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The last few weeks have been unprecedented times for us all but what has really shone through is the way in which people in our communities have come together to support those who have needed some extra help. We have included several of these stories in our regular bulletins to customers - so a big thank you to everyone who has gone the extra mile. Obviously the situation around Covid-19 is constantly changing so keep an eye on our web pages for changes to services or sign up for the Council's regular email updates.
In this bulletin we bring you some positive 'business as usual' news about what else is happening in our service over the coming weeks.
Gardening is a great way to help maintain our physical and mental well-being when spending more time at home, as we all have been lately. For many it has become a new found passion and something to keep them busy.
With this is mind, we have decided to run this year's tenant gardening competition so we can recognise people's efforts - but with some changes, so everyone can enjoy it whilst staying safe and respecting social distancing.
The contest is open to all council tenants. You might have your own garden, balcony, patio, window box or indoor garden. You can grow anything you like, whether it be a vibrant floral display, wildflowers or fruit and vegetables to feed your family.
Please remember your garden should only be worked on by people in your immediate
household.
As we can't send people out to judge your garden, we're asking you to send us your photos instead. For all the details - including how to enter - click on the button below.
The closing date for competition entries is 10th July 2020.
We have some small prizes for our favourite gardens and hope to hold a winners ceremony later in the year to celebrate your great gardens.
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Enter our tenant garden competition
In the Housing and Neighbourhoods Service, we have a long-standing commitment to our very successful apprenticeship scheme, which has recruited over 100 young people in recent years.
Our apprentices spend two years gaining valuable skills and experience, leading to an NVQ qualification and the possibility of a permanent job.
Many of our apprentices secure permanent posts with us, whilst others gain valuable experience that will help them progress their career elsewhere.
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain recognised qualifications whilst getting paid.
We want our workforce to represent the communities we serve, so would encourage council tenants and their families to find out about the opportunities available.
Keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter to find out about our latest apprenticeship opportunities.
Ambitious project boosts council homes in Sheffield
Council homes are in great demand in our city, as they are in many other parts of the country too.
Since the introduction of Right to Buy in 1980, Sheffield’s council housing stock has decreased by 32,000 homes.
A project is underway to increase council homes by 3,100 over 10 years from 2018 to 2028 by building and buying housing around the city, as well as working with private sector providers.
It aims to ensure the right houses are delivered in the right location to create sustainable neighbourhoods and communities.
The Weakland building project at Birley is due to finish this winter, providing 36 homes including 2, 3, and 4 bedroom properties.
These homes are energy efficient and easy to adapt to most future mobility needs.
As well as general needs housing, the council is also providing other types of accommodation, including temporary, supported and older persons independent living properties.
The number of council homes has increased by 488 already under this programme and is on track to achieve its ambitious target.
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Weakland building project
New retirement living scheme at Parson Cross
An exciting new project is underway to build a state-of-the-art retirement living village for people aged over 60.
Buchanan Green will provide a mixture of 1 and 2 bedroom apartments, as well as two-bedroom bungalows. There will also be a small unit for adults with learning disabilities who are able to live in a community setting.
Accessible throughout, it will have the latest assistive technology so residents can live as independently as possible.
When finished the building will be spacious, light, energy efficient and safe.
As building work has only just started, Buchanan Green will not be open for a while. But if you would like to find out more at this stage, please call 0114 293 0000 or email HomesAreaSheltered@sheffield.gov.uk
Artists impression of Buchanan Green
What skills do you need to get online? How can we help you be more computer savvy?
We know that many of our tenants don’t have the confidence or know-how to use the internet and all things digital.
That’s why we run free computer workshops in partnership with Heeley Trust to help tenants get to grips with the online world.
We want to know whether these sessions are useful and focusing on the right things.
So whether or not you have attended one of the workshops before, please spare a couple of minutes to complete our short survey and let us know what you would find useful.
Take part in our survey
Free online IT sessions for tenants
Heeley Trust is also running free online 'drop-in' IT sessions, covering everything from spreadsheets and photo editing to setting up accounts and passwords. If you are interested in learning something new or brushing up on your IT skills, give them a call on 0114 399 1070 or 07895 986 41.
Sessions take place on Wednesday afternoons at 1pm for about 40 minutes using Zoom video conferencing. There will be help on hand to download, install and use Zoom if you need it.
Also don't forget there's lots of useful information from us and other organisations on our Facebook page
We have listened to your feedback and altered our scheme to make it more affordable and flexible for customers.
Previously policy cover started from £1.46 a week to insure £9,000 worth of contents for the under 60s and 98p a week for the over 60s to insure goods worth £6,000.
Now we have insurance policies for all available from 65p a week to insure £4,000 worth of contents, rising to up to £6.50 a week for £40,000 worth of cover.
This should enable all our tenants to cover their contents and have peace of mind in the event of theft or damage.
Other benefits include:
- Weekly premiums added to your rent account
- The first 4 weeks free if you pay by Direct Debit
- New optional extras, including cover for personal belongings, wheelchairs, mobility scooters and hearing aids in and away from the home
- No excess on any claims made
- New for old policy
- Changes to cover and cancellation at any time
There is a misconception that the Council will cover damage to possessions in the event of a fire or flood – this is not true.
By taking out home contents insurance, you are protecting against water, fire and accidental damage, as well as theft.
You may already have your own insurance or want to compare our scheme with other providers – that’s absolutely fine; the important thing is that you have cover.
Read about our insurance scheme
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