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theKEY www.gha.org.uk
News 3
Gordon Sloan GHA Chair
We’ll be asking you for a little more info
FROM the end of 2014, we’ll be asking
customers for a little more information
– such as their date of birth – when
they get in touch with us.
This is to help us verify their identity
and make our service quicker and
more efficient.
We appreciate your understanding.
GHA environmental
wardens’ efforts
to make communities
cleaner are hotting up.
New hot water trailers are
helping staff keep closes
spick and span by providing
them with piping hot water.
The hot water trailers
are powered by Calor
gas and run off the van’s
electrics – so the water
is heated while the van
is moving.
That means they deliver
hot water straight to the kerbside,
where our hard-working wardens get
to work with their mops and buckets
cleaning closes.
It’s already helping our environmental
teams deliver an even better, cleaner
service to tenants across the city.
Jacqueline Norwood, GHA’s
Neighbourhood Services Leader,
said: “Tenants have told us they want
closes cleaned with hot water and
these new trailers help us do that.
“It means we can keep closes up
to the standard tenants deserve and
help us make the city cleaner, greener
and safer.
“I’m sure tenants will notice a big
difference.”
Welcome NETs staff are hotting up
WELCOME to the December issue
of the Key.
I can hardly believe Christmas is
just round the corner. It’s always an
expensive time of year, but making
sure you are up to date with your
rent is vital.
We know it’s hard, but if you’re
struggling to keep up with your
payments, talk to your housing
officer. No one wants to lose
their home.
Remember, GHA is here to
help you.
Our area committees, led by
tenants, continue to do great work
across the city. See how they’re
helping kids in the north west take
up sport on page 5.
You can read how furniture
from the Commonwealth Games
is transforming tenants’ lives on
page 9.
We also have a reminder of the
different services available to GHA
tenants – from help to get online
to help putting up curtains. See
page 10 for details.
Elsewhere in this issue there are
handy tips on staying warm this
winter on page 4, your letters on
page 12 and the latest from Glasgow
Gold on page 14.
Finally, I’d like to thank former GHA
Board member John Grant, who has
retired. John has worked tirelessly
over the years and will be greatly
missed.
I hope you enjoy this issue of
the Key.
5
Contents
News and features
Cold weather advice.............. 4
Welfare reform latest............ 6
Kit for badminton kids.......... 8
Games furniture boost.......... 9
Tenants are so engaged..... 11
Pictured on the front is tenant Barbara Maxwell, backing our rent campaign
The Glasgow Housing Association Limited is a not-for-profit housing
association: registered under the Co-operative and Community Benefit
Societies Act 2014 No. 2572R(S); recognised by HM Revenue and Customs 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
4 News
WINTER ADVICE
Home check for older tenants
WE’RE offering extra help
to vulnerable tenants
during the cold spell.
Every tenant who is
over 60 or disabled can
get a free home check.
A plumber will check
the boiler, pipes and taps.
The plumber will also
bleed the radiators and
show tenants how to
turn off the water supply
in case of flooding.
If you are over 60 or
disabled and want a free
home winter check, call
0800 479 7979.
Get ready
for winter
Council cash help to stay warm
TENANTS over 80 can get
extra money to keep warm.
Glasgow City Council’s
Affordable Warmth
Dividend is worth £100.
To receive the payment
you must be 80 years of age
or over by 31 March 2015
and live in Glasgow.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
If you are not yet 80, but
will be before 31 March
2015, you can make the
application now. They will
be accepted until 31 March. If you haven’t claimed for
the winter fund, or haven’t
received a letter from the
council, call 0141 287 7961.
O
UR long hot summer
is a distant memory
and winter is here.
That means it’s time to
make sure you’re geared
up for the worst of the
weather.
Remember, our helpful
advisors are on the end of
the phone all day, every
day, if things go wrong.
Here are some simple tips
to keep warm:
n have regular hot drinks
and at least one hot
meal a day
n wear several light layers
of warm clothes to keep
heat in
n keep active and wrap up
warm if you go outside
n draw your curtains at
dusk and keep doors
closed to block out
draughts
n keep your living room at
around 18-21oC (6470oF) to keep warm
n check dripping taps and
overflows to prevent
freezing of waste pipes
and flooding
n make sure you’ve
had your annual gas
service. It will ensure
your heating system is
working effectively
n if you’re not going to be
at home for a period of
time, set your heating to
come on for a couple of
hours a day – and leave
a key with a friend or
neighbour.
Trouble with your home
If you have a frozen or burst
pipe, your heating or boiler
breaks down or tiles blow
off your roof, you can call us
24 hours a day, seven days
a week on 0800 4797979,
or 0141 274 7979 if
phoning from a mobile.
Our advisors will talk you
through what to do and
arrange for a tradesperson
to call as soon as possible.
i
You can find more
handy tips on our
facebook page. Go to
www.facebook.com/
glasgowhousing
News 5
AREA COMMITTEES
Upgrade plan
for Townhead
GET FIT: Pupils from the north west took part in the Mini Commonwealth Games
Going for gold
THE area round the high
flats at Townhead will be
upgraded after the North
East Area Committee
agreed to spend £80,000.
Work includes
improvements to the
landscaping, improved
drainage and new
benches.
A rundown area of
land at Robroyston
Avenue will also be given
a make-over, with fences
painted, kerbs replaced,
bushes cut back and
new tarmac put down.
Scotstoun sporting event is
a big hit with youngsters
Govan cards
make history
ORE than 700 sporty youngsters
kept the buzz of Glasgow 2014
alive by taking part in the Mini
Commonwealth Games.
The event, organised by GHA and A&M
Training, saw pupils take part in a range of
events including judo, basketball, hockey,
rugby and table tennis at Scotstoun Leisure
Centre. The youngsters were joined by
Scottish Commonwealth silver medallist
James Millar for some judo coaching.
Around 740 pupils took part in the Games,
which were funded by GHA’s North West
Area Committee. The overall prize was won
by Scotstoun Primary.
Kate Willis, Chair of GHA’s North West
Area Committee, said: “The Mini
Commonwealth Games was a great way
of encouraging youngsters to take part in
sport – and a way of helping us create a
THE South Area
Committee is celebrating
the history of Govan.
GHA is creating a set
of top trumps cards
featuring well-known
characters from the
area, as well as a Govan
digital treasure hunt
for young people to get
involved in. The cards will
be distributed to youth
clubs and schools in the
area to help youngsters
learn about the heritage
of Govan.
M
lasting legacy from Glasgow 2014.
“I was really impressed with the
enthusiasm of the children. They were
a credit to their schools.”
A&M Training runs football and dance
coaching in GHA communities across
Glasgow.
The event at Scotstoun follows the FARE
Mini Commonwealth Games for east end
schoolkids held at the Emirates Arena earlier
this year.
Acre Drive
games court
YOUNGSTERS in
Summerston will benefit
from a new multipurpose games court,
thanks to the North West
Area Committee.
The committee agreed
to spend £40,000 on
the new play area at
Acre Drive.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
6 News
Tributes as John steps
down from GHA Board
GHA Board
member John
Grant has
retired.
John, 58,
from Mosspark,
is stepping
down for health
reasons.
He’s retired
from the GHA
Board as well as his role
as chair of the North West
Area Committee.
John was appointed to
the GHA Board in 2008.
He was also a regular
contributor of photographs
to the Key magazine.
John said: “The changes
made to housing in
Glasgow over the past
10 years are
absolutely
phenomenal.
“GHA has
made a great
difference to
the city and I’m
proud to have
been part of
that.”
GHA Chair
Gordon Sloan said: “I’d
like to thank John for the
contribution he has made
to GHA and to Glasgow
as a whole.”
John has also retired
from the board of
Wheatley Group, GHA’s
parent company, and of
Lowther Homes, GHA’s
sister organisation.
Home is so im
why I never
If you are struggling to pay, we can
help – but you need to talk to us
PAID UP: Louise Tchapchet with kids Idris and Bernice
Universal credit:
ANOTHER big
change to the
benefits system
is coming.
Universal credit
will see everyone
who’s of working
age and on benefit
receive one payment every
month paid in arrears directly
into their bank account.
People need to claim
online, so they’ll need access
to the internet, as well as a
bank account.
The new system will be
introduced in some parts of
the UK for new claimants
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
who are single
jobseekers from
February 2015.
You need to
make sure you’re
ready. Several
benefits will be rolled
into a single payment.
They are: housing benefit,
jobseekers’ allowance,
employment support
allowance, income support,
child benefit, working tax
credit and child tax credit.
Universal credit is paid in
arrears. That means it will
be several weeks after you
make your claim that you’ll
News 7
mportant, that’s
miss my rent
C
HRISTMAS is expensive - but it’s
vital you keep up with your rent.
It’s important you don’t lose
your home. If you’re having problems
paying your rent, we can help you
reduce any arrears and stay on top of
your payments.
GHA tenant Louise Tchapchet, 46,
always plans ahead.
Louise, from Drygate, said: “It’s hard,
but I’ve never missed my rent.
“My home is so important and I
respect it very much.
“Home is where I have my
comforts with my family, so
that’s why I make sure my
rent is taken care of.
“I always plan well in
advance.”
Tenant Barbara Maxwell,
88, from Cardonald, pictured,
said: “Christmas is expensive
but you have to pay your rent.
Your rent is the main thing.
“Once your rent is paid, you can
shut your door and not worry about
anything.”
GHA can help. Our money advisors
can help you manage your debts,
and our welfare benefits advisors
will help you claim everything you’re
due – and help challenge any unfair
sanctions. Our fuel advisors can help
you cut your energy bills.
GHA’s Andy Ashcroft said: “It’s really
important at any time of year to keep
up with your rent.
“If you don’t, you could lose your
home – and no one wants that
to happen.
“If you are having
difficulties, please get in
touch.”
i
To make an appointment
with any of our advisors,
talk to your housing officer or
phone us on 0800 479 7979.
it’s time to get ready
receive your lump sum.
People will also need to
budget in a completely
new way.
At the moment,
housing benefit is paid
directly to GHA to cover
your rent. Under universal
credit, tenants on benefit
will have to pay their rent
themselves out of the
lump sum they get
every month.
And then
they’ll have
to budget for
their other bills
so they have
enough to live on.
GHA Area Director Andy
Ashcroft, pictured left,
said: “Universal credit is a
really important change.
“People need a bank
account. They’ll also need
to budget differently,
and have access to the
internet. Remember GHA
can help you get ready.
Come and talk to us.”
We told you
in the last
issue about
a new ‘jam
jar’
bank account we’re
planning. We’ll keep you
updated.
Our Click & Connect
centres all over Glasgow
can help you get online.
Your housing officer can
give you more details.
Remember, we’re here
to help.
i
Talk to your
housing officer or
phone 0800 479 7979.
If you’re calling from
a mobile, it may be
cheaper to phone
0141 274 7979.
Nine easy ways
to pay your rent
1. ONLINE: Visit www.gha.org.uk
and follow the instructions on our
easy and fast rent payment website.
You can also pay your rent by visiting
www.facebook.com/glasgowhousing
2. BY TELEPHONE: Call 0800 479
7979, or 0141 274 7979, to pay by
debit or credit card. We have two
options when you call. You can either
choose to pay by automated (often
called touch tone) payments or by
talking to an advisor.
3. IN PERSON: Drop into our groundfloor shop at 173 Trongate and pay
by cash, cheque or with your credit
or debit card using our chip and
pin facilities.
4. DIRECT DEBIT: By choosing our
Direct Debit option, you can set up
a bank instruction to pay your rent
weekly, fortnightly, four-weekly
or monthly.
5. BY STANDING ORDER: Remember,
you will need to change the Standing
Order amount if your payment
amount changes.
6. POST OFFICE: Pay at the post
office with a GHA rent payment card.
7. BY PAY POINT: At any shop that
displays the PayPoint sign.
8. BY POST: Send a cheque or
postal order to: GHA, 173 Trongate,
Glasgow G1 5HF.
9. HOUSING BENEFIT: If you receive
full housing benefit, your rent is
paid by Glasgow City Council. If you
receive partial housing benefit, you
are responsible for paying the rest.
Make sure you are not missing out
on benefits you are entitled to by
going to www.glasgow.gov.uk/en/
onlineservices/benefitcalculator or
calling 0800 597 3777.
i
Want more information?
Call us on Freephone 0800
479 7979, go to www.gha.org.uk or
drop in and see us at 173 Trongate.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
8 News
GHA tenant Stephen Baillie, 33, from Drumchapel,
talks about the impact of being made redundant
Security of a job
changes your life
I WAS made redundant
from my job in a carpet
warehouse three years ago.
It came out of the blue
and was a real shock.
I was in tears. I had given
a lot to that job and I felt
let down, big time.
I’ve always been a willing
worker. Even when I was at
school I had a paper round
and worked at weekends.
It was very hard
financially. I had to pay
rent, put food on the table.
I have two kids under
five and my biggest fear
after I lost my job was that
I wouldn’t be able to feed
them or buy them clothes.
It’s a father’s job to
provide for his kids, to bring
in money for the house.
You’re less of a man if
you can’t take care of your
children. I felt as if I was
letting them down. I didn’t
like taking them to the
shops because I had to
keep saying ‘no’.
I was hanging around
the house all day, too, and
arguing constantly with my
partner, Michelle. We were
seeing each other day in
day out, and it affected my
kids, too.
Eventually I got a start
with the community
janitors and now I’m
moving into full-time work
with Loretto, GHA’s sister
organisation.
Work gives you a goal in
life, which is important.
Getting a job has
changed my life and my
family’s life. Now I’m
working, I get on a lot
better with Michelle and my
kids are much happier, too.
It means I can take my
kids on holiday, get my
driving licence – which
I’ve always wanted – even
buy a car.
Now my daughter gets
her pocket money.
It makes a difference
when you’re out of the
house all day – I really look
forward to seeing the kids
and hearing what they’ve
been up to when I come
back from work. There’s so
much more to talk about
than when you’re stuck
indoors all day every day.
The security of having a
full-time job is important.
Now I can plan for the
future.
i
For details of the
community janitors,
talk to your housing
officer.
Contact Jobs &
Business Glasgow
on 274 3333.
Visit us at
facebook.com/
glasgowhousing
for other job
opportunities.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
Kids’ kit joy
Badminton club wins £250 for racquets
C
OMMONWEALTH
badminton medallist
Kirsty Gilmour hopes
youngsters follow in her
footsteps after they were
gifted sports equipment.
Kirsty, who won silver at
the summer Games, met the
next generation of players
when she presented a £250
voucher to Beacon Warriors
Badminton Club in Cranhill.
The competition, run by
GHA’s parent company
Wheatley Group and Glasgowbased cloud computing
company iomart, provides
sports clubs with vouchers
to buy equipment or kits.
Beacon Warriors was the
first of 18 winners to be
announced.
Youngsters previously had
to take turns to train as the
club did not have enough
equipment.
Kirsty, 21, said: “Competitions
such as this allow clubs to buy
equipment and help more
youngsters take up sport.
“Hopefully young people
from these clubs will
compete for medals at future
Commonwealth Games.”
GHA Chair Gordon Sloan
said: “We’re delighted
suppliers, such as iomart, are
working with us to make a
real difference to sports clubs.”
The competition is part
of Wheatley Pledge, a £1.5
million scheme encouraging
contractors and suppliers to
do more to help our tenants.
News 9
Furniture boost
helps us build a
lasting legacy
for our tenants
CHANGING
ROOMS:
Barry
Haetzman
with Council
Leader
Gordon
Matheson
and GHA
Chair
Gordon
Sloan
F
URNITURE from the
Athletes’ Village at the
Commonwealth Games
is helping change lives for
people across Glasgow.
Thousands of items of
furniture used by athletes
at this summer’s event
have already been
redistributed to tenants
who need help to furnish
their home.
GHA tenant Barry
Haetzman from Shettleston
was one of the first to benefit.
He received beds, bedside
cabinets, wardrobes and
sofas which allowed him to
furnish his spare room for his
children to stay at weekends.
GHA Chair Gordon Sloan
and Councillor Gordon
Matheson, Leader of
Glasgow City Council, joined
Barry at his flat to see the
difference it has made.
Barry said: “The furniture
has really helped me,
especially for when the kids
come to visit. I’m happy if
the kids are happy.
“It would have been
very hard to furnish the flat
The Games just
keep on giving
without this help.
You have to budget
for electricity, gas and
food. It all adds up.
“There are
people out there
who don’t have
anything at all.
“This furniture will really
help them out.”
GHA Chair Gordon Sloan
said: “This scheme will make
a big difference to vulnerable
tenants, families and also
to wider community
projects in the city so
thousands of people
can benefit from
the legacy of the
Commonwealth
Games.”
Councillor Leader
Gordon Matheson added:
“This is another fantastic
example of the social legacy
that the Games have brought
to Glasgow, with many
people and organisations
across and near the city
benefiting.
“I wish to congratulate all
those involved in this inspired
project.”
The furniture was donated
to GHA by the Glasgow 2014
Organising Committee and
RGS Ltd, the Official Furniture
Provider for the Games.
Around 2,500 return trips,
involving 197 staff, were
needed to remove all of the
furniture from the village.
Sky’s the limit
In the pink
YOUNGSTERS from Finnart FC in
Bridgeton pinned their colours to
the mast. The under-11s team
received cash from our East End
Community Homes office – and
decided to buy pink strips to
publicise breast cancer charities.
A DAREDEVIL tenant in her 70s is
travelling to the other side of the world to
skydive for charity.
Liz Magill, 71, from Drygate, is travelling
to South Africa to do the skydive to
celebrate her daughter Lynn’s 40th
birthday.
Intrepid Liz, who used to live in South
Africa and whose children still live there,
is raising money for charity Cash for Kids
at the same time.
Liz, a retired shop manager, said:
“I’m excited and apprehensive. It’s not
something you do every day.
“It wasn’t on my to-do list, let’s put it
that way. But I thought – if I’m going to
HIGH LIFE: Liz is skydiving for charity
do something stupid at my age, then I
might as well do it for charity.
“I’m not even asking how high it is.
I don’t want to know.
“I’m not a daredevil – more like a mug!”
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
10 News
Much more than
bricks and mortar
GHA services are benefiting tenants
R
EMEMBER, GHA is
about lots more than
bricks and mortar.
There are lots of services
available to tenants,
from help around the
home to help finding work
and training.
Here’s a round-up of
what’s available.
OLDER TENANTS
The Handyperson Service
helps over-60s and
disabled tenants with odd
jobs round the home, such
as plumbing in washing
machines. Phone 0800
111 4404.
Older tenants can also
attend free fitness and arts
‘Revitalise’ classes.
YOUR HOME
Home Comforts provides
recycled furniture to help
tenants set up home.
Fuel advisors can advise
on cutting energy bills.
And our low-cost home
contents insurance can give
you peace of mind in case
the worst happens.
MONEY AND BENEFITS
Our 24/7 welfare benefits
helpline gives advice and
information on benefits.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
Phone 0800 597 3777
or 0141 444 0110.
Our welfare benefits
advisors can make sure
you’re claiming all the
benefits you’re due and
money advisors can
help you budget and
manage debt.
GETTING ONLINE
Our Click & Connect centres
can help you get advice
on using computers and
getting online for free. Visit
www.gha.org.uk/getonline
JOBS AND TRAINING
The community janitors
give the long-term
unemployed experience
working alongside our
environmental teams.
Our modern
apprenticeships give young
people a career start.
There are also
opportunities through the
Wheatley Pledge, which
encourages our contractors
to do more for our tenants.
Visit www.facebook.com/
glasgowhousing for other
job opportunities
i
For any of these
services, talk to
your housing officer.
News 11
Have your
say on rent
HAVING THEIR SAY:
GHA Board member
Iwona Majzuk with
Elizabeth Bashir and
some younger tenants
It’s good to talk
Engagement event helps people influence GHA decisions
T
ENANTS turned out
in force to make their
voices heard.
An event at Wheatley
House last month saw
tenants come together to
discuss how best to influence
decisions made by GHA.
They took part in a series
of interactive sessions and
workshops which looked
at how GHA can increase
opportunities for tenants.
Wheatley Chief Executive
Martin Armstrong also joined
in a feedback session to hear
what people were saying.
GHA money advisors, and
staff from our Home Comforts
and Eat Well projects, were
also on hand to give advice.
Maureen Dowden, GHA’s
Community Governance and
Compliance Leader, said:
“Tenants are at the heart
of everything we do and it’s
vital that they influence the
decisions we make.
“The event was aimed
at getting people involved and
keeping tenants informed
about services and their part
in decision-making.”
Meanwhile, GHA’s Polish
Forum met last month to
discuss repairs and contract
management. Alex McGuire,
Director of Property with GHA’s
parent company Wheatley
Group, was also on hand to
answer questions.
The next Polish Forum is
early next year.
i
To find out more
about how you can
get involved, phone Linda
Hunter on 274 6612. For
details on the Polish Forum,
email marta.rudnikowska@
gha.org.uk
Dunedin Canmore to join Wheatley Group
Wheatley Group – GHA’s
parent company – is set to
welcome a new partner.
Dunedin Canmore,
which provides housing,
regeneration, property
management and related
services to customers in
Edinburgh, the Lothians
and Fife, is expected to join
Wheatley next year, subject
to final approvals, including
from the Scottish Housing
Regulator.
Wheatley Group Chair
Alastair Dempster said:
“Dunedin Canmore is one of
Scotland’s most respected
social landlords and we look
forward to welcoming them
into the Group.”
WE would like to hear
your views on our
proposals for next
year’s rents.
We aim to keep our
rents as affordable
as we can while still
improving our homes
and communities and
delivering services you
have told us you want.
Remember, this is a
consultation so we want
to hear your views.
Every GHA household
will have received a
leaflet about the
proposals and a feedback
form in the post.
The closing date to
tell us what you think is
24 December 2014.
Make sure you have
your say.
Affordable
insurance
GHA tenants can benefit
from low-cost home
contents insurance.
You can now get
cover from as little as
£2.32 every four weeks
(for £8,000 of standard
cover) – and from just
£1.44 every four weeks
if you’re aged 60 or over
(for £5,000 of standard
cover) – for household
belongings, including
furniture and ornaments.
Insurance helps protect
you from the expense
of replacing items lost
during fire, flood or theft.
That gives you peace
of mind in case the worst
happens.
i
For details, call
0800 479 7979. If
you’re using a mobile it
may be cheaper to dial
0141 274 7979.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
12 News
On target for success
GHA aims to deliver excellent
services – and we set targets
to measure how we’re doing.
The Scottish Housing
Regulator expects all social
landlords, including GHA, to
perform well and monitors
what we do. Here are our
latest performance figures:
■■ Percentage of tenants
satisfied with the overall
service provided by GHA
– 91% in our last survey
■■ Reactive repairs
completed right first time
– 95.26% (target 90%)
■■ Average time to let
homes – 13.64 days
(target 15 days)
■■ Gross rent arrears
– 4.69% (target 4.5%)
■■ Value of sitting tenant
arrears – £3.57 million.
We’ll keep you updated
on our performance figures
in future isues of the Key.
KEYinfo
SINCE 2003, GHA HAS DELIVERED:
43,763 CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS
14,510 NEW WINDOWS
47,272 NEW KITCHENS
46,973 NEW BATHROOMS
WE HAVE ALSO:
OVERCLAD 40,098 HOMES, REROOFED 38,194
AND REWIRED ANOTHER 44,142 HOMES
YOUR
LETTER
Dear the Key
I would like to thank Jim
McGinley for his story on
mental health in the last Key.
If I lived in Scotstoun, I would
personally shake his hand. I
suffer from depression and
have asked for help. It’s
very difficult. Maybe GHA
would consider setting up
a small group?
A tenant in need, Cardonald
Dear the Key
As a mentally ill out-patient,
I can relate to Jim McGinley’s
column in the last Key. I suffer
from chronic schizophrenia.
The answer for outpatients
like me is occupational
therapy. I agree that doctors,
social workers and care
workers along with housing
and voluntary organisations
must be more integrated.
People in community care
need encouragement and
security. Many people are
ignorant of the mentally ill,
which causes stigma.
Tenant, Mosspark
Thanks to everyone
who wrote in about the
column from Jim, below.
Remember, if you have a
story, email thekey@gha.
org.uk
Dear the Key
The bins in our back court
are a disgrace, with tenants
putting the wrong things in
recycling bins and carpets and
furniture being dumped. They
also smell terrible. Can you
put a notice up in the close?
Mary Codona, Brockburn
Road
Thanks for letting
us know, Mary.
We’ve sent
all tenants a
letter and put
up notices.
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
Dear the Key
I have a large tree in my
garden. When it’s windy the
leaves blow everywhere,
including on to my neighbours’
path. They are pensioners
and I’m worried they’ll slip.
Can you give it a trim?
Mrs McKinlay, Ashgill Road
Our arborists will get
to you when they can.
Dear the Key
I live at Strowan Street in
Sandyhills. The buildings are
well looked after, and the
concierges are great, but
some of them let in people
who don’t live here. Apart from
that, it’s a great place to live.
Tenant, Strowan Street
We take tenants’ security
very seriously and our
concierges don’t let
anyone they don’t know
into the block. If you have
concerns, talk to your
housing officer.
Dear the Key
It took three years of
complaining for the hedge
in my back garden to be cut
last year. I’ve also requested
that the trees be cut back
because they are a nightmare
– the roots cause drainage
problems and the birds and
squirrels in the trees are
ripping the bins to shreds. It
is a complete eyesore, not to
mention dangerous.
Emma Doherty, Cloan Avenue
Our arborists will cut
back the trees
at the front and
back of your
garden, Emma.
Dear the Key
My daughter
attends uni and
got a bursary
News 13
ERS
Send your letters to us at:
the Key magazine, FREEPOST
RTJU-TRRA-GHKA, Wheatley
Group, Wheatley House,
25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow
G1 1HL or thekey@gha.org.uk
If you want your letter to be
printed, please include your
name and address.
Letters may be edited and we
can’t print all we receive.
St George’s
telly stars
YOUNGSTERS at St
George’s Primary in
Penilee are celebrating
a new TV gifted by our
South West local office.
The school will use
the TV to screen video
shoots of the pupils doing
presentations and short
dramas they’ve written.
The youngsters were so
grateful they even wrote
a poem thanking GHA.
Pictured are Housing
Officers Rosie Duffy
and Tricia Moore with
pupils Taylor Tomlinson,
Aodhan Flannery, Ellis
Pollok and Haillie Rhodie.
STAR PHOTO
THE winner of this issue’s
star photo competition
is Myo Myint, from
Knightswood.
Myo took this colourful
photo of the sunset from
his flat in Kirkton Avenue.
He wins £10 worth of
shopping vouchers.
Have you taken a picture
of your street, your house,
the view from your window
or a view of Glasgow?
If so, why not send it in
from GHA last year, which
was much appreciated.
I believe the criteria has
changed and young people
now have to volunteer. Just
getting through uni is hard
enough but my daughter is
also a carer and is struggling
to find time. Can you treat
grant requests on an
individual basis?
Tracy Young, Dornal Avenue
We introduced volunteering
after people who received
bursaries suggested they
give something back. We
always consider personal
circumstances, so your
daughter will still receive
the bursary. Glasgow Gold
education grants could also
be available.
Dear the Key
Could we get the ‘No Dog
Fouling’ sign moved from
the top to the bottom of the
steps at the Cathcart Road
entrance to our block? Dogs
are fouling the grass and
owners don’t pick up. At the
moment they could say they
don’t see the sign.
Tenants, 15 Cathkinview Place
The sign is on council land.
We’ve spoken to their dog
wardens. People can walk
dogs on open spaces and, as
with anywhere in the city,
must pick up any mess their
dogs make. If you see dog
fouling, call 0800 027 7027.
Dear the Key
Can you help with overgrown
to the Key’s star photo and
we’ll print the best one.
i
Email your photos to
thekey@gha.org.uk
Good luck – happy snapping!
trees blocking the pathway
outside my back garden
gate? Someone came out
and took pictures and we’ve
heard nothing since. I don’t
want my shed roof ruined.
Richard Thomson, Victory Way
You’re on our arborists’ list
and they’ll get to you as
soon as they can.
Dear the Key
Can you help me have my
grass and hedges cut as my
dad has health issues and I
have bad legs.
Marie McKinlay, Hallhill Road
We’ve cut back the tree
and given you a form to fill
in to get on the council’s
garden maintenance
programme.
Ashley in
model bid
A CRAIGEND
tenant made
the finals of
a modelling
contest.
Ashley Wilkie, 24, was
selected as a finalist
for the Miss Elegance
Glasgow competition last
month – with the chance
of winning a modelling
contract. Full-time mum
Ashley, 24, said: “I’ve
never modelled before
and I’m excited.”
Meeting
CRANHILL Community
Council meets on the
fourth Wednesday of
the month at the Cranhill
Community Centre, 200
Bellrock Street, at 6.30pm.
Email: walker641216@
yahoo.co.uk
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
14 News
Glasgow Gold
Grants lifeline
WIN AN iPAD 2
Tenant reward scheme
is proving a real boost
PEOPLE all over the city are feeling the benefit
of Glasgow Gold.
GHA’s tenant reward scheme provides
a little extra help for community groups,
students and small businesses.
It’s an important way of rewarding tenants
who are up to date with their rent – and of
increasing opportunities for tenants.
Youngsters from the east end had a
wild time at a farm recently, thanks to a
Community Chest grant.
Kids who attend the Connect 2 out of school
care services enjoyed a day trip to the Heads
of Ayr Farm Park over the summer, thanks to a
grant from Glasgow Gold.
Connect 2’s Linda Liddell said: “The children
really enjoyed the trip as many of them don’t
get days out.”
Here are some of the other community
groups which have recently been given a
helping hand:
n Greater Knightswood Elderly Forum received
£450 for their summer away day to Perth
n The 10th Glasgow Scout Troop, based in
Provanmill, received a grant to help with their
programme of summer activities, including a
trip to This Dynamic Earth in Edinburgh
n Kingsway Court Health and Wellbeing
Centre received a grant to build a brick
barbeque for the benefit of local residents who
attend the community garden
n The South West Kinship Carers’ Group
WE have another iPad 2 to
give away in our
competition for Glasgow
Gold members. To win one
of the amazing tablet
computers, just answer
this simple question:
Youngsters from which
out of school care service
recently enjoyed a trip to
Heads of Ayr Farm Park:
BUSINESS BOOST: Simon Crawley, top,
and Michelle Stevenson, above, received
Glasgow Gold business start-up grants
received £500 for a trip to the panto.
GHA Chair Gordon Sloan said: “Glasgow Gold
is an important way for us to help tenants lead
better lives.
“It means we can help grassroots
community groups, provide a little support
to hard-up students and help people starting
their own business to realise their ambitions.
“It’s another way we’re increasing
opportunities for our tenants.”
Sign up for a range of fantastic benefits
IF you are a GHA tenant
whose rent is fully paid up –
or who is on a repayment
plan – you can join Glasgow
Gold and receive a range
of benefits, including the
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
chance to apply for:
n Community Chest grants
of up to £500
n Education grants of £250
n Business Start-up grants
of up to £1,000.
i
For details on
Glasgow Gold,
phone 274 6744, email
glasgow.gold@gha.org.uk
or speak to your housing
officer.
A) Connect 2
B) Connect 3
C) Connect 4
i
Send your answers
to the Key
magazine, FREEPOST
RTJU-TRRA-GHKA,
Wheatley Group,
Wheatley House,
25 Cochrane Street,
Glasgow G1 1HL by
12 January 2015. Please
include your full name,
address and contact
number. Terms and
conditions can be found
at www.gha.org.uk
Remember, only one
entry per household.
Marjory Stewart, of
Blairdardie, correctly
answered the iPad2
competition in the last
issue of the Key.
Leeanne’s Fabulous
Faces received a grant.
News 15
WHAT’S iN
SUDOKU
ABC, MUSIC AND ME
St Francis Centre, 405
Cumberland Street, G5 0SE.
22 December, noon-1pm.
Free. Activities for kids aged
2-5, including music and
dance.
For more info,
call 429 0275.
Fill in this Sudoku and send it to
us for a chance to win a great
prize – a £50 gift voucher.
Send your answers to:
KEY SUDOKU, the Key
magazine, FREEPOST
RTJU-TRRA-GHKA, Wheatley
Group, Wheatley House,
25 Cochrane Street, Glasgow
G1 1HL by 12 January 2015.
i
MOTHERS’ SPACE
Merry-Go-Round, 32-34
Nithsdale Road, G41 2AN.
18 December. 2.30pm. Free.
A friendly support group
for mothers.
For more info,
call 423 2299.
LAST ISSUE’S SUDOKU
i
SING OUT
CHILDREN’S CHOIR
Name: Telephone number:
The winner of the Sudoku
competition in the last issue of
the Key was Jacquie Bell of
Coxton Place. Jacquie wins £50
worth of shopping vouchers.
Address:
St Margaret’s Scottish
Episcopal Church.
353-355 Kilmarnock
Road, G43 2DS.
23 December.
3.30pm-5pm. Free.
A new choir for kids in
P4-7 who want to get into
singing and musical fun.
For more info,
call 636 1131.
i
WEANS IN THE
WILD PANTO
Castlemilk Community Centre
121 Castlemilk Drive,
G45 9UG. 19 December,
7-8pm. £3 (£2).
A Glasgow panto for
all the family.
For more info,
call 634 2233.
i
Find us on
facebook at
Facebook.com/
glasgowhousing
and Twitter
@glasgowhousing
Terms and conditions can be
found on the GHA website at
www.gha.org.uk/competitions
COMPLAINTS update
THE Scottish Housing
Regulator asks GHA to
report on complaints.
Across GHA during the
first two quarters of
2014/15, 745 complaints
were resolved. Of these,
395 (53%) were upheld and
654 (88%) were resolved
within the agreed timescale.
The most common
complaint related to
repairs and the most
common reason was
communication of
appointments.
We’ve highlighted this
to our contractors to
ensure appointments are
appropriately scheduled
and communicated.
We want to learn from
complaints so we can
respond to things we don’t
do so well.
We aim to resolve all
complaints within five
working days. You’ll know
the name of the member
of staff dealing with your
complaint, and they’ll
inform you of progress.
You can make a
complaint, comment
or compliment by:
■■ calling us on 0800
479 7979
■■ dropping in to one
of our local offices
■■ using our
complaints form
■■ writing to your
local office
■■ visiting our one-stop
shop at 173 Trongate
■■ emailing us at
complaints@gha.org.uk
theKEY www.gha.org.uk
theKEY www.gha.org.uk