Target Housing
March Newsletter Welcome to the March Newsletter. Coming up in this issue;
Message from Shaun Celebrations Hallam FM Cash for Kids Frontline Network Event Welcome Packs Canklow Arts and Crafts Therapies Center Website Review Updating staff photos Staffing Changes Message from Shaun
Hi to all,
The last few weeks have been extremely hectic for us all with fantastic results for all the hard work. As you will see, we won / retained the Sheffield contract; moving forward we are delivering the contract as sole supplier.
On a somewhat sad note we had to take the very hard decision not to tender for the Rotherham Young Persons service when it came out recently; it turns out doing nothing can easily be the hardest decision. The tender combined all Rotherham YP services including our current YP floating support contract into one large contract; we agonised over the detail and had to conclude we would be spreading our resources far too thin if we did win the tender at a time when we have new contracts to set up and deliver.
We have successfully negotiated our two Social Prescribing NHS contracts to deliver Art and Craft therapies in Rotherham. This is the third year we have held these NHS contracts, delivering to over 55’s with clinically diagnosed M/H issues.
This time of year is rents review time; we have been working with the four local authority Housing Benefit departments in our project areas to reassess our rents and service charges for 2019/20. The rents change from 1st April.
Following a meeting in Rotherham last year we have been working to bring in a significant sum of money for property purchase; this is progressing with a visit from the potential investors on Tuesday 2nd April, they are coming to see first hand the work Target does and meet (quiz) the senior management team and our Board members. Hopefully when this is successful we will get funding for 25+ properties.
In order to meet the increasing demands of property acquisition both from private landlords and direct purchase we have managed to secure the services of Steve Hawley; Steve previously worked in property procurement and management for G4S and within the private and social sector. His first job has been to source and secure new offices for the Doncaster and Sheffield projects, while at the same time acquiring some 30+ properties for Target. Welcome Steve. Celebrations
Retain Investors in People Target have again successfully retained our Investors in People status. The standard is world recognised and reflects the best in people management excellence. To achieve the accreditation organisations are assessed against numerous themes and indicators. Target met all nine indicators of the standard, our strongest being building capability, delivering continuous improvement, involving and empowering and creating sustainable success. The accreditation is awarded for three years.
We would like to thank everyone who took part in interviews to help us retain and achieve our Investors in Peoples status!
Sheffield Tender Target Housing have been successful in winning the Sheffield contract for Offenders and those at risk of offending. . Commissioners are delighted to be continuing to work with Target Housing and the professional relationships in Sheffield have never been stronger or more positive. We will be sending out the address of our new easily accessible Sheffield office shortly. Congratulations to the Sheffield Team, Maintenance and the turn around team, Sarah and the tendering team, central staff and everyone else that strives to make Target Housing what it is. I for one couldn’t be more delighted or proud. Thank You everyone for all the hard work, dedication and faith.
-Jamie Hallam FM Cash for Kids Donations
Around Christmas and the New Year we were one of the recipients of Hallam FM Cash for Kids toy donations. We were very generously presented with around 36 sacks of presents for our families with children and young people in our projects. The presents donated put a smile on a lot of faces of children, young people and teenagers who would go without and the kindness of Hallam FM listeners. The donations were greatly appreciated by clients and staff alike. Frontline Network Event
On Monday 18th February we hosted our 10th Networking Event. This event took a different approach than the previous ones where by the event did not have a specific theme, it was a chance for organisations from the area to present and showcase their services and what they do. This was an opportunity for frontline workers to get to know more about what is on offer in South Yorkshire. Held at the Unity Centre in Rotherham, representatives from a range of organisations across South Yorkshire and the Humber attended the event to network, hear presenters and get to know more about organisations in the area.
Target and St Martins partnership officer Sirea Jabar opened the event discussing Target and the Frontline Network. Sirea discussed how the Frontline Network exists to harness the ideas, energy and experience of those at the frontline working with homeless and vulnerably housed people.
We then heard from speakers from the following organisations;
Andrew Hawksworth from Sheffield City Council describing the councils Rough Sleeper initiative.
Presenter Sarah McGregor from DePaul was next to speak, explaining all the services DePaul offers
Jim Oakes from MCVC presented the charities services to the group.
Speaker Joni Nash from Addaction spoke to colleagues about the organisation and everything they offer
The last presenter of the day was Ashiana's Melanie Horstead who like the other speakers outlined her organisation and it;s services.
The event ended with a workshop and a light lunch. Welcome Packs
We have now lifted the age criteria for the basic essential items welcome packs, individuals no longer need to be under the age of 35, they can now be any age to receive a pack. The Welcome packs are now available for any client who is moving on to their own tenancy. If you would like to apply for one of your clients to receive one, please get in touch with Sirea Jabar ([email protected]). Clients can receive household items worth up to £50 and packs can be tailored according to individual client need. Target & Casting Innovations
Our Canklow Arts and Crafts Therapies Center have undergone a makeover. Castings and Target housing worked together with Lifeskills, where we are providing invaluable work experience for their students. These areas include Construction and Business Administration. Lifeskills is a training provider based in Rotherham centre, which offers study programmes in Construction, Business Administration, Nail & Beauty, Motor Vehicle, Health & Social care and Sports. The individuals from Lifeskills and Target staff have given the cabin at Canklow a fresh coat of paint.
Target have also successfully retained our SPS contract, enabling us to continue to help those who need it!. Website Review
We are in the process of reviewing the Target Housing website, please, if you get chance take a look and help us keep everything up to date! If you also have any ideas about how we can spruce up the website please get in touch ([email protected] ) . Updating Staff Photos
I know no one likes their picture being taken but unfortunately all our staff photos are out of date and need updating. Please get in touch ([email protected]) to book a date and time that everyone (or the majority of staff) will be available to have pictures taken. Staffing Changes
Welcome to the new members of staff starting across the organisation.
Rebecca Coggan - Housing Support Worker - Sheffield Iain Dickinson – Property Services Keyworker - Derby Janine Reaney – Housing Support Worker – Sheffield Matthew Williams – Property Services Assistant – S.Yorkshire Kwesi Osie – mental health support worker – Sheffield Joanne Robbins - Property Services Assistant Chris Jessop – Temp Finance Manager Steve Hawley – Property Services Manager
We also say goodbye to; Dale Allington Angela Ford Ian Patterson Karen Walsh Robert Munro Neil Turner Amy Turner Shannon Straker Sam Keen Ian Coleman Wishing them all the best! Finally...
Please feel free to get in touch if you would like any new stories featured in the next Newsletter. [email protected]
Target Housing Limited Unit A5 Bradmarsh Business Centre Bow Bridge Close Rotherham S60 1BY
Tel: 0330 202 0403 Visit us on the web at: www.targethousing.org.uk Facebook:https: //www.facebook.com/TargetHousing/ Twitter:https: //twitter.com/HousingTarget