Issue 6 | Summer 2015
your North Star tenant magazine
What’s inside:
• Recognising our Tenants’ achievements
• Universal credit – what you need to know
• Developing for the future
• Residents getting involved
North Star
Chair of Board Jed Lester (left)
& Lord Lieutenant Barry Dodd CBE with
tenant Jason Street & his son Pannawat
celebrate the official opening of
The Steadings in Scotton,
Richmondshire.
Need to talk to us?
Issue 6 | Sum
mer 2015
Welcome HOME
TEXT
Welcome
Home
your North St
ar
tenant magaz
ine
What’s insid
e:
Welcome to the latest issue
of HOME, the magazine
for tenants of Teesdale
and Endeavour Housing
Associations, part of
North Star Housing Group.
This edition of Home is packed with all the
latest news and events from your community:
We take a look at Universal Credit and how
the changes to the welfare benefits system
might affect you. We’ve been celebrating the
recognition we’ve received this awards season,
including being named one of the Sunday
Times Top 100 Companies to work for. We’ve
been building new homes in Richmondshire,
Darlington and Middlesbrough, and investing
heavily in improvements to your homes across
the North East and North Yorkshire. Plus we’ve
got some suggestions for summer activities
with the kids, thanks to our friends at the RSPB.
At North Star, we invest significantly in
supporting local communities to develop a
stronger voice, and strive to find
ways to support our customers
through the difficult times we are
witnessing. We have great Staff,
Board members and Tenants who
work hard to contribute to our success,
keeping us strong well into the future.
• Recognising our Tena
nts achievem
ents
• Universal credit –
what you need
to know
• Developing for the
future
• Residents getting
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
What’s inside:
4-5
14-15
4-5
Supertstar Tenant
Plant-life at Parkfield
6
Painting the town red
6
Enjoying a living wage
7
Fantastic Freda
7
Developing for the future
8-9
8-9
involved
The next 12-months are an exciting time for us as
we are working on a brand development project
to make sure our organisation is future-proof. At
this stage, it’s a case of “watch this space” because
we still have a lot of work to do. We will make sure
we let you know exactly what’s happening as
soon as we can. The main thing to remember is
that the service and quality from our team will be
exactly the same – but our communications may
look a little different in future.
North Star
Chair of Board
& Lord Lieutenant Jed Lester (left)
Dodd CBE with
tenant Jason StreetBarry
& his son Pannawat
celebrate the official
opening of
The Steadings in Scotto
Richmondshire. n,
ull
f HOME is f
This issuefoexciting and
of loads o e stories, keeping
informativ date with
you up to g North Star.
everythin
Community strengthening grants
10
Winning business ideas
11
Digging for the community
11
Homes to let
12
A helping hand - fuel poverty
13
Get yourself prepared for UC
14-15
Helping you with your money
16
Home essentials at big discounts17
24-25
18-19
Read on for details of our new Customer Service
Team and how you can contact us and information
about upcoming Estate Inspections in your area.
12 Months ongoing improvements
Customer Services
20
We’re sure you’ll find something for everyone
in this edition of Home magazine. We’re always
looking for our tenants to get involved with
us, so let us know what you think and whether
there is anything more you would like to see in
future editions.
Health & safety tips
21
Upcoming Estate Inspections
22-23
Get Involved
24-25
Kids Corner
26-27
Let’s get
Together
11
26-27
Angela Lockwood
Group Chief Executive, North Star Housing Group.
7
2
your North Star tenant magazine
your North Star tenant magazine
3
Features
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Housing Hero
Shortlisted for
National Award
Superstar
Tenants
Darlington-based North Star tenant Alf
Hannaford was shortlisted from almost
200 entries for the 2015 Housing Heroes
Awards. The awards, which are in their
seventh year, showcase the excellent
work of tenants across the country.
Awards
North Star Housing Group Tenant Adrian Hill
has been celebrating Regional awards success.
North Star’s Adrian Hill was awarded Tenant Board member
of the Year at this year’s Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
Celebrating the Region Awards. A special awards ceremony and
dinner took place at Newcastle Civic Centre to showcase the
innovation and best practice demonstrated across the North
East Housing sector.
Adrian has been a Board member and active involved tenant
for over 15 years at North Star, which includes Endeavour
and Teesdale Housing Associations. He is currently the Board
Champion for Tenants and Chair of North Star LINK – a group
of tenants who monitor and scrutinise the service that the local
landlord provides to all Tenants.
Adrian, who works full time as a Stocktaker alongside his community
work around East Cleveland, said: “I am delighted to receive this
award. This is what being part of a great team is all about.”
Sally Thomas, Head of Community Investment at North Star
Housing Group said: “We’re all immensely proud of Adrian. The
Board Member of the Year award is a hotly contested category.
The judges said that the decision between the finalists was
extremely difficult.
North Star Chair of Board Jed Lester, with Adrian Hill collecting his award
4
“Adrian really deserves this recognition for his hard work and
commitment to North Star’s Tenants. He combines the roles of
Tenant, Board Member, Chair of LINK and other involvement
activities with great professionalism and skill. Over the years
he has shown outstanding dedication and made hugely
significant and important contributions to our work. As if that
was not enough, he is also very active in his local community of
Skinningrove and he works full time!”
your North Star tenant magazine
Alf was one of only eight finalists left in
the running for the Inspirational Tenant
of the Year award this year.
Alf lived in the Gresham area for 14 years,
before moving to Darlington. He said:
“When I found out about the nomination
I couldn’t have been happier. I love being
an involved tenant and I am proud what
our LINK and Scrutiny groups achieve for
our neighbours and communities. It was
a complete surprise to me. I don’t do it
for any recognition; I am just passionate
about what we do.”
Alf has been doing volunteer work for over
twenty years. To staff at North Star and to his
local community, he is a Housing Hero for
his work as project manager for TICS charity
where he has worked with thousands of
local children in Gresham, teaching them
life skills which will stay with them forever.
Alf Hannaford with North Star’s
Chief Executive Angela Lockwood
Alf was also an influential part of the
formation of Middlesbrough Community
Land Trust (MCLT). As Chair of Board and
joint Project Manager of MCLT he worked
alongside other volunteers to refurbish
three previously empty and run down
properties in Gresham, providing much
needed homes for local families.
Awards Fever
North Star tenants at the TPAS Awards
Tenant Recognition
North Star’s involved tenants received
recognition at the Northern Region
Tenant Participation Advisory Service
(TPAS) Awards. The awards showcase
the compelling and inspirational stories
of success of tenants, landlords and
contractors working together. The
North Star Tenants Voice Scrutiny Panel
members were shortlisted for their
dedication and innovative approach
to tenant-led scrutiny. Carol Pearson,
Chair of the panel, was also shortlisted
for Tenant of the Year in recognition of
her work and commitment to her local
community of Norton Grange.
For more information about how
you could become an involved
tenant, turn to pages 18 and 19.
North East Awards and for Best Social or
Affordable New Housing Development
at the Northern Regional LABC Building
Excellence Awards.
North Star is ranked 14th in the country
on the Sunday Times Best Not-for-Profit
Organisations to Work For. The Group
has also been awarded Best Companies
3 Star Accreditation – the highest
accreditation level available.
North Star Housing Group was
nominated for Heart of the Community
award at the North East Business awards,
hosted by the Evening Gazette and The
Journal. This nomination recognised
our resident involvement work and the
investment and partnership work we do
in our local communities.
The Real Life Reform study, which
included a number of Endeavour and
Teesdale tenants, has been nominated
for Outstanding Campaign of the Year
at the UK Housing Awards. The study
highlighted real and long term effects
of welfare reform on people and
families living in the North of England.
North Star Chief Executive Angela
Lockwood featured in this 24 Housing
Magazine’s Top 50 Power Players List of
movers and shakers in the housing world.
Endeavour Housing Association’s new
homes at Minors Crescent in Cockerton,
Darlington have been nominated for
the Constructing Excellence in the
your North Star tenant magazine
Former North Star Peoples Services
Support Officer Natalie Cronin was
shortlisted in the CIH (Chartered Institute
of Housing) student of the year category.
Natalie who joined North Star in 2014
was nominated through her excellent
achievements when on the GEM
(Graduate Employment Mentoring)
programme. The GEM programme is
designed to help get graduates into the
Housing sector, whilst helping them to
receive a level 4 CIH qualification. North
Star places a huge emphasis on helping
people gain valuable experience in a
working environment and giving them a
chance to work in housing.
5
Features
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Plant-life at Parkfield
The gardening scheme
based at Endeavour’s
Parkfield Hall in Stockton
has re-opened just in time
for the summer months.
whilst helping them to develop
their own independence and skills
including gardening and team work.
It also encourages the tenants to save
money by growing their own produce
instead of having to buy it.”’
The project received a grant of
£1923 from North Star’s Community
Investment programme to get it kick
-started. The scheme encourages
tenants aged between 16-21, to grow
their own fruit and vegetables.
The gardening scheme will include
sessions on how to plant and cultivate
various types of fruit and vegetables.
Tenants will also learn about garden
tidiness and safety, food preparation,
cooking, and health sessions. Adding
a competitive edge, Parkfield staff
will challenge the tenants with a
competition to see who can create the
best produce.
Parkfield Team Manager Nicole
Lendon said: “The garden project is
a great scheme designed to build
confidence in our young tenants,
Painting the town red
Ahead of Middlesbrough FC’s
Championship play off final
which marked a disappointing
end to the season for the Boro,
tenants of Endeavour Housing
Association’s Rainham and
Hestia housing schemes got
together to literally ‘paint the
town red.’
North Star is celebrating
being officially accredited by
the Living Wage Foundation
as a living wage employer.
The Living Wage commitment will see
staff at Endeavour and Teesdale Housing
Associations – part of North Star group
- receive a minimum wage of £7.85 per
hour. This is significantly higher than the
national minimum wage of £6.50.
Carole Richardson, Assistant Director of
People Services at North Star Housing
Group, said: “I’m proud to be part of an
organisation that recognises the importance
of paying the Living Wage to all its staff.
Zoë’s place provides palliative, respite and end-of-life care to
babies and infants aged from birth to five years old suffering
from life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
Birthday girl Freda Doody celebrated her big day
by doing something special for some North East
residents nearly nine decades younger than her.
your North Star tenant magazine
“All North Star’s directly-employed staff
are paid at least the Living Wage. We
have also written to all our contractors
to establish whether they currently pay
the Living Wage, or if they would be
willing to implement the Living Wage
for their staff. The Living Wage
Foundation will be working with us to
put a plan in place to achieve this over
the next three years.”
Instead of asking for gifts, selfless Freda, from Endeavour Housing
Association’s Leivick Court scheme in Middlesbrough, asked for
donations for local charity Zoë’s place. And so far she has raised £235!
Freda
Supported Housing Officer, Jan Mohan
said: “It was brilliant to see. Most of our
tenants painted their windows and I am
sure everyone will agree that they looked
fantastic – it would seem we have a
number of budding Picassos in our midst!”
North Star staff celebrate landmark moment
at their annual conference
The Living wage is an hourly rate set
independently and updated annually.
The Living Wage is calculated according
to the basic cost of living using ‘minimum
income standard’ for the UK – it is a about
what people need to make ends meet.
Fantastic
Residents painted their windows with all
kinds of ‘Boro related pictures, including
Roary the Lion, the MFC badge and the
inspirational phrase #believe.
6
Enjoying a
living wage
Freda, who has received a letter from Zoë’s place to thank her for
her generosity, said: ”I have everything I need. To see everyone’s
generosity has been fantastic and I am so happy to see the money
has gone to such a deserving charity.”
your North Star tenant magazine
7
Need to talk to us?
Features
Developing for the future
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
on
sing Associati
u
o
H
r
u
o
v
a
e
End
iation
g Assoc
in
s
u
o
our H
Endeav
Over the past 12 months we have been continuing to work in partnership with local developers,
councils and the Homes & Communities Agency to create high quality affordable new homes
for our communities.
Teesdale H
ousing
Cost: Location: Manor Gro
Units/Type
s: Grant: Association
Scheme: Scheme: Location:
Teesdale Housing Association
ve
Cockfield
Units/Types: 3 x 2 bed h
ouses
3 x 3 bed h
ouses
£616,000 (H
CA)
£600,000
March 201
5
Grant: Cost: Completion: 14 x 2 bed houses
6 x 3 bed houses
ociation
ousing Ass
H
r
u
o
v
a
e
d
En
scent
Minors Cre
:
e
S c he m
Darlington
:
n
o
ti
a
ouses
L oc
4 x 4 bed hd flats
s:
e
p
e
y
b
6x2
Units/T
houses
14 x 3 bed houses
d
dapte
2 x 3 bed ax 2 bed houses
2
£430,000
t:
n
£2.3mil
Gra
14
Cost: October 20
:
n
o
ti
le
p
m
Co
:
Comments generation project.
re
e
rg
la
a
f
18th June.
Par t o
g was on the
in
n
e
p
o
al
ci
Offi
£1.7mil
your North Star tenant magazine
S c he m e
:
The Ste
Locatio
adings
n: Sco
tton, Ric
hmonds
Units/Ty
hire
pes: 6 x 2 be
d hou s e
s
6 x 3 be
Grant: d rouse
s
£573,00
Cost: 0 (HCA)
Comple
£1.7mil
tion: Septem
Comme
b
er 2015
n
A rural sc ts:
heme, wh
ic
event on
11th June h had its opening
.
Scheme: Bartram Court
Hartlepool
Units/Types: 5
x 2 bed bungalow
s
Grant: £58,500 (HCA)
Cost: £740,000
Completion: June 2014
Comments:
Bartram Court was
named after Endeav
our’s
first Chief Executive
Kit Bartram
£282,000
Endeavo
ur Hous
ing Asso
ciation
Endeavour Hou
sing Association
Location: June 2014
Comments:
Part of a larger regeneration scheme.
Completio
n: Comments
All the prope :
offset cost of rties have PV on the roo
electric heatin
fs to
g system.
8
Cheltenham Court
St Helen Auckland
Raby Road
Scheme: Hartlepool
:
n
o
Locati
uses
6 x 2 bed ho
:
es
p
Ty
s/
it
Un
ngalows
3 x 2 bed bu
uses
14 x 3 bed ho
uses
2 x 4 bed ho
A)
£181,000 (HC
Grant: £2.02 mil
Cost: 014
September 2
:
n
o
ti
le
p
Com
Comments: regeneration scheme
Part of a larger
Endeavour H
ousing Associ
ation
Scheme: Location: Units/Types:
Grant: Cost: Completion:
Green
Acklam
h
sbroug
Middle
es
d hou s
8 x 2 b e hou s e s
d
8 x 3 be
Nil
e: S c he m
n: Locatio
ypes: Units/T
£1.3mil
Grant:
y 2015
Januar
Cost: tion: Comple
eme
ment sch
gh
ents:
Comm larger redevelop in Middlesbrou
g
a
f
n
ti
o
c
t
r
u
tr
Pa
are cons
Bellway
tion
ssocia
A
g
n
i
ous
vour H
a
e
d
n
E
ool
r S ch
e
n
o
l
a
er Ch
u gh
Form
sboro
i
:
u
e
G
s
S c he m
hou s e
d
e
:
b
n
2
o
i
3x
Nil
Locat
s: e
p
y
T
/
00
Units
220,0
£
:
014
Grant
b er 2
m
e
v
No
Cost:
n: o
i
t
e
l
Comp
ents:
e
Comm larger schem
a
Par t of
Hardwick Ph
15
Stockton-on
-Tees
2 x 3 bed ho
uses
£97,000
£224,000
September 2
014
Comments:
Endeavour’s fin
term developm al 2 proper ties within a long
Borough Coun ent agreement with Stockton
cil, Keepmoat an
d Barratt
your North Star tenant magazine
9
Community Investment
Community Strengthening Grants
The Community Strengthening fund
was set up by North Star Housing Group
to help create, support and develop
sustainable communities across Teesside
and Teesdale, building on the strengths
of the people who live in the region.
Projects already reaping the benefits of a successful funding
bid include: Barnard Castle Cricket Club, Carlin How Community
Association. Doorways Youth Project in East Cleveland, Skelton
Castle Cricket Club, Steelworks in Middlesbrough, Teesdale Tiger
Sharks, and the Middlesbrough-based Sew2Work initiative.
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Have you got a
winning business idea?
North Star Housing Group is offering support to tenants who would like to start their own business. If you have a business
idea, but don’t know how to get it off the ground, or you are struggling to raise the money needed to start, we could help.
North Star’s Enterprise Support Scheme can offer:
• Start-up grant funding
• Expert business advice and support from a local Enterprise Support Agency
• Access to business premises and office space.
For more information contact Peter Locke, Community Investment Officer
on 01642 796 217 or [email protected].
www.northstarhg.co.uk
Please note there may be business ideas we are unable to support.
knowledge and skills they have learnt before arriving in the UK.
The Sew2Work programme was so successful that it helped
Open Door North East win the Community Organisation
Award at the 2014 Tees Valley BME Achievement Awards.
Lucy Joy Jackson, Volunteer Coordinator at Sew2Work said:
“We were awarded £1,750 by North Star Housing Group and
we can’t thank them enough for the support and funding
they have given us. It was a fantastic boost.
“When women and their children first come through our doors,
they are often isolated, vulnerable and exposed to poverty. We
see them become empowered, growing in self confidence and
building links in their local community.”
Sew2Work (pictured) is an award-winning, innovative enterprise
and training programme, set up by Teesside charity Open Door
North East, to support refugee and migrant women facing
poverty. Sew2Work helps women find employment, using
To apply for a Community Strengthening Grant,
contact Community Investment Officer Peter at
[email protected] or on 01642 796 217
Other Projects Reaping the Benefits
Element 1 CiC in Stockton awarded £1,875 to provide
walking activities for people suffering from mental
illness and/or isolation.
East Redcar Young at Heart in East Cleveland
awarded £179.99 to buy a bingo machine for the
group which provides social activities for older
people in East Cleveland.
Teesdale Words in Barnard Castle awarded £250
to provide a workshop run by a published poet to
the group.
Friends of Teesdale Wanderers Club in Barnard Castle
awarded £1,250 to help install a new heating system
at the club which provides snooker and billiards at
low cost.
Hardwick in Partnership awarded £1,767.75 to run
digital inclusion sessions for local residents.
Redcar Development Trust in East Cleveland awarded
£1,170 to provide transport from outlying villages into
Redcar for boxing sessions.
Digging for
the Community
A group of youngsters from Teesdale have rolled
up their sleeves to transform a community
allotment for people with learning disabilities.
The ambitious challenge formed part of a 12 week course for
unemployed 18-25 year olds. Delivered by Stockton Riverside
College and Bishop Auckland Princes Trust programme, the
projects aim is to help young people gain the skills and confidence
to find jobs and training opportunities.
The allotment was funded by North Star Housing Group,
Barclays Bank, and cash raised by the team. It will be used by
10
your North Star tenant magazine
Cutting the ribbon of success
Innovations - a day care service providing leisure, learning and
employment opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.
The team dug out the allotment to make way for a wheelchair
path and hand rail, painted fencing and installed a new
composting system.
Innovations’ Hazel Kennedy said: “It’s incredible what the team
has achieved; they have done a fantastic job. It will make a
massive difference to our service users.’
For more information about the Princes’ Trust Team
programmes, contact [email protected]
your North Star tenant magazine
11
Your Home
T
E
L
TO
Quality, affordable homes immediately
available in the North East and North Yorkshire
No admin fee, no bond and no deposit to pay
Secure, long term tenancies available
24 hour repairs & maintenance service
Personal service from a dedicated Housing Officer,
who will provide you with advice and support in your tenancy.
We also offer a comprehensive welfare benefits advice service including
advice on benefits, how to maximise your household income and household
finance, as well as advice on fuel debt, fuel tariffs and switching providers.
We are a pet friendly organisation
To find out more call: 03000 11 00 11
Or visit: www.endevaourha.co.uk / www.teesdaleha.co.uk
12
your North Star tenant magazine
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
A helping hand
for local people facing fuel poverty
NORTH East housing provider North Star Housing Group has been
working in partnership with energy advice specialists Tadea UK to
help reduce the stress and anxiety of fuel debt for customers.
The innovative partnership
has seen hundreds of people
across the North East and North
Yorkshire receive advice and
support in their own homes
on managing their fuel bills,
staying warm, and becoming
more energy efficient.
As well as working with Tadea,
the help and support offered by
North Star to their customers has
been wide ranging – including
providing advice to tenants on
welfare reform and Universal
Credit; setting up a hardship
fund for households in financial
crisis; signposting tenants to
affordable credit providers as
alternatives to loan sharks and
pay day lenders; and helping
tenants in need to access food
banks. The housing provider is
also carrying out eco-friendly
modifications to existing
housing stock to improve
household energy efficiency
and lower tenants’ fuel bills.
North Star’s welfare benefits officer Andrea Peacock has helped Endeavour and Teesdale Housing Association tenants
to increase their household incomes by an estimated total of over £870,000 since joining the Housing Group in 2011.
Andrea said: “In 2014, there were an
estimated 2.3 million households in
fuel poverty in England. If 10% or more
of your household income is spent on
fuel bills, you are classed as living in fuel
poverty – a potentially spiralling situation
which goes hand-in-hand with rising
levels of debt and can have a detrimental
effect on health and wellbeing. The
partnership between North Star and
Tadea has helped so many of our tenants
to lower their fuel bills and work towards
getting themselves out of fuel poverty.“
“Tadea visited one customer who
wanted to change her meters from
your North Star tenant magazine
pre-payment to credit in order to
manage her bills more effectively.
As well as switching meters, the Tadea
advisor helped her to switch onto
a fixed tariff. The change meant her
monthly Direct Debits were reduced
from £158 to £98 – including payments
to cover her remaining debt.”
13
Mon£y Matters
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
How will Universal Credit be paid?
UNIVERSAL CREDIT
Get yourself prepared
Universal Credit has started to replace a range of benefits
and tax credits for working age people with a single monthly
payment that includes help with your rent.
You will claim Universal Credit if you are on any of
the following:
• Income based Jobseekers Allowance
• Income related Employment & Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Child Tax Credit/Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
Other benefits such as Child Benefit, Carers Allowance and
Personal Independence Payments will continue to be paid as usual.
Who is affected by Universal Credit?
Right now Universal Credit only applies to people who are
newly unemployed and living in certain areas of the country.
Over the next year or so it will affect everyone claiming the
benefits and Tax Credits that are being replaced.
If you already receive one of the benefits Universal Credit is
due to replace, you will continue to do so until you are told
that you need to claim Universal Credit instead.
How much Universal Credit will I get?
Universal Credit is family benefit. How much you receive depends
on your household and circumstances such as how many people
you are claiming for, your housing costs, as well as certain
income including earned income you already have coming in.
14
How will I claim Universal Credit?
Universal Credit is claimed online at
www.gov.uk/universalcredit. If you don’t have access to
the internet at home you will be able to use the computers
at your local jobcentre, a local community centre, library or
local council offices to make an application.
You can get help to make your online claim by calling
the Universal Credit Helpline on 0345 600 0723
What is a Claimant Commitment?
Under Universal Credit you will need to agree to sign a
Claimant Commitment. This is an agreement that sets out
the steps you will need to take towards finding work. This
agreement depends on things such as your current health,
responsibilities you have at home and how much help you
will need to find work or to increase your income. If you are
unable to work, Universal Credit will continue to support you.
Once you have made your claim most people will have to
go to the Jobcentre for an interview, to sign their claimant
commitment, to provide identity documents and a discuss
their personal budgeting needs.
your North Star tenant magazine
In most cases Universal Credit will be paid as a single monthly
payment in arrears, if you live with your partner you will receive
one payment so you will need to decide who payments
will be made to. Other adults living in the same household
who are claiming Universal Credit will be paid separately.
Your first payment will be made one calendar month and
7 days after the date of your claim and then monthly on
the same date after that.
If you are not used to managing your money in this way, a
range of support services are available to help you budget
successfully. Your work coach at Jobcentre can talk to you
about the types of help you might find useful.
It may also be possible to have payments split and paid twice
a month for a limited period of time.
If you think that you will find it difficult to manage while
waiting for this first payment you can ask for an Advance
Payment. This will be paid back out of your future Universal
Credit payments.
My Housing Benefit gets
paid straight to my
landlord – will this change?
In most cases the money you get to help pay your rent
will be included in your Universal Credit and paid to you
on a monthly basis. You’ll then pay your full rent to your
landlord yourself.
If you feel worried that you would be unable to cope with
paying your rent and are worried about falling into arrears,
you can ask Jobcentre to consider an ‘Alternative Payment
Arrangement where they agree to pay an amount out of
your Universal Credit to your landlord. This may not however,
cover your full rent and there may be a shortfall you will need
to pay yourself.
For more information and support on claiming your
Universal Credit payments, contact North Star’s
Welfare Benefits officer on 03000 11 00 11
your North Star tenant magazine
15
Mon£y Matters
Keep The Change
Know Your Money – Keep The
Change (KYM) is a Big Lottery
funded project that works with
young people aged 16-24 in
Middlesbrough to improve their
financial confidence.
Members can also access the
KYM Advantage Club and get free access to:
The project does this via a 1 to 1 approach, helping young
people with their debts, benefits, budgeting and equipping
them with the knowledge to make the best financial choices.
KYM also offer accredited training programmes focused on
tenancy management and employability.
KYM services are completely free to young people.
To get involved with KYM, visit 73-75 Corporation Road,
Middlesbrough, TS1 1LY or telephone 01642 240336.
Follow KYM on twitter: @KYM_Project or like KYM on
facebook: facebook.com/KYMProject.
A great new way to stay in touch. Endeavour
and Teesdale Housing Association Tenants
will soon be able to access their tenancy
information through a new app for tablets
and smartphones. Due in September
2015 you will be able to see your rent
account, make rent payments, change
your personal details, and review and log
repairs requests, from anywhere.
Watch out for more information soon!
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Home essentials at
Know Your Money
A better way to
stay in contact!
Need to talk to us?
BIG DISCOUNTS
• Wi-fi and computer equipment.
• Social events – live music, entertainment,
fashions shows, DJ workshops etc.
• Employment support and training.
• Support with a range of health issues
• A number of incentives and opportunities.
Saving safely:
Taking control of debt
North Star Housing Group is working in Partnership
with Darlington Credit Union, to provide information
on the following services:
Savings / Loans / Opening a Budget Account /
How Money Works
If you would like more information, please feel
free to contact the Darlington Credit Union on
01325 520 005 or contact your Housing Officer
on 03000 11 00 11 – we’re happy to help!
the things they need for their home at
very high rates of interest.
Welfare reform, the
increasing cost of living
and rising unemployment
are pushing a growing
number of households
into financial difficulties.
There is increasing concern about the
impact this is having on families who feel
they have no choice but to turn to so
called ‘pay day loan’ companies to finance
In conjunction with finance from your
local Credit Union, Smarterbuys is a
discount deal scheme that aims to offer
a credible, responsible alternative to high
interest stores and loan sharks.
The scheme’s website offers essential
household items - including furniture
and white goods, such as fridges,
cookers and washing machines – for
sale at a significant discount, whilst
also helping customers find access to
responsible, affordable credit.
If you think Smarterbuys can help
you, or for more information, visit:
www.smarterbuys.org.uk or call North
Star Housing Group on 03000 11 00 11
Paying the easy way
How do you pay your rent? If the answer is not direct debit,
then maybe it is time to change.
Direct debit is the easiest way to pay. Money is taken directly from your bank
account without you having to lift a finger.
To sign up for direct debit contact 03000 11 00 11*
*(Calls will be charged at a local rate. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.)
Other ways to pay your rent:
Pay your rent at any outlet that displays the Allpay sign. This includes
shops, garages and post offices.
www.northstarhg.co.uk
16
your North Star tenant magazine
Or you can pay your rent by cheque or debit card at any of our offices.
your North Star tenant magazine
www.northstarhg.co.uk
17
Need to talk to us?
Our Services
12 Months
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
We have also added new footpaths and access ramps to bungalows at Orchard View, Gainford. Ramps replaced a
stepped access and means that disabled and elderly residents and visitors can have better access to their homes.
Natalie King, whose father lives at Orchard View, said:
“The work has made a huge difference to my father, he had been unable to get out of the house due
to the difficulty of managing the steps. The ramp and new steps have made this a lot easier for him.
The work has been completed to a really high standard and I am really pleased with the results.”
ongoing improvements
In 2014/15 Endeavour Housing Association and Teesdale Housing Association carried out
£2.1 million home improvement work on your homes.
After surveying 500 houses this year, North Star Housing Group has been focussed on starting to upgrade many of our properties
based on the age and condition of kitchens, bathrooms and heating systems. Our home surveys are a rolling programme and we
aim to survey our properties every five years - look out for your appointment letter from North Star.
Heating Upgrades
Endeavour Housing Association:
Heating Upgrades
Cost
Teesdale Housing Association:
Tenant
Satisfaction
Heating Upgrades
Cost
Tenant
Satisfaction
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Endeavour Housing Association:
54
140
Kitchens
142
Bathrooms
153
Across
properties in
Middlesbrough
and Thornaby
Cost
£800k
Teesdale Housing Association:
£109k 94%
Kitchens
13
Bathrooms
“The new heating system is fantastic. It allows me to control when
I want my heating on and how warm I want my home and it will
be more efficient to run. I’m very happy with what has been fitted.’
External Works
47
Across
properties in
Middlesbrough
and Thornaby
Cost
£190k
Teesdale Housing Association:
New Front and Rear Fencing
at Eston View, Middlesbrough
Roof Replacements
in High Etherly and Cockfield
Cost £33k
Cost £215k
Improved Lighting Scheme
at St. Cuthbert Court, Thornaby
Fencing replaced and improved access
to Bungalows in Dale View, High Etherly
Cost £4k
Work was carried out to upgrade kitchens & bathrooms in Endeavour and Teesdale Housing Association homes.
95% of tenants have said they are satisfied with the work.
Miss Harker, from Middlesbrough, said:
“I’m very happy with my new kitchen and bathroom. It looks like a new house.”
18
your North Star tenant magazine
£199k 97%
Mr Firby of Gainford said:
Endeavour Housing Association:
47
59
Repair and Replace rear yard walls
in Thornaby
Cost £37k
Cost £23k
Improved External Court Yard and walls
at Bridge Street Flats, Middlesbrough
Cost £9k
your North Star tenant magazine
19
Need to talk to us?
Our Services
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Customer Services
Who do I contact?
As a tenant of Endeavour, Teesdale or Darlington Housing Association, you can contact
Customer Services on: 03000 11 00 11 or [email protected]
Health and Safety
Meet the team
Top 10 hints and tips
When you call us you will get
through to our team of
Customer Services Assistants:
•
•
•
•
•
•
The biggest problems can be avoided by the smallest solutions.
Here are our simple Health and Safety top 10 tips.
Asif Sattar
Samina Zaman
Nicola Miller
Elaine Harrow
Jan Jenkinson
Gemma Hill
1
G
as and Electric checks
If you are due gas or electric checks please allow our inspectors access to your homes. We will always
let you know we are coming in advance!
Jan Jenkinson
2
W
indows and Doors
Check that your windows and doors open, close and lock properly.
3
Nicola Mill er
K
itchen Units
If they’re getting a bit loose or insecure, please tell us and we can fix the problem.
4
A
void a fall
Look out for things that can cause a trip or a fall – anything from ripped carpets to broken laminate
or hardwood flooring.
5
N
o shocks
Avoid getting a shock by letting us know of any exposed wiring, loose sockets or light switches.
Asif Sattar
The introduction of our
dedicated Customer Services
Team is one of the biggest
changes in front line service
delivery that North Star has
taken on in recent years. The
Team is very proud of how far
they have come within their
first successful year.
North Star’s Customer Service Advisors
have talked to Endeavour and Teesdale
tenants for over 2000 hours in total so
far – that’s the equivalent of 57 working
weeks. Over that time, the service has
20
Gem m a
Elaine Harrow
already improved massively with over
80% calls now answered within 12
seconds. The Team are first point of
contact for the business and thanks to
dedicated training and experience on
the new phone system they can now
resolve 82% of calls received first time.
Customer Service Manager Jan Welsh said:
“We’re so proud of what we have achieved
so far. We could only achieve this success
with team work, and the support from
staff and customers. We’re very excited
about the year ahead - continuing to
provide an excellent service and meeting
the future challenges facing the team,
your North Star tenant magazine
Hill
6
C
urtain Tracks and Blinds
Check and make sure they are secured to the wall and not in need of repair
7
D
amaged Pavements
If your steps or pavements are loose or damaged at your property, ring us as soon as you can!
such as launching our new social media
channels, a new Customer Relationship
Management System and Universal Credit
to mention a few!”
Since the team was launched
on 1st April 2014 they have
handled over 50,000 calls!
As your Landlord, we can help you with:
• Paying your rent
• Repairs to your home
• Questions about your tenancy
• Estate inspections by your
Housing Officer
8
C
ondensation
Black spotted mould growth is caused by condensation. To stop this remember to keep your
property ventilated, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms.
9
C
lear up the clutter
One of the easiest ways of reducing the risk of an accident in your home is to keep it clean
and tidy. Clearing away the clutter and making sure there are no unnecessary items on
the floor or in your garden/yard will reduce the risk of tripping and falling over.
10
S
moking
Put your cigarettes out in an ashtray. It’s the safest way!
If you spot any issues or need to book a repair to your home please call 03000 11 00 11
your North Star tenant magazine
21
Need to talk to us?
Our Services
Upcoming
Estate Inspections
Upcoming Estate Inspections (cont...)
Inspection Date
Area
We operate a programme of estate inspections in areas where we have properties.
The inspections are an opportunity for members of the Associations and other agencies to draw upon the local knowledge
of tenants, residents and leaseholders to improve the appearance of the area you live in.
Area
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Inspection Date
Bell Vue, Hartlepool
13/10/15
13/01/16
Norton Grange and St Michaels Court
18/08/15
17/11/15
Cockfield
08/10/15
High Etherly
20/10/15
Evenwood
13/08/15
19/11/15
Barnard Castle
15/10/15
Hamsterly, Woodland, Copley and Butterknowle
20/08/15
29/10/15
Gainford
24/09/15
05/11/15
Middleton-in-Teesdale
10/09/15
12/11/15
Startforth, Cotherstone, Romaldkirk, Mickleton and Eggleston
06/08/15
03/11/15
Thornaby
13/10/15
13/01/15
Grange Road/Montrose/Emily/Jedburgh Street, Middlesbrough
07/10/15
06/01/15
Ingleton and Staindrop
17/09/15
03/11/15
McCauley Court/Kelso Court, Middlesbrough
13/10/15
12/01/16
Stainton Grove
17/09/15
26/11/15
Granville Road/Albert Terrace/Park Road North, Middlesbrough
13/10/15
12/01/16
Darlington
Ayresome Street/Kensington Road/Gresham, Middlesbrough
16/09/15
15/12/15
25/08/15
10/09/15
06/10/15
03/11/15
Hardwick, Stockton
24/09/15
29/01/16
Dondeen Avenue/ The Dialstones, Thirsk
14/08/15
12/11/15
Join in and have your say
Come along on the Estate Inspection visits and have your
say. You can help make the community you live in better
by showing us what needs to be done on the estates.
New timetables for Estate Inspections will be released
in the New Year. Contact your local Housing Officer
for more information.
Help us make your communities even
better and do your bit to help us tackle
anti social behaviour.
We work with the Police and Local Authorities and
treat all cases with confidence, and in a professional
and understanding manner.
Contact your Housing Officer on 03000 11 00 11*
or call the Police on 101
*(Calls will be charged at a local rate. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.)
22
your North Star tenant magazine
your North Star tenant magazine
23
Get Involved
Get Together and
Get Involved
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
4U Group
Who is 4U?
4U is a group of residents from our supported Housing schemes who arrange
local events and day trips for the elderly and disabled community.
How much time is involved?
One meeting a month, with tea, biscuits and lunch!
North Star Housing Group Tenants play an essential part in
shaping our services.
It’s where you live…have your say!
• We work hard at being a great landlord by involving people and working together.
• We listen, learn and do better.
• We place people and communities at the centre of all we do”
Tenants Voice Scrutiny Panel (TVSP)
Who is LINK?
LINK is a group of North Star residents who meet with staff
monthly. The group represents the views and promotes the
interests of all tenants by influencing our services.
Who is TVSP?
TVSP is a group of North Star residents, who look at out services
in depth to make recommendations for improvement.
Who is LINK Online?
LINK Online is a group of North Star residents who give their
views on our services from the comfort of their own home,
via the LINK Online page
How much time is involved?
As much time as you like! LINK Online is updated monthly.
24
Let’s get
North Star LINK
LINK Online
Call – 01642 796 324
Text – 07702 696 062
Email – [email protected]
• Make your voice heard
• Help improve North Star’s services for everyone
• Get to know us better
Ways to get involved
How much time is involved?
One meeting a month, with tea, biscuits and lunch!
Contact Beth Danby, Community Investment Officer:
Alternatively, let your Housing Officer know you are interested.
Why get involved?
• Develop new skills and abilities
• Meet new people
• Free trips to conferences and training
• Free events, including a Christmas party
How do I get involved?
Together
How much time is involved?
Two meetings a month, with tea, biscuits and lunch.
Tenant Advisors
Who are Tenant Advisors?
Tenant Advisors test out our services and make
recommendations for improvement. They take part in activities
including mystery shopping, surveys, visits, work shadowing
and interviews with staff and tenants.
How much time is involved?
Take part as much as you like! On average, Tenant Advisors
get involved up to 6 times a year.
your North Star tenant magazine
Save the Date
29TH OCTOBER | MIDDLESBROUGH FOOTBALL CLUB
LOOK OUT FOR YOUR INVITATION SOON!
your North Star tenant magazine
25
Kids Corner
Wild Pages with RSPB Saltholme
Summer is here and now is a great time to get outside and
enjoy the wild spaces near where you live.
Make a
Nature Journal!
Collect leaves, feat
hers and flowers
that you can pres
s and keep in
a nature journal.
You can draw
sketches of scenes
and wildlife that
you see as a remin
der of your day
out in nature.
Spot the
Difference!
Need to talk to us?
Call now on 03000 11 00 11
Go Outside!
to explore the wild places near to
A Scavenger hunt is a fantastic way
everything on our list and make a
where you live. Have a go at finding
piece of art with what you find!
shoes you
1. Something the same colour as the
g today
(or someone in your family) are wearin
omething smooth
2. S
r family likes the smell of
3. Something t hat someone in you
nd coin
4. A stone that is smaller than a pou
5. A twig shaped like the letter “Y”
eone’s thumb
6. Something that is as thick as som
letter as the name of someone
7. Something starting with the same
in your family
8. A leaf with black spots
9. Something round
10. A small piece of bark
at
this picture here
in
e
lif
ild
w
e
th
of
nd can
We get a lot
en any of them? A
se
u
yo
e
av
H
e.
m
ctures?
Salthol
tween the two pi
be
s
ce
en
er
ff
di
e
you spot th
Visit Us!
is always loads to do,
Here at Saltholme there
atures that live beneath
you can discover the cre
dipping sessions,
the water with our pond
one of our nature
explore the reserve with
of our fantastic craft
trails, or take part in one
m.
activities in the classroo
r1
All this on the numbe
bus route!
h, TS2 1TU
Clarence, Middlesbroug
Seaton Carew Road, Port
uk
rg.
b.o
ail: saltholme@rsp
Tel: 01642 546 625 Em
olme
ww w.rspb.org.uk /salth
26
your North Star tenant magazine
your North Star tenant magazine
27
Who is North Star?
Organisations that are individually successful can be stronger and
more effective when they unite.
North Star Housing Group brings together the skills, resources and values of Endeavour Housing
Association and Teesdale Housing Association. We are a strong Group, with a clear vision of what
we want to achieve for the people who live in our region – creating affordable, high quality
housing and sustainable communities.
Contact
us
Endeavour House, St. Mark’s Court,
Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees, TS17 6QN
T: 03000 11 00 11
E: [email protected]
www.endeavourha.co.uk
14A Redwell Court,
Harmire Enterprise Park, Harmire Road,
Barnard Castle, County Durham, DL12 8BN
T: 03000 11 00 11
E: [email protected]
www.teesdaleha.co.uk
• Contact your Housing Officer
• Enquire about a Property
• Report a Repair
For all enquiries contact our dedicated Customer Service Team on: 03000 11 00 11*
For free help and independent advice on Welfare Benefits, contact Andrea Peacock
on 03000 11 00 11* or email: [email protected]
*(Calls will be charged at a local rate. Calls may be recorded for training and quality purposes.)
Having problems understanding the services Endeavour and Teesdale Housing Associations provide?
We have access to a telephone interpreting service. Please ring 03000 11 00 11 to let staff know you require
a translator – and the language you need – and we will call you back with help.
www.northstarhg.co.uk