Street Talk Christmas 2025_SCREEN

Street
Talk
Tenants &
Residents Magazine
No 80
Winter 2025
Christmas Opening:
We will close on Wednesday 24th December and
reopen on Monday 5th January 2026. Out of hours
emergency contact number 01726 874450.

2 3
P2 - 3
P4 - 5
P6 - 7
P8 - 9
What the government
budget announcement
means for you
Exclusive discounts for
Ocean tenants
Dealing with clutter
Energy Improvements:
what this means to you
Build your career at
Ocean: Real
opportunities,
where you live
Tackling damp, mould &
condensation
Scam Alert: Be cautious of
cold callers and door
knockers
in this issue . . .
P10 - 11
P12 - 13
You said, we did:
Introducing a new call
ahead service
Keeping homes in great
shape
Say no to fly-tipping
Meet our Safeguarding
& Vulnerable Persons
Co-ordinator
Be fire safe this
Christmas
P14-15 The 12 days of
financial wellbeing
P16
Spot the difference
Christmas
competition
Save on your shop or
apply savings to your
rent account and
build up credit for
future payments or
accrued arrears.
DISCOUNTS
for Ocean Tenants
We’re thrilled to announce as an Ocean tenant you now have
access to Housing Perks, a free app that saves you money on
everyday essentials. With discounts of up to 20% across 100+ top
brands and stores, it is designed to make your budget go further.
Imagine saving on groceries, car fuel, clothing, school uniforms
and equipment, home furnishings and family days out. And it’s
not just any stores – we’re talking about some of your favourites:
Sainsbury’s, Asda, B&M, Argos, Primark, TK Maxx, B&Q, Sports
Direct… and so many more!
Getting started is simple:
1.Head to your app store and search
“Housing Perks”
2.Download the app
3.Enter your mobile number
Government changes in 2026
What it means for your financesn
In the Autumn Budget, the Government revealed
some changes that might affect you. Here are
the key headlines:
Universal Credit is increasing
The standard allowance for Universal Credit will
increase by 6.2% for most, and by 6.8% for single
claimants under 25.
The child element will also rise:
For the first child born before April 2017,
payments will go up from £339 to £351.88 a
month.
For the first child born after April 2017,
payments will rise from £292.81 to £303.94 a
month.
Additional children will also receive £303.94
a month each.
If you receive the health element because you
can’t work due to sickness or disability, this will
stay frozen for existing claimants. New claims
after April 2026 will receive £50 a week.
The overall benefits cap, which is the maximum
amount you can receive, is capped at £1,835 a
month for families, couples and single parents.
National Minimum Wage is also going up
From 1 April 2026, the minimum wage will rise:
Workers aged 21 and over will see an increase
from £12.21 to £12.71 an hour – about £900 more a
year for full-time work.
For 18–20-year-olds, pay will rise from £10 to
£10.85 an hour – around £1,500 more a year fulltime.
For 16–17-year-olds and apprentices, the rate will
go from £7.55 to £8 an hour.
The two-child limit is being scrapped
But what does it actually mean? Let’s break it down:
I Child Benefit is separate
This is a universal payment for every child you have.
It has nothing to do with the two-child limit.
| What is the two-child limit then?
If you receive Universal Credit, you currently don’t
get extra support for a third or subsequent child.
That’s what’s changing. From April 2026, families will
be able to claim additional benefits for more than
two children.
We have an emergency support fund for tenants in
financial crisis. If you’re struggling please visit our
website to apply or speak to our Financial Inclusion
Advisors.
4.Select Ocean Housing
5.Enter your tenancy reference (found on
your rent statement)
6.Start saving today!
Don’t miss out – download ‘Housing
Perks’ now and unlock savings!

4
Dealing with
Clutter
We want you to feel safe, comfortable, and proud of your
home. Sometimes, when belongings start to build up, it can
feel overwhelming and that’s completely understandable.
Steps to start the change: taking that first step can make a big difference, and we’re here to help.
Review the Clutter Scale
Take a look at the above image and
honestly assess where your home fits. This
is a helpful starting point to understand
the level of support you might need.
Moderate Clutter
If you’re home matches photos 4-6,
contact the Access Team for a wellbeing
check and support plan; we can also make
referrals.
l
l
Early Signs
However, clutter can affect your
wellbeing and increase the risk of
fire, so it’s important to take steps
before it becomes a bigger problem.
You’re not alone. There are lots of
community based services that can
help with decluttering and
organising your space, and we can
point you in the right direction.
If you’d like advice or support,
please reach out to us, everything
will be handled confidentially and
without judgment.
You can also get a free fire safety
check at home by contacting
Cornwall’s fire service on-
0800 3581 999 or by emailing them
fire@cornwall.gov.uk.
If your home looks like photos 2-3, try
organising small areas and introducing
routines. Keep an eye on things, reach out
if it begins to escalate.
Action needed
If you’re home looks like photos 7-9, it
needs immediate professional action for
your safety. Contact both Adult Social Care
and the Fire & Rescue team for a multiagency
response.
Energy
Improvements:
What it means
for you
We’re committed to making sure every Ocean home meets at least a
C rating on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This means homes
will be more energy efficient, easier to heat, and more affordable to run. EPC ratings go from A (most
efficient) to G (least efficient), and we want all your homes to be to a C or above by 2030.
To achieve this, we’ve launched two improvement programmes. We’ve already completed work in over
200 homes, installing a mixture of solar panels, heating upgrades and additional loft insulation.
Warmer homes,
lower bills
We had new night storage heating
fitted and solar panels. It was pretty
good, the guys that came and all the
work done were lovely. They were nice
guys, they let us know what was going
to happen and when the power was
due to go off. It was a really easy
process. We've definitely noticed a
difference since the works have been
done, we were previously paying £30
every couple of days. It was really
expensive so had to turn it off as we
couldn't afford that. Now, we have
three storage heaters on, and it is
about £30 a week! Saved 2/3rds on our
heating bill. We don't have the stress
of heating or eating anymore, it has
made such a massive difference to our
lives. ~ Yvette
We’re working with our partner LMF Energy to install
many more upgrades in the coming months.
Not all homes will be eligible for this ECO 4 programme
but don’t worry, where they are not, we are working on
a second programme. Any homes that are not a good fit
for ECO 4 should fall into this next programme, which
will offer the same or similar measures. The aim of
these upgrades is to improve your homes and make
them more affordable to keep warm.
Surveys for this second programme are underway
with our partners Taylor Lewis. Installations are due
to commence early next year with our trusted
contractors. You will receive a letter or email prior to
a surveyor’s visit so you know what to expect.
To make things as clear and simple as possible,
we’ve created a dedicated webpage. You can find
updates and answers to commonly asked questions
about the energy upgrade programmes there. For
more details, visit: www.oceanhousing.com/energyupgrades-help
or scan the
code below
Change takes time, and ongoing support can make a big difference. Consider:
I Group therapy or peer support for motivation and shared experiences.
I Mental health services if clutter is linked to anxiety or other challenges.
I Regular check-ins with support workers or community services to keep progress on track.
If you have any queries regarding hoarding, clutter or you have concerns for a family member or
neighbour, please contact the Access Team at Adult Social Care on 0300 1234 131 or via email at
accessteam.referral@cornwall.gov.uk

6
Real opportunities, where you live
Build your career at Ocean
7
Looking for a fresh start or a new direction? At Ocean Housing, we believe that strong communities
start with opportunity. For us, that means creating not just homes, but pathways for people to build
secure, rewarding futures. Ocean Housing offers a wide range of careers, and we’re proud to welcome
applications from our tenant community.
Ocean has achieved Investors in People accreditation – a mark of excellence that recognises
how we lead, support, and develop our people. This means you’ll be joining an organisation
that genuinely invests in your growth and wellbeing. From day one, you’ll have access to
training opportunities that help you develop new skills and progress in your role.
Whether you're interested in grounds maintenance, cleaning, skilled trades like plumbing or carpentry,
or roles in housing administration and management; such as Schedulers, Customer Experience
Advisors, or Neighbourhood Services Officers, there could be a job for you at Ocean.
Your next opportunity could be just around the corner.
Working with Ocean comes with a range of benefits:
I Competitive pay
We also offer apprenticeships that combine hands-on experience with nationally recognised
qualifications. These are available across trades and office-based roles, giving you the chance to earn
while you learn and build a long-term career with us.
I A minimum of 25 days holidays
I Access to training and development
I Support to gain qualifications
Why tenants make great team members
As a tenant, you already know what good housing services look like. You understand the challenges
and priorities of living in our communities better than anyone, and that insight is invaluable. When
tenants join our team, they bring a perspective that helps us improve the way we work and deliver
services that truly meet people’s needs. You know what matters most and that knowledge helps us stay
connected to the communities we serve. By working with Ocean, you can make a difference to your
community whilst building a career for yourself.
I Access to services to help you manage your health & wellbeing
I A welcoming, inclusive environment
Join Ocean and help make a
difference in your community.
Explore current vacancies or register
for our Talent Pool to be alerted for
future roles over on our website.
Compliments & Complaints
If there is a member of staff who
gives a great service, then please get
in touch. Compliments from tenants
mean the world to the team and can
truly brighten someone’s day.
However, if you feel we haven’t met
your expectations, please let us
know so we can address this too
and learn from your
experience.

8 9
Tackling Damp,
1 Cover pans when cooking
2 Close your kitchen and bathroom doors
when cooking or showering
3 Ensure you have a working extractor fan in
your bathroom and kitchen
4 Do not isolate extractor fans, ensure they
are on when using the bathroom or
kitchen and ensure they stay on for at least
30 minutes afterwards
5 Open all trickle vents, which are the small
vents at the top of your windows, to allow
airflow
6 Ensure you adequately heat your home. We
have set an ambitious target to ensure every
Ocean property has an Energy Performance
Certificate (EPC) of Grade C or above by 2030.
In the meantime, if you are struggling with
the cost of heating your home please contact
our Financial Inclusion team.
Mould and Condensation
Damp, mould and condensation is a big concern as we enter the winter months. If you have a problem
with damp and mould, please get in touch using the details below and we will work with you to get it
sorted.
One of the main causes of mould in our homes is condensation. While living in our homes we produce
moisture, and this warm, moist air often settles on cold surfaces which causes condensation and can
develop mould. The main way to reduce the risk of mould is heating and ventilation, to reduce the
number of cold surfaces and by allowing damp air to escape.
7 When possible dry
clothes outside. If you
have to dry them
inside then dry them
in the bathroom with
the window open and
door closed
8 Electric dehumidifiers
are great for removing
moisture from the air. They
can be expensive to purchase but are cheap to run
9 Don’t overfill cupboards/ wardrobes so air
can still flow freely
10 Move furniture away from walls, at least
50mm, to allow airflow.
If you are concerned about damp and mould in your home, please contact the
Customer Experience team on 01726 874450 or email help@oceanhousing.com to arrange an
inspection. For further information on our damp, mould and condensation policy please visit
www.oceanhousing.com/policy-and-procedures
SCAM ALERT: be cautious of cold
callers and door knockers
Cold callers claiming they can help tenants take their housing association to court over poor property
conditions are targeting homes in Cornwall.
Please hang up or turn them away, it’s a scam.
These individuals may claim to be from a charity or from “Housing” and often say they have a legal team
ready to help. They may even ask you to sign documents promising repairs or compensation.
Tenants have told us they felt uneasy or pressured when approached. While the offer may sound helpful,
there are serious risks involved:
Some solicitors can take up to 60% of your compensation
If you change your mind after 14-days, you could be charged thousands in legal fees
You may be required to attend a court trial, which can be stressful and time-consuming
You do not need a solicitor to raise concerns, ask for a repair or seek compensation.
You can make a complaint directly to us. We’ll investigate, arrange any necessary works, and offer
compensation where appropriate.
If you're not satisfied with the outcome, you can escalate your complaint to the Housing Ombudsman
Service – a free, independent service that won’t take any portion of any compensation they recommend.
If something doesn’t feel right, or you’re unsure, please contact us on
01726 87 44 50 or raise an enquiry through your My Ocean Account.
What to do if you’re
approached
I Don’t sign anything on the
spot
I Ask for ID and note down
who they are
I Report it to us so we can
investigate and inform other
tenants

You Said, We Did:
Introducing a new call ahead service
10 11
More than 50 complaints last year were about our Responsive Repairs service. The most common
reports included annoyance at having to receive several visits before work is done, having to
chase follow-on appointments, or frustration at appointments being changed without you being
notified.
We know fast, effective repairs is what matters most so have been busy making improvements in
our Property Services team.
Here’s what we’re
doing differently:
Missed appointment
If you’re not home when they knock, they
will book a replacement slot there and
then and leave a card with the new date.
If you are not happy with any aspect of our
service and believe we can do better,
please let us know
via the My Ocean app or by calling our
Customer Experience team at
01726 874450.
Calling you before we visit
Our trade teams will now contact you
when they begin driving to your home
to check that you are in.
Rescheduling incomplete works
If we cannot properly complete a job on our
first visit and need to call around again, we will
arrange an appointment date for the next visit
before we leave your home.
Keeping homes in great shape
We’re pleased to announce the appointment
of Andy Ibottson as our new Property
Condition Surveyor. Alongside Kovia,
our existing contractor, Andy will be
carrying out comprehensive surveys
across your homes. Teaming up with
our Compliance Team, he has begun
co-ordinating joint visits to make sure
these surveys are completed thoroughly
and efficiently. If your home is due for a
survey, you’ll receive clear details ahead of
Andy’s visit. These letters will explain what to
expect during his visit. Do keep reporting repairs
to us. Don’t wait for the survey!
That’s not all. In March next year, we’re launching
an Estate Condition Survey (ECS) programme. This
initiative will give us a complete picture of our
buildings, estates, and infrastructure, helping us
plan smarter and invest where it matters most.
We’ll be taking a closer look at the condition of
estate features like fencing, pathways, bollards,
drying areas, and garages. By carrying out these
checks, we’ll gather accurate information
about what needs attention.
We want to make sure these spaces are
safe, well-maintained and meet the
meet the needs of everyone who
uses them. This means we can
plan repairs based on real needs.
Our goal is to create a clear
picture of our estates so we
can make informed decisions
and continue to improve the
quality of services we provide.
We want to make sure our estates
remain places people are proud of.
Annual improvement fund
Each year we have a designated fund to deliver
small estate improvements. This year, we are
aiming to complete a number of projects which
include installing speed ramps to make the car
park at Beaconside safer, installing bollards at
Beach View to stop inconsiderate parking and
improving access on a number of sites so our
grounds maintenance team can look after the
communal areas more effectively.
We are also installing gabions at Prince Charles
House and starting work on a project to
improve the communal gardens at the flats at
Trevithick Road in St Austell.
If you have any suggestions for projects you
would like us to consider in future, please
email us at enquiries@oceanhousing.com.

12
Say no to flytipping
Supporting Our Community:
Meet our Safeguarding & Vulnerable Persons Coordinator
13
Last year, we spent £56,000 clearing fly-tipping
from our estates.
That cost comes straight out of your service
charges, meaning less money spent on
improvements and services that benefit
everyone.
Fly-tipping isn’t just unsightly – it attracts pests,
creates safety hazards, and harms the
environment. Every time rubbish is dumped
illegally, it increases costs for all residents.
Why does this matter?
If the individual responsible is unknown, we
charge the cost of clearing fly-tipping across all
service charges. The more fly-tipping there is,
the higher everyone’s charges. Reporting it
helps us deal with it quickly and keep costs
down.
What can you do?
I Dispose responsibly: Use your council’s bulky
waste collection or visit a recycling centre.
I Plan ahead: If replacing furniture or
appliances, arrange collection before delivery.
I Report fly-tipping: If you see dumped items,
tell us straight away. Acting fast reduces costs
for everyone.
Every pound spent clearing fly-tipping is a
pound that could have gone toward improving
your home and community.
By working together, we can keep our estates
clean, safe, and welcoming and make sure your
service charge is spent on things that really
matter.
For more information on how to dispose of
bulky items, visit the Cornwall Council website:
www.cornwall.gov.uk/rubbish-recycling-andwaste
To report it visit our website:
www.oceanhousing.com/report-asb
Our fly-tipping
hotspots:
I Moorland Court
I Hawkins Road
| Trevithick Road
STOP
DUMPING
As the Safeguarding and Vulnerable Persons Coordinator, my role is to make sure every concern raised
within our organisation is taken seriously and handled promptly. When a cause for concern comes in, I
review it carefully and ensure it’s directed to the right place within the required timeframes. For
Critical Focus Cases (CFCs), I work closely with board members and senior managers so that any urgent
issues are escalated quickly and appropriately.
It’s important to understand that my role is about referrals
rather than direct support. I connect individuals with the right
professionals who can provide the specialist help they need.
Mental Health Referrals
Referrals to Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) must
go through GP surgeries, as they are the only
professionals authorised to make these requests.
Adult Social Care
I help facilitate referrals for adults with complex needs,
making sure they’re linked to the right social care services.
Multi-Agency Referral Unit (MARU)
If there are concerns about a child being at risk or under child
protection measures, these are raised through MARU to enable
multi-agency collaboration and timely intervention.
Domestic Violence
In cases of domestic abuse, I gather the necessary information,
complete a DASH (Domestic Abuse, Stalking and Honour-Based
Violence) risk assessment, and attend MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk
Assessment Conferences). I then work with professional networks
to ensure actions are followed through, particularly important in
my role within a housing association.
Be fire safe this
Christmas is a time for celebration, but it’s also a
period when the risk of household fires increases.
Plan an escape route and make sure everyon knows.
In the event of a fire, get out, stay out and call 999.
Follow our tips to be fire safe this festive season.
Hayley Farley
Christmas
If you need any help or
guidance,
then please email
help@oceanhousing.com
Check Christmas Lights: Inspect all electrical
decorations for damage before use. Avoid
overloading sockets and always turn off lights
before bed or leaving the house.
Candle Caution: Use flameless candles where
possible. If traditional candles are used, keep
them away from curtains or decorations, and
never leave them unattended.
Safe Cooking Practices: Never leave cooking
unattended, keep tea towels away from hobs.
Christmas Trees: If you opt for a real tree, keep it
well-watered to prevent it drying out. Place trees
away from heat sources and exits.
Test Smoke Alarms: Make sure smoke alarms are
working and test them regularly, especially
before the holidays.

14 15
12 days of financial wellbeing
The holidays can be a joyful time, but they can also be stressful and bring financial
pressure. That’s why we’ve come up with some tips and guidance to help.
Day 1: Budgeting Made Easy
Start with a simple budget. Free tools like
MoneyHelper’s Budget Planner can help you
track spending and plan ahead.
Day 2: Food Support
If you're struggling with food costs, local
food banks and community larders are here
to help. To find one close to you visit: Help
with Food | Let's Talk Cornwall
Day 4: Free Festive Fun
Enjoy the season without overspending.
Check Inclusion Cornwall for information on
free local events, carol services, and
community activities.
Day 5: Energy-Saving Tips
Simple changes like using draft excluders
or switching to LED lights can cut costs.
Contact Community Energy Plus for
specialist support.
Day 7: Avoid Costly Credit
Be cautious of high-interest loans. If you’re
worried about debt, contact Citizens Advice
or Christians Against Poverty for free
advice.
Day 8: Rent Support
If you're struggling with rent or arrears,
don’t wait. Talk to us early — we’re here to
help. Download ‘Housing Perks’ and put
the savings towards your rent account (see
page 3).
Day 9: Free School Meals
Check if your child qualifies for free school
meals. You can apply for free school meals
on the government website - GOV.UK
Day 10: Mental Health & Money
Money worries affect wellbeing. Services like
Cornwall Mind and Man Down Cornwall can offer
support for mental health and financial stress.
Day 11: Review Subscriptions
The new year is always a good time to
review your finances. Check your bank
statement and make sure you’re not still
paying for any subscriptions you don’t need
or use anymore.
Day 12: Call Us For Free Advice
Whether it’s benefits, budgeting, or debt,
our Finanical Inclusion team is here for you.
Day 3: Warm Home Discount
You may be eligible for help with your
energy bills. Check with your supplier or
visit Warm Home Discount Scheme:
Overview - GOV.UK Day 4: Hardship Funds
Day 6: Credit Union Benefits
If you're struggling with food costs, local
food banks and community larders are here
to help. To find one close to you visit: Help
with Food | Let's Talk Cornwall
Need help?
We offer emergency support for tenants in
financial crisis. Visit our website to apply
or call 01726 874450.and ask to speak to
our Financial Inclusion Advisors.

Spot the difference Christmas competition
help us find the differences in these two pictures for a chance to win a prize
The first correct entry drawn will
win an Ocean goodie bag and £60
shopping voucher.
Three runners up will win an Ocean
goodie bag and £20 shopping
voucher.
lOnly one entry per household.
Closing date is Friday 31st January
2026.
Good Luck!
You don’t need a stamp, just spot
and circle the differences on the
below and cut out and pop it into an
envelope addressed to: FREEPOST
RSES-LCCA-EJUJ, Christmas Spot the
Difference Competition, Ocean
Housing, Stennack Road, St Austell,
PL25 3SW.
How many differences have
you spotted?
Name:
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone No:
Mobile No:
Email address:
Please recycle your Street Talk. Printed on Re-cycled paper. Designed & produced by karenjacksondesign.com 01326 373108 Photography by Tom Last Photography 0777 3010866.
email: help@oceanhousing.com
www.oceanhousing.com
01726 874450
Congratulations
Congratulations to our summer edition winners, Rob, Leonard, and Lisa.
We hope you enjoyed spending those vouchers.
Out of Hours Numbers Emergency
Repairs: 01726 874450 Anti-Social
Behaviour: 01726 874450
Contact us for a Large Print or Audio CD of this newsletter