Your Clarion Magazine Winter 2021
Since our last edition, each of us have had to adapt our lives to the fast-changing situation resulting from the pandemic. But one thing that has...
Your Clarion
Quarterly magazine
February 2021
A letter from Michelle
Welcome
A letter from Michelle
Welcome,
It’s my hope that despite 2021 having many unknowns, we can all enjoy a more positive year. We are, as always, steadfast in our commitment to delivering the best possible service to you, no matter what.
We’re continuing to deliver a near normal repairs service and offering support. If you’re struggling, please do get in touch with our Contact Centre.
With input from 2,000 residents our latest Clarion Index report shone a light on the issues affecting you and how the pandemic has impacted your lives. I was heartened to note that 86% of our residents were ‘coping well’, which is particularly reassuring to see in our older residents. For those who found things tougher, we’re introducing ways we can help, continuing our efforts to support you.
I wanted to briefly touch on the inspiring work we are doing in partnership with the homeless charity, St Mungo’s. As a cause close to my heart, I’m incredibly proud that we’re making a significant difference in our mission to get vulnerable people into warm, safe accommodation. We have secured £1.3m in Government funding to provide homes, opened the doors to accommodation schemes; and our staff raised more than £3,000 with a sponsored abseil.
We hope you enjoy this edition, which includes an update on our 2040 strategy - Clarion’s pledge to making our homes the best they can be - and our local offer initiative, along with new ways for residents to get involved.
Michelle Reynolds
Housing Association Chief
Operating Officer
Winter home care - our top tips!
Mould and damp are common problems, especially at this time of year when the weather is colder. But there are some simple things you can do to prevent them becoming a problem in your home.
Winter home care – our top tips!
Mould and damp are common problems, especially at this time of year when the weather is colder. But there are some simple things you can do to prevent them becoming a problem in your home.
Condensation is one of the main causes of mould and damp, but there are steps you can take to deal with it that won’t cost you a penny.
Here are some tips from Clarion Response, our maintenance service that carries out more than 1,400 jobs a day for our residents:
- Always dry washing outside if you can. Otherwise, dry it in your bathroom or kitchen – keeping the door shut and leaving the window slightly open or the extractor fan on.
- Hang wet washing on a clothes airer – not on your radiators.
Did you know...
We carry out more than 1,400 repairs for residents every day
Tips to furnish your home affordably
The cost of making a home can really mount up. Here are some ways to get good quality, low cost furniture and essential items to help you live more comfortably at a price that’s right for you.
Tips to furnish your home affordably
The cost of making a home can really mount up.
Here are some ways to get good quality, low cost furniture and essential items to help you live more comfortably at a price that’s right for you.
Did you know...
We can give you free training to help you find work
Recycling and reusing pre-loved items saves you money and helps the environment
Re-use, recycle, re-new
- British Heart Foundation home stores and Emmaus sell furniture, kitchen appliances and other household goods – find your local one online.
- Search online for local networks eg. Freecycle or Gumtree – where you can pick up low cost or free second hand items.
- The Reuse Network stocks high quality, affordable household items, including furniture, electrical appliances, IT equipment and much more. Look online to find your local centre.
Buying new: think before you buy!
- If you are thinking of buying new, the independent Money Advice Service has online budget planners to help you work out what you can realistically afford.
Visit: moneyadviceservice.org.uk
- If you are looking to borrow to buy items one of our trusted partners available to all residents is Leeds Credit Union, who offer low rate loans with no hidden costs.
Visit our website:
myclarionhousing.com for more tips and advice on furnishing your home affordably and for money guidance.
Improving your homes and neighbourhoods
Here at Clarion we want to put you, our residents, at the heart of everything we do and that’s why we’re committed to making sure your homes are safe and comfortable.
Improving your homes and neighbourhoods
Here at Clarion we want to put you, our residents, at the heart of everything we do and that’s why we’re committed to making sure your homes are safe and comfortable.
To do this, we’ve developed the Clarion 2040 vision, which aims to ensure all of our homes are the best they can be by the year 2040. This includes making sure our homes and neighbourhoods are good quality, well managed, fit for purpose, sustainable and affordable.
But we also know that not every community is the same and that means we need to understand local needs and adapt or develop new services. We plan to do this through our new local offer initiative. These may be in partnership with local agencies or services and are designed to improve our neighbourhoods and the quality of life and wellbeing of you, our residents.
We have big aspirations and that’s why we need to take a long term approach to invest in improving both our homes and neighbourhoods. Look out for further information.
Did you know...
We give emergency grants to Clarion residents needing extra help
Homes in the first phase of the Sherwood Close regeneration project in Ealing
Homes in Durand Close, a multi-phase regeneration project in South West London
A day in the life - LiveSmart Manager
Clarion’s LiveSmart homes are for people aged 55 and over. Each development has a dedicated manager, who ensures a safe and secure environment.
A day in the life - LiveSmart Manager
Clarion’s LiveSmart homes are for people aged 55 and over. Each development has a dedicated manager, who ensures a safe and secure environment.
LiveSmart Manager Rachael, talks to us about her role.
How do you help residents settle into their home?
We ensure that at the sign-up residents have everything they need, signposting for paint packs to help redecorate, and completing referrals for aids, adaptations and assistive technologies. Where residents need any furniture or appliances, we can signpost them to a range of additional services, ensuring they can maintain their tenancy and manage their new home.
How do you stay in touch?
LiveSmart Managers are available for residents to assist with property related matters which allows us to see that our residents are managing in their home.
How have you supported your residents through Covid-19?
The pandemic’s triggered challenges for everybody, and like all the housing teams, we have helped and assisted our residents. For example, some of our residents haven’t been able to do their usual shopping, so we’ve been working with local organisations who provide food parcels.
Did you know...
Clarion residents can get up to £1,000 for career-related training
Making it easier to manage your home online
As part of our new website improvements, we’ve updated the online account section.
Making it easier to manage your home online
As part of our new website improvements, we’ve updated the online account section.
It’s now easier than ever to use all our online services in one place, so you can manage your home on the move, 24/7, 365 days a year.
There are lots of benefits to using your online account, including:
- Making fast, secure online payments.
- Having immediate access to statements and charges.
- Updating your personal information easily.
- Requesting repairs and contacting us quickly.
Already registered?
If you already have an online account, but haven’t logged in to it through our new website, you’ll need to quickly reset your password next time you do log in.
Register between 29 January and 2 April 2021 and you could be in with a chance of winning a £50 Love2shop voucher in our weekly prize draw.*
*Click here for full T&C’s.
Master skills with virtual Microsoft workshops
Do you want to give your employability skills a polish? Fancy becoming a whiz with Excel or PowerPoint? Maybe you’d like to create a winning LinkedIn profile to open the doors to your next job.
Master skills with virtual Microsoft workshops
Do you want to give your employability skills a polish? Fancy becoming a whiz with Excel or PowerPoint? Maybe you’d like to create a winning LinkedIn profile to open the doors to your next job.
Clarion Futures has teamed up with our partner Microsoft, to offer a number of live virtual workshops, online training sessions and interview tools. With the aim of supporting 100,000 social housing residents, the bespoke programme gives you the opportunity to gain invaluable skills and knowledge, which will in turn boost your chances of securing your next career move.
Whether it’s making your CV stand out, preparing for interview success, or simply getting the hang of Outlook, there is a course to suit everyone.
You can access live training sessions from Microsoft, delivered directly via their online learning platform. Our dedicated team can also support you with training and advice, see above for further details.
And a big thanks to Engie and United Living who’ve donated £16,000 worth of computer equipment, to help us support residents’ digital access through our digital inclusion programme.
Getting involved
Do you want to be more involved in your community or help shape Clarion services?
Getting involved
Do you want to be more involved in your community or help shape Clarion services?
If so, then Resident Involvement is for you! There are opportunities for everyone.
Our new involvement strategy, shaped by residents launches in April 2021 – and offers even more ways to get involved, online or face to face.
Did you know…
We can lend you a laptop to help you get online
Launching Clarion Voice Email
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved and have your say. So we’ve created Clarion Voice Email, a direct way for you to get involved, share feedback and answer surveys.
Launching Clarion Voice Email
We want to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved and have your say. So we’ve created Clarion Voice Email, a direct way for you to get involved, share feedback and answer surveys.
This replaces the Clarion Voice portal, which will close on 31st March 2021.
If you want to have your say online - register for the Clarion Voice Email group now!
Did you know…
We deal with more than a million calls a year from residents
Signing up to our new Clarion Voice Email group offers you:
- Direct feedback on consultations, documents and research.
- Quarterly snapshot with updates on regional involvement activities.
- Weekly email, including survey invitations.
If you’re registered on Clarion Voice, you will need to re- register for the new Clarion Voice Email group.
Visit the portal now for details.
With the help of our residents, we’ve also been working hard on our new website. It’s now easier than ever to find all the information and services you need, along with the latest news and stories from your local area.
Financial first aid
Money problems affect us all at some point in our lives, especially with an unexpected event, such as losing your job or falling ill – let alone the effects of a pandemic on jobs and livelihoods.
Financial first aid
Money problems affect us all at some point in our lives, especially with an unexpected event, such as losing your job or falling ill – let alone the effects of a pandemic on jobs and livelihoods.
It is easy to fall into debt and hard to see a way out, but you can get expert help and peace of mind through one of the free debt advice providers that we work with.
If you are worried about money and being able to pay your bills, these steps can help:
Did you know...
You can use our benefits calculator to make sure you’re getting everything you’re entitled to
Debt test:
Assess your situation at:
www.stepchange.org/debt-test
It takes just one minute and is the first stage in getting on top of any problems you are having with debt.
Benefits calculator:
Check out our free benefits calculator at clarionhg.entitledto.co.uk to make sure you’re not missing out on any income you’re entitled to.
Budget planner:
Using a budget planner can help to put you in control of your household spending by seeing how much you have coming in and what you’re spending it on.
Did you know?
Last year more than 3,300 residents were helped through free debt advice from experts at organisations we work with, such as the StepChange debt charity. This resulted in a staggering £11.3 million of debt being written off, putting 1,000s of our residents back in control of their money.
Age Friendly networks – projects for every age
From Youth Connectors to solutions for an ageing population; we look at some of the Age Friendly networks’ recent projects and celebrate their achievements.
Age Friendly networks – projects for every age
From Youth Connectors to solutions for an ageing population; we look at some of the Age Friendly networks’ recent projects and celebrate their achievements.
Working together to tackle social isolation and loneliness.
By sharing personal stories and experiences from their communities, the Clarion55 network are working with teams across Clarion on two key projects:
- intergenerational living models
- resident wellbeing conversations
We know there are some real challenges around residents becoming socially isolated - more than ever because of the pandemic. We’re passionate about tackling the issue and making sure residents are connected and well.”
- C55 resident member
Bridging the age gap - would you like to get involved?
Intergenerational Social Action - our programme brings generations together to co-create projects to tackle challenges in our communities and help to bridge the generational divide.
Social Innovation Labs - to explore ideas to support an ageing population when we develop new services and projects.
Four ideas have been funded to develop. Thanks to all of you for your involvement.
Did you know…
You are one of more than 350,000 people who live in a Clarion home
Volunteering – skills, experience, community
Volunteering is for everyone, at any age – to support your community, or develop work skills. It opens up opportunities, and for young people it’s a great way to gain experience.
Want to try volunteering in Social Action Youth projects?
We offer opportunities for all ages:
- Mini ambassadors programmes
for 5 – 11 year olds
- Community Ambassadors programme
for 11 – 19 years old
- Social Action Youth Connectors (SAYC) programme
for 18 -25 years olds
- National Ambassadors
for 17-25 year olds
If you’re interested in youth projects in your community, email: ambassadors@myclarionhousing.com
Amelia’s Story:
Going over and above to support young people
Since 2018 Amelia has supported us with Social Action Youth programmes; and shares her volunteering journey at youth events to inspire others to get active in their communities.
Amelia’s volunteering contribution is recognised by more than those she directly works with. In September she became the youngest person on the Queen’s Honours List, receiving an MBE for her amazing work.
Ceri’s Story:
A stepping-stone into employment
Joining us in 2019 as an intern; Ceri became Events and Youth Engagement volunteer. The skills she gained as a volunteer enabled her to secure an Events and Communications Apprenticeship in the Age Friendly Communities Team.
Ceri says: “Clarion has been so important to help me step into the working world... I’m so glad I became a volunteer, it helped prepare me for my future.”
Need to move?
Check out House Exchange
Need to move? Check out House Exchange
We understand that for some of our residents, your home may no longer meet your needs and swapping it could be a great option.
You may need a new home for a growing family, a new job, or even to care for a loved one. Whatever the reason, if you feel that you could benefit by moving, then our service House Exchange, could give you a variety of choices.
House Exchange is the largest mutual exchange service. It is owned and managed by Clarion, which means you’ll always be safe in our hands and we’re always here to help.
As a national service this enables you to swap your home with another council or housing association resident from the Highlands of Scotland to the sunny South West; you can choose to stay locally or move to a completely different part of the UK.
Our website helps you search, find matches, and contact other people who are also looking to move. It’s easy to use and you can view the very latest adverts showing available homes.
Download our free House Exchange App for swapping on the move!
To start searching for your new home visit houseexchange.org.uk to complete the quick online registration.
Did you know...
Clarion residents can get up to £1,000 to help start their own business
Tenancy fraud is a problem for everyone
Tenancy fraud is a huge problem – for those in need of housing and for our residents living near illegally sublet property.
Tenancy fraud is a problem for everyone
Tenancy fraud is a huge problem – for those in need of housing and for our residents living near illegally sublet property.
Tenancy fraud:
- Prevents people in genuine need of housing from accessing permanent accommodation.
- Allows people to profit from social housing.
- Puts local communities at risk.
Skipping the Housing Register process means that someone who may be unsuitable could be living in one of our properties and putting our residents at risk.
There are lots of types of tenancy fraud, from submitting false information on housing applications to swapping homes, without informing us. The most common type of tenancy fraud is illegal subletting.
Subletting:
We know that often people are unaware they are illegally subletting a property. It is the lawful tenants that are acting illegally and are at risk of prosecution.
Can you help to tackle tenancy fraud?
We rely on reports from neighbours who suspect tenancy fraud may be occurring.
We have dedicated Tenancy Specialist Teams who manage cases of Anti-Social Behaviour and Fraud.
Please contact us in confidence, if you are concerned about tenancy fraud. You’ll be helping a person in genuine need find a home, and supporting your local community.
Contact us via the Contact Centre or use the online form; or search ‘fraud’ on our website myclarionhousing.com
Jobs & Training support with Clarion Futures
In December, we worked with The Daily Mirror to highlight the stories of three people supported into work through Clarion Futures - helping David and Shelon to job success and Sophie to start her own business.
Jobs & Training support with Clarion Futures
In December, we worked with The Daily Mirror to highlight the stories of three people supported into work through Clarion Futures - helping David and Shelon to job success and Sophie to start her own business.
David is an ex-soldier who struggled on his return to civilian life. We helped him find his feet and he is now working as a security guard, with a new lease of life.
“Sometimes when I wake up, I have to pinch myself that it’s real. It’s amazing what Clarion Futures has done. I have a life again, hope and a future.”
Shelon shared her journey from ex-offender to improved skills and confidence; and by working with our dedicated employment support advisers she found a customer services job.
“Clarion Futures have been amazing. The practical and emotional support they’ve given me has been so helpful. They’ve given me confidence and have helped me to know that there’s hope.”
David and Shelon are just two of the thousands of people we help into work each year.
Clarion Futures also supports people to start their own business – such as helping Sophie turn her hobby into a growing venture.
“Without the encouragement and support of Clarion Futures I may well have given up, but they gave me confidence in my business and my product, and with their help I was able to develop it and grow it quickly.”
Between April 2019 and April 2020,Clarion Futures:
-
Supported 3,834 people into work.
-
Placed 254 people into apprenticeships.
-
Helped 208 people to start their own business.
Share your Clarion Futures story, we’d love to celebrate your jobs and training success in the next issue. Resident.news@myclarionhousing.com
Celebrating our oldest residents:
We share the wartime experiences of two of our oldest, long-term residents, Stan and Beryl -featured on our Instagram to commemorate Remembrance Day.
Celebrating our oldest residents:
We share the wartime experiences of two of our oldest, long-term residents, Stan and Beryl -featured on our Instagram to commemorate Remembrance Day:
98 year old Beryl was “18 when war broke out and it was my 19th birthday when Mr. Churchill made a speech that encouraged me to volunteer for the Woman’s Auxiliary. I was stationed in various places across the country as a height finder. When the war was over, I went back to my mum and dad’s in Devon before getting married.
“In 1977, I moved to where I am now. I think I’ve been here the longest and I’m also the oldest.”
Stan, was 19 and working as a postman when war broke out:
‘I found the work boring, so five of us friends volunteered for the RAF to become pilots….I got a role as an armourer. Being in the air force, we didn’t feel the effects of rationing and only knew general life on leave - I remember coming out of Colliers Wood station to my parents’ house, when there was an air raid on. Shrapnel was coming down and I had to weave from side to side in case any hit me.
“I came to live in my flat more than 50 years ago. Not only am I the longest-running inhabitant, but I’m the oldest resident!”
Stan recently celebrated this 100th birthday. Congratulations Stan!
Did you know...
We can show you how to save money on your heating bills
Slow, simple and scrumptious!
Slow cookers are a great way to provide a low cost, nutritious and delicious meal.
Slow, simple and scrumptious!
Slow cookers are a great way to provide a low cost, nutritious and delicious meal
They are really energy efficient and can be picked up from as little as £12 from supermarkets and even less in your local charity shop.
From rich stews to vegan curries, there
are lots of slow cooker recipes online to try. This simple chicken recipe will help you get started.
- Easy meal preparation
- Cheap to run
- Nutritious and full of flavour!
Slow Cooker Chicken and Mushroom Stroganoff
Serves 4
Takes just minutes to throw in the slow cooker. It is so creamy and delicious, it will become an instant family favourite!
Ingredients
8 boneless skinless chicken thighs, cubed
8oz mushrooms sliced
8oz cream cheese
1 (10½ oz) can Cream of Chicken soup
1 medium onion chopped
Salt and pepper
8oz pasta or rice (cook separately)
Preparation
- Place the chicken in the bottom of the slow cooker, add the mushrooms and onions then pour over the can of soup.
- Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove chicken from pot and whisk the cream cheese into the sauce. Return chicken to the pot and coat with the sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve over pasta or rice.
Did you know...
Clarion residents can get up to £250 to help become self-employed
Regional: East
Your quarterly
regional magazine
Welcome from your Regional Director
Home is at the heart of our first magazine of 2021.
We’re now spending more time than ever at home, so your safety and comfort is of paramount importance to us. Winter home care tips on page 10; and where to get affordable furniture and household items are just some of the features in this packed edition.
We are proud to work with our contractor Engie who, as part of their social value commitment, delivers a range of initiatives and activities that help make a positive impact on local Clarion communities. Recently, they supported Clarion Futures in creating a sensory garden for pupils at a school in Ipswich. Within days, a plot of land was transformed, boasting features that stimulate the senses and will have rich, far-reaching benefits for pupils. We are also working with Engie to help residents into apprenticeships. Find out more about these community projects on page 6.
We will continue to support our communities and residents across the region during the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
In terms of shaping our services, we know that you, our residents, are the best people to help.
It is through your invaluable input that we appointed Idverde, Pinnacle and John O’Connor to provide grounds maintenance services. A number of you will be helping with our procurement of cleaning contracts. As always, I greatly appreciate this.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition and look forward to hearing your feedback: resident.news@myclarionhousing.com.
Marek Witko
Regional Director - East
More than just maintenance – delivering social value and opportunities
Engie works with us under our long-term planned investment contract to upgrade properties in the East region. Our contractor partners don’t just deliver planned maintenance work - they also deliver social value projects to enhance our communities, and provide opportunities for local residents.
Here we share two recent Clarion Futures projects delivered in partnership with Engie:
Apprenticeships:
As part of our Jobs and Training programme, Engie are committed to provide training and work placements, which for some will lead to jobs and apprenticeships.
Their aim is to support hundreds of residents each year through their Employment Skills Plan, offering:
- Advice on careers in the construction industry, CV writing and interview skills.
- Over 2,000 free places on accredited training courses delivered through Engie’s in-house Learning & Development Centre of Excellence.
Last year, nine work placements in Hertfordshire and Essex led to three apprenticeships for residents. And a recent scheme resulted in two standout candidates getting apprenticeships with a subcontractor, one as a groundworks apprentice, and the other as a roofing apprentice.
“Clarion Futures work closely with Engie to create opportunities for our residents to learn new skills and get into work. Our 20 year partnership will help place 100s of apprentices within Engie and its supply chain.”
- Rudi, Social Value Coordinator
2,000
free places on training courses
20
year partnership
100s
of apprenticeships
Community:
Our work with schools can benefit the local community as well as supporting pupils; and for one school in Ipswich, the creation of a sensory garden is something all can enjoy.
Last year Neighbourhood Investment Officer, Clare worked with the school to provide kids activities and with Engie, a Community Café; so they were pleased to progress their support with this latest project.
In November, Engie’s Community Impact team spent three days at the school. They created two new garden spaces, transforming part of the grounds with raised planters, three at an accessible height for wheelchair users.
It was a real team effort as the kids lent a hand with the planting.
When fully planted, the sensory garden will include features, surfaces, objects and plants to stimulate all the senses.
The school caters to children of all abilities, including those with learning difficulties. The sensory garden will be a space to relax and enjoy sights, sounds and smells away from the classroom.”
Clare, Neighbourhood Investment Office
The Sensory Garden is by the library which is used for community activities, so the benefits can be felt by all who use it.
Thank you to Engie whose involvement brought this project to life.
Working with residents
Improving our Grounds Maintenance information
Residents are actively involved across the region, making a difference to their communities. Here’s an example of just one of many recent involvement projects:
You Said – You would like to know more about your Grounds Maintenance Service with regards to contract summaries and schedules.
We Did – worked extensively with residents and contractors to develop a leaflet and posters to inform residents about the service provided, and giving the opportunity to monitor and feedback on service delivery.
Thank you to all involved.
Working with residents for estate improvements
Regular estate inspections and consultations help us get to know our residents and find out what’s needed at local level.
We’ve been working with residents in Harlow to address the issues they identified, which have already improved their estate.
You Said... the car park areas looked dull and grey.
We Did… We painted the car park walls.
You Said… Having bulk waste taken away was expensive.
We Did… Arranged two separate skip days for residents to dispose of their bulk waste free of charge.
You Said… The estate was difficult for visitors and contractors to navigate as it is numerically challenging.
We Did… We are in the process of installing estate mapping signage.
Small changes can make a big difference – and when residents get involved in their community, they make a real difference for all.
Sporting Inspirations – team work at Stoneyhall
In Stevenage, working together helped the Stoneyhall Community Centre adapt during the pandemic and beyond…
With our support, Sporting Inspirations use the Community Centre for youth programmes. When Covid-19 hit, a grant from our Emergency Support Fund enabled Jo, the lead facilitator at Sporting Inspirations, to give these youngsters some continuity with regular calls and projects.
Re-opening for summer was a priority, and thanks to team efforts across Clarion – housing, communities and assets - Sporting Inspirations were able to return with a socially distanced programme.
“Having the centre open for organised activities twice a week makes such a huge difference to the residents in Stevenage during a difficult and uncertain time.” - Clare, Neighbourhood Investment Officer
The kids were delighted to be back!
We’re also delighted to be able to fund some great new projects for Sporting Inspirations to deliver:
- Mini Community Ambassador Programme – focussing on local social action they would like to be involved with.
- A Social Action Youth Connector to help embed social action into the community.
This was all achieved by working in partnership, to enable Sporting Inspirations to keep their programme going for the local 8-11 year olds at Stoneyhall.
Thanks to all!
Helping you to make ends meet
Money can be difficult to manage, especially at this time of year with higher heating bills and the expense of Christmas.
Our specialist money guidance team is here to help you find ways of making your money go further – giving you the tools and information to make the financial decisions that work for you.
We offer one-to-one support and work with you to come up with a personal plan to help you feel more in control of your money. And it costs nothing but your time.
The team helps thousands of residents every year, to:
- save money on things like energy bills
- check they are getting any benefits they are entitled to
- deal with debt (with referrals to expert advisers)
Olena has worked for Clarion Housing for seven years and is one of our Guidance Officers. She helps residents living in the East region with their money problems – helping them to make their money go further and feel more in control of their finances. Olena’s top tip:
“During the lockdown I invested in a slow cooker. It only takes 2kWh to cook on a slow setting for eight hours, which costs less than 29p* on my current tariff. It’s not just cheap, it’s also hassle-free.”
*costs may vary according to appliance and tarif
To access our free money guidance service, call 0300 500 8000 or visit myclarionhousing.com/help-and-guidance/financial-guidance
Regional:
London North
Your quarterly
regional magazine
Welcome from your Regional Director
Home is at the heart of our first magazine of 2021.
We’re now spending more time than ever at home, so your safety and comfort is of paramount importance to us. We will continue checking in on our vulnerable residents throughout the winter, as we know this contact is invaluable to some and has been positively received.
Although our intervention powers to address antisocial behaviour are limited in relation to criminal activity, your safety is our main priority and we will do all we can to support you and our partners in addressing all forms of antisocial behaviour.
We have developed our partnership priority block approach to address a number of neighbourhood issues - working with our teams within Clarion and key external partners across all local authority areas, we are keen to develop neighbourhood plans.
This approach underpins our Local Offer initiatives, and following your feedback, one of our priorities is to address issues with locking systems on communal doors and carpark gates.
Our belief that everyone deserves a home is supported by our partnership with homeless charity St Mungo’s. I’m delighted that during the first lockdown, we combined forces to provide short-term accommodation and support for homeless people in Islington. It’s inspiring work like this that gives those in desperate need a springboard to lead more settled lives. Read more on page 9.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition and look forward to hearing your feedback: resident.news@myclarionhousing.com.
Catherine Kyne
Regional Director - London North
Musical youth
Playgrounds are just places where children play, right? Well, not always... Take our Roman Road Adventure Playground in Tower Hamlets for example.
Some of our younger residents are benefitting from music tuition funded by our charitable foundation, Clarion Futures. Every Monday evening around 20 children attend the playground to learn to play the guitar, in groups depending on their ability.
The 30 minute sessions started more than a year ago and continued over Zoom during lockdown. The budding guitarists are now planning to show off their musical talents in a free concert for the community, which will take place later this year.
This is just one example of the free activities for 5-15-year olds that have taken place since the playground opened in 2011. It was the first adventure playground to be built by a housing association in England and won the 2016 London Adventure Playground of the Year Award. As well as outdoor play areas, it has an indoor play centre and hall with kitchen and toilets, and is a popular place for people to visit.
Residents enjoying room makeovers
Our contractor Wates has been helping some of our LiveSmart residents transform their homes, by decorating them free of charge!
They have sent in teams of painters and decorators to do the makeovers in a ‘Room 101’ scheme that has been taking place at the Sutton Estate in Chelsea, and Barkway Court in Hackney, since last year.
The pilot scheme gives a helping hand to residents - enabling them to choose a room in their home to be given a makeover.
Several residents have already had their bedrooms or living rooms given a new lease of life using special eco-friendly paint by Paint360, a social enterprise based in the West Midlands that creates jobs for unemployed young people.
Our residents are delighted with the new look of their homes.
This is just one example of how we work with our contractors to support our communities. It is part of a wider commitment that Wates has made to helping our residents.
The scheme may even result in a greater use of eco-friendly paint across Clarion’s properties, which would help reduce our carbon footprint.
Thank you for the decoration of my living room, they have done a very good job. I am very pleased with it.’’
– Mavis
Changing lives
There is a large and growing number of children in care who are waiting, and hoping, to be part of a family. That’s where you could help.
Islington Council’s fostering service is appealing for Clarion residents who might be interested in finding out more about fostering a child.
Sadly, there is a need for local foster carers so if this is something you have ever thought about, or just want to know more, please get in touch with the council’s fostering service. You may be able to make a real difference to the life of a young person looking for a home to call their own.
Foster carers receive:
- Ongoing training
- 24 hour support
- Financial allowance
- Rewards of up to £815 a week
You do not need to own your home, or have a partner, to become a foster carer. There is no typical foster carer and the service has carers from many different cultures, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds. The important thing is that you must be good with children and be able to keep them healthy and safe. You will also need to have a spare bedroom.
Sheltering people from the streets
Christmas came early for a number of homeless people in Islington late last year when a large property became available. We worked with our charity partner, St Mungo’s, to use the 19 bedroom building for short term accommodation for single people who would otherwise be sleeping on the streets.
It is part of the government’s Next Steps Accommodation Programme to provide homes for people sleeping rough. St Mungo’s worked with the local authority to identify those most in need. The new residents have a stepping stone towards a long term home and are no longer out in the cold night after night.
St Mungo’s provides 24-hour support and is helping our new residents adjust and settle into their new homes, as well as accessing benefits and assistance from other agencies such as mental health and drug and alcohol services.
Kim, from St Mungo’s, explained that the overall aim is to help the residents “develop life skills and independent living.” She added: “We want all our clients to feel welcome and we provide client involvement days such as Pizza Day and Breakfast Club. Our goal is to support clients in identifying their strengths and pursuing their interests, giving them the tools to make meaningful use of their time.”
Helping you to make ends meet
Money can be difficult to manage, especially at this time of year with higher heating bills and the expense of Christmas.
Our specialist money guidance team is here to help you find ways of making your money go further – giving you the tools and information to make the financial decisions that work for you.
We offer one-to-one support and work with you to come up with a personal plan to help you feel more in control of your money. And it costs nothing but your time.
The team helps thousands of residents every year, to:
- save money on things like energy bills
- check they are getting any benefits they are entitled to
- deal with debt (with referrals to expert advisers)
David is one of our Guidance Officers and helps residents living in the London North region with their money problems – helping them to make their money go further and feel more in control of their finances.
“Pay As You Go meters are usually more expensive to run than being on a direct debit. If you want to take advantage of different tariff deals which better suit the way you use energy, ask your supplier to switch you to a direct debit meter…if you have a smart meter you may find that your supplier can do this remotely - causing you no fuss at all!”
To access our free money guidance service,
call 0300 500 8000 or visit myclarionhousing.com/help-and-guidance/financial-guidance
Regional:
London South
Your quarterly
regional magazine
Welcome from your Regional Director
Home is at the heart of our first magazine of 2021.
We’re now spending more time than ever at home, so your safety and comfort is of paramount importance to us. Winter home care tips on page 10; and where to get affordable furniture and household items are just some of the features in this packed edition.
Despite the upheaval of the pandemic, we are making steady progress with our Merton regeneration. We reached a major milestone in the autumn when the first set of residents received the keys to their new homes at Ravensbury Grove. This £1.3bn redevelopment was shaped by our residents and will see 2,800 modern homes built to meet their needs, and create a lasting legacy for the community. Meanwhile, work has started on the Cherry Orchard Gardens scheme in Croydon, which will provide much-needed accommodation for social rent and shared ownership.
I have been warmed and inspired by the way our communities have pulled together over the last 12 months. With young people being amongst those most adversely affected by the impact of Covid-19, our local partnerships with organisations such as the Uptown Youth Service, have had to think creatively to keep supporting them during an incredibly challenging time. You can read all about it on page 9.
We continue our efforts to support you during the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition of Your Clarion, and look forward to hearing your feedback: resident.news@myclarionhousing.com.
John Ferman
Regional Director - London South
Cleaning up communities
We work hard to keep our neighbourhoods clean and safe, and to improve the places where you live.
In recent months we’ve made a big difference to estates in our region, working alongside other organisations.
In one day alone, late last year, our teams dealt with everything from builders’ waste to mattresses and furniture when clearing up more than a tonne of rubbish from our estates in Orpington. And a clean-up operation, with the council in Mottingham, resulted in almost three tonnes of waste being cleared away and some 44 square metres of graffiti removed.
When it comes to visible repairs, there’s nothing more obvious than TV cables hanging down from rooftops or telegraph poles. When Penge residents reported cables dangling from a building last year, our contractor investigated and alerted Virgin Media, who fixed it in a matter of days.
We also work with the police and other agencies to make sure the areas in which you live are safe and clean. This includes cracking down on anti-social behaviour, such as tackling tenancy breaches around flytipping.
Francis Road, before
Francis Road, after
Fighting fit
Our residents in Croydon have been getting into shape by taking part in boxercise classes funded by Clarion Futures.
The weekly 30 minute fitness sessions, run by Croydon Boxing Academy, started last August for four weeks but were so successful they were extended. The sessions gave residents an opportunity to get active after the first lockdown was lifted last year. They were tailored for individual needs and 16 people took part in the sessions, ranging in age from eight to 45 years old.
One of the coaches, Martin, said: “We particularly focused on making exercising fun, teaching them the basics of boxing and for those who attended, they now know how to throw a jab and right hand with the correct technique, which is an awesome achievement in itself.”
Another coach, Jay Jay, commented: “It has been exciting to give back to the community and instil the passion of boxing and exercise. Regardless of whether a resident came once or multiple times we tried to change their perception of exercise by varying the activities we did in the session and giving them the mind-set that 30 minutes of activity can make a difference to the productivity of your day.”
A number of residents have continued to develop their boxing skills and raise their fitness levels through free gym memberships and one to one coaching that Clarion Futures is funding.
New friends
Some of our LiveSmart residents in Lewisham and Orpington have taken part in a buddying scheme to bring the young and old together.
Run by InCommon, which works to connect different generations, and funded by Clarion Futures, the programme started in late 2019. Children would visit our residents but after the pandemic struck the project shifted to being done over the phone and online.
Nine year olds Tegan and Anna were among the children involved in the scheme. They became friends with Moni, 83, and the three wrote a story together about the adventures of a snail called Gary. The story ‘Potato Catastrophe’ features in a book Incommon put together from the stories created by residents and children during lock-down. Moni said: “It’s been so nice speaking to the children, and so good to see them over video. This has been really good, I’ve enjoyed it.”
Laura, co-founder of InCommon, said: “Children and older people have a huge amount to offer one another in the way of knowledge, experience, energy and compassion, but we live in an increasingly age-segregated society - and that’s only been exacerbated by social distancing.”
She added: “The needs of our society’s youngest and oldest members have too often been overlooked during this crisis. Both groups are increasingly lonely and isolated. Our activities seek to bring joy and meaning to old and young at a difficult time.” The scheme is continuing and has expanded to other LiveSmart schemes in the London South region.
Giving something back
Two of our younger residents are making a real difference to the lives of others in their community, as part of a trainee youth work team run by Uptown Youth Services (UYS) in Merton.
The two teenagers, Leslie and Tasharra, are among a large number of young people who have benefitted from attending a youth club run by UYS. Leslie, 16, said his time at UYS, which is funded by Clarion Futures and the Merton Community Panel, has helped him “make friends for life.” The youth club gives young people “a safe place to be with various activities to do rather than roaming round on the streets and doing things that may get them into trouble,” he said.
Leslie and Tasharra started out volunteering at UYS and are now being paid for their efforts to help other young people.
Leslie said: “I am very appreciative of the opportunity given to me to do paid youth work because it is my first paid job and it has helped me to see what it is like being in the world of work.”
And Tasharra, 15, commented: “Being with UYS has benefitted me in many ways. I have developed my social skills and gained more confidence.” Her role on the team has given her “an insight of the real world.” She added: “I am thankful for it because when I go into work properly I won’t be completely clueless and will have a rough idea of how I would need to plan out my days and be more organised and prepared.”
Helping you to make ends meet
Money can be difficult to manage, especially at this time of year with higher heating bills and the expense of Christmas.
Our specialist money guidance team is here to help you find ways of making your money go further – giving you the tools and information to make the financial decisions that work for you.
We offer one-to-one support and work with you to come up with a personal plan to help you feel more in control of your money. And it costs nothing but your time.
The team helps thousands of residents every year, to:
- save money on things like energy bills
- check they are getting any benefits they are entitled to
- deal with debt (with referrals to expert advisers)
Debbie is one of our Guidance Officers and helps residents living in the London South region with their money problems – helping them to make their money go further and feel more in control of their finances.
“My top tip would be to try not to stress out about it too much, making a plan can be as simple as jotting on a piece of paper what you have coming in and the bills you need to pay out and pinning it somewhere like the fridge, and to access the many budgeting resources that are available to use and find the one that suits you best.”
To access our free money guidance service,
call 0300 500 8000 or visit myclarionhousing.com/help-and-guidance/financial-guidance
Regional: North and South West
Your quarterly
regional magazine
Welcome from your Regional Director
Home is at the heart of our first magazine of 2021.
We’re now spending more time than ever at home, so your safety and comfort is of paramount importance to us. Winter home care tips and where to get affordable furniture are just some of the features in this packed edition.
Our teams are continuing to develop Local Offers for your communities. These are additional services or initiatives designed to address a specific issue or need. It aims to improve the standards of our neighbourhoods, enhance the quality of life and wellbeing for our residents. Look out for more information on the Local Offers in your area.
In December, Clarion staff took to the airwaves for a special programme on Plymouth’s Ferndale Community Radio station. Listeners learned about services we offer, ways they can manage their money and tips on getting into work.
We continue to support our residents and communities during the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
We hope that you can also help us by getting involved with the re-tender of our grounds maintenance contracts.
Please look out for and complete the surveys that we’re sending out, so we have your views on the current and future service provision. We will keep you updated on the process and who the contractor will be once appointed.
I hope you enjoy this issue, please share your feedback: resident.news@myclarionhousing.com
Marek Witko
Regional Director - North & South West
Building community pride in Derby
In the autumn, we celebrated community pride with a week of activities to launch our Alvaston local plan.
Earlier in the year, we consulted with the 260 residents to find out how we can work together to address local issues and build individual and community pride. Their feedback told us that health and employment, along with safe, clean and green estates are important to them.
Teams across Clarion, local agencies and residents used this feedback to develop a local plan for our Alvaston estate which we launched through a springboard event - a week filled with activities including tidy garden and recipe competitions, wellbeing and employment workshops, gardening with Green Fingers and a huge estate clear-up removing 13 tonnes of bulky waste!
Everyone got involved to make a difference to their community and six residents volunteered as champions of the local plan.
David, one of our champions said - “I am really pleased to have been selected and I want to help as much as I can. I decided to volunteer because I really care about the area, and feel that we can really make a difference together. I want to try and create a bit of positivity at this hard time.”
Thanks to everyone who made this event such a success, the Council, Greenfingers, Ground Control, Clarion Futures and most importantly our residents.
Together we can do this.
Did you know?
You can arrange for bulky waste items to be collected – just call your local council for details.
Fit and Fed through the holidays
A joint partnership by Foundation 92 with seven local housing associations brings free sports to kids in and around Salford.
We are delighted to be part of the partnership to provide sports sessions twice a week, and food parcels weekly.
The Foundation 92 programme delivers free sports activities in the local area for young people from age seven. And for families attending the health and wellbeing workshops, a free healthy eating pack is provided to support them outside the programme.
The project began during the 2020 summer holidays, and we are pleased to be able to support as it adapts activities and food provision to the Covid-19 guidance.
Working in partnership really supports the local community, at a particularly challenging time.
Thanks to all our partners in this project.
Looking forward to Spring
Residents at a Livesmart scheme in Birmingham were delighted when the Engie team visited to upgrade radiator valves, because they also did the garden!
Our contractor partners don’t just deliver planned maintenance work - they are also contracted to deliver social value projects to enhance our estates and communities.
The Engie team tidied up the communal garden, so residents can enjoy the view of nature, and use the outdoor space when the weather improves.
A heart-warming, furry tale!
Recently we needed to move a family into a hotel while we repaired their home; but what about their furry friends? The children were devastated to leave behind their pet rats.
Lesley the Housing Manager was asked to provide access to the property for the rats to be regularly fed. She had a chat with the Neighbourhood Response Officer, Becky to try and find a way to reunite the family.
So without further ado, a very persuasive Becky came to the rescue – she spoke with the hotel who agreed that the pet rats could be moved in with their family during their stay.
The family were so pleased to have their complete family back together again, especially the children. We are very grateful to the hotel for helping us to make this happen!
Becky said “It was lovely to see their faces, so happy to have their pets with them – it means such a lot at a stressful time.”
Tamar View food hub – serving the community
We celebrate a community project in Plymouth that stepped in to meet the needs of local residents during Covid-19.
The Tamar View Community Centre responded to lockdown by opening its doors as a food hub. Volunteers went from collecting food parcels to distributing to local families; then delivering across the City, when the North Plymouth food bank closed.
Centre Manager, Pat gathered a team of six to support this totally volunteer run project. It is a real community effort, relying on food donations from local supermarkets and suppliers; our Emergency Support Fund helps to buy additional items.
We are honoured to help people from our communities through these uncertain times. Our team of volunteers have really pulled out all the stops to ensure the food operation continues to meet the needs of the people. I’d like to thank Clarion Futures for all their support.”
- Pat, Centre Manager
Volunteers make up the food parcels, looking at the needs of each family and try to give them enough to last them for a week, if possible.
The food hub began in response to the pandemic, but the team are still working non-stop to provide this service, and Pat is looking at ways to continue the food hub longer term.
Thanks to all these volunteers, working so hard for their community.
Helping you to make ends meet
Money can be difficult to manage, especially at this time of year with higher heating bills and the expense of Christmas.
Our specialist money guidance team is here to help you find ways of making your money go further – giving you the tools and information to make the financial decisions that work for you.
We offer one-to-one support and work with you to come up with a personal plan to help you feel more in control of your money. And it costs nothing but your time.
The team helps thousands of residents every year, to:
- save money on things like energy bills
- check they are getting any benefits they are entitled to
- deal with debt (with referrals to expert advisers)
Rebecca is one of our Guidance Officers and helps residents living in the region with their money problems – helping them to make their money go further and feel more in control of their finances.
Her top energy saving tip is to
“switch off lights if you don’t need them on! You can waste a lot of electric lighting a room when you don’t need to.”
And Rebecca’s top money saving suggestion is to “make meal plans, shop to a list, and if you can - batch cook. This way you don’t waste food or money.”
To access our free money guidance service,
call 0300 500 8000 or visit myclarionhousing.com/help-and-guidance/financial-guidance
Regional: South
Your quarterly
regional magazine
Welcome from your Regional Director
Home is at the heart of our first magazine of 2021.
We’re now spending more time than ever at home, so your safety and comfort is of paramount importance to us. Winter home care tips on page 10; and where to get affordable furniture are just some of the features in this packed edition.
Our belief that everyone deserves a good quality home is underpinned by our partnership with homeless charity St Mungo’s. I’m pleased that we’re already making a significant impact in our region by opening a temporary accommodation scheme for those in desperate need in Brighton. With Clarion providing the block management and St Mungo’s delivering tailored support, it is a great example of how we’re teaming up to tackle the issue of homelessness.
Covid-19 has highlighted the role we play in helping our residents during an incredibly challenging time. We are so proud that our teams’ hard work to keep services running was recognised by Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge and Malling.
We will continue to support you in the ongoing Covid-19 situation.
I got a taste of this great work when I took part in our Back to the Floor programme. Shadowing the Surrey Neighbourhood team, I was impressed by the work that goes into keeping your estates clean and well looked after. Each team member I met showed enthusiasm and dedication to best serving residents and addressing any issues.
We hope you enjoy this latest edition and look forward to hearing your feedback: Resident.news@myclarionhousing.com
Jackie Andrews
Regional Director - South
Estate improvements – working together
We are always working to improve our estates and in the last magazine we asked for your ideas on local improvements.
We’re pleased to report that 99% of the suggestions were approved by the regional panel and works orders are now being raised with contractors. We’ll update you in the next issue.
Thank you to all the residents who submitted ideas.
Clearing up together in Chichester!
Regular estate inspections help identify issues and how we can work together to resolve them.
We regularly see fly-tipping. It is unpleasant for residents to have to look at; and dumped rubbish and items stored in communal areas is a health and safety concern.
A recent project in Chichester saw the residents group, Clarion teams and our contractor partner all working together to clear up the estate.
There was a great turnout as United Living supplied skips for residents to get rid of unwanted items easily and free of charge.
We went block by block with the Residents group, helping to collect items and talking to residents about why areas need to be kept clear. Special thanks to one resident, who borrowed a supermarket trolley to transport items to the skips for some of our older residents on the estate.
There is much we can all do to keep our estates clear of rubbish - working together really gets results.
Celebrating the Chichester Furniture project
A project to provide furniture, clothing and toys to those in urgent need across West Sussex has been celebrated with an award for the project leader, Therese.
Therese is the driving force of the Chichester Harbour Rotary Club project - raising and applying for funds, sorting and delivering items and leading the team of volunteers to support families in urgent need and homeless as they are allocated places to live.
“I cannot say how much this project has supported our team with their quick response and ‘never say no’ attitude. The donations make a real difference for our residents and their children at such difficult times in their lives” - Emma, Tenancy Sustainment Manager
And our residents agree:
“Thank you for giving us hope”
“With the support you have given I think we can get through this”
Run entirely by volunteers, and relying on donations from the local community, Clarion Futures supports the project by sponsoring storage units and through our Emergency Support Fund.
Covid-19 brought a huge increase in calls for help with essential items; but fewer volunteers, as many had to shield. Therese kept the project going, and was honoured by an award from the High Sheriff of West Sussex, who surprised her at home in full regalia!
Thank you to all who volunteer to help their community
Wilding our green-spaces in Tonbridge
A project to bring wildlife into one of our largest estates in Kent began in the Autumn, with wildflower seeds planted into grass verges and fruit trees at the local primary school.
The local councillor, Long Mead School and residents are all involved to bring this project to life across the estate’s green spaces.
For the school project, there are plans for a wild meadow orchard area, where children will plant seeds, monitor the wildlife and learn more about nature.
We donated ten fruit trees and the children all helped with planting; and will eventually enjoy the fruit at snack time!
Opposite the school, our grounds maintenance contractors, Nurture, donated trees and cut a ‘snake path’ into the grass verge, planting it with wild flowers to bring colour from Spring to September.
We hope residents enjoy the wilding, so the project can be extended to all the grass verges to bring colour and flowers across the whole estate.
Are you in Sussex and looking to move?
We’ve updated Home Move, the website you use to bid for local housing association properties across Sussex.
The new website offers:
- Enhanced adverts – so you know more about what you’re bidding on.
- Property alerts – so you don’t miss out.
- Document upload - to make your application easier and faster.
- Visit homemove.org.uk or contact your local authority.
Wateringbury village library
Residents in Wateringbury now have their own village library – in an old telephone kiosk!
With limited public transport and no local library, residents applied for a Clarion grant to set up their own.
The kiosk is now full of books for every age for residents to borrow; and they can re-home their unwanted books for others to enjoy. And to reduce the Covid-19 spreading risk, a letterbox has been installed alongside – for donated books to be isolated, before they are made available.
Community support
A temporary project to support families left without school meal vouchers is continuing thanks to the community spirit of Tangmere village.
Local residents set up a food hub in the bus shelter during October half term, supported with a grant from our Emergency Support Fund.
As well as keeping the hub topped up with donations, residents take it in each night so the local wildlife don’t enjoy it!
A wonderful example of communities coming together in difficult times.
Helping you to make ends meet
Money can be difficult to manage, especially at this time of year with higher heating bills and the expense of Christmas.
Our specialist money guidance team is here to help you find ways of making your money go further – giving you the tools and information to make the financial decisions that work for you.
We offer one-to-one support and work with you to come up with a personal plan to help you feel more in control of your money. And it costs nothing but your time.
The team helps thousands of residents every year, to:
- save money on things like energy bills
- check they are getting any benefits they are entitled to
- deal with debt (with referrals to expert advisers)
Luisa has worked for Clarion Housing Group for almost a decade and is one of our Guidance Officers. She helps residents living in the South region with their money problems – helping them to make their money go further and feel more in control of their finances.
“There are lots of quick ways to make your home warmer - try radiator reflectors; these slide behind radiators that are on external walls and they help reflect heat back into the property rather than losing it through the wall.”
To access our free money guidance service,
call 0300 500 8000 or visit myclarionhousing.com/help-and-guidance/financial-guidance
