Luminus News Spring 2011

LuminusNEWSNews and more from one of the Best Companies to Work For in the UK Spring 2011 Issue 44

YES WE CAN!

Award winning Luminus staff

INSIDE THIS ISSUE: SAFE AND SECURE • MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN OUR COMMUNITIES FERRY PROJECT - THE CHARITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS • LUMINUS IN BLOOM 2011 • TRUE GRIT

Luminus News Spring 2011

2 Message from our Group Chief Executive

We have themed 2011 as A Year of Rescuing Dreams and Reviving Aspirations and we believe that, building upon the great achievements of 2010, we will see some tremendous results this year as well.

Everyone has dreams – pictures in our minds of cherished inner longings and ideals. We also have aspirations, which are feelings or words that express our hope of achieving something. Yet, in most cases, they don’t happen and life is disappointing.

In Luminus we have been working to make some dreams become reality over the past eleven years. We have focused the entire business on being an example of excellence in the way we deliver our services, seeking to provide residents with good homes and working with partner agencies to help maintain a great quality of life in our neighbourhoods.

As a result customers consistently tell us they are very satisfied, we are a top-of-the-league performer and Luminus is recognised nationally as one of the very best companies to work for.

We do not want to stop here. Everyone knows these are difficult times and we believe one way to help people across all our communities is by our residents continuing to work closely and co-operatively with us.

We would like to see as many people as possible getting involved in the different projects and activities that we arrange and, at the very least, to write in and give us your views and comments.

Together we have the potential to change the world right where we are so, please, look out for the opportunities that Luminus will give you to play your part

Can we do it?

YES, WE CAN!

2020 Vision: The Road to Renewal

Message from our Group Chief Executive

We have been

working to make

some dreams

become reality

over the past

eleven years

2011 a year of

Rescuing dreams & reviving aspirations

www.luminus.org.uk

3Sunday Times 100 Best Companies result

What’s inside

4

10

15

6

Have you got a news story for us?

If so, please send it to us at [email protected] including your contact details and the date of the event.

The deadline for our Summer issue is 29 April 2011.

NEWS

Luminus wins 3 Stars ‘An Extraordinary Company’

FEATURES

Luminus making a difference in our communities

PEOPLE

ENMAG, Eynesbury Neighbourhood Management Group

Building the Premium Brand Team

ALSO

True Grit - Luminus comes to the rescue

Residents Conference January 2011

Ferry Project - The charity that never sleeps

Luminus in Bloom 2011 competition

Luminus is UK No.1 for Wellbeing and Giving Something BackLuminus is again celebrating outstanding national recognition among The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For 2011, having won the Special Award for Employee Wellbeing, first ranking for Giving Something Back, second place overall and trumping over 900 other UK business organisations.

With a focus on helping to inspire social renewal with the Luminus 2020 Vision, eastern England’s leading community housing provider has established a record of excellence since being set up in March 2000 by Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham who commented,

“I am encouraged and humbled by these results, especially since this is the second consecutive year that Luminus has achieved special awards as well as the overall second place in this unique assessment that tells leaders what their employees think.

Arising from an independent and anonymous survey of over

275,000 employees nationwide, The Sunday Times 100 Best Companies to Work For has grown to become a key indicator of a company’s employee engagement, culture and best practice.”

Judges said Luminus deserved the top spot for Wellbeing because of the way the company helped staff to achieve their best through its “Health and Wholeness Strategy”, which includes flexible working, family events, clear and open communication and a positive company ethos. The sense of family and comprehensive support contributed to Luminus scooping top scores of 81% for work life balance and 84% for work “not interfering with other duties”. Employees also reported that their health was not compromised due to their job and that stress levels were kept manageable throughout the year.

A sense of family

and comprehensive

support

5

7

20

22


4 Luminus is an “extraordinary” company

LUMINUS RECOGNISED AS AN “EXTRAORDINARY” COMPANY

Luminus has achieved national recognition as an outstanding employer by gaining the 3 star “Extraordinary” status in Best Companies for the third consecutive year.

Luminus was one of only 84 companies nationally who achieved the coveted 3 Stars status, from 1165 who applied.

Best Companies accreditation uses an independent survey of employees and a star rating system. One star is “first class”, two stars are “outstanding” and three stars are “extraordinary”.

The survey has been developed to help employers better understand today’s complex and changing workplace issues and what they mean for their business, focusing on what employees say about the head of the organisation, senior managers, the company’s values and principles, their manager, training and prospects, work life balance, how well they work

with colleagues, whether the organisation has a positive impact on society, how involved they feel about their job and organisation, and how happy they are with their pay and benefits. Ensuring our employees are happy at work is a key part to providing great customer service at Luminus.

The survey showed that managers are a key factor in the success of an organisation and are vital to employee well-being, team focus, customer satisfaction and developing employees’ potential. Luminus scored highly in this area because of its focus on leadership and management development to build a “Premium Brand” management team, which is carried out entirely in house, saving the company £500,000 each year.

Gaining the 3 star

“extraordinary”

status for the third

consecutive year

Awards for Excellence

Luminus rewarded employees’ achievements with its own special awards.

The ‘Awards for Excellence’ were ‘Great Attitude’, for employees who demonstrated a positive approach, ‘Clear Focus’ awarded for consistently reaching high standards and ‘Perseverance’ for showing tenacity, determination and patience, and the ‘Yes We Can’ award for going the extra mile.

HAPPY STAFF EQUALS GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!

www.luminus.org.uk

5Renewing Hope & Inspiration

2010 was a very successful year for Luminus and our customers. Here are a few of the stories that made it a year to remember.

RENEWING HOPE IN A CHAOTIC ENVIRONMENT

Mrs D called Luminus because she was in need of a heating upgrade. Luminus employees visited her and found she was struggling to keep her home tidy – she was sleeping in the lounge because her bedrooms were in such a mess.

Neighbourhood Wardens spent many hours with Mrs D, clearing and tidying and she is now able to live in a warm, safe and happy home.

GIVING PEOPLE THE MOTIVATION TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES

Mr S from St Ives was visited by Luminus because of an ongoing issue with his garden. Mr S was depressed following a run of unfortunate events in his life and had almost given up.

A Neighbourhood Warden helped him strim his garden and tidy it. This simple act of showing that someone cared, gave Mr S the motivation to change his life.

He has started applying for jobs and taking better care of his home and garden.

GIVING HOPE & WORK TO THE UNEMPLOYED

Luminus has employed local young people through the Future Job Fund. These young people have formed two Environmental Support Teams who work together to improve local neighbourhoods.

They have gained self confidence, valuable work experience and extensive training to improve their future job prospects.

HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS IN WISBECH

Ferry Project celebrated the opening of Octavia View, a community facility and hostel which provides housing for up to 24 single homeless people, education and a range of facilities that benefits the entire community.

The renovation of the Grade II listed building was successful in restoring the old and adding the new. The transformation of the building from an empty shell to thriving community centre has brought new hope and inspiration to the staff, the residents and the people of Wisbech.

Renewing Hope and Inspiration for Luminus and our customers

The simple act of

showing that

someone cared..

changed his life

TRUE GRITLuminus came to the rescue of Huntingdon shoppers this winter by gritting a dangerous slippery slope on the pedestrian route through Chequers Court, Huntingdon.

Group Chief Executive, Chan Abraham, sent Luminus employees with wheelbarrows, shovels and grit to help children, older people and others stay safe in the icy conditions.

Mr Abraham was so concerned that he issued the order within seconds of reading comments in The Hunts Post that Churchmanor Estates, owner of the Chequers Court development, Cambridgeshire County, Huntingdonshire District and Huntingdon Town councils all denied responsibility.

In response to a letter from Mr Abraham, Churchmanor and the County Council have entered into discussions about “highway boundaries and responsibility for their maintenance”. To deal with any immediate problems, Churchmanor has agreed to provide grit and the Town Council has agreed to spread it.

HAPPY STAFF EQUALS GREAT CUSTOMER SERVICE!


6 A Premium Brand Team

Luminus is committed to building a Premium Brand TeamLuminus is continuing to provide an extensive training and development programme for all employees.

Luminus aims to give the highest level of customer service and this requires a motivated and fully inspired team. All employees are required to attend our corporate induction programme “Understanding Luminus” and “Customer Service Training” as well as monthly Luminus Conferences where key corporate messages are communicated.

Other training is tailored to the needs of each role and employees can benefit from a

vast range of training including Telephone Skills, Lone Worker, Driver Training, IT Skills and Deaf Awareness.

In addition, all managers are members of the Leadership Academy and attend Luminus’ tailored Train the Trainer course, which is part of an intensive management training programme comprising of seminars and personal coaching. Each manager has a personal development programme and works to improve their personal and professional skills.

The results have surpassed all expectations. Luminus employees

feel valued and motivated to continue improving themselves, the services they provide, and a greater commitment to providing a high level of customer service.

Residents are even more satisfied with the service and Luminus received over 600 compliments in 2010. The benefits are financial too, the SAFED driver training has reduced insurance premiums, fuel costs and reduced the number of accidents.

In 2011, Luminus is launching literacy and computer skills courses to add to the range of development opportunities open to employees.

Inspired Working for Luminus has been a dream come true for me. I started as a HR Business Assistant and Luminus has invested in my career. I am now a HR Business Co-ordinator. Louise Edwards, Luminus HR Business Co-ordinator

www.luminus.org.uk

7Residents Conference

Safe and Secure - Luminus Residents ConferenceLuminus’ Residents Conference in January 2011 entitled Our Community: Safe and Secure was a resounding success with over 170 residents and Luminus employees attending the event at Brook House.

The Conference focused on working together to make communities safer and more pleasant places to live. Luminus aims to work with residents, the Police, Huntingdonshire District Council and other external agencies to promote good behaviour. PC Gemma Scott, accompanied by Clare Darbyshire and Sandra Warren, two local PCSO’s from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, attended the event to give advice and answer questions.

Luminus residents were wholehearted in their support for Luminus’ approach of introducing two new service

standards on ‘Gardens to be proud of’ and ‘Promoting good behaviour’.

The Conference was also an opportunity to celebrate the excellent work of residents and local people who have made outstanding contributions to their local community in 2010, including representatives from Eynesbury Neighbourhood Management Group and Eynesbury Village Association.

Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council, Cllr Jeff Dutton presented the certificates and congratulated these local heroes for their good work. The event concluded at 1.30pm with a low-cost household goods sale from Octavia’s and a hearty lunch for all attendees.

Luminus residents

were wholehearted

in their support

ConferenceHighlights

£250 PRIZE DRAW WINNERS

Mr & Mrs Coe of Huntingdon won this quarter’s £250 prize draw for taking part in the Luminus survey.

PROMOTING GOOD BEHAVIOUR

Councillor Jeff Dutton and the police were on hand to help launch this new initiative.

RETURN YOUR COMPLETED FORM AND YOU WILL BE ENTERED INTO

OUR QUARTERLY PRIZE DRAW!

Don’t miss the next Residents Conference - on Saturday 14 May 2011

8 Reviving aspirations


Luminus is on The Road to Renewal. We call it our 2020 Vision. As part of this we want to see the streets and neighbourhoods where you live being clean, safe and attractive places to be.

Residents have told us that one of the things they worry about is anti-social Behaviour.

We want everyone to take a stand and help to make their neighbourhoods safer.

We will shortly be distributing “I Support Good Behaviour” stickers. We want everyone to put this sticker in their windows, demonstrating that they support good behaviour and want to see an end to the yobbish behaviour that can have such an impact on our lives.

I SUPPORT GOOD

BEHAVIOUR

Supporting good behaviour

Luminus has been able to offer jobs to local young unemployed people through the Future Jobs Fund Government initiative.

Luminus has been supporting this initiative since January 2010 with a number of employees successfully completing their fixed term contracts and going on to find full time employment within Luminus Group.

In October 2010 Luminus took on 20 people to work in the Neighbourhood Warden Team, supporting community initiatives and working within the community to tidy up areas, paint garages, clean communal areas and generally help out to ‘make the difference’ in the local community.

We have received many compliments from local residents, thanking the team for their great work and commenting on the importance of young people being given an opportunity like this.

Each Environmental Support Worker has a full and varied induction at the start, and they continue to learn and develop through their time with Luminus completing an extensive training programme. The programme is designed to give the best opportunity for the staff to learn new skills and gain employment when their contract with Luminus comes to an end.

The project has been a real success and has benefitted the local community in many ways, including upskilling and training local unemployed 18 - 24 year olds, sprucing up and maintaining areas for the community and supporting community groups.

The Environmental Support Workers are benefitting from being part of a company that is recognised as one of the best companies to work for in the UK. Staff are growing in confidence and developing skills that will help them in the future.

The new recruits really are taking their first steps on The Road to Renewal, rescuing dreams & reviving aspirations.

How is your journey on the Road to Renewal progressing? Email [email protected]

Reviving the aspirations of our young people “My life was going nowhere, then Luminus

took me in. Now I feel I have a future”

Dean, 20, Future Job Fund Employee

Are you going to display this sticker in your window? Email [email protected]

www.luminus.org.uk

9Working with our residents

Working with our residentsThe Tenant Services Consultative Forum (TSCF) has worked well over the last two years to represent tenants’ views in discussions at Luminus on our new approach to tenant involvement. This has involved looking at the decisions made by residents at the conferences that we hold and consulting with much larger numbers of our customers.

This process developed throughout 2010 with several Residents Conferences dedicated to this subject. The TSCF has been following, challenging, debating and approving actions taken to ensure this new approach is developing the right way and that we meet the expectations of our regulator, the Tenant Services Authority (TSA).

At the TSCF meeting on 18 February 2010, progress on tenant and resident consultation was discussed following the Residents Conference on 30 January where 128 residents heard about proposals for the three strands of tenant involvement:

Feedback: Including •Luminus News, surveys and Annual Performance Report

Connections: Interaction •with communities through neighbourhood management, residents groups, street representatives etc.

Standards: Additional •special service standards following consultation with residents.

At the Conference on 15 May 2010 residents voted for three new special standards on:

gardens to be proud of•

promoting good behaviour•

the internal standard of •homes.

The TSCF met again on 17 June 2010 to review and approve this progress and they noted 96% of residents approved that all existing service standards be incorporated into one document called ‘Our Commitment to You’.

They were also pleased that 95% of residents approved the adoption of a special standard on the upkeep of gardens, 97% on promoting good behaviour and 94% on the internal upkeep of homes.

The Residents Conference, ‘Our Community – Inspiring others’ held on 25 September 2010 looked at the results of the survey of all tenants regarding the issues discussed with residents at the previous conference in May and all issues were overwhelmingly endorsed.

The TSCF meeting held on 14 October 2010 gave residents the opportunity to consider a wider set of issues and to set their role in the context of the business environment Luminus operates in. This type of briefing is vital to enable TSCF to play an informed and meaningful role in the way forward.

The TSCF met on 3 February 2011 when they had the opportunity to consider the two special standards, ‘Gardens to be proud of’ and ‘Promoting good behaviour’ which had already been consulted in detail with the Scrutiny Panel.

The TSCF meeting also looked at performance, the Eynesbury Work Club, and heard about the regulatory visit from the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) earlier that same day. Two tenant members of the TSCF represented tenants at this meeting with the TSA.

The TSCF will continue to be closely involved in representing tenants views at the highest level in the organisation throughout 2011.

Would you like to be more involved in Luminus? Send an email to [email protected]

Are you going to display this sticker in your window? Email [email protected]

Tenants views are

represented at

the highest level


10 Luminus making a difference

Luminus will shortly publish two Special Standards in addition to our existing suite of Service Standards. We are doing this following extensive consultation with our residents who have told us that they want us to focus on two key issues:

The upkeep of gardens•

Promoting good behaviour.•

The leaflets explain the standards we will set ourselves so that we can make a difference in our local community. As part of our Road to Renewal we want to see the streets and neighbourhoods where you live being clean, safe and attractive places to be.

Our Special Standard ‘Promoting Good Behaviour in our Communities’ will set out the action we can take which will significantly reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour. We believe that residents can do a lot to help us and other agencies tackle anti-social behaviour issues in neighbourhoods.

We will encourage people to behave responsibly and ensure that all new tenants sign up to a Good Neighbour Agreement. Action will be taken to deal with environmental anti-social behaviour, and a ‘big clean up’ event will take place every year. ‘Hotspot’ areas of bad behaviour will be targeted for a period of

time until an improvement is seen.

We are also committed to put in place Community Agreements, which will set out agreed expectations of behaviour from residents in a specific area.

We want to encourage people to really care about their environment, especially through the upkeep of attractive gardens.

Our Special Standard ‘Gardens to be proud of’ sets out the actions we will take to help residents, and what we will do if standards are not met.

We define what we believe is a ‘tidy garden’and explain what we will do if we find an untidy garden, including offering support. The document introduces our Environmental Support Team, who carry out gardening and improvement work.

We want to encourage communal garden schemes by bringing neglected areas back to life.

A bank of gardening volunteers who are able to help their neighbours out will be created, and we will provide further assistance through the supply of some tools and plants. The standard clearly signals that we want to help you make a stand in your community for a better environment.

We discussed the main themes of the Special Standards at Luminus’ Residents Conference on 29 January and at the Tenant Services Consultative Forum on 3 February, and we are pleased to report that residents have given their overwhelming support and backing to these important initiatives.

We hope to have these standards in place by April 2011 and will let you know how to obtain these documents soon.

Making a difference in our communities Luminus introduces two

new Special Standards

www.luminus.org.uk

Your text 11

2020 VISION - THE ROAD TO RENEWALCHANGING THE WORLD WHERE WE ARE

Supported by

C O M M U N I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N A W A R D S 2 0 1 1

Good Neighbour (sponsored by Anthony Collins Solicitors)

We want to recognise those special people who give up their time to come to the aid of their neighbours and help make their lives better. There may be families who need a little extra help, vulnerable, disabled or older people, someone who is new to the area, a person whose first language is not English or someone who has been recently bereaved. These people in our communities appreciate the thoughtfulness, support and caring nature of a neighbour who goes out of their way to lend a helping hand.

Community Achievement (sponsored by T Clarke East)

Do you know someone devoted to charity or voluntary work or who has raised money for charity? Or maybe you know someone who has taken on a local project and made a difference?

Projects could include creating a communal garden, bringing neighbours together to tackle anti-social behaviour, organising social events such as street parties or providing activities for

children after school or in the holidays.

The Community Achievement Award is to celebrate the people who bring communities together or who have helped build community spirit in your neighbourhood.

Inspirational Parents (sponsored by EACS)

The Inspirational Parent award recognises any parent who has persevered and become an excellent role model. Nominees could include foster parents who have transformed children’s lives, parents coping with a disabled child, the head of a family overcoming bereavement or tragedy and turning it into something positive or simply a remarkable parent who has battled the odds for the benefit of the child.

Perseverance Among Young People (sponsored by Cooks Volkswagen)

Do you know a young person who has not let illness or disability stand in the way of

their goals or who has overcome a disadvantaged background to be successful?

Maybe you know a young person who has set up their own business, campaigned successfully on an issue or is a young carer who has taken on responsibility beyond their years.

We would like to recognise the achievements of young people aged 21 and under who have demonstrated perseverance, ambition and tenacity.

Outstanding Leadership (sponsored by C&S Builders)

Leaders can be found in all walks of life. The person could be a head teacher, school governor, local councillor, chairman of a residents group, a Scout or Girl Guide leader, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch, a youth group leader or anyone who makes a difference by leading from the front.

We are looking for someone extraordinary, motivational and encouraging who has risen to the challenge and inspired those around them.

Great leaders take responsibility, generate action, provide a clear vision and arouse enthusiasm and passion for a goal.

Luminus Community Inspiration Awards 2011 Information about the

five categories

www.communityinspirationawards.org.uk

C O M M U N I T Y I N S P I R A T I O N A W A R D S 2 0 1 1

Supported by

www.luminus.org.uk

Your text 13


14 Your text

www.luminus.org.uk

15Taking positive action in Eynesbury

Luminus has been working closely with residents in Eynesbury for over three years in a project called Neighbourhood Management.

One of the great successes we had there was to attract £70,000 in funding for community projects. Local people decided on which groups would benefit during an exciting event called Voice Your Choice in October 2009.

Most if this money has now been spent on very worthwhile projects such as the refurbishment of the St John Ambulance hall which is now a much improved place for first aid training.

There was a great deal of interest in the Eynesbury Giant sculpture and story telling seat in the grounds of Eynesbury Primary School. This is a striking piece of artwork and has been used many times by the schoolchildren who are thrilled with it.

The Community College has created an imaginative eco-garden within their grounds and this has transformed an area

that was unused into a valuable learning resource for the school.

During July and August 2010, 13 local residents attended a 6-week course called ‘How your town works’ which was funded by the Hunts Forum to help people better understand how services are delivered, and by whom, in a typical town like St Neots.

ENMAG is now working with Luminus, the district council and Job Centre Plus to run the new ‘Back to Work Club’ for Eynesbury and St Neots. This commenced on 1 February 2011 and has been running for several weeks at the Bargroves Centre, Cromwell Road, from 10am-12pm every other Tuesday.

This is a free event and anyone who is seeking work or advice about employment should attend.

For more information on the Back to Work Club or to join ENMAG please contact Alan Haines, Community Services Manager on 01480 428720.

Eynesbury on the up Introducing ENMAG,

Eynesbury Neighbourhood

Management Action Group

ENMAGDid you know?

During 2010 ENMAG has been involved in:

Establishing a •Neighbourhood Action Plan

Researching information •on community facilities ready for promotion

Promoting training for •local residents called ‘How your town works’

Supporting the •Eynesbury Village Association (EVA) with their successful newsletter informing residents of local issues

Working with a •national children’s charity to provide office accommodation in Eynesbury, St Neots

Would you like to be involved in ENMAG? Send an email to [email protected] or call 01480 428541.

NeighbourhoodManagement

EYNESBURY ON THE UP

One of the great

successes was to

attract £70,000

in funding for

community projects


16 Park View

The Localism Bill is a proposed Act of Parliament which contains reforms that will give greater power and freedom to councils and neighbourhoods.

The Bill will establish new rights for communities and give them control over housing decisions. It will include measures to allow councils to decide who goes on their housing waiting lists - although government will set the categories considered to have the greatest housing needs.

There are plans to make it easier for tenants to move to other social housing providers and

for an internet-based “national home swap scheme”.

Housing providers will be able to offer new social housing tenants shorter, fixed-term tenancies. It includes changes to the regulatory system for social housing - including the abolition of the Tenant Services Authority and changes to the ombudsman regime for social housing complaints.

Changes to the “homelessness duty” will mean councils can offer people private sector accommodation instead of being obliged to offer social housing.

Proposed new housing reforms

If you would like to find out more about the government’s proposals please look on the Communities and Local Government website for a ‘plain English’ summary of the Bill at www.communities.gov.uk or contact Nairn Davidson, Performance Review Supervisor on 01480 428724.

Park View Extra Care Scheme receives extra special visitors A special viewing of

a flagship building

Park View, Luminus’ exciting new extra care scheme, has welcomed its first residents since its completion in February 2011.

Situated on Huntingdon ring road, Park View offers 34 spacious one and two bedroom apartments where residents can receive the support and care necessary to live independently. Seventeen of the apartments have already been snapped up

and residents are enjoying the beautifully furnished and fully staffed facility which includes a landscaped garden and a library.

Also available on the site are five one bedroom shared ownership apartments, all finished to the highest standard. In the short time they have been on sale, three of these highly desirable properties have already been reserved.

On 28 January 2011, Luminus Group Chief Executive Chan Abraham welcomed Jonathan Djanogly MP and Cllr Jeff Dutton, Chairman of Huntingdonshire District Council to an exclusive tour.

Both were extremely impressed with the excellent standard of design and the opportunity the development offers local people.

Chan Abraham

welcomes Jonathan

Djanogly MP and

Councillor Jeff Dutton,

HDC Chairman

www.luminus.org.uk

17Things you need to know

It won’t happen to me...

Things you need to know

Can I leave my home for a long period of time?

Your tenancy states that you should occupy your home and it should be your only or main residence.

This means that you cannot leave and let the house to someone else or hold an assured/assured shorthold tenancy if you have another home elsewhere.

If you are found to be subletting your home without permission, have another home elsewhere or you leave your home for more than four weeks, Luminus can take legal action to recover possession.

However, there may be occasions when you have to take some time away from your home, for example you may have to spend some time caring for a sick relative or you have to be away for work reasons. You tenancy states that you must tell us if you are going to be away from home for more than 4 weeks. This is to protect you and your home.

If you have any questions please call 01480 428588.

HOME CONTENTS INSURANCE - DON’T PUT IT OFF

Starting at just 87p per week, home contents insurance can buy you peace of mind and provide financial assistance when you need it most. For more information on how to apply for home contents insurance call 01480 428345 or email [email protected]

Away for more than

4 weeks? Tell us.


18 Luminus Oak Foundation

Blooming marvellousSix planters have been purchased jointly by the Oak Foundation and the Moor in Bloom project for the residents at Medway Court to grow fruit and vegetables.

Local PCSOs, Clare Darbyshire and Sandra Warren got funding from Safer and Stronger Community Fund to buy compost and small hand tools together with a lockable storage cabinet for the tools.

The planters were erected by the PCSOs, Luminus Neighbourhood Wardens, and Medway Court Sheltered Housing Manager, Bob Dockrell.

Once the weather improves Medway Court residents, together with two volunteers from Fusio, hope to work with children from Thongsley school to grow fruit and vegetables in the planters.

Ann Walsh, the Sheltered Housing Manager for The Close, St Neots attended the Royal Horticultural Society and Anglia in Bloom awards ceremony on 5 November 2010 in Sudbury.

Ann took with her Mrs Lee Cole from Eaton Socon as the Oak Foundation representative to accept the awards. Mrs Cole came second in the Luminus in Bloom competition this year and is a very keen gardener.

The Close in St Neots, and Rectory Gardens in Godmanchester were both awarded an “It’s your Neighbourhood Award of Improving”.

Hilary Lodge, Brampton were awarded an “It’s your Neighbourhood Award of Developing”. The residents on this scheme are now making good use of a new greenhouse on the site.

The residents on these schemes have worked hard to achieve these awards and the gardens are a credit to them. Next year we are aiming for more of the Oak Foundation schemes to enter their gardens for this event.

Christmas bulbsChildren from Godmanchester Rainbows gave the residents of Rectory Gardens decorated pots with hyacinth and other bulbs in them for Christmas.

The residents of Rectory Gardens wish to say a very big ‘Thank You’ to the Rainbows. The pots are lovely and the bulbs are already beginning to flower.

Anglia in BloomOak Foundation

News from our sheltered housing schemes

Out & About

The latest Out & About Newsletter has been sent out together with the forms for Membership renewal.

If you have not renewed your membership now is the time to do so!

Spring is now with us and there will be outings to the seaside at Hunstanton, opportunities to go shopping at the Springfields retail outlet stores in Spalding, as well as weekly activities including coffee mornings and exercise.

Call 01480 428428 for more details.

Do you have a story from your sheltered scheme? Email [email protected]

www.luminus.org.uk

Your text 19

Do you have a story from your sheltered scheme? Email [email protected]

If you are in arrears, the quicker you contact us, the sooner we can help you.

You don’t always have to repay your arrears at once - we can work out a payment plan. If you ignore the problem, it will not go away.

We will contact you either by letter, telephone, e-mail, text, or by visiting your home to come to a repayment agreement.

If you do not keep to the repayment agreement we will take legal action and you could lose your home.

We also have an Income and Benefits Advisor, Sue Cargill, who can offer you help and advice. To contact Sue call 01480 428521 or email [email protected]

To make payment by debit card please ring:

01480 428333• during working hours.

0844 557 8321• outside of working hours and follow the instructions.

GET IN TOUCH NOW - PAYING RENT IS NOT A MATTER OF CHOICE!

Ignoring the problem

won’t make it go away


20 Ferry Project

Ferry Project and New York have something in

common. I wonder if you could tell me what it is?

Luminus Ferry Project

The charity that

never sleeps

New York is described as the city that never sleeps and Ferry Project is the organisation that never sleeps. Ferry is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, helping homeless clients move forward in their life providing them with a safe and supportive place to live.

This year Ferry Project is 11 years old and in that time it has gone from being a small voluntary organisation with 11 volunteers and £300 to the main provider of support to single homeless people in the Fens.

2010 saw Ferry Project move into Octavia View, a lovely 17th Century building. The building is much more than just a hostel, it is also a place where residents and the local community can learn. During 2010 courses started in money management and healthy living. It also now hosts an art gallery where local artists can display and hopefully sell their works.

This gallery had its first event in December with nearly 100 guests viewing the art. The display changes every three months so the next display starts in February.

Octavia’s shop is also now open and selling its household wares. The number of customers has already passed 1000 and they are looking forward to many more. This shop doesn’t just provide goods for the local community, it also gives work experience to residents of Octavia View and other local people.

Finally during this year the hope is to open the café. Negotiations are taking place with a local voluntary group to run the café, so watch this space for news.

2011 has also seen the start of a new venture for Ferry Project. The doors have opened to the Corner House Night Shelter. This night shelter provides emergency accommodation for 12 people who would otherwise be on the streets.

The night shelter was set up due to the large number of homeless migrants in the Fenland area. Many of these people come to the UK for work which never happens or ends after only a couple of weeks and they are then in a foreign country with little or no money.

This is a pilot to see if we can help these homeless people and reduce the demand on accident and emergency centres and police from incidents that occur during the night. The hope is that everybody will benefit by stopping people living on the streets and helping the local community to feel safer.

FOR MORE DETAILS...

If you would like to know more about Ferry Project, www.ferryproject.org.uk, email [email protected] or call 01480 428709.

Ferry Project aims

to help the homeless

with love and support

towards independence.

www.luminus.org.uk

21HOPE Social Enterprises

HOPE Social Enterprises has continued to develop and promote its ethos within the Fenland and surrounding area, centred around recycling, reuse and opportunities within the local community.

Since January 2010 HOPE has offered placements to 48 local volunteers in a number of areas including cleaning, gardening, retail and product testing.

This has been well received by the local community, giving local people the chance to develop

new skills to go on to gain employment.

HOPE continues to recycle and reuse pre-loved items that are collected from both the local area through donations from the local community and donations of returned goods or redundant stock from some very well known socially responsible high street retailers.

The items are taken to Renewal Park in March for product testing. Any that meet the stringent criteria are refurbished for sale

at Octavia’s, local markets and off site shops. The recycling and reuse of such goods has saved over 250 tonnes from going to landfill as well as providing superb volunteering opportunities for a number of local people.

In addition to the retail and volunteering operations, HOPE continues to offer a premium brand cleaning and grounds maintenance service as far afield as Milton Keynes and Cambridge.

Bringing HOPE to Fenland and beyond

A new & unique shopping experience providing stylish quality items for you & your home- New, pre-loved & recondit ioned items

- Affordable prices

- Environmental ly f r iendly

...affordable style for you and your home

Opening Hours:

Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pmClosed Bank Holidays

Tel: 01945 584235 Email: [email protected]

Octavia View • South Brink • Wisbech • PE13 1JQ

Toasters from £4 Steam Irons from £5

Kettles from £9 Coffee Makers from £12

and much, much more!

VISIT US AT

LUMINUS RESIDENTS

CONFERENCE

14 MAY 2011


22 Your text

Luminus in Bloom 2011

All of our tenants and

leaseholders are invited to

to enter their gardens into

Luminus in Bloom 2011,

a competition that celebrates

the hard work and dedication

of green-fingered residents.

This year in addition to the overall first and second prizes, there will be awards for Best Sheltered Scheme and Best Window Box to recognise those who tend communal gardens or make the most of a small space.

Last year’s winners, Mr and Mrs Wilcox from Huntingdon, wowed the judges with a mature and immaculate garden. The plants were well

cared for and the garden was well designed, being beautiful as well as providing a range of fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Chan Abraham Luminus Group Chief Executive said,

“In 2011, our Year of Rescuing Dreams & Reviving Aspirations, we are looking forward to recognising Luminus residents who create and maintain beautiful gardens for the enjoyment of friends, family and the community.

Tidy and attractive gardens can help to transform a neighbourhood and give people pride in their community and this year’s Luminus in Bloom promises to be the best yet.”

How to enter Luminus in BloomTo enter please call Gemma on 01480 428209 or email [email protected] will need to supply your name, address, telephone number and a photo of your garden.

The deadline for entries is Tuesday 31 May 2011.

Do you have any gardening tips you’d like to share? Email [email protected]

www.luminus.org.uk

23Contact us

Published by Luminus Group • Registered Office Brook HouseOuse Walk, Huntingdon PE29 3QWTel No: 01480 428777 • Fax No: 01480 428555Email: [email protected] • Website: www.luminus.org.uk

01480 428777General Enquiries -

Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428333Service Centre

For reporting all repairs Monday to Thursday 9am - 5pm

and Fridays 9am - 4.30pm

01480 428522Rent Enquiries

01945 429300Luminus Ferry Project

01480 428314Leaseholder Enquiries

01480 428721Customer Relations Officer

Caroline Howard

01354 606740Hope Social Enterprises

020 7540 9820Out of Hours Emergencies

Monday to Thursday 5pm - 9am and weekends

Friday 4.30pm - Monday 9am

01480 428521Income & Benefits Advisor

Sue Cargill

01480 428707/8Communications & Marketing

If you have any comments about Luminus News or would like a large print or audio version, please contact the Communications Team on 01480 428707/8 or send an

email to [email protected]

For help to understand this newsletter please ring 01480 428707/8

This document has been printed on Satimat Green.

Satimat Green is a wood-free, two-sided, coated true silk paper and board containing 50 per cent recycled fibres

and 50 per cent FSC-certified virgin fibres.

01480 428588Neighbourhood Services

You can use this number to report anti-social behaviour

CONTACT US

01480 428541Tenant Involvement

Do you have any gardening tips you’d like to share? Email [email protected]


24 Your textRESIDENTS CONFERENCE UPDATE // TENANT INVOLVEMENT

Our Community: Happy & Healthy

Saturday14May2011•11am-1:30pm

BrookHouse,Huntingdon•Lunchincluded•Freetransport

PLEASE BOOK YOUR PLACE BY TUESDAY 10 MAY 2011

For more information, or to book your place and any transport or parking needs, please contact:

Luminus Tenants Transport Service on 01480 428570 or email: [email protected]

PLUSlow cost household

goods sale

Documents

Luminus News Spring 2011