The Communicator - Swan Housing Association

Residents firstSwan gets residents back into work!Swan has just employed tworesidents as apprentices followingtheir completion of a ten week Cityand Guilds Level 1 Certificate inPractical Horticulture at WrittleCollege.Eight residents completed the coursein total and it introduced them to arange of horticultural skills from hardlandscaping to pruning. Residents arebeing supported following the end ofthe course to continue training or findemployment.The two residents selected willcomplete a one-year apprenticeshipwith Swan, working towards a Level 2Diploma in work-based Horticulture.The apprenticeships commenced inJanuary 2013 and will be supportingSwan’s services.If you are interested incompleting a course inhorticulture and the opportunityto become a Swan apprentice,please contact Hannah Marshon hmarsh@swan.org.uk orphone 01277 315 293 toregister your interest for thenext course in Autumn 2013.Want TheCommunicatorby email only?We are trying to become moreenvironmentally friendly andwould like to offer you thechance of having yournewsletter emailed to youinstead of being postedthrough your door.This means that youwould need to printout the competitionsections so thatyou can enterthem.Star in the CommunityAward 2012You can access TheCommunicator online atwww.web4residents.org.ukalready but if you wish to onlyreceive it by email send yourdetails to editor@swan.org.ukswanCommunicatorThenews about your homes and services February 201312 housing providers across Tower Hamlets delivered the STAR in theCommunity Awards Programme 2012. This is the third consecutive yearwhere housing providers across Tower Hamlets have celebrated theachievements of residents, who volunteer their time to make a di ferencein the communities where they live.Fu l story on page 3We are on Facebookwww.facebook.com/swanhousingOur page now has 174 ‘likes’. See you there!You’ve got to bein it to win it!Irene King from Basildon wonan iPod in our STARCARDcompetition.“What a surprise, I neverexpected this! And it camein my favourite colour. NowI can take my musicwherever I go.”said Irene.WINLook out for thecompetitions onpages 10 and 20Residents first 2Swan services 14Your home 16www.swan.org.uk www.web4residents.org.ukKids’ zone 20Swan’s safeguarding eventSwan held its first safeguarding eventon 27th November where theemphasis was on safeguardingchildren. The event was wellattended by Swan’s Managers, Boardmembers, residents and partners.The safeguarding event focused onthe needs of children and how we canall protect and safeguard youngpeople. There were three sessionsfrom three different agencies lookingat vulnerable children and our legaland moral duty to protect andsafeguard them.The aim was to raise awarenessaround a number of child issues, toprovide resources and contactdetails in order to gain more knowledgeand reflect on the subject areas.The first session was taken by ValPetch, Swan’s Foyer Manager, whoexplained about different types ofchild abuse and what to do if youhave concerns about a child.The next subject was Child Traffickingwhich was delivered by Andy Elvin,the Chief Executive of CFAB,Protecting Children and UnitingFamilies across Borders. This UKbasedcharity identifies and protectschildren who have been separatedfrom family members as aconsequence of trafficking, abduction,migration, divorce, conflict andasylum, as well as other vulnerableindividuals in often desperatecircumstances.The final speaker was Lyn HeadleyChief Executive of Basildon Women’sAid and Tasha Jean-Louis, BasildonWomen’s Aid Children’s Manager. Sheexplained the impact of domesticabuse on children and the supportservices available for thoseexperiencing domestic abuse. A DVDshowing the experience of living in arefuge from a child’s perspective waspresented.6

web4residents.org.ukResidents firstSwan Housing Association Foyersawarded Foyer Status MarkThe Accreditation Status Mark recognises the good practice andinnovative work that is carried out at the Foyers and the excellentservice that young people who access them receive.The Foyers have been busy during2012 working towards achievingthe Foyer Status Mark awardedthrough the Foyer Federationwhich is the key trade body forFoyer schemes nationally.Following an accreditation validationvisit in August 2012 the Foyer StatusMark Quality Council awarded DoveCott House and Swan House Foyer afull Foyer Accreditation Status Markfor the first time.The Quality Council commended theimprovements made to the Foyersand stated that they were verypleased with the excellent progressmade over the past few years.The Status Mark has been awardedfor three years at which point we willundergo another accreditation review.Swan Foyer residents help makehistory in the Houses of ParliamentOn Thursday 13th December 2012,two residents from Dove CottHouse and Swan House Foyerhelped make history by being partof the first ever Homeless YoungPeople’s Parliament.Chelsie Hutchinson Brown andSophie Brand along withapproximately 100 young peoplefrom across the country descendedupon the Houses of Parliament at theinvitation of Labour MP Jack Dromey,Shadow Minster for Housing.The young people who representedfive organisations that supporthomeless young people (Crisis, StBasils, the Foyer Federation, YMCA,and Centrepoint) had three keypriorities for Government. These werethen debated and voted upon to takeforward three over-arching prioritiesfor a question and answer sessionwith Jack Dromey Labour MP, HilaryBenn Labour MP (Shadow Secretaryof State for Communities and LocalGovernment), Nick BolesConservative MP, Don FosterLiberal Democrat MP and JohnBercow, the Speaker of the Houseof Commons.Labour MP Jack Dromey pledgedthat the issues discussed during theevent will feed into the Labour Party’spolicy review of homelessness nextyear. He also said he will seek to raisethe issues in Parliament throughout2013 and pledged that the day wouldnot be a one-off tokenistic event, butwould become a regular event toensure that the voice of homelessyoung people was heard.The event gave young people thechance to identify issues which wereimportant to them and to realise howimportant it is for them to contributeto the political process. It enabledthem to understand that they havethe ability to influence and participate,both regionally and nationally, byvoting and getting their voices heardon subjects that are important toyoung people today.“I really feel that we have beenlistened to today and that allthe MP’s we spoke to wouldtake our concerns away andraise them within theirpolitical party.”Chelsie“We made history today, wetalked about our experiencesand why we had becomehomeless, people listened andhave said they will continue tolisten and try to implementsome of the suggestions wehave come up with to supporthomeless young people tosecure accommodation andget into education, trainingand employment.”Sophie7

Residents firstDates for the diaryCoffee morningsLGBT History MonthShrove TuesdayRegular tea and coffee morningsare held on some of our estates toprovide residents with an opportunityto meet each other, discuss commonissues or just make new friends.The times for these are:Essex - Five Links, Information &Community Centre, 202Somercotes, Laindon - Mondays at9.30am-11.00am.London - Bow Cross, CommunityHall, Swan Office, 2a PristmanPoint, E3 3EY Wednesdays at10.00am-11.00am.Valentine’s DayLGBT History Month isin February. It is awonderful opportunityto celebrate thecontributions andachievements oflesbian, gay, bisexualand trans peoplein British life.TOInternationalWomen’s Day1FEBFEB28Also called PancakeDay and Mardi Gras.The British name of“Pancake Day” comesfrom the tradition ofmaking pancakes to use up all thefood that could not be eatenduring Lent.Easter SundayFEB12FEB14Valentine's Day, or StValentine's Day, iscelebrated every yearon 14 February.It's the day when peopleshow their affection for anotherperson or people by sendingcards, flowers or chocolates withmessages of love.MARCHInternational Women’sDay celebrates theachievements ofwomen across theworld, promotes genderequality and campaigns againstviolence towards women.Please seeinternationalwomensday.comfor more information.8MARCH31Easter commemoratesthe resurrection ofJesus Christ. It isone of the mostimportant Christianfestivals.The date of Easter changes eachyear because it is set according tothe phases of the moon. Severalother Christian festivals (such asLent) set their dates according tothe timing of Easter Sunday.Find all the latest events on www.web4residents.org.uk/calendarDo you have an event you want residents to know about? Email us at editor@swan.org.uk with the details.8

web4residents.org.ukResidents firstOur way of saying thank youWhat is the STARCARDReward Scheme?The STARCARD Reward Scheme wasintroduced to thank Swan residents who paytheir rent on time and keep to their tenancyconditions. Unfortunately it does not extendto those residents who have a licence,leaseholders or those who hold a tenancywith Newham Council, as it is only forresidents who hold a Swan tenancy.How do I qualifyfor the STARCARDReward Scheme?It’s really easy; you just have to be ableto say yes to the following conditions:WINWINI have a Swan tenancyI have not owed more than fourweeks rent in the last six months(excluding pending HousingBenefit Payments)My home and garden are in aclean and tidy conditionI have no outstanding legalactions against meThere have been no provenreports of Anti-Social Behaviouragainst anyone living in my homeMy annual gas safety check hasbeen completed within timeMy home is owned andmanaged by SwanI do not live in short-termaccommodation (e.g. NHS, Foyer)I have kept to all my tenancyconditions for the last six monthsIf you have said yes to all theseconditions, you qualify for the schemeand can enter our fabulouscompetition. If you cannot say yes toall the conditions or have anyquestions regarding the criteria pleasecontact your Neighbourhood Officer,who will be able to tell you whatsteps you will need to take to qualify.For frequently asked questions, goto www.web4residents.org.ukClick on ‘Informing You’ and it’s onthe right-hand side.Qualifying tenants will receivetheir next £10 upload on theirSTARCARD in early 2013.Find out how much is on yourSTARCARD: Call 0845 640 0884 andkey in your card number - easy!Last month’s winners!Andrea Collingwood, Pitseawon a Samsung 43” TVIrene King, Basildonwon an iPodMrs Sharp, Chelmsfordwon a Wii ConsoleMrs Farmer, Londonwon an iPadMelissa Gaffer, Romfordwon a Panasonic camcorderMrs Wright, Laindon andPamela Swetman, Halsteadboth won £200 on their STARCARDwww.swan.org.uk For further details call 0300 303 25009

Residents firstOur way of saying thank youBush 24” HD TVWhat is the name of a phone provider?Orange Blue GreenHere is your chance to win some fabulous prizes as part ofthe STARCARD Reward Scheme. Please check that youqualify and then just choose which of these great prizes youwould like to win.iPod ShuffleWhat is a baby cat called?Kitten Puppy BunnyName:...........................................................Address:..................................................................................................................Telephone number:..............................................................................Closing date: 18th February 2013WINWINName:.............................................................Address:..................................................................................................................................Telephone number:...........................................................................................Closing date: 18th February 2013Nintendo 3DS ConsoleComplete the nursery rhyme, Twinkle twinkle?Little sun Little star Little moonName:............................................................Address:..........................................................................................................................Telephone number:WINVax bagless vacuum cleanerSwan’s bi-monthly newsletter is called?The News The Communicator The WordName:.................................................................................Address:.........................................................................................................................Telephone number:..............................................................Closing date: 18th February 2013........................................................................Closing date: 18th February 2013WINCandy Washer DryerValentine’s Day is on which date in February?1st 14th 28thName:...................................................................Address:..............................................................................................................................................Telephone number:2 prizes of £200 on your STARCARDRoyal Mail post boxes are which colour?Pink Purple RedName:..........................................................................Address:........................................................................................................................Telephone number:WIN................................................................................Closing date: 18th February 2013WIN................................................................Closing date: 18th February 2013If you qualify just answer the questions and cut out the coupon for each prize you wish to be entered for andthen post all entries in ONE envelope to: Swan Housing Association, FREEPOST ANG10361, Billericay, CM129ZZ or email us at allocations@swan.org.uk quoting ‘STARCARD Reward Scheme competition’ with your answers,name and address. Winners may be asked to appear in the next edition of The Communicator.10

web4residents.org.ukResidents firstCould you be a resident inspector?As part of Swan’s commitment toimproving services and ensuring thatresidents are getting value for money,an independent Residents’ InspectionTeam has recently been set up.This team will carry out a minimum offour inspections per month at a time anddate that suits them. This is done on avoluntary basis, with expenses paid anda contribution made to STARCARDS.The team inspects the estate andcomments on cleaning, gardening,repairs and Anti-Social Behaviour. Theythen produce a report for the Head ofEstate Services to action and quarterlyreports will be produced for the ResidentConsultative Committees (RCCs).Are you interested in working for the community? Do you have a few spare hours per month and yourown transport? If so, please contact Jorgen Dyer on 01277 315225 or 07958 746525 to discuss how toget involved or email him at jdyer@swan.org.ukWant to win £50 to spend in Argos?Then enter the Residents’Suggestion Scheme!!If you have an idea on how youthink we can improve our servicesthen let us know!! We will award£50 on your StarCard for any ideasthat we can use.We are always looking for newideas on how: We can improve services Offer new services Save money or reduce wasteAll ideas are considered by ourResident Consultative Committeesand any we implement will bepublished in future editions of TheCommunicator.You can send us your idea by postusing this form or online atweb4residents.org.uk orswan.org.uk or by emailingimprovement@swan.org.ukYour suggestion .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Your name .................................................................................................................................................................................................................Address ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Return your suggestion slip to:The Customer Feedback Co-ordinator,Swan Housing Association, FREEPOSTANG10361, Billericay CM12 9ZZWIN11

swan.org.ukSwan servicesHate crime and graffitiZero tolerance to hate crimeAll graffiti is vandalism, it ruins thelook of our estates leading to a‘run down’ appearance and costsa fortune to remove. Latestestimates are that in the UK itcosts £1 billion a year to removegraffiti.When graffiti contains offensiveremarks based on prejudice or hatredof people or groups the effects areeven worse, as those targeted feelisolated, scared and unsafe. A personcould be targeted because of their: Disability Race or ethnic identity Religion/belief Gender or gender identity Sexual orientation Age Immigration status or nationalityIf you have been the victim of hatecrime please report it to yourNeighbourhood Officer who is thereto support you.How do I report graffiti?If you spot any graffiti on Swan estates or buildings please ring Estate Services on01277 315225. If the graffiti is offensive then it will be removed within 24 hours.If the graffiti is not on a Swan estate or building e.g. on a lamp post or Councilbuilding, please ring your local Council who will also remove it.Swift action on Anti-Social Behaviour“The injunction is the outcome of really good partnership workingbetween Swan and Essex Police and it shows that we are both willing andable to take action against those individuals who threaten others.”Commented by a local Police OfficerSwan acted swiftly to provideprotection and reassurance to atenant who had been threatened.Threats had been made to firebomb her house and tophysically attack her family.Swan provided additionalsecurity to the property thatevening, including a fireprotected letterbox and withinfour days had obtained anEmergency Injunction excludingthe individual making thesethreats from entering numerousstreets in the area where ourtenant lived.Six weeks later the court awardedthe perpetrator a one yearexclusion injunction, with the powerof arrest if this is breached.“Swan were really helpful and Ifelt supported throughout thewhole process, I think that eventhough it was quite scary it wasworth it as the injunction isworking, I would recommendothers who are having similarissues to consider going downthis route.”Tenant13

Swan servicesCut out and stickon your fridgeContact us:Open Mon-Thurs 9.00am-5.15pmFri 9.00am-5.00pmPhone 0300 303 2500Repairs number (24 hour)Phone 0800 783 2768ASB office hours 0300 303 2500ASB out-of-hours 0800 075 6699Swan website www.swan.org.ukResidents’ websitewww.web4residents.org.ukGeneral email info@swan.org.ukCall us to find out where yourneighbourhood office is.Visit us:London Regional Office:Cygnet House South, 10 ChrispStreet, Poplar, London E14 6LLEssex Regional Office:Pilgrim House, High Street,Billericay, Essex CM12 9XYText messaging serviceYou can use this service to contactSwan on a number of issues includingyour rent, ASB, neighbourhoodissues, estate enquiries andinspections, getting involved,allocations or lettings and to reportminor repairs. Your request will beforwarded on to a dedicated team.If we have your mobile number wemay text you or send you informationregarding your tenancy or theservices you receive from us whichwill be sent to you at no cost. If youtext us you will be charged at thestandard rate per text from yourmobile phone provider.Please see below for the dedicatedkeywords and instructions on how touse the service.If you would like to contact Swan viathe text service, add Swan Housingas a contact, adding the mobilenumber 07860 021752 then choosethe relevant department and text theirdedicated word.For example if you would like to textsomeone about your rent and you livein the London region you will need totext ‘londonrents’ then yourmessage.Axis Repairs ............................repairsSupported Housing ...............supportResident Involvement ..............involveAllocations and Lettings..........lettingsEssex Rents......................essexrentsEssex Neighbourhood................................essexneighboursLondon Rents..................londonrentsLondon Neighbourhood..............................londonneighboursLeasehold Services .............leaseholdEstate Service ..........................estateIf you require any furtherinformation please do nothesitate to contact Kari-annWaldon on 01277 844242.All about leaseholdersWe have reproduced some moreinformation from the LeaseholdAdvisory Service. Please do emailus with your suggestions forinteresting leasehold subjects toleasehold@swan.org.ukWhat are your contractual rights?First and foremost, the right ofpeaceable occupation of the flat forthe term of the lease, usually referredto as ‘quiet enjoyment’. In addition,the leaseholder has the right toexpect the landlord to maintain andrepair the building and manage thecommon parts - that is, the parts ofthe building or grounds notspecifically granted to the leaseholderin the lease but to which there arerights of access, for example, theentrance hall and staircases.What are your responsibilities?Principally, these will be therequirements to keep the inside of theflat in good order, to pay (on time) theservice charge as a share of the costsof maintaining and running thebuilding, to behave in a neighbourlymanner and not to do certain thingswithout the landlord’s consent, forexample, make alterations or sublet.The landlord has an obligation toensure that the leaseholder complieswith such responsibilities for the goodof all the other leaseholders. Theserights and responsibilities willbe set out in the lease.I want to alter my property. Do Ineed to ask Swan for permission?You should ensure that the leaseallows you to carry out alterations tothe property. There may be a preconditionthat you must obtainconsent from Swan or some otherparty before proceeding with anyworks. This means that you cannotcarry out the works without firstobtaining consent. Consent shouldnot be unreasonably withheld if thealteration is an improvement. Yourlease may not allow you to carry outalterations so pleaseensure that youcheck first.14

swan.org.ukSwan servicesPerformance cornerHow did we do?April 2012 to December 2012Complaints - We received 69 complaints in thisperiod. We monitor them and try to learn fromour mistakesStage One complaints responded to within10 working daysRepairs - Percentage done within timeRoutine 98.7% 98.7%Emergency 99.3% 100%Repair appointments that were kept 93% 95.9%People satisfied with the repairs service 76% 77.5%Properties with a valid gas safety certificate 100% 99.5%Average number of days taken to re-let anempty home% of responsive repairs completed on timeRentsCurrent tenant arrears as % of rent due(general needs housing only)Contacting usTargetfor2012/1395%16 days98.75%72%96.4%13.7days99%Calls answered within 20 seconds 90% 95.3%Satisfied with how their ASB report was dealt with*What we have learnt from youTargetTarget3.0%Target66%You said you were unhappy with an error that was made with yourdirect debit payment after the rent increase.We now check all direct debit schedules manually whenamendments are made after the annual rent increase to preventerrors occurringYou said you were unhappy with the time taken to resolveboiler problemsWe are replacing our gas IT system which hopefully will reducedelays in ordering and replacing boiler parts3.07%ActualActualActualActualSuggestionsWe would still like to hear your ideasabout the ways we can improve.Fill in the suggestions schemecoupon on page 11 or do itonline on web4residents.org.ukfor your chance to win £50 onyour STARCARD.Compliments - We have received34 compliments from April 2012 toDecember 2012. Here are a coupleof examples of what you said:“Just writing to let you knowthat the cleaner is doing awonderful job at Clark Street.Many thanks to him”Mrs G - London“Thank the team for their workin getting my stairlift as it haschanged my life”Mrs G - Essex“A thank you for yourassistance with moving mymother. We could not havemoved her without the supportand help Swan provided. I amvery grateful to Swan for thehelp given”Mrs C - EssexIf you have a complaintor a compliment aboutour services, please call ourBusiness Improvement Team on0300 303 2500All figures have been rounded up to the nearest decimal place.Performance is at or above target Performance is slightly below target Performance is significantly below target15

Your homeStay warm this winter... Help isMost households rely upon theirboiler to provide heating and hotwater. If the boiler breaks downAxis will try to repair it within 24hours and, if it can't be repairedfirst time they will leave temporaryheaters. Sometimes it is necessaryto replace your boiler. If thishappens Axis will aim to do thiswithin five working days. Here aresome tips on things you can do tokeep warm whilst your boiler isbeing fixed.HeatingIf your central heating is not workingyou can use secondary heaters to tryand keep warm.Secondary heaters are usually moreexpensive to run so it is worthconsidering the following tips toensure you use them effectively.Wear more clothes. You may feelsilly wearing a coat and hat in thehouse but it will certainly help youcope, feel more comfortable and stayhealthy.16Draught-proofing. You can do thisanytime, but if you’re having troublewith your heating system it’sespecially important. Temporary fixeslike taping windows shut or using anold towel to block the gap at thebottom of a door can make a bigdifference in an emergency.Drawing the curtains. They will actas an extra insulation layer for yourwindows.Don’t try to heat parts of the housethat you don’t need to. Concentrateon where (and when) you really needthe heat to stay comfortable and well.Temporary electric heatingElectric heaters are very expensive torun if left running for a long time, butthey are cheap to buy and most don’thave to be fitted. If you don’t haveany ask the gas engineer who comesto repair your boiler about them.Fan heaters are very good at heatingthe air in a room quickly. They aregood for short blasts of heat, forinstance while you are gettingdressed. The room will cool downvery quickly once they are turned off.Water heatingIf you have a hot water cylinder, thenthere is probably an electricimmersion heater too. If the boiler hasstopped working you can still use theimmersion for hot water. Take a lookat your cylinder - if there is a thickelectrical cable leading to the top ofthe cylinder (or one going to the topand one going to the bottom) thenyou can heat your water electrically.There will be a switch or two,usually in or next to the cupboardwith the cylinder in it and usuallywith a red light on the switch. Turn it(or them) on, wait half an hour andsee if the water has got hot. Don’tforget to turn the switches off againonce the water is hot, or to set thetimer to do this for you if there isone. And don’t forget to turn it alloff once the boiler is fixed -immersion heaters are more

web4residents.org.ukYour homehere when cold weather strikesIf you struggle to cope duringspells of severely cold weatherthen you can receive theessentials to see you through theworst of the winter.Don’t be caught in the cold.Do register with Age UK so thatyou can be prepared.The British Red Cross and Age UKhave teamed up to bring practicalhelp and support for the elderly,vulnerable and those most at riskduring cold weather through theSurviving Winter Appeal.What’s available? A warm pack to ensure you areprepared for severe weather. Thepack includes a fleece, a hotwater bottle and a flask to keepdrinks warm, and is availableonce you have registered withAge UK and been accepted aseligible A food pack to help you throughif severe weather hits and youcan’t get out to the shops. Thepack will contain essentials suchas tea, soup, ready meals andbiscuits An electric heater to help keepyou warm if your heating breaksor you run out of oil Help and advice is also includedto make sure you receive all youare entitled toexpensive to run than a modern gasor oil boiler, no matter what tariff youare on.If you don’t have a cylinder, or if yourcylinder doesn’t have an immersionheater, then you’re going to have tomanage in other ways:If you’ve got an electric shower thenthis will still work.You can boil kettles and boilsaucepans full of water on thehob for washing up, hand washing,and even to fill a bath if you havethe patience. Don’t worry aboutwhether you are using an electrickettle, gas hob or electric hob -the cost difference is very smalland it should only be for a shortperiod of time.All front loading washing machinesand all dishwashers will still workfine, even if they have a ‘hot fill’connection. The machine will detectthat the hot water supply is cold andwill heat the water internally anyway.To request your warm pack all you need to do is register withAge UK by calling Freephone 0800 169 6565 or register atwwwageuk.org.ukCarers can apply on behalf of elderly and vulnerable people.A food pack will be delivered to you by the British Red Cross,whatever the weather.17

Your homeAxis ‘Handyperson Service’In 2009 Axis was successful in itsbid to undertake the maintenanceof Swan properties for 14 years. AsSwan’s repairs partner, Axis iscommitted to undertaking work toresidents’ homes and can carry outworks for you that are your ownresponsibility and are perhapsunable to be carried out by yourself.We call this a “Handyperson Service”the benefit of which is the cost of theworks are quoted to you in advance,where possible directly over thephone or following a free visit to yourhome. Costs are based on ratesagreed between Swan and Axis aspart of the 14 year partnership andtherefore represent value for money.However, the benefits are notconfined to cost savings.Additional benefits for all residentsusing the service are: The knowledge that Axisoperatives are tried, trusted andCRB checked The operatives’ work is qualitycontrolled Axis is with us for the long term A quick and simple process toremedy any completed work withwhich you are not satisfiedBelow are examples of five workrequests received by Axis forrepairs which are residents’responsibility:1) Fence repairs to boundaries withother properties2) Internal door handles3) Replacing tap washers4) Repairs to sheds5) Clearing blockages to sinks etcAxis can undertake all of the aboveand a variety of other small jobsincluding: changing light bulbs, fittingsmoke alarms, replacing a toilet seat,putting up shelves, help with movingfurniture etc. So next time you have ajob for which you would like a quote,please do not hesitate to contact Axis.Axis services are availableMonday to Friday 8am-6pm and Saturdays8am-2pm.For further information pleasecontact Axis direct on Freephone0800 783 2768 during the hoursabove and ask for a quote, whathave you got to lose?We would remind you that alltelephone calls to and from theFreephone number are recordedand used for monitoring andtraining proposes.Make sure you’re safeAs a landlord, we have a legal duty to carry out anannual service of gas appliances in all our propertiesTenants of a housing associationin Lancashire have been handed14-day suspended prisonsentences for two years after theydid not allow gas engineers intotheir home.Two tenants were sentenced at theCounty Court for failing a second timeto allow the engineers to makecompulsory gas safety checks.They breached an injunction orderingthem to allow the housingassociation’s engineers access totheir property every year for theannual gas service on the boiler andgas appliance.In the recent case, at the end of lastyear, the judge also handed the pair an£836 fine to cover the housingassociation’s court costs. The housingassociation warned if they breached theinjunction again it would return to thecourt to ask for the 14-day suspendedprison sentence to be imposed.These inspections are provided freeof charge to our tenants and arescheduled at a time to suit you. If atenant refuses our engineers accessto their home, they are not only inbreach of their tenancy agreementbut they are placing their lives andanyone else living in the property, atrisk from carbon monoxide poisoningfrom faulty gas appliances.Be safe and let Axis gas engineers into carry out your annual gas service.It will stop any court action or finesand may even save your life.18

web4residents.org.ukConcealed fluesFollowing a number of cases ofcarbon monoxide poisoning inrecent years, the Health and SafetyExecutive introduced newrequirements for the inspection ofconcealed gas appliance flues.Some properties have been builtwith flues which cannot beinspected because they are hiddenbehind duct work.Properties which have been identifiedas having concealed flues have beenadded to Axis’s concealed flueprogramme and appointments havebeen taking place since April 2012. Ifyou have received a letter informingyou about an appointment to inspectyour flue please try to ensure you keepRecyclingWe have all heard about globalwarming, pollution, endangeredanimals and everything else thattells us our environment is indanger of changing for the worse;but what does it really mean for usand how we live our lives?Recycling is an important way to helppreserve our environment for us andfuture generations.the appointment. If an appointmenthas been missed or needs to berescheduled please contact the AxisGas Department who will arrangeanother appointment for you.From 1st January 2013 gasengineers will be required by law toinspect the entirety of the flue. If thereare no access panels fitted the flueswill be classified as “At Risk” and theengineer could shut the boiler down.Engineers do not want to shut downthe boiler, especially during the wintermonths, so if you have had a letterregarding the fitting of access panelsit is very important you keep theappointment or contact Axis toreschedule.GlassYour homePlease be safe and if youhave any queries orconcerns call the Axis gasteam on the Freephonenumber 0800 783 2768.PaperThe benefits of recycling include: Saving precious natural resources,such as oil and metals, helps theenvironment and reduces air andwater pollution Using less energy and resourcesthan it takes to make a productfrom scratch Tips across the country are runningout of space and recycling is aneffective alternative for dealing withthe rubbish Paper and other biodegradableitems create greenhouse gaseswhen they rot in landfill sites whichcontributes towards climatechangePlasticYour local council will undertake freecollection of food waste. Somecouncils will do garden wastecollections and bulky wastecollections as well to help makerecycling easy.CansWe all can really make a difference byrecycling, for further informationcontact your local authorityenvironmental department or look ontheir website for recyclingarrangements.19

web4residents.org.ukKids’ zoneWinners of theReindeer round-upWinner of £10 Argos voucher -Shane, age 12, LondonRunners up win a Swancolouring book and pencils:Maria, age 9 from BasildonSteph, age 9 from LondonEmma, age 11 from BasildonPancake dayCan you find the following... pancakes, flour, eggs, milk, frying pan, jam,oranges, lemons and sugar. If so cut out this page and return to theFreepost address below along with your name and address.P Q W E R T Y U I O P A S DZ A X C V B N M L K J H G FQ W N E R F T Y U I O P A SS A P C O I R U Y T R E W QA S D F A G H Y J K L Z X CPlease call 0300 303 2500if you would like someoneto explain any of thesearticles to you.PolishS Q F W M K N B I V C X S ZE A L S D F E G H N J U K LG P O O I G U S Y J G T R EN X U C G V B N M A M P Q WA Z R S L K J H R M G F A DSomaliPunjabiBengaliR T Y U I M I L K NO R E W Q M N X Z AL E M O N S D G H J K LA E I O U Q W R T Y U IArabicYour name.............................................................................Your ageAddress..........................................................................................................................................................Urdu20..........................................................................................................................................................Send your entry to:Kari-ann Waldon, Swan Housing Association, FREEPOST ANG 10361,Billericay, CM12 9ZZ. Closing date for entry is 28th February 2013This newsletter was printed in January 2013 Lloyd Design ref: SWN4920