the invited guests Robert Tamburrini, Chief building blocks in achieving major social and Association, Alexander Executive North Glasgow Housing Association, physical regeneration within our community. Morton Homes and City said: “The 1000th new build home is a “I am delighted that we have been able to Building (Glasgow) LLP. fantastic milestone for North Glasgow Housing deliver this project in partnership with City The development has Association. Building Glasgow. Like us, City Building, have helped to sustain local “Our first new build home was built in a strong social commitment to Glasgow and to employment and develop the Hillkirk Street in Springburn in 1985. That’s 25 creating opportunities in our communities. skills of apprentices. A total years ago and if you know the area, and look at “It’s vital to remember that the most of 42 tradesmen from City those houses today its hard to believe they are important ingredient in all of this are the people Building and 20 apprentices are Lovely new interiors of the special show home. 25 years old. living in these new homes. employed on the project. 8 NORTH News NORTH News 9

e’ve given North News a new look to The newsletter, like the Association, has got Charter Mark status being awarded, the first celebrate the 30th edition. bigger and better over the years. The third issue housing association in to attain the W Our newsletter has kept tenants and needed eight pages and focussed on the new accolade. others in the community in touch with housing houses at Killearn Street and The following year saw

North Glasgow Housing Association’s and other developments for almost eight years. the grand opening of the Carron newspaper for tenants and owners Investor in People status On these pages, we feature the front pages of sheltered housing complex. awarded, our Adult Learning all 30 editions, including this one. Refurbishment of existing New North Glasgow – a great place to live, learn, work, visit and invest in WINTER 2010 ISSUE 30 centres winning a national The first issue in Spring 2003 had just four properties and our new build award and a visit from a pages. The lead story was about a customer programme have provided many Scottish Government minister. That’s and counting... satisfaction survey that showed 96% of tenants headlines for North News over It closed with three awards in were happy with the Association as a landlord. the years. a week – David Cowan winning Inside Doreen Shaw featured in an item about David Cowan celebrated five the Committee Member of the the Dispersed Housing Alarm Facility. Doreen years as Chair in the first edition Year, the Chartered Institute is a well known member of the community and of 2004 and he was succeeded by of Housing’s Outstanding YESorth Glasgow Housing Association theYES result which comes after months of hard YESRobert Tamburrini, Chief Executive of North secured a triple YES when GHA tenants work and campaigning. Glasgow Housing Association, said: “We are Nwere asked if they wanted to switch During the consultation process, we arranged absolutely delighted that GHA tenants in the landlord. many events so we could engage with GHA North of the city have listened to us, put their Tenants in North Glasgow LHO voted 88.6% tenants, get their views and make sure their trust in us and voted to join us. still a member of the Association’s management Pat Kenna but continued to play in favour. In Balmore LHO it was 86.5%. And in aspirations could be included in our plans for “They have voted for proposals which they Contribution to Social Housing in Red Road Balornock, tenants voted 80.8% to the future. helped to shape. This is all about real local transfer. It is our view that community ownership for control and we can’t wait to get started. The transfer should be completed by the end tenants in the north of the city can now become “Tenants will have a much bigger say on local of March 2011 and will almost double the size of a reality. Working with our existing tenants and priorities with local services on their doorstep the Association. other partners we believe we can build a new delivered by a talented and professional team at committee. an active role. Staff, committee members and existing North Glasgow – a great place to live, learn, North Glasgow Housing Association. Scotland Award and the Scottish tenants in North Glasgow HA are delighted with work, visit and invest in. CONTINUED ON PagE 2

Football training The offical opening of the 1000th By the second edition, we needed six pages to That story was reported in a camps prove a hit New Home built by North Glasgow HA Training Award in the UK Skills 30 P4 P6 report all the news. One story told that 320 new revamped North News, edition National Training Awards. editions kitchens had been installed. No. 7, which also featured New look for the 30th Issue It is also interesting to note that the summer 2005 issue featured ‘Us and Us’ – a community housing partnership involving North Glasgow LHO, Balmore Housing Association and Red Road Balornock LHO. The recent ballot success turns it into a reality. The following year, North News got bigger again becoming a 12-page newsletter. It allowed our designers more space for excellent photographs of many local people and events. The planned growth and continuous improvement policy of the Association has seen many new housing developments open.

ISSUE 1 SPRING 2003 ISSUE 2 SUMMER 2003 ISSUE 6 SUMMER 2004 ISSUE 7 WINTER 2004 ISSUE 11 WINTER 2005 ISSUE 12 SPRING 2006 Our involvement in the Petershill Initiative has meant coverage from idea, through planning, construction and opening as a first class community facility. Other editions have covered major events such as the 30th anniversary of the Association, the signing of multi-million pound contracts and further awards such as Eco status for several developments and the Government’s Customer Service Excellence status. Our newsletter is regarded as one of the best publications by a housing association. ISSUE 3 AUTUMN 2003 ISSUE 4 WINTER 2003 ISSUE 5 SPRING 2004 ISSUE 8 SPRING 2005 ISSUE 9 SUMER 2005 ISSUE 10 AUTUMN 2005 ISSUE 13 SPRING 2006 ISSUE 14 AUTUMN 2006 We hope you enjoy the new look.

ISSUE 16 SPRING 2007 ISSUE 17 SUMMER 2007 ISSUE 21 AUTUMN 2008 ISSUE 22 WINTER 2008 ISSUE 26 WINTER 2009 ISSUE 27 SPRING 2010

ISSUE 15 WINTER 2006 ISSUE 18 WINTER 2007 ISSUE 19 SPRING 2008 ISSUE 20 SUMMER 2008 ISSUE 23 SPRING 2009 ISSUE 24 SUMMER 2009 ISSUE 25 AUTUMN 2009 ISSUE 28 SUMMER 2010 ISSUE 29 AUTUMN 2010 10 NORTH News NORTH News 11

It costs just 50p to have a guide dog. All or distress to any SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION SPECIAL EDITION essential equipment and training is provided by member of the public. Guide Dogs, and we can also cover the cost of SAFER STREETS Failure to comply COMPETITION vet bills and dog food if people wish. with the instruction £50 in shopping vouchers goes to Switch to rent TRATHCLYDE Police has launched a major Mrs Shirley Anne Kirker of Carron No previous experience of keeping a dog is can lead to arrest THUMBS UP FOR North Glasgow Housing Association may be able necessary. Providing you are committed and campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour in parts and the legislation SAFER STREETS Crescent, Springburn, as the winner of STRATHCLYDE Police has launched a major campaign to tackle antisocial behaviour in parts of Possil, of Possil, Saracen and . Saracen and Hamiltonhill. The initiative is being supported with the introduction of a to help homeowners who are struggling to keep able enough to work with, support and care for provides for a fine Dispersal Zone, established under special powers contained the Autumn competition. She was the in the Antisocial Behaviour Etc (Scotland) Act 2004. S The move has backing from local Housing Associations, including North Glasgow HA, Glasgow City Council, various The initiative is being supported with the community support groups such as Young People’s Futures and many other organisations working in the community. up mortgage payments. a guide dog then the Guide Dogs for the Blind of up to £2,500 The aim is to improve behaviour within the area and offer sender of the first all correct entry. respite to law abiding citizens who have suffered from antisocial behaviour for a long time. Superintendent Eddie Smith is the Divisional Commander introduction of a Dispersal Zone, established under who signed the order. He has met with many in the local community, including As part of the Government’s Mortgage to Rent Association will train and teach you all you or three months’ from North Glasgow HA Frank Miller, Vice-Chair, and depute Chief Executives Ann Marie Devlin and Bobby Fleming. Supt. Smith, pictured right with a photograph of his recent The answers were: 1. St. Cuthbert’s; 2. meeting, said: “North Glasgow HA has given tremendous special powers contained in the Antisocial Behaviour support to this initiative and I sincerely hope it will improve things for their tenants. Similar orders in other areas have scheme, we may be able to buy homes and allow need to know. imprisonment, or both. been very bene cial to their communities.” Robert Tamburrini; 3. Nepal; and 4. HOUSE. Etc (Scotland) Act 2004. During a three month period which starts on 14th “Dispersal Orders have worked well in other their time to organise events for others makes a December, a Police Constable will be able to ask communities in Glasgow, such as the Alexandra massive difference to our society.” families to continue living in them as tenants. It’s not just about improving mobility. A The new powers not a group of two or more people to disperse where Parade area in there are reasonable grounds to believe their . “For too long a small minority of people have made the lives of the behaviour in any public place is causing, or likely “What’s key majority a misery through antisocial behaviour, violence and disorder. to cause, alarm or distress to any member of the is that this I am determined to tackle this minority with a view to making the North Glasgow HA is supporting the initiative along public. is not about communities of Saracen, Hamiltonhill and Possilpark better places Runners up Arthur Steven of Killearn Failure to comply with the instruction can lead to demonising for people to live and work. This will be done by working with the The initiative is an attempt to help prevent GUIDE dogs act as the eyes of many in our guide dog and its owner exist as a partnership, only extend to asking arrest and the legislation provides for a  ne of up people but communities themselves and our partners. It is not about stigmatising to £2,500 or three months’ imprisonment, or both. giving the youths or victimising people. Those going about their lawful day to day The new powers not only extend to asking people police powers lives have nothing to fear. This is a positive step and one I believe can to move but prevents them from returning to the to enforce the make a lasting difference to our communities.” with other local housing associations, Glasgow City area for 24-hours. interests of law- Grahame Clarke, CHIEF INSPECTOR St, Possilpark, and Mrs M. Currie of Antisocial behaviour takes many forms and it is abiding majority, Maryhill Police Office, B Division repossessions society with visual impairment. and the companionship, loyalty and fun that people to move but hoped that ordinary members of the public will who want safe assist in the tackling the problem and co-operate main streets to in attempting to improve the community for the walk down. In this special edition of North News, for tenants majority. “We also need to work as a community to living in the Dispersal Zone area, we highlight the Council, Glasgow North Regeneration Agency, Young Similar orders in other areas have an provide not just the facilities but also the activities superb work done by Young People’s Futures, Glenhead Crescent, Parkhouse, each improvement in the quality of life for many people. to give our young people decent things to do. publish a map of the Zone and provide Answers to most frequently asked Questions. You can apply for help if you answer yes to all of These animals can offer a unique, safe and each partner brings to this relationship can be prevents them from Glasgow North East MP William Bain said: “People volunteering and giving up some of the seven questions: effective way of getting about independently immensely rewarding. People’s Futures, and many other organisations returning to the area receive £25 in vouchers. and confidently. To find out more, call on0845 372 7499. working in the community. for 24-hours. We’ve another £100 on offer 1. Have you obtained advice about your The aim is to improve behaviour within the area financial situation? You don’t need to have lost all your Pamela Munro, Information Officer for Antisocial behaviour takes many forms and it is and the answers are all in this edition. sight. Most people who own a guide dog still Scotland for the Guide Dogs for the Blind and offer respite to law abiding citizens who have hoped that ordinary members of the public will assist Usual rules apply. 2. Is your home in danger of being repossessed? suffered from antisocial behaviour for a long time. have some vision. Nor do you have to be Association, says: “The health and well being in tackling the problem and co-operate in attempting 1. Which Glasgow City Councillor During a three month period which started on 14th 3. Do all of the owners of the property agree to formally registered as blind or partially-sighted of the person can improve with having a guide to improve the community for the majority. visited Saracen Street? December, a Police Constable will be able to ask a being considered for Mortgage to Rent? either. dog as they are now getting out and about and Similar orders in other areas have an improvement 2. If quitting, how much would a There is no upper age limit. People in their not having to rely on others to come and take group of two or more people to disperse where there in the quality of life for many people. 4. Is the property the sole or main residence of are reasonable grounds to believe their behaviour in 20-a-day smoker save in a week? someone in the household? seventies, eighties and even nineties become them to events. Their confidence builds and The Association produced a special North News, 3. Which Scottish football club provided successful guide dog owners. they can suffer less from depression.” any public place is causing, or likely to cause, alarm distributed to tenants living in the Dispersal Zone area. 5. Is there a reason that your household has to coaching in October? remain in the local area? 4. Who opened our 1000th new Investment needs, cleansing and policing be discussed to see how the Association can build house? 6. Are you unable to sell your home and buy were among the topics discussed at the first assist tenants. somewhere cheaper locally? meeting of the Central Springburn Tenants Lynne Cooper, Senior Housing Officer, said: Send your answers on a card or the back of a 7. Is the property clear of any legal actions that Focus group. “We had tenants and owners representing sealed down envelope to: would prevent it being sold? Those who attended are pictured left. Hillkirk Street, Carleston Street, Springburn North News Comp No. 4, Ned Donaldson House, Further information is being made available from Similar groups have been established in Way and Valleyfield Street and they raised 50 Reidhouse Street, Springburn, G21 4LS. Citizens Advice Scotland, 0845 4500 351, the Petershill Area, Carron Crescent, Carron a number of important issues which will be Draw will be made on 24th January 2011 and the www.cas.org.uk and Money Advice Scotland, Multi’s and Galloway Street and meetings followed up by the Association. Strathclyde sender of the first all correct entry wins a £50 0141 572 0237. A full list of advice agencies can be will be arranged early in 2011 and dates and Police and Land and Environmental Services shopping voucher. The next two all correct entries found at www.scotland.gov.uk venues will be circulated to tenants. will also be invited to future meetings to get £25 in vouchers each. Editor’s decision is final. Issues impacting on each of the areas will address other concerns which the group has.”

Legal Help Legal Services Agency (LSA) offer free advice and representation on matters of Social Welfare, Housing and benefit bulletin... Employment Law. new year new you? Your can now see a solicitor at Sunnylaw Advice Centre Have you thought about stopping smoking? • After 24 hours. There is no carbon monoxide in your body and every Thursday afternoon (2 – 4pm) at 160 Saracen Street. your lungs will start to clear out mucus and other smoking deposits. Call 0141 336 3405 to arrange an appointment. WINTER FUEL Waiting for baby? You can do it – we can help. • After 48 hours. There will be no nicotine left in your body and you PAYMENT Then you could be entitled to a grant worth £190 LSA can help with a variety of issues including rent/ The North Glasgow Tobacco Team can offer a range are able to taste and smell better. mortgage arrears, anti-social behaviour eviction actions, You may get a Winter Fuel Payment but only if you claim before 31st December. of services to help local people make changes to their • After 72 hours. Your breathing becomes easier. homelessness, medical evidence for benefit appeals, smoking behaviour. for 2010/11 if: The Health in Pregnancy Grant is being abolished on that criminal injuries compensation claims, employment and • 2-12 weeks. Circulation improves throughout the body, making • you have reached the date. It can be claimed from the 25th week of pregnancy. social welfare law. Did you know that stopping smoking is the best thing walking easier qualifying age (born on or There are no national insurance conditions, it is tax free you can do to improve your health? • 3-9 months. Overall lung function is increased by 5-10% before 5 July 1950) and it doesn’t depend on your household income. Family Fund We know that when you stop smoking it has to be the right time for you. So if you are • 5 years. The risk of heart attack falls to about half that of a smoker • You normally live in Great Claimants must: The Family Fund helps families with severely ready to quit getting help from your local stop smoking service will give you the best • 10 years. Risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker. Britain on any day in the week disabled or seriously ill children and young people chance possible. Risk of a heart attack falls to about the same as someone who has of 20-26 September 2010. • Be at least 25 weeks pregnant aged 17 and under. Getting intensive support to help you stop smoking means you are 4 times more likely never smoked • Have received maternal health advice You only need to claim once; after this from a health care professional The charity hopes to help them have choices and the to stop than doing it on your own. Intensive support sessions can be offered for 7 You can also save money when you stop: if you smoke 20 you should automatically get Winter opportunities to enjoy ordinary lives. weeks with others who are quitting with you. We can arrange nicotine replacement cigarettes a day and quit smoking that’s £38 per week or £75 • Claim before the pregnancy ends. Fuel Payment each year as long as Grants are given to make life easier and more therapy, Champix or Zyban which will be free of charge if you are entitled to free per fortnight. What could you buy with that? Or you could save your circumstances do not change. Claim this entitlement before it is too late. If the week when enjoyable for the disabled child, young person prescriptions, if not, you will pay a prescription charge every four weeks. it all up over a year and have over £2000!! The amount of payment that you can your baby is expected to be born is on or before 15th April and their family to provide, for example, washing Drop in sessions are also available in Springburn Health Centre, If 2011 is the year you want to stop get varies according to your personal 2011, then you qualify! machines, driving lessons, computers and holidays. Milton Medical Centre and Maryhill Health Centre. At the session situation with payments ranging from The benefit is not available to persons subject The Association’s staff recently had a briefing from the you can speak to a trained stop smoking advisor who will give you smoking contact £125 to £400. to immigration control. charity, which provides grants totaling £33 million per support during your quit attempt, information on what services are the Stop Smoking year helping around 55,000 families. The Winter Fuel Payments helpdesk Claim forms can be obtained from your GP or midwife. available in your local area and information on the products to help Team on Salena Begley, the charity’s Scotland and North East you stop smoking. The sessions are relaxed and good fun and provides information about payments, Alternatively, you can call 0845 366 7885 and ask for a 0141 201 9729 when guidance on reporting changes to Development Manger, said: “If you, or someone you people make new friends who often give each other further support claim form to be sent to you or request a copy in large print. know, has been thinking of applying to the Fund please your circumstances and a claim form. to keep stopped. the New Year could £38 do so as the time it takes to assess applications and Or for further advice, contact your Welfare Benefits Officer, Once you stop smoking the health benefits can be almost immediate, mean a New You! PER WEEK! The Helpline number is Agnes Cole, at the Possilpark Office on Monday and respond to families has significantly reduced.” PER DAY 0845 915 1515. within 20 minutes your heart rate and blood pressure return to Tuesday and Springburn Wed-Friday. For an application form or to apply online please normal, other benefits include: go to www.familyfund.org.uk 12 NORTH News

FREE insurance cover increased to £15,000

ENANTS of North Glasgow Housing A number of other benefits have also been have a disability. Association who are aged over 60 put in place such as Christmas and Wedding “The reaction from elderly tenants has Tyears or have a disability will receive gift cover, pedal cycle cover, unspecified and been very positive to this extension to our FREE contents insurance cover up to £15,000 specified valuables cover outside the home. tenants reward scheme. It is only right that starting in January. Tenants will have free access to online legal we recognise the loyalty of tenants who have The free insurance was announced in our last advice plus a series of free documents such as supported us over the years, paid their rent on issue and is part of the Association’s tenants wills, complaint letters and help with identity time and played such an important role in the reward scheme, designed to acknowledge the theft. community.” part that responsible tenants play in paying Other key features include no excess, no • The second regular draw under the rewards their rent on time and helping to sustain the minimum physical security requirements, cover scheme has taken place. All tenants who abide investment in their homes. for fixtures and fittings up to £2,000, accidental by the Association’s regulations and tenancy North Glasgow has been negotiating with death of £5,000, all post codes accepted, a agreement and pay their rent on time are insurance underwriters for several months and sympathetic approach to under insurance and entered. A random computer programme has has negotiated a 50% increase in cover. no penalty for late notification of claims. selected two winners who each receive a £50 And arrangements were made for tenants Chief Executive Robert Tamburrini said: “The shopping voucher. The second draw winners who qualify and whose current insurance cover will be up to £15,000 when it starts in are Mrs A. McGuinnes, Syriam Street, and Mrs E expired in December to have the free cover put January. In addition to being for tenants aged McInnes, 8 Redmoss Street. in place early. over 60, it will also apply to our tenants who

NORTH Glasgow Housing Association Tenants can report any emergency repairs during If you have a burst pipe please carry out the following: the holidays by calling the emergency contact • Turn off water at stopcock or tap will close for the festive season number at 0141 336 1300 (Possilpark) and • Switch off your immersion heater or boiler at 4pm on Friday, December 24 0141 560 6000 (Springburn). • Turn on taps in sinks and baths and will reopen after the holiday During periods of extreme cold weather there is a risk • Turn on as much heating as you can • If water comes in contact with any electrical fittings period at 9am on Monday, January 10. of pipes freezing and bursting. At such times it may be useful to follow these suggestions: turn off electricity at the mains • Keep heat circulating in all rooms. If your pipes do freeze or burst contact the emergency • Report any dripping taps and pipes to office office number (0141 336 1300 or 0141 560 6000) for repair. • Find your main stopcock in case of leaks. Problems with gas central heating should be reported If unsure of location, call office. direct to the Association’s gas maintenance contractor • Leave sink unit doors open to allow heat to circulate. City Technical Services on 0141 587 3629.

The Management Committee and Staff at would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

How to get SPRINGBURN OFFICE POSSILPARK OFFICE in touch with us: Ned Donaldson House, 50 Reidhouse Street, 104 Bardowie Street, Possilpark, Springburn, Glasgow G21 4LS Glasgow G22 5HJ Tel: 0141 560 6000 Tel: 0141 336 1300 email: [email protected] www.northglasgowha.com