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News and Views for Sheltered Housing residents ISSUE 4: Spring
2015
Sheltered Times
Visit MuseumWhat were you doing in 1965? That was the year when
the London Borough of Havering was formed by the merger of the
Urban District of Hornchurch with the Municipal borough of
Romford.You can step back in time from Wednesday 1 April until
Sunday 12 June 2015 when a display, including artefacts discovered
in Havering, will be on display at Havering Museum, in Romford High
Street.Film footage of Havering in April
1965 and stills will also be played continuously on the TV
monitor in the Museum Reception.Havering Museum is run entirely by
volunteers who do an excellent job researching and preparing the
displays and exhibitions.Why not gather a group of friends and use
your Freedom Pass to pay the Museum a visit? Opening times are on
the Museums website.More
information:www.havering.gov.uk/50yearswww.haveringmuseum.org.uk
The General Election is on Thursday 7 May and if you want to
vote in that election you must be on the electoral register. The
deadline to apply is Monday 20 April.
Voting by postVoting by post can be easier than going to the
polling station. You can apply for a postal vote online before the
deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 21 April. Postal votes will be sent out
by Tuesday 28 April and must be received at the Town Hall not later
than 10pm on Thursday 7 May.
Going away? If you are unable to vote in person, or will be away
from your registered address between 21 April and 7 May you can
apply for someone else to vote on your behalf (a proxy vote). The
deadline to apply is 5pm on Tuesday 28 April.If you have any
questions please email the elections team.
Celebrating anniversaries 2015 is a year of special
anniversaries, with many of them being celebrated at events across
Havering.
ANZAC DaySaturday 25 April sees a memorial service at St Andrews
Church, High Street, Hornchurch from 4pm to mark the 100th
anniversary of the landing at Gallipoli, of the Australian and New
Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). In January 1916 Grey Towers in
Hornchurch was the first depot for the New Zealand contingent.
VE DayA national two-minute silence at 3pm on Friday 8 May
starts a weekend of events to celebrate the 70th anniversary of VE
Day.On Saturday 9 May there will be a special VE concert, broadcast
live on the BBC, and on Sunday 10 May people are being encouraged
to hold picnics or street parties.
Reigning recordOn Wednesday 9 September HM Queen Elizabeth II
will become the longest reigning monarch, passing the record set by
Queen Victoria.
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/events
www.havering.gov.uk/WW1
More information: www.havering.gov.uk/elections
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Contact details
There are a number of ways you can get in touch with us.
Ideas for this magazineIf you have ideas for future articles
contact Chelsea Potts (pictured) by emailing
[email protected] or ring 01708 434668
Looking backIf you want to check out a previous issue of
Sheltered Times they are now on line at
www.havering.gov.uk/shelteredtimes.
Housing Services Customer Contact ServiceThe easiest way to
contact us is by using www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing The Contact
Service is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm on 01708 434000 or
Freephone 0800 151 3444.You can also use these numbers to make an
appointment to meet a member of staff at different locations across
Havering.
Out of hoursIf you have a problem outside normal office hours
that wont wait ring 01708 756699.
Anti-Social Behaviour Email: [email protected] problems
outside 9am to 5pm ring 01708 726685.
TextphoneThe Textphone number is 01708 433399.
EmailFor general enquiries [email protected] rent queries
[email protected] find out about the Decent Homes
programme [email protected] To get involved
[email protected]
Social MediaFollow us on: Twitter at @LBofHavering.Facebook log
in and in the search box type Get involved Havering Council tenants
and leaseholders
Visit the officeChippenham Road, Harold Hill RM3 8YQYou can find
us to the right of St Georges Church Centre at the top end of the
Hilldene Shopping Centre
Havering Councils Careline service is available to provide
support for people living alone and the figures below show its
performance during the last quarter of 2014.Response to emergency
calls90 per cent of emergency calls to response within 45
minutes
Careline Performance
and 100 per cent within one hour.The previous quarter Careline
achieved 99 per cent within 45 minutes and 100 per cent within 60
minutes and average response time was 24 minutes.New equipment90
per cent of urgent installations within two days and 100 per cent
within five days The previous quarter Careline achieved 98 per cent
within two days and 100 per cent within five days.
Repairs to equipment90 per cent of critical repairs within 48
hours and 100 per cent within 96 hoursThe previous quarter Careline
achieved 100 per cent within 48 and 96 hours.90 per cent of
non-critical within 10 days and 100 per cent within five daysThe
previous quarter Careline achieved 100 per cent within 10 and five
days.
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 3
A day in the life: Mary Dormer, Community Engagement OfficerIts
8am and Mary is in the housing offices at Chippenham Road clearing
the paperwork which follows on from the visits she made yesterday
and then at 9.30am its on the road for the first of her visits.Mary
said: I like to get the paperwork out of the way first thing as,
although its essential to make sure that accurate records of tenant
visits are kept, its the boring part of the job.It also means that
all the school run traffic has gone by the time I finish it and
start travelling round Havering doing the part of my job I like
best, visiting tenants.I do a lot of work with sheltered housing
residents so at the moment I am calling on tenants who are having
new kitchens and bathrooms fitted.
Mess and disruptionWe all know how much mess and disruption such
work can cause so I try to make sure thats kept to a minimum and
everything runs smoothly.As part of the Community Engagement Team
there are a lot of events we plan from the Residents Conference
every February through to family lounge lunches at individual
sheltered housing schemes.Although Im usually finished around
4.30pm there are often evening meetings with tenants who are not
around during the day, but thats all part of the job.Without doubt
its the people that make this job worth doing, there are so many
nice people and true characters that you meet; people with such
interesting life stories that make you think wow when you hear
them.
Everyone an individualEveryone is an individual with a story to
tell and its important they know they are valued and cared for. For
example, we have 85 tenants who live on their own so we visited
each of them to let them have a warm pack. Mary added: I live in
Hornchurch with my partner and have three children and two
grand-children, who all live in Havering so this is my
community
and its great to be able to help some of our older residents who
have helped make Havering the pleasant place it is
today.Ravenscourt Grove resident Olive Caunter said: Marys always
cheerful when she visits and takes time to listen to you, which is
important.
Olive Caunter chats with Mary
Facebook for housing newsHavering Councils Housing Services has
its own Facebook page, which is used to provide information,
including details of forthcoming events. You can also use the page
to share ideas and views with other tenants and leaseholders.The
computers in the communal lounges can be used to access this page
so do check it out and click Like today.More
information:www.facebook.com/haveringhousing
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Bright new orange bins are appearing in the refuse areas of
Havering Councils sheltered housing schemes as part of a campaign
to encourage residents to recycle more of their household
waste.Senior Estates Officer, Claire Lacey, said: In the past there
has just been one large bin where tenants left all their
rubbish, which meant there was no opportunity for them to
recycle.The bright new orange bins are easy to use and every sack
put in them is one less sack going to a landfill site.We will be
introducing the orange bins in more areas during the next year, and
hope as many residents as possible will use them as every item
recycled helps the environment.Resident, Gordon Kirkley, (pictured)
of Queens Street,
Romford, said: I mentioned to Claire that residents had to put
both orange and black sacks in the same bin as only one was
available.She quickly arranged for an orange recycling bin to be
available as well as the one for normal rubbish and residents are
certainly making use of it.I think people will recycle if its made
easy for them and these new orange bins are a big help.
Three words that sum up the vision of Haverings future, which
has been adopted by the Council.The vision has been developed by
listening to residents at recent public meetings and Meet the
Leader events as well as from comments made during the budget
consultation.The main parts of that vision are: We want Havering to
be clean and to look
after our environment for future generations.
We want you to be safe whether youre a pensioner walking through
the town after dark, or a young child growing up without the
security of a loving home.
And we want you to be proud to live in Havering where we respect
each other, value our traditions and work together to improve our
quality of life.
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/vision
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/recycling
New bins boost recycling
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 5
Keep in touch with the Council With computers now available in
communal lounges, sheltered housing residents can use email to keep
up to date with what Havering Council is doing.Regular updates are
produced on a wide range of topics from activities for the over 55s
to the Care Act; recycling to cycling; crime prevention to travel
hotspots and more topics are planned during 2015.Its easy to sign
up, all you need is an email address then go to the website below
and choose which updates interest you.
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates
Making the right connection
Tutor Hugh Henry works with Barbara Preston at Lombard House
Hugh Henry watches as residents of Holsworthy House, in Harold
Hill learn how to surf the internet.
Residents of sheltered schemes across the borough are making
world-wide connections thanks to the computers which are now
available in communal lounges of every scheme.The computers can be
used for emailing friends and relations or chatting with them on
Skype as well as for searching the web, doing internet banking or
shopping or just checking out whats available on Havering Councils
website.Computer tutor, Hugh Henry, has been visiting each of the
schemes to run training courses for residents. Hugh said: Its great
fun doing these training courses. Often people are a bit nervous at
first as they think that doing something wrong could cause major
problems when that really isnt the case.I enjoy watching the
residents on the courses gain in confidence and the realisation of
how many doors being able to use a computer opens, especially for
those who are not
as mobile as they used to be.John Clifford, of Lombard House,
said: Ive been doing the training with Hugh and he makes it easy to
understand and remember what you need to do.Im enjoying searching
the internet and have also learnt how to send emails which is
proving really useful.Brian Laws, of Solar Court, Harold Hill,
said: I use the computers a lot to listen to music on YouTube, its
better than whats on TV. I also play games on the computer and have
even toured the Andes without leaving home.
I think all old people should be using computers as they offer
so much.
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Got a door that is sticking?Do your smoke alarm batteries need
replacing?
Has your toilet seat fallen off?Is that tap still dripping?
Do you need somebody to do those little jobs around your
home?Our Handy Person Scheme is a free service to Havering tenants
to help people over 60, vulnerable or disabled residents who need
minor repairs and maintenance to their home. Our Handy Person
Scheme can carry out many repairs for you including: Door security
such as fitting extra locks,
security chains and spy holes on your front door
Putting together flat pack furniture Changing light bulbs Moving
small items of furniture Fixing a sticky doors or windows Fixing or
replacing doorbells
Fixing or replacing toilet seats Minor repairs to taps Securing
carpets Fixing curtain rails or blinds Hanging curtains Putting up
shelves, pictures or mirrors Fitting smoke alarms or changing
the batteries
HANDY PERSON SCHEME
How can you find out more or request a repair?For more
information or to ask for help from the Handy Person, call us on
01708 434087. Our administrators can discuss your needs and assess
whether our Handy Person can assist you.What the Handy Person
Scheme cannot do.The Handy Person scheme cannot carry out the
following works: Electrical or gas work Ladder work Major works
Decorating Gardening
Fencing Roofing Cosmetic jobs Emergency repairs Private
residents or leaseholders
Who can use this service? This service is open to all Havering
Council tenants who are: Elderly or frail Have a physical
disability
Have a learning disability Have a mental health problem
Meet our Handyman Paul Call 01708 434087 or 0800 1513444 to
arrange for one of our Handymen to visit your home
Perhaps we can help?
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 7
Decent Homes update
Investing in the futureHavering Council has agreed a programme
of investment in sheltered housing schemes as part of its budget
for 2015/16.That includes spending 13,000 towards the
cost of providing broadband in the sheltered housing schemes
where ICT suites have been installed.Through the broadband and
computers residents will be able to shop online, contact relatives
through Skype and carry out other functions via the internet. This
service is currently being used by one in five of the residents in
Sheltered Housing, and it is hoped that this will be extended
through training and support during the next year. Large screens
are also being installed so that film clubs can be formed. The
budget also allows the funding of TV licences for sheltered
schemes.Jamie Curtis gives an update on Decent Homes
Havering Councils Decent Homes programme is continuing as
Capital Projects Surveyor. Jamie Curtis reported to the recent
SHOUT Forum.Jamie said: We are now currently on site completing
kitchen and bathroom renewals to Ravenscourt Grove, Beehive Court
and Holsworthy House. All works are progressing well with a high
level of satisfaction already from the quality of the work being
completed. Next on the list for bathroom and kitchen refurbishments
are Cottons Court, Fambridge Court, Lombard House and Queen
Street.Surveys are currently underway at the remaining schemes,
where work still has to be done, with consultation meetings booked
giving residents an opportunity to meet with members of the project
team to find out how work will be done.Park Lane sheltered scheme
is currently having external refurbishment works completed which
consists of the renewal of the fascia, soffits, guttering and
downpipes, insulation and new cladding, all previously painted
surfaces decorated and all communal windows replaced
with new PVCu double glazed windows.Plans are currently underway
to also complete an external refurbishment project for the Neave
Crescent block.
Door entryThe new door entry systems should be completed by 30
April making all the schemes more secure, while making it easier
for residents to get in and out by using their special key on the
yellow box at each entrance.
Frances Rowntree in her new kitchen at Solar Court
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Spotlight on Garrick House
TOWIE star, Danielle Armstrong, has given her seal of approval
on new facilities at Garrick House, in Hornchurch, when she
officially opened them at a party with residents. Danielle, who
regularly visits her aunt, Garrick House resident Renee Everitt,
said: My aunt has lived here for years so I can see what a
difference these improvements have made.Throughout the work
residents stuck together and didnt complain so its good to
celebrate the end of the work, which is a big improvement for
residents.
The 170,000 programme included new kitchens and walk-in showers
in residents flats along with improvements to the communal areas,
creation of a new library and quiet seating areas on each
floor.Renee, who has lived at Garrick House for 18 years, said: In
58 years of married life I've never had a fitted kitchen before and
its great; the walk-in showers are brilliant too as theyre so easy
to use.The standard of work has been really good and I was pleased
when my niece, Danielle, agreed to come to the party
celebrating the end of the work as that made it even more
special for us all.
Renee Everitt shows her niece Danielle Armstong and Susan Moore
the new library area
Cheers to great improvements Danielle Armstrong and residents
celebrate the opening of the new facilities
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 9
Line dancing is popular at Garrick House
Cabinet Member for Housing and Deputy Leader, Councillor Damian
White, cuts the ribbon to officially open the new facilities.The
Garrick House stompers Logo
While the new facilities are a boost for residents, the
community spirit has been going strong for many years.
Garrick StompersRenee explained: We used to have Tai Chi classes
which a lot of people joined in but they got a bit expensive;
someone suggested line dancing and weve been doing that on Tuesday
afternoons for more than five years now.It keeps us fit and active
and we have people coming from as far away as Collier Row to join
in as its great fun too.Harold Wood based dance teacher, Jan, leads
the line
dancing and said: The Garrick Stompers are a great crowd; I
enjoy the sessions as much as they do.SHOUT Forum representative
for Garrick House, Malcolm Hales, said: We try to have something
every day for residents to take part in if they want to.Theres
bingo on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; coffee afternoons on
Thursdays as well as darts, pool and ring-board in the communal
lounge.
Once a month, usually on the last Friday, we also have a fish
and chip supper which goes down well and when we can afford it we
have a singer for that event too.Ive been the SHOUT Forum rep for
about two years, working with the other rep, Susan Moore, and
really enjoy the job. Putting forward the suggestions of other
residents and then seeing those ideas turned into action is very
rewarding.
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SHOUT for YOUR representativeEach sheltered housing scheme can
have up to two representatives attend the SHOUT (Sheltered Housing
Users Team) forum. If you have a question or issue you wish them to
raise please contact your representative.The current
representatives are:29 Bards Court Ann Ruddiman29 Bards Court David
Ruddiman 40 Beehive Court Jeff Haimov47 Beehive Court Joyce Rafis
15 Brunswick Court Ann Christian45 Brunswick Court Paul Clark9
Cockabourne Court Brian Morland58 Charlbury Court Barbara Hughes94
Charlbury Court Rosie George 9 Cockabourne Court Brian Morland22
Cockabourne Court Kenneth Turrell3 Cole Court Beryl Lodge10 Cole
Court Doreen Richardson 80 Delderfield House Maureen Millbank 82
Delderfield House Shirley Fletcher7 Dell Court Maureen Marsh14 Dell
Court Maureen Piller 11 Fambridge Court Bert Morley18 Fambridge
Court Jean Freeman7 Garrick House Malcolm Hales29 Garrick House
Susan Moore
35 Holsworthy House Stan Tackley29 Maygreen Crescent Sue
Hutton75 Neave Crescent Bill Brace 166 Park Lane Lil Hudson35
Poplar Street Pamela Skipworth41 Poplar Street Daphne Clifford41
Poplar Street John Clifford 14 Queen Street Ted Jones56 Queen
Street Gordon Kirkley135 Ravenscourt Grove Lesley Duke109
Ravenscourt Grove Jean Garbett34 Royal Jubilee Court Thomas Walsh39
Royal Jubilee Court Gladys Collier13 Solar Court Frances Rowntree3
Sunrise Court Brian Laws6 Thomas Sims Court Peter Cox11 Thomas Sims
Court Mike Droy28 Thomas Sims Court Jean Ingram5 William Tansley
Smith House Lucy Proctor11 William Tansley Smith House Adrienne
Bell
Darren Bindloss, from the Havering Council team responsible for
implementing the reforms, said: The new legislation brings about
huge changes to how adult social care is both provided and paid
for. The national changes are designed to help people plan for the
future and put residents more in control of the help they
receive.The changes this year will include:1 A new style of needs
assessment which
will focus on an individual well-being
including emotional and physical needs. The aim is to identify
what support each individual needs to help them in their everyday
life.
2 Support for carers to put them on the same footing as the
people they care for. Many carers are friends or family rather than
professional carers and the changes are designed to meet individual
needs and help people carry on caring.
3 A deferred payment scheme which means people will not be
forced to sell
their home to pay for care during their lifetime. In Havering
people have been able to take advantage of this scheme for some
time but this will now be available nationally.
More changes to the way people pay for care and support will be
introduced from April 2016. Subject to consultation, this will
include a lifetime care cap set at 72,000 to protect people with
the highest needs from facing unlimited costs and financial support
for people with
Briefing on Care Act changes for April SHOUT Forum
representatives had a special briefing on changes to care and
support that will start happening from April 2015.
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 11
Heard at the SHOUT Forum
Chelsea Potts, from the Community Engagement team, briefs the
SHOUT Forum on the Family Forum project
Representatives from the 19 sheltered housing schemes met at
Hacton Lane Community Hall in January and here is a round-up of
some of the items discussed. For more detailed information have a
chat with your representative. The SHOUT Forum Annual
General Meeting will take place from 10am on Tuesday 28 April at
Hacton Lane Community Hall. The committee will be elected and the
constitution agreed.
All future SHOUT Forum meetings will be held at Hacton Lane
Community Hall, Hornchurch, following the refurbishment of that
facility.
Family forums is a new
network that the Community Engagement team is trying to set up.
The aim of this is to form a group of family members of residents
living at sheltered housing and meeting on a quarterly basis to
discuss various topics to do with sheltered housing, for example;
decent homes work, activities in sheltered housing, volunteer
opportunities at activities for family members, suggestions and
ideas etc. We will be starting this project with a meeting at every
scheme. Once these are finished and we have a database of
interested family members, quarterly meetings will start
from March. Every SHOUT Forum meeting
in future will receive a report on the Careline service so
residents know how it is performing and raise any issues or
concerns.
The Mobile Support Review is progressing well with all the new
scheme managers due to be in place by Wednesday 1 April 2015.
The provisional dates for SHOUT Forum meetings are:- Tuesday 28
April- Tuesday 28 July- Tuesday 27 October
These meetings are for SHOUT Forum representatives and by
invitation only.
their home to pay for care during their lifetime. In Havering
people have been able to take advantage of this scheme for some
time but this will now be available nationally.
More changes to the way people pay for care and support will be
introduced from April 2016. Subject to consultation, this will
include a lifetime care cap set at 72,000 to protect people with
the highest needs from facing unlimited costs and financial support
for people with
modest means. Costs such as food and accommodation will still be
paid for by individuals and wont be part of the cap.Havering
Council has launched a Care Connect email update to keep residents
up to date on what is happening. To get your copy simply go to
www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates, click on Care Connect and
enter your email addressMore
information:www.havering.gov.uk/CareAct
Renew your Freedom PassIf your older persons Freedom Pass has an
expiry date of 31 March 2015, you should have received a letter
telling you how to renew it online.More
information:www.havering.gov.uk/FreedomPass
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Feeling lonely is never pleasant, especially if you are elderly
and living on your own with family miles away.Now thanks to
Havering Councils new partnership with local charity Tapestry,
loneliness should be a thing of the past for residents in sheltered
accommodation.Havering Councils Housing Services Community
Engagement Manager, Julie Bennett, said The Befriending Scheme aims
to connect with more than 700 people living in sheltered
accommodation in order to reduce their isolation and loneliness.
There are already lots of activities, involving many residents,
taking place in each of our sheltered housing schemes but we know
there are some residents who dont get involved in such events and
they are the ones we wish to reach.
Get involvedActive residents will be encouraged to get involved
in local community activities whilst those who cannot get out will
be contacted through the use of technology and supported so that
they feel comfortable inviting people into their homes.The
Befrienders will offer whatever help the individual resident wants,
from a chat and listening ear through to a trip to the shops or
local library.
Befrienders will be there to help
Big screens boost friendshipsThe large TV screens that have been
installed in communal lounges are proving very popular with lots of
residents meeting up to watch their favourite programmes.In some
schemes film afternoons are taking place with groups of friends
hiring a DVD to watch together.How long will it be before we see
popcorn and choc ices available during these cinema afternoons?More
information:www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
We are really excited to be working with Tapestry to tackle
isolation amongst some of our sheltered accommodation residents. It
is very important to us that they have a high quality of life.
Chief Executive of Tapestry, Tony Lowe, said: Loneliness and
isolation of some of our most vulnerable people is something that
urgently needs to be tackled. This new scheme will be looking at
how we use innovative ways to reach these members of the
community.
More
information:www.havering.gov.uk/askhousingwww.tapestry-uk.org
Julie Bennett explains how the Befriending Scheme will work to
SHOUT Forum representatives
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 13
Sadly there are some people who think its easy to con elderly
people and take their money.There have been a number of scams
taking place in Havering recently including one where road works
have been taking place in the street so the scammers have claimed
that: Drains are blocked causing
problems for the street Garden walls are unsafe and
will fall into the street causing potential injury to passers
by
Paving outside of house being renewed and that they were from
the Council. They claim the homeowner had problems with a tree,
that equipment would have to be hired to do work, and that this had
to be done before paving could be replaced.
Workmen from Havering Council or utility companies will NEVER
ask for money from residents while work is taking place.Genuine
callers will show you
10 golden rules1 There are no guaranteed get
rich quick schemes.2 Do not agree to offers or deals
straight away. Obtain legal / independent advice before making a
decision.
3 Never hand over money or sign anything until you have checked
the company you are dealing with.
4 Never send money or give your bank personal details to
anyone.
5 Always log on directly to a website rather than clicking onto
a link provided by an email
6 Do not rely on a glowing testimonial find independent evidence
of a companys success.
7 Always get independent / legal advice if the offer involves
money, time , or commitment.
8 If you suspect a scam please report it and get help from
action fraud 03001232040
9 Scammers are cunning and clever. They know how to manipulate
you!
10 Always be suspicious if you are unsure about anything seek
help and advice.
Using a debit card is often an easier and safer way to pay for
shopping or other things you want to buy but there are times when
cash is king.The easiest way to get cash is from an ATM, but
sometimes they can be used by scammers to collect your card details
and
PIN so here are some simple rules to keep you and your money
safe: Use a machine inside a bank Do not give your pin detail
to
anyone Always cover your pin when
using the machine If there is anything unusual
about the cash machine do not use it and report it to your bank
immediately
Do not get distracted be cautious of well meaning strangers who
want to help
Put your money and card away before leaving the machine.
proper identification and will happily wait outside while you
call to check their credentials remember never use a number on a
card they show you, get the number of their
organisation from the phone book or other independent source.Do
check out the 10 golden rules to beat the scam artists.
Take care when using cash machines
Beating scam artists
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/communitysafety
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14 |
weaves web of supportDecember saw the launch of Tapestry, the
new name for Age Concern Havering, and new services are already in
place to help those in need.The new organisation promises a host of
new services for the local community including a food delivery
service and healthy activities including Walking Football.
New identityChief Executive of Tapestry, Tony Lowe, said: When
Age Concern Havering decided not to join Age UK several years ago
it became clear we needed to develop a new identity, which is why
we have launched as Tapestry.
SupportOur focus is upon prevention, care and support. We aim to
build on the excellent work in the community we have done for 65
years and to introduce new programmes and schemes that will reach
out to a new audience.We wanted to change our name as we wanted to
move away from defining ourselves by the age of the people we
benefit. We support younger people with dementia and also carers,
not just the elderly whom we will continue to do everything we can
to support.Tapestrys new look shop in Hornchurch High Street is now
open for business too, offering a range of goods for sale to raise
funds for the charity.
Walking football kicks off
Walking Football is a slower paced version of the beautiful
game, aimed at men who want to stay active despite their age and
ability or who just miss having a game of footie. The rules of
Walking Football mean that you have to keep at least one foot on
the ground at all times, you cannot run and you cannot slide
tackle. Matches are still competitive and most importantly a lot of
fun.
Life-long fanRevd. Canon Hugh Debbins, said It was fun to play
my first game of Walking Football. As a 75 year old, it is now some
time since I played a full 90 minute game of regular football. But,
as a life-long football fan and supporter of West Ham United, it
has been exhilarating to get back on the football field for a full
40 minutes. Walking Football obviously also has health and fitness
benefits, but essentially it was really enjoyable. I hope there
will be a local league and it will become hugely popular among us
football enthusiasts who find it easier to walk than run these
days!
Come and join usSessions at: Romford YMCA, Rush Green
Road, Romford, RM7 0PH, are
on Mondays from midday to 1pm
Sanders School, Suttons Lane, Hornchurch RM12 6RT on Thursdays
from 7pm to 8pm.
More information:www.tapestry-uk.org
Revd. Canon Hugh Debbins who scored four goals in his first
match.
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 15
Good neighbours are more than just good friendsLast year
Havering Council launched its Good Neighbour Awards with an
invitation to tenants to suggest people they knew who went that
extra mile to help people.Those nominations have been carefully
considered and at this years Residents Conference, held at the
Salvation Army Hall in Romford High Street, five Havering Council
tenants received Good Neighbour Awards after they were put forward
by other tenants.The five were: Thomas Driscoll of Havering
Road in Romford Jean Freeman of Cottons
Courts in Romford Lois Mackie, of Taunton Road
in Harold Hill Marion Noble of Cockabourne
Court in Harold Wood and Ivan Webb of Writtle Walk in
RainhamTwo of those nominated, Jean Freeman and Marion Noble,
are from sheltered housing schemes.
Battled illnessSpeaking about Marion her nominees said:Marion
was originally the warden at Cockabourne Court Even though Marion
has retired and battled a serious illness she has helped us to no
end.I am nominating Marion because she Is always there for you and
does everything for our complex which is Cockabourne court
Marion said: I was very surprised and very honoured to be
nominated. I work hard at Cockabourne because it keeps everyone
together doing things.
11 nominationsJean was nominated by 11 of her neighbours who
gave many reasons for putting her forward for the award including:I
am nominating Mrs Freeman because of her very caring attitude
toward her neighbours. She never makes a fuss about what she is
asked to do and gives her time freely to allJean has been extremely
helpful in assisting my dad for his hospital appointments on
several occasions, as work commitments have not allowed me to
take him. Jean is always available to help him if needed.Jeans
generosity to the residents of Fambridge Court has no boundaries
from hospital appointments, the doctor or enquiries and a
trustworthy friend to allJean is helpful in anything you want to
know about; she is one in a millionSo once again Haverings
community spirit has shone through as we recognise the work done by
these residents, which makes us all proud to live in Havering.
Jean Freeman with her Good Neighbour Award
Marion Noble with her Good Neighbour Award
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16 |
Keeping fit from your armchair
We all know that as we get older our bodies change so we often
cant do things we did in the past but a new activity being run by
Romford YMCA aims to change that.The armchair fitness course, led
by former dancer Georgina Latino, of Collier Row, is 30 minutes of
gentle exercise all done while sitting down.Georgina said: The aim
is to help people keep fit without having to do strenuous exercise
and the course offers something for everyone. No
matter how mobile they are we can help everyone through the
exercises we do.Colleen Tentis, of Solar Court, Harold Hill, said:
The course is very good as it helps keep you supple which is
important. Its also good fun with everyone joining in and enjoying
themselvesFellow resident Brian Laws added: I have to use a
mobility scooter to get around so this is the only exercise I get,
I think its a great idea and enjoy taking part.
Residents Eve Ndiweni, Brian Laws, Rose Dixon and Colleen Tentis
of Solar Court are put through their paces by Georgina Latino
All aboard for Rochester
Wonderful market at RochesterSixty-eight residents from
different sheltered housing schemes had a day trip to Rochester to
browse the Christmas Market as Daphne and John Clifford, of Poplar
Street, report.We had a wonderful day at Rochester. It was the
first time wed been to Rochester so didnt know what to expect.
Sadly we arrived just too late to see the Dickens Parade but there
were still a lot of the characters in costume which we did see.The
market was up a very steep road, and walking up the hill was
difficult for some of the group, but the market itself was
wonderful.It was all under cover with hundreds of stalls; I bought
some Christmas presents while I was there including a beautiful
necklace and a bag, both at very reasonable prices. We also
discovered a lovely restaurant where we enjoyed a very nice meal.On
the coach back it was agreed that it had been a wonderful day.
Testing the little grey cellsThe new programme of fun quizzes is
proving popular with residents of sheltered schemes across
Havering.Quiz master, Glen Anderson, sets challenging questions on
topics ranging from geography to pop music with the aim of seeing
who can have the most fun while testing their memory.John Clifford,
of Lombard House, Romford, said: We work in teams of two for the
quiz and have a great couple of hours testing our knowledge against
Glens.He is a fantastic quiz master and often has us in stitches
with the questions he asks. It really is a very entertaining
afternoon and if you win you even get a box of chocolates to enjoy
as well.
Check out when the quiz will be held near you on page 19.
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 17
1.2m helps wishes come true
This year has seen lots of wishes made by residents of sheltered
housing schemes come true thanks to an investment or more than 1
million in the little things that matter a lot.Speaking at the
recent SHOUT Forum, Community Services Manager Marina Crofts, said:
We asked residents of sheltered housing schemes to let us know what
they would like to see in their scheme that would make life more
enjoyable as it is our residents that can tell us about the little
changes that would make a big difference.
Wish listFrom those ideas we developed our wish list and during
the last year we have spent 1.2 million making many of those wishes
come true.The wish list included new
pictures in corridors and communal areas, new garden furniture,
new carpets and large screen TVs in communal lounges and much
more.We think that money has been well spent and we know many
residents are already enjoying the benefits of these
improvements.
Next yearMarina added: Next year our aim is to start work on
improving the communal toilet and bathroom facilities used by
guests. This work will cost around 10,000 per scheme so will take
some time to complete but again we believe it will be a big
improvement.We are also spending 240,000 to convert five bedsits at
Beehive Court into three flats. People no longer want to live in
bedsits and these are proving very hard to
let but one bedroom flats are very popular.If this conversion
works well we will then be looking at doing similar conversions at
other schemes.During the next year we are also planning to put a
new carpet in the communal lounge at Cole Court.Finances will be
tight during the coming year but we are still committed to
investing in our sheltered housing schemes to make sure they
continue to be pleasant places in which to live. As always we will
be aiming to get maximum benefit for every penny we spend which is
why we will be listening to what residents have to say as they know
their schemes better than we do.
Marina Crofts outlines the wish list successes at the recent
SHOUT Forum
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
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18 |
Activities for you to enjoyScheme Monday Tuesday Wednesday
Thursday Friday
Bards Court Coffee Morning, Afternoon Tea and Darts
Coffee Morning, Club meet In Afternoon
Computer lessons in Morning, Coffee Morning, Games Afternoon
Coffee Morning 11am-1pm Computer Training Bingo Afternoon
Coffee MorningQuiz Afternoon
Beehive Court Fitness Club Morning
Tapestry Morning Bingo Evening
Afternoon Tea LunchBingo Evening
LunchDinner/ Entertainment Evenings
Brunswick Court Bingo Afternoon Table Games Afternoon
Perky Pensioners Lunch
Bible Studies MorningHairdresser Visits Afternoon Darts
Evening
Lunch Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon
Charlbury Crescent Silver Linx Craft Club Afternoon
Bingo Evening
CockerbourneCourt
Bacon Sandwiches Morning
Bingo Coffee Morning Entertainment Evenings
Cole Court Coffee Morning Lunch every other Wednesday Activities
Evening
Cottons Court Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening
Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening
Pool Afternoon
Dell Court Bingo Afternoon Bingo Afternoon Darts Afternoon Perky
Pensioners Coffee Morning
Bingo Afternoon
Fambridge Court Activities Club Afternoon Bingo Evening
Pool Afternoon Breakfast Morning Bingo Evening
Pool
Garrick House Bingo Afternoon Line Dancing Afternoon
Bingo Afternoon Tea and Cake Afternoon
Bingo Afternoon
Holsworthy House Coffee Morning Bingo Afternoon
Coffee Morning Film Evening
Computer Lessons
Coffee Morning
Coffee Morning Bingo Evening
Keep Fit Coffee Morning
Lombard House Bingo Afternoon Breakfast Morning Knitting
AfternoonMaygreen Crescent Coffee Morning Snooker EveningPark Lane
Coffee Morning Snooker EveningPoplar Street Bingo Afternoon
Breakfast Morning Knitting AfternoonQueen
StreetRavenscourtGrove
Darts Evening Cards Evening Bingo Afternoon
Royal Jubilee Court Coffee Morning Computer Games Coffee Morning
Computer Games
Computer Games Coffee Morning Computer Games
Serena, Solar and Sunrise Courts
Bingo Afternoon Coffee MorningBacon and Sausage Rolls
Lounge Lunches
Thomas Sims Court
Tea and Coffee Morning Bingo and Bonus Ball Game Lunch
Tea and Coffee Morning Pool
Tea and Coffee MorningSilver Linx Craft Club AfternoonCards
Evening
Tea and Coffee MorningBacon and Sausage Sandwich Lunch
William Tansley Smith House
Coffee Morning Knitting /Craft Afternoon
Entertainment Evenings
There are lots of activities for you to enjoy in each of the
Sheltered Housing Schemes as you can see below:
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Sheltered Housing , Issue 4 | 19
Havering Council produces a monthly Active Living email update
for the over 50s full of news and information on events, trips and
much more.Sign up for your copy at
www.havering.gov.uk/Havering-Updates
Special Events
Beehive Court
Thursday 2 April Afternoon QuizThursday 7 May Afternoon
QuizThursday 4 June Afternoon QuizThursday 2 July Morning Quiz
Holsworthy House
Tuesday 7 April Afternoon QuizTuesday 12 May Afternoon
QuizTuesday 9 June Afternoon QuizTuesday 14 July Afternoon Quiz
Lombard Court
Tuesday 14 April Afternoon QuizTuesday 19 May Afternoon
QuizTuesday 16 June Afternoon QuizTuesday 21 July Afternoon
Quiz
Poplar Street
Tuesday 14 April Afternoon QuizTuesday 19 May Afternoon
QuizTuesday 16 June Afternoon QuizTuesday 21 July Afternoon
Quiz
Ravenscourt Grove
Monday 20 April Afternoon QuizMonday 18 May Afternoon QuizMonday
22 June Afternoon QuizMonday 20 July Afternoon Quiz
Thomas Sims Court
Thursday 2 April Morning QuizThursday 7 May Morning QuizThursday
4 June Morning QuizThursday 2 July Morning Quiz
William Tansley Smith House
Thursday 16 April Afternoon QuizThursday 14 May Afternoon
QuizThursday 18 June Afternoon QuizThursday 16 July Afternoon
Quiz
Friday 15 May 11.30am to 1.30pm
Hacton Hall , Haydock Close Hornchurch RM12 6EA
Friday 26 June 3pm to 5pm
Highfield room next to Highfield Towers,Hillrise Road, Collier
Row RM5 3DQ
Friday 14 August 4pm to 6pm
Town Hall, Main Road Romford, RM1 3BB
Cabinet Members SurgeryDuring 2015 Cabinet Member for Housing,
Councillor Damian White, will be holding regular surgeries across
the Borough.Council tenants can call in and discuss housing issues
with him.The surgeries will be on a first come, first served basis
and any tenants are welcome to come along. All discussions will be
confidential.If specific concerns are raised Councillor White will
raise these with relevant officers and seek to resolve the
issue.The next meeting dates are:
What does your garden need?As summer approaches now is the time
to plan what your schemes communal garden needs. If you have some
ideas of improvements that residents would enjoy do let us
know.More information: www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
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20 |
Save up to 220 on your energy billsSome of the biggest wastes of
energy in the home are down to one thing the choices we make.Thats
the message from Havering Councils Energy Efficiency Advisor, Penny
Crookshank, who said: By simply getting in the habit of doing the
things in our list, youll instantly start saving up to 220 on your
energy bills every year.
Big savingThats a big saving, and doesn't cost anything but as
well as saving you money it also means
Simple steps to help you save moneySAVE 65 by turning your
central heating thermostat down by 1C Cost: Free. Payback:
Immediate C02 Saving: 260Kg
SAVE 50-90 by not leaving appliances on standby and turning off
devices when not in useCost: Free Payback: Immediate C02 Saving:
310Kg
SAVE 20 by only using your tumble dryer when you cant dry
clothes outsideCost: Free Payback: Immediate C02 Saving: 70Kg
SAVE 15 by replacing one weekly bath with a five minute
showerCost: Free Payback: Immediate C02 Saving: 10Kg
SAVE 13 by setting washing machines to 30C instead of washing at
higher temperaturesCost: Free Payback: Immediate C02 Saving:
40Kg
SAVE 8 by switching all lights off when you leave a roomCost:
Free Payback: Immediate C02 Saving: 25Kg
SAVE 8 by only boiling the water you need in your kettleCost:
Free Payback: Immediate C02 Saving: 25Kg
less carbon emissions so is better for the environment too.
Keep warmIt is important that you keep your home warm so Penny
is offering free home energy checks if you are feeling the effects
of rising energy bills or if you are simply interested in your
energy options.Just email her for more information and to arrange
an appointment.
More information:[email protected]
Residents who wish to move from one flat to another within the
same sheltered housing scheme will find it easier to do so in
future.Often a resident living in an upstairs flat finds it
difficult to climb stairs as they get older but doesnt want to lose
the friends they have in their scheme.Now anyone wishing to move to
another flat, perhaps on the ground floor, can do so without having
to go through the whole bidding process.An assessment of need will
still be done to make sure the move is the right one for the
resident
More information:www.havering.gov.uk/askhousing
Moving home made easier
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