In this newsletter:
Why I Chose Independent Living
Our Engagement Officer sat down with a tenant to find out about their experience of moving into their new home. They moved into Independent Living accommodation after visiting an Independent Living Open Day last year.
'I love it here, It's the best thing I've ever done!'
How did you find out about the Open Day?
I received a letter from Housing inviting me to the Open Day. I was very pleased, as I know I needed a change and hoped this could be it.
My eldest brother used to live here, so I was excited to have a look around and remember that connection. Since losing my husband, I've felt extremely lonely and wouldn't go out much.
Before attending the Open Day, I'd been bidding for bungalows, but knew these have high interest. It was great to get a chance to have a look around a different option.
What happened at the Open Day?
Myself and my daughter looked around the scheme and asked questions about the accommodation and service. I then got involved with the activities and spoke to some tenants. From that moment, I knew that I wanted to live here. To be part of the community, feel safe in my home and not be lonely anymore.
We then spoke to a Lettings Officer who helped us bid on one of the properties. I had all my fingers and toes crossed!
What happened next?
Once the bidding round was closed, I was contacted by the Lettings team to say I had been shortlisted for the property. I was over the moon.
After that, everything moved very quickly, I got the keys the week after, I ordered my carpets and my daughters helped me move in.
The Independent Living Coordinators are fantastic, they supported me when moving in and gave me all the information I needed. You can ring them at any time, and I feel confident approaching them with any issues or questions.
What are the social benefits of living here?
I've made new friends and have attended activities regularly. The activities run by Nicky (Activities Coordinator) are fantastic, she is very creative and a lovely person.
I also meet up with tenants every day to have a cup of tea, chat and play games in the communal lounge.
I feel safe living here. I have my own home but knowing that only people who live here and family can access the scheme makes me feel safe.
How did your daughters feel about you moving here?
They were really happy. They could see I was struggling and becoming very lonely. They said 'Mum, this is the best thing you could have done. You're so happy and we've really noticed a difference in you.'
Any final thoughts?
'It's nice to have your own space, but good knowing that once you open your front door you have your friends nearby. Thank you, I love living here'.
If you’re interested in Independent Living accommodation or finding out more about the service, please visit our website for more information.
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Time to Talk Day
Thursday 2nd February
The day is all about creating supportive communities by having conversations with family, friends, or colleagues about mental health.
Why is talking important?
One in 4 of us will experience a mental health problem in any given year.
Talking about mental health reduces stigma, helping to create supportive communities where we can talk openly about mental health and feel empowered to seek help when we need it.
That’s why opening up the conversation about mental health problems is so important – by talking about it we can support ourselves and others.
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Keep Your Gas Service Appointment
Gas is a useful source which powers many things in our day to day lives, however people forget it's also very dangerous.
As a landlord we have a responsibility to ensure tenant safety and carry out annual gas servicing within all our properties.
When your annual gas servicing is due you will be contacted by Housing Repairs with an appointment for this to take place.
It is important that tenants keep their Gas Service Appointment and provide us with access to their home.
Need to change it? Please contact the Repairs Team on 0115 917 7777 or email housingrepairs@broxtowe.gov.uk
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Rent Statements
Rent Statements for 2023 – 2024 will be sent out to tenants in the next few weeks.
Do you pay your rent by Standing Order? If your rent amount has changed, you will need to contact your bank to reflect this and ensure you are paying the correct amount from 1st April 2023.
Other ways to pay:
Direct Debit: If you would like to discuss paying your rent by Direct Debit please contact the Housing Income Team on 0115 917 3658
Online Payments: We've made it easier than ever before to pay your rent online, no matter what time of day or where you are you can Pay Online.
Telephone Payments via a Debit card: You can pay by debit card by calling 0845 8350144. The line is open 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Please note that we do not accept payment by credit card.
Post: Cheques must be made payable to Broxtowe Borough Council. Please write your name, address, and account number on the back of your cheque. Post-dated cheques cannot be accepted.
Visit the 'Your Rent' page for more information.
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Have you Heard of our
Lifeline Service?
Need the comfort of knowing you can call for support whilst still living in your own home? Why not try our Lifeline service?
The Lifeline unit is linked to an accredited Control Centre who you can contact 24 hours a day, 7 days a week if you need assistance by simply pushing the button on the unit or your pendant.
Get started by visiting Lifeline.
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How to Make a Homesearch Application
Are you new to applying for a Council property in the Borough of Broxtowe?
Here are 5 simple steps to applying for your Council home:
- Register via the Homesearch Website
- Input all information asked (you'll need your National Insurance number to hand)
- Include supporting documents (you can take a picture using your phone and upload)
- Save and send!
- Wait for the Lettings Team to assess your application. You’ll be contacted with the outcome, or if any further information is needed.
You can only bid for a home when you have completed the form and we have accepted your application. Your date of application will be the date your fully completed form is received.
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Engagement
RIG, Events and Your Voice
The RIG (Resident Involvement Group) is still on the move! The picture above shows a great turnout at Eastwood's RIG meeting just before Christmas.
The RIG enables tenants and leaseholders to have a conversation with Housing employees about services to:
- Share views and ideas
- Share experience of services
- Work together to improve services
- Highlight what’s working well….
- … and where improvements are needed!
- Influence decision making
The next 'RIG on the Move' meeting will be at Templar Lodge in Beeston on Tuesday 7th February from 5.30pm - 7pm.
You can find out when 'RIG on the Move' is near you by visiting the Housing Engagement webpage.
Events for February
Chilwell Day of Action
Monday 13th February from 10am - 2pm at Chilwell Childrens Centre, NG9 4HQ
Housing will be attending, so come along and find out more about services available for all residents.
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Your Voice, Your Views
Wanna have your say the quick way? Take the quick Your Voice, Your Views survey and we'll contact you with ideas of ways to share your feedback.
Your Voice, Your View Survey
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Customer Satisfaction Surveys
Housing customers, have you recently received a service from us? Fill out one of our satisfaction surveys and tell us how it went.
Customer feedback of services is essential for highlighting what is working well and where improvements are needed.
All surveys completed are analysed and considered as future plans for services are developed.
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Email Policy Group
Tenants, do you have a passion for the written word? Do you have an eye for detail and proof reading? Interested in learning more about Housing services?
We’re looking for tenants to join our newly established Policy Email Group, who are willing to look through policies when we are proposing amendments to them. Specifics will be sent out with each policy on feedback being sought, but it will include as a minimum:
- Views on the policy amendments being proposed
- Language used and ease of understanding
- Accuracy of the contents
The Housing Department has a suite of policies and processes relating to many aspects of services we provide to tenants. These local policies are regularly reviewed and amended to ensure service delivery is in line with any changes made in Government policies and regulation.
Interested?
Email your name and address to the Housing Engagement Team, or, contact the team for further information.
housingengagement@broxtowe.gov.uk or 0115 917 3935
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