News Extra Summer 2011

News Extra
Summer 2011
South Staffordshire Housing Association Customer Newsletter
Inside this issue:
Come and
work for us
Join our photo
competition
Homebuy
opportunities
News Extra
Cover Story
Hilton residents get planting,
see page 4.
Summer 2011
Ssha Photo Competition 2011
Snappers
Show us what your home means to you.
Join our competition and win a prize.
Send us a photo of what you’re most proud of
about your home. Selected photos will be published
in our future publications and you could win a
family pass to Alton Towers Resort.
“The Alton Towers Resort is delighted to support
SSHA in their positive engagement of active
communities. The UK’s number one short-break
destination is offering a lucky winner the chance
to win a family pass to Britain’s Greatest Escape!
For best deals and more information visit
www.altontowers.com “
To enter contact the community engagement
team on 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000
or visit www.ssha.co.uk/ssha-snappers
Deadline for entries 30th June 2011.
Coming soon
your 2011
annual
report
Your annual report will land in
your letter box in September.
Find out more about how you
have shaped our services, how
we performed in 2010/11 and
how we intend to further improve
your services.
It’s your chance to get more
involved in SSHA and the services
we offer in your local area.
All this and more will be in our
customer annual report – watch
out for your copy.
Tell us your views on News E
and win a week’s shoppingx*tra
We produce News Extra for you. So we want to hear
your views to make sure we cover all the important
issues and news that you want to read about.
We have included a survey with this issue of News Extra, please
spend a few minutes to fill it in and return it to us. By filling in
the survey you can tell us what you’d like to read about in future
editions. The survey also asks some questions about your
lifestyle, interests and preferences. Knowing about you and your
home will help us give you the services you want and need.
We will use this information to look at how we communicate
with you and how often we communicate with you.
Don’t miss out on this chance to make News Extra better and
you could win a week’s shopping* up to the value of £100.
2
Out of
work???
We have an exciting Customer
Services job opportunity for
you, if you:
• Are a tenant of SSHA
• Want to try something new
and learn new skills
• Want to work for us
Interested?
Don’t delay, contact the Community
Engagement Team on
0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000
or email
communityengagement@ssha.co.uk
by 20th June 2011.
Garden
Competition
extended
There’s still time to enter our garden
competition as we’ve extended the
deadline. Send us a current photo of
your garden, your window box or hanging
baskets and you could win £25 of garden centre vouchers. There are five prizes, one for
the north, south, east and west of our area plus one for our supported living schemes.
Send your photo with your name and address to News Extra Garden Competition,
FREEPOST MID19970, Stafford, ST18 9WX or to news@ssha.co.uk by 30th June 2011.
Hunt for Best Kept Village heats up
This year’s competitors are Bilbrook,
Bishops Wood, Brinsford, Coven Heath,
Featherstone, Lapley, Pattingham,
Stretton, Wheaton Aston and
Wombourne. The judging will finish at
the end of July and the winners
announced on 1st August.
A total of 51 villages have entered this
year’s Best Kept Village contest including
10 competing for the South
Staffordshire trophy sponsored by SSHA.
Looking after our
gardens & open spaces
If your village has not entered and you
would like to take part next year please
contact the Community Council of
Staffordshire 01785 242525 for advice
and entry forms.
Our new grounds maintenance
contractor, The Landscape Group, has
started cutting the grass, pruning the
trees, trimming hedges, keeping on top
of weeds and collecting the litter to
make sure the area where you live is
looking its best.
We have joined forces with South
Staffordshire Council to look after the
district’s open spaces, shrub beds and
trees. The Landscape Group is now
working on behalf of us both looking
after our grassed areas, shrub beds and
the highway verges to provide a top
quality service.
We have produced a new leaflet which
gives details on our grounds
maintenance and what you can expect
from the service. If you would like a
copy of the leaflet contact us on 0800
096 8690 or 01785 312000 or visit our
website www.ssha.co.uk.
Between January and
March 2011 over 350
hours were spent by you
making a difference. You have made a
difference through filling in surveys,
coming to focus groups, being part of a
residents’ group and in many other ways.
As you read through this newsletter you
can see how we have made changes and
improvements to our services and your
neighbourhoods. All of these changes
are thanks to you! Look out for this logo
throughout the newsletter.
Any Questions? Contact our Customer Hotline on: 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000 or Email: news@ssha.co.uk
3
News Extra
COVER
STORY
HILTON
Plant a Plant Day
KINVER
Helping residents
in Kinver
Residents and community groups in
Kinver are set to receive gardening help
from the Kinver Community Partnership
(part of Kinver Action Group) following a
grant from SSHA.
The Partnership is working with
volunteers from the community on
projects in and around Kinver. The group
aims to enhance community spaces, help
develop skills and promote a better sense
of community by helping each other.
Hilton residents and children had a sunny “Plant a Plant” day in May after SSHA gave
them funding for 20 trough planters. Their neighbourhood is now a more beautiful
place to live.
The “Plant a Plant” day was organised by Hilton Residents Association to give the
community a chance to get together and get to know each other. The day also gave
the youngsters an opportunity to learn all about gardening and plants.
For more news from Hilton Residents Association visit
http://www.hilton-residents-association.piczo.com
GREAT WYRLEY
Youngsters
fighting fit
Kinver Police are leading the project and
have already used the grant to provide
high visibility jackets, gardening tools
and to insure an electric car to help them
travel around Kinver.
Anyone who wishes to volunteer or
needs help with a project can contact
the partnership by speaking to PCSO
Nicki Robins on 0300 123 2345 and
then dial 16305.
4
Jackie Ilic and Alison McDougall-Brownhill from
SSHA with the Great Wyrley youngsters and
organisers PCSO Gaz Lloyd and Pete Hickenbottom
Youngsters in Great Wyrley are getting
active after SSHA invested £750 in their
boxing NVQ. The NVQ course at Great
Wyrley High School is aimed at pupils who
are not taking GCSEs, so it gives them an
opportunity to get a qualification.
SSHA invested in the project after our
customer survey said that Great Wyrley
had a problem with disruptive youths.
The NVQ not only teaches respect for
authority, social skills and aggression
management, it also promotes a healthy
way of life. The pupils also have to take
part in community projects in order to
earn their kit.
PERTON
HUNTINGTON
Recycling idea solves community
problem and saves money
Teenagers
get musical with
DJ workshops
Perton residents have new fencing thanks to a recycling idea by their neighbourhood
management officer Helen Wallett.
Residents in Avon Close had problems
with young people pulling down the 3ft
fencing around an open area so they
could cut across the grass. Helen
arranged for it to be replaced with some
fencing from Wombourne which was
going to be scrapped. The Wombourne
fencing was 6ft high and much stronger.
Helen’s fence recycling solved a
longstanding problem and saved £1,500.
PCSO Teresa Nicholls with residents
Shirley Turner and Bina Goodson
KINVER
BREWOOD
Street gets
more curb appeal
Parking
Permits scheme
Residents in Kinver are much happier
with their neighbourhood after their old
hedges were replaced with new fencing.
Now their street is tidy and a nicer to
place to live.
Our resident opinion survey told us that
litter and untidy gardens were major
issues for residents in Kinver. In Edge View
Walk the hedges at the front of the
houses and bungalows were looking old
and untidy, especially as litter collected
beneath them. Helen Wallett, the
Neighbourhood Management Officer,
surveyed residents to find out if they
wanted new hedges to be planted but
the residents said
that they would
prefer fencing.
Helen arranged for
new fences and
also arranged for
the council to
provide extra litter
Residents Steven
bins and an extra
Shillingford and Ellen
Walters admiring
road sweep to
the new fence
keep the road tidy.
A resident parking
permit scheme in
Brewood has
helped prevent
unauthorised
parking. The
Orchard has
limited parking
Residents John Dell
for its residents
and Trevor Smith
and spaces were
being used by shoppers visiting
Brewood village. The scheme was set
up after a survey of residents on the
parking problems. Residents now
display a permit in their car window
and anyone who parks without
displaying a permit is politely asked
to park elsewhere by residents.
John Dell one of the residents said “We
find it very effective, most people are very
understanding when they realise that our
parking is for residents only. I’d like to
thank Helen and the Residents Sounding
Group for their support in getting the
scheme up and running.”
Teenagers in Huntington have been
getting musical with a series of DJ
workshops thanks to SSHA.
Our resident survey told us that
Huntington residents were worried about
disruptive youths. So we got together
with the Community and Learning
Partnership and the DJ workshop was
born. The workshop was based around
music as the local teenagers told us their
main interest was music.
Over eight weeks the workshops gave
12 youngsters aged between 13 and
17 the chance to try their hand at mixing
and ‘scratching’ using the latest DJ
technology or vinyl. They also took home
their own demo CD with a personallydesigned front cover.
Know of a community
group that needs help?
On this page are some examples of how
our donations have helped community
groups. We are keen to hear from you if
your community group needs funding.
Please contact us on 0800 096 8690 or
01785 312000 or download our
application form from www.ssha.co.uk/
your-local-housing-association
Any Questions? Contact our Customer Hotline on: 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000 or Email: news@ssha.co.uk
5
News Extra
HUNTINGTON
Huntington has its say!
In March, residents of Huntington were
asked what they thought about their
village; what they liked and disliked; the
problems they have; and what they
wanted their village to be in the future. It
was all part of ‘Huntington have your say’ –
part of the new Huntington Pride project.
Huntington Pride is all about different
organisations such as SSHA and the local
council working together with the local
community to improve the village and its
services - and bring a real sense of pride
to Huntington.
We found that there is a lot that people
love about their village:
“The open space and surrounding
countryside”
“community spirit along with friends
and family”
“it’s friendly, it’s quiet, and the school”
And there are a few things they’d like
improved:
“Amount of litter and dog mess”
“lack of play areas and things to do”
“traffic and busy roads”
“anti-social behaviour”.
Did you know?
We spoke to lots of local people and
this is what they told us:
• 63% thought that both the amount
of litter and parking was an issue in
the village.
• 81% would like more opportunities
to take part in physical activity
• 30% would be interested in
opportunities to volunteer or get
involved in community initiatives.
So what now?
This is just the beginning for Huntington
Pride. We’re listening to what local people
say – which is why we’re going to focus
on the issues which matter in the village.
Keep your eyes peeled for more news
about Huntington Pride and remember
it’s all about being proud of your village.
Want to know more?
If you want to find more about the
Huntington Pride project or if you’re keen
to get involved then get in touch with
Rachel Taylor from South Staffordshire
Council on r.taylor@sstaffs.gov.uk or call
01902 696534.
ESSINGTON
WOMBOURNE
Dog fouling
campaign
MP tidies up
Residents in Essington told
us that dog fouling was a
problem in their area
so SSHA is supporting
a National Keep Britain
Tidy campaign called
“There’s no such thing
as a Dog Poo Fairy”.
South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson joined Wombourne
residents and children from SSHA’s Junior Warden scheme in a
Big Tidy Up of the village. The litter pick made a huge difference
with 15 bags of rubbish collected.
If you would like a Big Tidy Up in your village please contact
your neighbourhood team on 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000.
The campaign
encourages dog owners to
clean up after their pets and
put their dog waste bags in the bin...
“ Bag that poo – any bin will do.”
Between April and June, dog waste bags were given out
to residents in Essington with a leaflet about the problem.
If the campaign in Essington is successful it could be
extended to other areas.
6
Gavin Williamson MP with Craig Dougall age 10,
Lauren Baldwin Age 9 and Laura Evans of SSHA
Your photos
retirement
r
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o
m
o
fr
s
New
idents
housing res
Red Nose day at
Victoria Grove,
Wombourne
BREWOOD
Nancy celebrates 100th birthday
Nancy Pritchard from Brewood celebrated
her 100th birthday in March and
celebrated with some surprise guests.
for them as well as knitting and
crocheting for charity.
Congratulations to Nancy.
Nancy had taken part in a six week course
with Staffordshire Fire Service so some of
the fire fighters and Older Person’s
Advocate Sonja Oatley dropped by with a
cake and balloons.
Royal Wedding
celebrations
The Royal Wedding was celebrated in
style at Naden House in Huntington
with residents
parading in
tiaras and
waving their
flags.
Nancy lives at Deansfield House in
Brewood and was one of the first
residents to move in when it opened in
1991. She is a seamstress and still helps
the other residents by doing sewing jobs
Easter
Bonnets
BRIDGTOWN
Birthday poem wins prize
Etty Price had a
My Sixty Fifth Birthday
double celebration
At last we’ve made it, the nigh
t has been fixed,
when a poem she
For the celebration of my sixty
fifth.
wrote about her 65th I’m sorry it’s only a very small do,
But I hope you enjoy it with only
birthday won a
us few.
poetry competition. There’s Dickie and Dot, Edna, Betty and Joe,
The competition
was run by David Payne the education
and leisure facilitator at Care Plus’s Vine
Court in Brigtown, Cannock and a local
poetry group, the Lichfield Poets, judged
the entries. Etty won a box of chocolates,
a gift voucher and a goody bag and had
her poem printed in the local paper
the Express and Star.
Residents and friends at Victoria Grove
in Wombourne held a raffle and raised
£121 for Comic Relief. They are
pictured in their red clothes with red
noses. Well done to everyone involved.
They’re my relations and I love
them so.
Also my mate Pat whom I’ve
known for a year,
We’ve had a few laughs and shed
a few tears.
Then there’s also my lovely dau
ghter-in-law Jan
Who gave me two grandsons
and made me a gran.
There’s Gary and Steve, the son
s I love most,
And last of all Etty, your birthda
y girl host.
I thank you for coming and givi
ng a cheer,
Hope I’m around for another
birthday next year.
Naden House residents definitely had
a headwearing theme in April. Tiaras
for the royal wedding and
bonnets for
Easter. Don’t
they look
stunning?
Residents
at Moseley
Court in
Essington joined in
the Easter fun with
a competition with
their Easter bonnets.
Hazel Oakley was
the winner, well
done Hazel.
Etty Price
Any Questions? Contact our Customer Hotline on: 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000 or Email: news@ssha.co.uk
7
get
Involved !
Residents’ Sounding Group
This group meets regularly at different times of day to guide and
challenge policy reviews and put forward proposals for meeting our
promises set out in our customer annual report.
Resident’s
Scrutiny
Group
This group will look at our work in
detail and recommend
improvements to the services that
we offer. Working closely with the
Board and Management Team, this
dedicated group will ensure that we
keep our promises set out in our
customer annual report.
Twelve residents took our training
course at South Staffordshire College.
The course is accredited by the National
Open College Network and helped
them learn skills such as teamwork,
understanding business
communication and IT skills. These skills
will not only help them in the work of
the Scrutiny Group but will help them in
any community roles that they want to
take on, such as a parent teacher
committee or a youth group.
Residents who were enrolled on the
course were invited to apply for the
Scrutiny Group and the ones who
applied took part in team exercises and
interviews in May. This was so that we
could ensure that we have the right mix
of people in place to work together to
challenge our performance.
Look out for our introduction to the
Scrutiny Group in our next edition.
8
Over the last three months the
Residents’ Sounding Group and
members of the Interested Customer
Group have been busy discussing
issues that affect all of our residents.
Here is a summary of their work.
Review of the Access to Services Policy
They reviewed the policy which ensures
that we provide you with easy and equal
access to all of our services. Customers
who had not contacted us during the last
12 months also helped us to review this
policy through attending focus groups
and completing telephone surveys.
Review of the Complaints and
Customer Care Payments Policy
The policy which ensures that complaints
are dealt with fairly and consistently was
also reviewed. This review was helped by
residents who had made a complaint
within the previous 18 months. They were
sent a postal survey to ask for their
opinions on how we could improve our
service and some came to a focus group.
We made changes to the policy using
their feedback together with the feedback
of the Residents’ Sounding Group.
Reporting Complaints
Performance to our Customers
Residents who had experience of using
our complaints service came to focus
groups to tell us what information they
wanted us to report about the complaints
that we receive. Residents have
influenced the type of information and
the way in which it will be reported to
you in the customer annual report.
Parking and Litter in Kinver
A number of sites around Kinver were
identified as having issues with parking
and litter. At each site residents were
consulted through street meetings and
surveys to find out what we could do to
help ease some of the problems. This
has resulted in additional parking bays
being approved at three sites and four
extra litter bins are being provided by
the Council.
Rent Statement Review
A review of the format and content of
the rent statement. You can read more
about this on page 10.
Residents’ Sounding Group
More ways that you contact
made a difference details
In the winter edition we told you how we were looking to hold
evening meetings to make it easier for you to attend at a
convenient time. You received your personal invitation with
your rent statement for evening meetings in May and June.
Residents came to our interactive session
in May to discuss our customer service,
timescales for carrying out repairs and to
re-let our properties. Residents answered
questions such as:
• How quickly should we answer
calls in our call centre?
• Should we keep the freephone
number?
• How quickly should we return
Mr Didlick from Kinver who attended
the meeting said “Thank you for a lovely
evening at the Sounding Group. I am
looking forward to the next session!”
Mrs Jean Shelton
Mrs Jeanette Edwards
01902 851 487
01785 841 549
Cheslyn Hay
Mr Brian Bladen
Mr Albert Podmore
07980 259 990
01922 410 653
Codsall and Oaken
Our next evening meeting will be on
Thursday 16th June 5.30pm to 7.00pm
at our offices at Acton Gate. Why not
come along and give us your views on
how we can improve our repairs and
maintenance service? Or if you prefer
you can come along to the Resident
Sounding Group meetings.
Mrs Barbara Cooper
Mr Norman King
We can pay your mileage and carer costs
or we can arrange transport for you free
of charge. To book your place please call
Linda in our community engagement
team on 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000.
Kinver
your calls?
We’re looking at all of the responses
and the feedback we received will help
us to improve our service to you. We’ll
tell you more about this in future issues
of the newsletter.
Brewood, Coven and Bishopswood
New Members Wanted
The Giggetty residents group is a year old and have achieved some great
things for the estate. However they are on the lookout for new members.
Last year the residents group entered a float into the carnival and all the children
involved had a great day and even came second, however due to lack of support
from residents they are struggling to enter this year.
Essington
Mr Eric Holmes
Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Bobby Lay on 01902 892654.
01922 408 018
Featherstone and Brinsford
Mr Charles Baugh
Mrs Kath Fletcher
01902 730 886
01384 873 182
Perton
Mrs Shirley Turner
Mrs Bina Goodson
01902 755 564
01902 759 754
Penkridge, Acton Trussell
and Stafford
Mrs Patricia Sherwin
01785 714 545
Wombourne
Mrs Sheila Escott
Mr Bobby Lay
Miss Amanda Nicklin
07890 301 797
01902 892654
01902 892654
Wheaton Aston, Lapley,
Stretton, Blymhill and Weston
Mrs Anne Emery
The group’s acting secretary Bobby Lay said “We do not ask for much of your time and
would be grateful for any help which can be offered not only with the carnival but for
all the other activities we arrange for the residents living on and around the estate.”
01902 847 227
01902 846 620
01785 841 436
General Representatives
(no specific area)
Miss Julie Moorhouse
Moira Alden-Court
01922 415622
01902 703 528
Any Questions? Contact our Customer Hotline on: 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000 or Email: news@ssha.co.uk
9
News Extra
MONte£rYs
mat
workin
for Y U
What do I do if I have a
Change of Circumstance?
If you receive Housing or Council Tax
Benefit and your circumstances change
you must notify the Benefits team at your
local council immediately. If you don’t
notify them and you are overpaid
benefits you may have to pay this back.
We call this an overpayment of benefit.
Make sure you act quickly if your
circumstances have changed.
The following changes will affect the
amount of benefit you receive:
Changes in your Income
• if you start or stop receiving Income
Support, Jobseekers Allowance or any
other type of state benefit
• If you Start or Stop receiving Child
or Working Tax Credits
• If your salary or wages increase or
decrease
• If there is any change to the income
that you or your partner receive
• If there is any change to the income
of someone living with you
Changes in your home
• If you move address
• If the number of people living
with you changes
• If a partner either comes to live
with you or leaves the property
New Rent
Statements
Our rent statements are
changing. The new and
improved statements are
much easier to understand and it is
all thanks to you.
Residents came to focus groups,
completed telephone surveys and paper
surveys to tell us how we could improve
the statements. Their input was invaluable
and the results are clear to see.
10
Some of the changes are:
• A new paragraph telling you that
“the balance may be higher if we are
awaiting a housing benefit or direct
debit payment”
• The balance is now shown at the
top of the statement
• We have added the name of your
Income Management Officer
• We have changed the wording from
‘credits’ and ‘debits’ to ‘payments’
and ‘charges’
• The statement will say
‘for information only’ if your
account is up to date.
You will receive your
new statement in July.
Other possible changes
• If you or your partner goes into hospital
• If you or your partner either become
or cease to be a student
• If the amount of savings you have
increases or decreases
There are many different ways that your
circumstances changing could affect the
amount of benefit that you receive. If you
have a change in your circumstances and
are unsure how it will affect your claim
you should contact your council’s benefits
team using the telephone numbers below.
It’s better to check than have to pay back
benefit that has been overpaid to you.
South Staffordshire Council
01902 696668
Stafford Borough Council
01785 619000
Cannock Chase Council
01543 462621
Shropshire Council
0345 6789001
Please also contact us on 0800 0968690
or 01785 312000 to keep us informed.
If you would like to help us
improve our income management
service please contact us on
0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000.
Don’t forget you can check your rent
account at any time of the day and get
an up to date balance if you sign up for
our online account.
What is APR?
When you borrow money you will pay
interest on that amount. Interest is worked
out as a percentage on the amount you
borrow. The longer it takes for you to pay
off the amount, the more interest you will
end up paying.
for early repayment?
Can you afford the monthly payments?
A more expensive loan (with a higher APR)
could have lower monthly payments if
they are spread out over a longer period of
time. That might suit you if your budget is
tight, but you will pay more in the long run.
Check you can afford the repayments and
that you will be able to keep up payments
over the term of the loan. What if interest
rates rise or your circumstances change?
Important questions to ask
before borrowing:
If you find a deal with a low APR, make sure
that you find out:
Does the interest included in the APR
vary, or is the rate fixed?
If the rate is variable your repayments
APR stands for the Annual Percentage Rate
could go up or go down. If the rate is fixed,
of charge. You can use it to compare
your repayments will stay the same.
different credit and loan offers. Generally,
Are there any charges that are not
the lower the APR the better the deal for
included in the APR?
you, so if you are thinking about borrowing, This could cover optional payment
shop around and compare offers.
protection insurance, charges for missing a
payment or being late.
But don’t just look at the APR it doesn’t
What are the conditions of the loan or
include all the costs connected with a
credit and do they suit you?
credit agreement. There may be charges
Can you choose how and when you make
for late or missed payments, or balance
the repayments? How much will it cost you
transfer fees on a credit card.
to pay the loan off early? Are there charges
If you’re having difficulty keeping up with
your payments, don’t ignore it. No matter
how bad things may seem please call our
Advice and Support service. They can help
you with benefits and advice. Please call
for an appointment on 0800 096 8690
or 01785 312000.
Tax Credits Reminder
- don’t miss out
If you claim tax credits don’t forget
that you need to send back your
renewal pack by 31 July or your
payments will stop.
If you need help with your renewal
contact the Tax Credit office on
0845 300 3900.
It pays to pay
your rent
All tenants who had a clear rent
account on 31st March 2011 were
entered into a prize draw to win
up to £250 of M&S vouchers.
We had three lucky winners
and these were:
£250 Mrs Simmons of Rugeley
£150 Mr and Mrs Weeks
of Great Wyrley
£100 Miss Nicklin of Featherstone
We would like to congratulate the
lucky winners and thank all tenants
who have clear rent accounts. The
money we receive through rent allows
us to keep your homes in a good state
of repair, deliver our services, develop
homes for those in need and invest in
your neighbourhoods.
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insurance, and trying to save a little extra, it’s
easy to see why some people decide to “risk it”
and don’t bother at all. However it needn’t be
that way.
My Home brings you essential home contents insurance
from just £1.78 a fortnight or £1.16 if you are aged over 6 0.
And
A
nd that’s
that’s just
just ffor
or starters
starters
• No excess to pay
• No minimum home security requirements
• Flexible regular pay as you go payment options
including fo
ortnightly or monthly cash, monthly
direct debit or annually
• Realistic minimum sums insured
• Quick and easy to apply fo
or cover using a simple
application fo
orm or apply ov
ver the telephone.
• Cov
ver fo
or extended accidental damage, personal
possessions, hearing aids, wheelchairs/mobility
scooters and buildings cov
ver fo
or garages, huts or sheds
is also available fo
or an additional premium
T
hink y
ou’ll jjust
ust
Think
you’ll
b
be
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covered
overed ffor
or
fire
fire and
and theft?
theft?
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uarantee y
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ore
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guarantee
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more
we’ll
help
tthan
han tthat
hat - w
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kind
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hat w
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or S
haron
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what
we
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amily. W
hile tthey
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and
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n
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meant
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hat ttheir
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was c
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or
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off rruined
and
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oggy fl
oor.
soggy
floor.
Sound good?
Why not find out more by giving us a call on:
0800
0
800 096
096 8690
86 90
hat
A
s they
they w
ere a
ble to
to prove
prove tthat
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were
able
tthere
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ad b
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n electricity
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eimbursing tthem
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heir ffood
ood - a
nd s
ome b
adly d
amaged
and
some
badly
damaged
llaminate
aminate fl
ooring.
flooring.
Or for immediate cover call My Home on:
0845
0
8
4m5
337
337 2463
2463
email:
em
ail: myhome@jltgroup.com
yhome@jltgroup.com
Any Questions? Contact our Customer Hotline on: 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000 or Email: news@ssha.co.uk
11
News Extra
workin
for Y U
Home visits
If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you.
You may want to discuss your rent
account or benefits, chat to someone
about neighbourhood issues or about
how to get involved. Just call 0800 096
8690 or 01785 312000 and we’ll arrange
a time that’s convenient for you.
Introducing the Community
Engagement Team
We want to make sure that you have a
wide range of opportunities to get
involved with the way your services are
provided and make sure you are
completely satisfied with those services.
Our new community engagement team
is on hand to put this into action.
This new team will also be busy working
on ways to help you through the
recession such as education and training
opportunities. We’ll tell you more about
these in future issues of News Extra.
The team is made up of some faces
you’ve met before and some new ones:
Community Engagement Team Leader:
Dawn Northwood
Your local contact...
Below is a list of SSHA Neighbourhood
Management Officers.
They can be contacted by calling
0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000.
Tracey Griffiths
Cannock, Essington, Penkridge,
Stafford, Stone & surrounding
areas
Involvement Officers:
Penny Metzger and Linda Boys
Alison McDougal-Brownhill
Wedges Mills, Great Wyrley,
Cheslyn Hay
Neighbourhood Involvement Officers
Jackie Ilic (north)
Becky Raven-Smith (south)
Teresa Smith
Bilbrook, Codsall, Oaken
Customer Insight officer:
Julie Clark
If you want to get involved please give
the team a call on 0800 096 8690 or
01785 312000,
we can find a way
that will suit you.
Meet the team Julie,
Dawn and Jackie on
the top row with
Penny and Linda
seated. Becky
pictured separately.
Want quick access to all your info?
Using an online account, you can view
your rent account, track outstanding
repairs and update your personal
information online.
You can even report repairs using our
easy picture guide. Just click on the
pictures to tell us all about the repair
you need.
12
We already have over 170 people
using it. Why not find out what
you’re missing?
All you need to do to use this free
service is visit www.ssha.co.uk and
click on “Login to my Account” in
the top right corner then follow
the instructions on screen.
Helen Wallet
Kinver, Perton, Brewood,
Coven & surrounding areas
Laura Evans
Wombourne & surrounding
areas
Emma Cooper
Huntington, Wheaton Aston,
Featherstone, Hilton, Shareshill
& surrounding areas
Shared Ownership Opportunities
For up to date details of
all our shared ownership
properties for sale visit:
www.ssha.co.uk/propertypart-buy-part-rent
For more information or to
arrange a viewing of any of
these properties please call
0844 800 5150
Old School Court,
Wheaton Aston
last
property
remaining
Come and view our last remaining
apartment at the superb Old School
Court retirement living scheme. Situated
on the first floor, this one bedroom
apartment offers a fitted beech finish
kitchen with stainless steel oven and hob,
plus a walk-in shower room and quality
fittings. Attractive landscaped gardens
with views over fields, parking, a hobby
room and a concierge service complete
this very special development.
Choose your package:
Shared ownership prices start at £26,750
for a 25% share with a monthly rent of
£167.19 (full market value £107,000).
Rental is £470 per month.
This property also has a monthly service
charge of £170.
Ironbridge Road,
Broseley
Don’t miss out on this 2
bedroom semi-detached house
Prices start at £54,000 for a 40% share
with a monthly rent of £168.75.
(full market value £135,000)
Yew Tree Court, Shifnal
Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Shifnal,
Yew Tree Court comprises of modern
apartments for the over 55s. The new,
purpose-built development is within
walking distance of Shifnal, ideal for
access to local shops and amenities.
Each apartment benefits from its own
stylish kitchen, modern wet room and
spacious living area and offers you
comfort and independence whatever
your life-circumstances.
Park Close,
Essington
3 x 2 bed houses
Prices start at £54,600 for a 40% share
with a monthly rent of £170.63 (full
market value £136,500). Please note a
monthly service charge is also payable.
Homebuy Hotline 0844 800 5150
last few
remaining
The two bedroom apartments at Yew Tree
Court have been designed with you in
mind. Generously sized rooms with
modern interiors offer you space to enjoy
life, entertain family and friends, and relax.
Prices start from £30,000 (25% share)
with a monthly rent of £187.50
(full market value of £120,000).
Please note a monthly service charge
and a wellbeing charge is also payable.
13
News Extra
Coming soon to Essington
Cherry Tree Court
66 modern apartments for the over 55s
Other ways to
move – mutual
exchange
A mutual exchange is a great way to
move house. You simply swap your
property with another tenant through
an ‘assignment of tenancy’ so you don’t
need to apply through our My
Homefinder waiting list.
First you’ll need to find a tenant who
you’d like to swap with. One of the ways
you can do this is by completing our
mutual exchange form. We will then add
your details to our exchange register,
so your property can be viewed on our
website. Please don’t forget to send us
a photo of your home.
For a copy of our mutual exchange
leaflet or the register contact us on
01785 312000 or 0800 096 8690 or visit
www.ssha.co.uk/mutual-exchange
Cherry Tree Court is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a home that is
designed not only to provide first class accommodation but also provide first
class services and support right on your doorstep, you can then stay at home
regardless of the level of care and support that you need.
Contact us on 0800 0968690 or 01785 312000 for a brochure or visit
http://www.care-plus.org.uk/developments/cherry-tree-court
Have you recently moved
into one of our properties?
We want to know about your experience of moving into your new home.
What was it like from the moment you were first offered a property and during
the first few weeks of your tenancy?
• Did we tell you all you needed to know?
• Were you given enough information or too much?
• Was it an easy process?
• Were you given enough support?
Please note that every move is subject
to our approval.
• How could we make it better?
We want to hear your views and ideas. We are looking for volunteers to come to our
focus group on Thursday 30th June, at 10am. If you can’t come along we still want to
hear from you, so please contact us with your feedback by phone or email.
Please contact Heather Reay on 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000
or email enquiries@ssha.co.uk
14
Summer Word Search
Find and circle all of the words listed below that are hidden in the grid.
The words may be hidden in any direction.
Digital
switchover
- are you ready?
The switchover for people in the Central
tv region is happening on 7th and 21st
September On the 7th BBC2 analogue
will be switched off
and on 21st the
remaining analogue
channels will be
switched off. You will
need to re-tune your
digital equipment on
each date to pick up
additional channels.
Not got a Freeview box yet?
Just complete the wordsearch and fill in
the feedback form. All completed forms
received by 11th July 2011 will be entered
into a draw to win a Freeview box.
Competition Terms and Conditions
1. All entrants are deemed to have accepted the rules
and agreed to be bound by them. 2. Only one entry per
household is permitted. 3. Responsibility cannot be
accepted for entries lost, damaged or delayed in the post.
Proof of posting will not be accepted as proof of receipt.
4. The prize is as stated, there is no cash alternative.
5. Any entrant who is not in compliance with their
tenancy or lease conditions will be deemed ineligible to
enter. 6. The judge’s decision will be final. 7. Entrants
agree to any publicity related to this competition.
8. If you are under 18, you must have the written
permission of a parent or guardian. Additional Prize
Draw Rules 9. The draw is open to all tenants, shared
owners and leaseholders of the Association’s properties
and any family members living with them in the property
and housing applicants. 10. A winning entry will be
picked at random after the closing date and the winner
will be notified by post and/or telephone. Additional
Garden competition rules 11. The competition is open
to all tenants, shared owners and leaseholders of the
Association’s properties and any family members living
with them in the property. 12. Only one entry per
household / neighbourhood group is allowed.
13. Entries must not be maintained by a professional
gardener or contractor. 14. The judges’ decision is final.
Closing date 30th June 2011.
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Would you like to receive News Extra by email?
Most of our leaflets and forms are available by email or to download from the SSHA
website. Many of you have already told us that you have an email address and we will
keep these details on file. News Extra is just one of our publications that is available by
email. If you would prefer to read all the latest SSHA news in this way, please call us on
0800 096 8690 and let us know.
Any Questions? Contact our Customer Hotline on: 0800 096 8690 or 01785 312000 or Email: news@ssha.co.uk
15
News Extra
Feedback Form
Giving you
Please complete this form and post to: SSHA, FREEPOST MID19970, Stafford, ST18 9WX.
Name: ____________________________
Email: ____________________________
Address: __________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Postcode: _________________________
I would like more information on:
n Grants for community groups
n Setting up a residents group
n Opportunities to get involved
n Insurance
n Money advice
n Grounds maintenance leaflet
n Mutual exchange leaflet
n Other
__________________________________
__________________________________
I would like to get involved in shaping
SSHA services:
n Involvement and empowerment
n Home
n Tenancy
n Neighbourhood and
community management
n Value for money
n Other
__________________________________
__________________________________
My suggestions / comments:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
My household or money saving tip:
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
Tel: ______________________________
This newsletter is also available in:
Large Print
Audio
Braille
Other Languages
Please ask for help if you have any difficulty understanding this leaflet
value for
money
We are always looking at ways to use
money more wisely so we have
changed the paper that we use for
News Extra. This edition is printed on
slightly thinner paper than before and
it is from mixed sources. This means
that 15% of the paper is recycled and
the rest is from well-managed forests.
In September you will receive your
annual report but we won’t send you
News Extra as well, this will save us the
extra printing and postage costs. Your
next copy of News Extra will be the
winter edition which will be due
through your door in December.
We hope you approve of these changes.
Please let us know what you think.
Visit us - Opening hours
Monday
8.00am to 5.00pm
Tuesday
8.30am to 5.00pm
Wednesday
8.30am to 5.00pm
Thursday
8.30am to 7.00pm
Friday
8.30am to 3.00pm
Call us
Customer Hotline
0800 096 8690
01785 312000
Homebuy Hotline
0844 800 5150
Text relay
18001 + any of
the above numbers
Text us
Your mobile number must
be registered with us
07624 811649
Write to us
South Staffordshire Housing Association,
Acton Court, Acton Gate, Staffs ST18 9AP
Find us on the internet
www.ssha.co.uk
If you cannot get to our office easily,
please call 0800 096 8690.
We can arrange to visit you in your home.
A proud member of
15%
De-inked FSC-certified pulp
from Greenfield
16
your local housing provider