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Wishaw & District Housing Newsletter Part of Trust Housing Association Introduction from your CEO I am delighted to welcome you to this latest newsletter by sharing the news that Wishaw & District Housing has successfully transferred into Trust. This followed on from the resounding ballot result back in September when 97.3% of Wishaw & District Housing tenants voted YES to our proposals for a transfer of engagements, bringing approximately 1000 homes and 13 staff, together with services to sharing and factored owners, into the Trust family. Wishaw & District no longer exists as a housing association and Trust is now responsible for delivering the homes and services they provided – our challenge is to ensure that we maintain their very high performance and excellent customer service and that we learn from each other in a positive and productive way. Trust are starting to deliver on the promises made to Wishaw & District Housing tenants including our 3-year rent guarantee, additional £3 million investment in homes and the local environment, and new affordable housing on the prominent Main Street site in Wishaw. Our application for Planning Permission has been submitted and we are working to deliver these much-needed new homes as soon as we can. We have also recently successfully created a new Area Committee who will track and monitor our delivery of all the promises – I am very much looking forward to working with the members, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and all have a great contribution to make. Services will continue to be delivered by the local staff team based in Wishaw (branded as Wishaw & District Housing) and they have been actively involved in all the ongoing planning to make sure our promises are met, as well as ensuring that the transfer went ahead as smoothly as possible, with no disruption for our customers. This partnership strengthens Trust’s position as one of Scotland’s leading housing, care and support providers, now with nearly 4000 homes across Scotland, including a range of general needs and mid-market rented housing. Over a third of our business is now in North Lanarkshire. We are absolutely thrilled that the transfer has taken place and that the whole process – from selection as preferred partner to completion – took less than 12 months. I would like to take the chance to say thank you very much to all the tenants and staff who helped make this possible. The new partnership will combine the strengths, capabilities, assets and traditions of both organisations to create a stronger entity to deliver a thriving future for all tenants, other customers and staff. We are now positively looking forward to 2020, ready to build from our firm foundations into a most exciting time in Trust’s development. I would like to wish you all the very best for the festive period and I hope you have a great start to the new year too! Rhona McLeod CEO In this Issue: 01 Introduction from your CEO 02 Office Closure During Festive Period 02 Paying Your Rent 02 Homelessness 03 Maintenance Update 04 Are You Ready For Winter? 08 The Freedom Of Information (Scotland) Act 09 12 Tips To Keep On Top Of Christmas Bills 10 Useful Information 15 Public Holidays Winter 2019 Issue number 1

Wishaw & District Housing Newsletter...2020/04/14  · 02 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019 Office Closure During Festive Period Wishaw & District Housing will be closed from 2.00pm

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Page 1: Wishaw & District Housing Newsletter...2020/04/14  · 02 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019 Office Closure During Festive Period Wishaw & District Housing will be closed from 2.00pm

Wishaw & District Housing

Newsletter Part of Trust Housing Association

Introduction from your CEOI am delighted to welcome you to this latest newsletter by sharing the news that Wishaw & District Housing has successfully transferred into Trust. This followed on from the resounding ballot result back in September when 97.3% of Wishaw & District Housing tenants voted YES to our proposals for a transfer of engagements, bringing approximately 1000 homes and 13 staff, together with services to sharing and factored owners, into the Trust family. Wishaw & District no longer exists as a housing association and Trust is now responsible for delivering the homes and services they provided – our challenge is to ensure that we maintain their very high performance and excellent customer service and that we learn from each other in a positive and productive way. Trust are starting to deliver on the promises made to Wishaw & District Housing tenants including our 3-year rent guarantee, additional £3 million investment in homes and the local environment, and new affordable housing on the prominent Main Street site in Wishaw. Our application for Planning Permission has been submitted and we are working to deliver these much-needed new homes as soon as we can. We have also recently successfully created a new Area Committee who will track and monitor our delivery of all the promises – I am very much looking forward to working with the members, who come from a wide range of backgrounds and all have a great contribution to make. Services will continue to be delivered by the local staff team based in Wishaw (branded as Wishaw & District Housing) and they have been actively involved in all the ongoing planning to make sure our promises are met, as well as ensuring that the transfer went ahead as smoothly as possible, with no disruption for our customers. This partnership strengthens Trust’s position as one of Scotland’s leading housing, care and support providers, now with nearly 4000 homes across Scotland, including a range of general needs and mid-market rented housing. Over a third of our business is now in North Lanarkshire. We are absolutely thrilled that the transfer has taken place and that the whole process – from selection as preferred partner to completion – took less than 12 months. I would like to take the chance to say thank you very much to all the tenants and staff who helped make this possible. The new partnership will combine the strengths, capabilities, assets and traditions of both organisations to create a stronger entity to deliver a thriving future for all tenants, other customers and staff. We are now positively looking forward to 2020, ready to build from our firm foundations into a most exciting time in Trust’s development. I would like to wish you all the very best for the festive period and I hope you have a great start to the new year too!

Rhona McLeod CEO

In this Issue:01 Introduction

from your CEO02 �Office�Closure�

During�Festive�Period

02 Paying Your Rent02 Homelessness03 Maintenance

Update04 Are You Ready

For Winter?08 The Freedom

Of Information (Scotland)�Act

09 12�Tips�To�Keep On Top Of Christmas�Bills

10 Useful�Information15 Public�Holidays Winter 2019 Issue number 1

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02 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

Office Closure During Festive PeriodWishaw & District Housing will be closed from 2.00pm on Tuesday 24 December 2019 for the festive break and will re-open at 9.00am on Monday 6th January 2020.

If�you�have�an�emergency�repair�during�this�time,�please�contact�the�numbers�below:�

• Heating or hot water repairs 01698-533917 • All other General Emergency Repairs 0800-999-2520

Emergency�repairs�are�classified�as:

Unsafe power or lighting sockets or electrical fittings

Loss of electricity, gas or water supply (check with your provider in the first instance)

External windows, doors or locks which are not secured

Blocked toilet (where this is the only toilet in the house)

Blocked drains or pipes with sewage leaking out

Significant leaking or flooding from a water or heating pipe, tank or cistern where the water cannot be contained

Locked out of property (you may be re-charged if you have lost the keys)

No heating or hot water

Paying Your RentYou can make a payment now directly via AllPay (Debit Cards only) www.allpay.net/ or you can download the AllPay�App on to your mobile device, this allows you to make payments anytime, anywhere: www.allpay.net/our-solutions/credit-debit-cards/mobile-app

Alternatively, you can make a payment using your all-pay card at local paypoints or post offices.

If you need a payment card, please contact us and we can send one out.

Please note, if you currently pay your rent or factoring charges by cheque they should now be written to Trust�Housing�Association.

Remember, if you have registered your mobile phone number with us you can check your balance using the SMS Texting service anytime. Simply text the word BAL�to�07529777345.

HomelessnessIf you or someone you know become homeless or are threatened with homelessness, you should contact North Lanarkshire Council for advice and assistance. Details of their local first stop shop can be accessed online via: https://www.northlanarkshire.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=7908�

However, if you need help outwith normal working hours, please contact the Council’s Emergency�Out�of�Hours�Homelessness�Service�on:�0800-953-2424.

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 03

Maintenance UpdateOur maintenance team have been busy procuring contracts for planned works, overseeing works and helping shape the planned programme for next year. Below is an update on the various works that are underway or about to go live in the coming months.

Boiler ReplacementOur boiler replacement contract is well underway with over 80 boilers completed to date, well over 50% of the overall contract. This contract is due to be completed before Christmas and tenant feedback has been great so far.

Kitchen ReplacementThis contract is currently out to tender and we hope to commence works before Christmas. Tenants involved will be advised when works will commence and will have a selection of worktops and cabinets to choose from.

Kitchen replacements will be taking place in the following areas:

• Roberts Street• Kitchener Street• Barons Road• Clyde Terrace• Merryton Road• Muirhouse Drive• Etive Street• Lochy Street

Cyclical PainterworksOur external painter work is now complete, this included painting of fascias, windows and doors.

Gutter CleaningThis contract commenced in November, with the cleaning of gutters and rectifying of any repairs required. As this is outside work, there will be no requirement for you to stay home and no appointments will be given for this visit. This work will be carried out at every property.

Renewal Programme: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide DetectorsThis contract is almost 100% complete, with the exception of a few properties where we have had issues gaining entry. We ask that if you have correspondence from Belac in relation to this, please contact them as soon as possible to have this essential work carried out. It takes approximately 30 minutes with minimal disruption.

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04 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

Be A Winner!Customer Satisfaction ResultsThank�you

We have had an excellent return rate over the last 3 months (138 responses)Wishaw & District Housing appreciate any feedback you provide us with about our maintenance service. Whether it’s the service you received when reporting the repair, the quality of the repair or the way our staff dealt with your enquiry, we want to hear your feedback and any recommendations you may have on how we could improve our service.

Congratulations�to�our�recent�winnersMr Fisher — July 2019Mr Williams — August 2019Ms Reilly—September 2019

All satisfaction surveys returned by post or text will be entered into our monthly draw to win a £20 shopping voucher or directly into the tenants rent account if they are in arrears.

Are You Ready For Winter?Our weather can be very unpredictable, therefore we should all prepare for another cold, wet and windy winter season ahead. Such severe weather can lead to all sorts of problems in and around the home. Here are some handy hints to help you deal with whatever the winter throws at us…

Heating your homeWe are all looking for ways to cut our heating costs and make sure we are getting the best possible deal from energy providers. The many different tariffs and charges available can be quite confusing and if you find you are getting lost in this particular maze, our partners at AFTAR can help you with energy advice and can also assist with internet skills development if you are nervous about seeking out energy deals online. If you would like some assistance from AFTAR, call 01698�265349 to make an appointment with an advisor.

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 05

Top Tips To Keep You Warm And Save Energy Include: 1. Use your curtainsHeat from the sun is free so make the most of it. Open your curtains and let the sunlight in during the day. When it gets dark, shut your curtains – this acts as another layer of insulation and keeps warmth in your rooms. It is worth considering purchasing thermal curtains or thermal lining for your curtains; especially if you live in a property with high ceilings. You should also make sure you don’t have any leaks or gaps so that the warm air can stay in and the cold air stays out.

2. Move your sofaIf you have a chair or sofa in front of your radiator, this is absorbing the heat that could be warming your home. Try moving things around, even just for the winter months, to allow the hot air to circulate freely. The same rule applies if you have curtains

that cover your radiator or you are drying clothes on radiators – try to keep them away from the radiator so that you can get the most out of your heat source.

3. Wrap up warmWearing a jumper or cardigan at home can save you turning up the heating too high and can save on energy bills in the long run.

4. Boiler maintenanceIf you are due a gas service or feel your central heating is not working properly, please contact the office and arrange for an engineer to visit before the festive period.

5. Don’t pay too much for your energy billsIt is worth checking that you are on the best tariff for your gas and electricity supply. There is a fantastic website www.uswitch.com where you can compare lots of deals. If you don’t fancy looking online, you can always book an appointment at our office with an advisor from Citizens Advice who would be more than happy to assist with this.

Although the instinct is to batten down the hatches and trap as much heat as possible in your home, please make sure that your rooms are properly ventilated through the use of the trickle vents on your windows, or opening windows from time to time, particularly in bedrooms while sleeping. This will help prevent a build-up of warm, moist air that can lead to condensation if left unchecked.

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06 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

Frozen pipesFrozen pipes can cause a lot of disruption – from lack of water and heating to water damage if the pipes burst – so it is important to keep the water flowing. Keep the heating on, even at a low temperature, during severe cold weather to prevent pipes freezing up.

If pipes do freeze you can try to defrost them with a gentle heat from a low voltage fan heater or even a hairdryer. Do not use a gas heater as this fierce heat could damage the pipes and cause a burst. Keep an eye on things as pipes defrost in case there is a leak, and be ready to turn the water off as necessary.

If�pipes�do�burst,�report�this�to�us�immediately�and�turn�off�the�water�supply.�Make�sure�you�know�where�your�water�stop�tap�is�and�how�to�turn�off�the�water.�Use�buckets�and�towels�to�contain�water�leakage�as�much�as�possible�to�limit�damage�–�the�quicker�you�can�turn�the�water�off,�the�less�damage�there�will�be�to�the�building�and�to�your�own�possessions.

Boiler and heating problemsSome boilers have a condensing pipe that drains to the outside and the liquid in this pipe can freeze in extremely low temperatures causing the boiler to shut down. If this happens, pour warm water (not boiling water) over the pipe, this will defrost the trapped liquid and allow the boiler to fire up again.

The pressure gauge on your boiler should sit between 1.5 and 2.0 when the boiler is running. If the pressure keeps dropping then there may be a leak in one of the heating pipes. Report this fault to us and we will attend as soon as we can.

Particularly cold temperatures can cause a drop in gas pressure and, in extreme cases, can cut off your gas supply. Unfortunately Wishaw and District Housing can do nothing to restore the gas supply and in these circumstances you must contact Scotia Gas Networks on their National Gas Emergency number: 0800 111 999.

Leaking and broken gutters and downpipesIf you notice a leaking or broken gutter or rainwater pipe, report this to Wishaw and District Housing straight away and we will attend as soon as we can. Until the fault is repaired please be extra vigilant as the ground around the pipe may be slippery. In particularly bad weather it may not be safe for our contractors to attend to the repair straight away – for example, if there is snow or ice on the ground or if there are high winds. Be assured that we will attend to all reported repairs once it is safe to do so.

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 07

Snowy and icy pathsAs a tenant, it is your responsibility to clear snow or ice from the paths and roadways around your house. If you have an elderly neighbour or know someone who could use some help, why not offer to clear their paths too? Being a good neighbour and clearing paths of ice and snow is the kind of practical step that most of us can take during cold weather. A helping hand with this can make all the difference for people who may be unable to clear their own paths, or who need to use local paths to access services.

The Council will clear main roads and does provide grit bins for residents’ use on minor roads and paths.

Failure of power or other servicesThe utility companies in Scotland have well-tested plans in place to deal with all kinds of events, but services can be cut off from time to time. There are steps you can take now that will help you cope with any loss of utilities over the winter months.

• A battery powered radio will help you stay in touch with the news following a power failure.

• Keep mobile phones and laptop computers fully charged, so you will have use of battery power for a short time at least if there is a power cut.

• Make a list of all the telephone numbers you might need, and keep them handy. Here are a few to get you started.• National Gas Emergency Service (if you

smell gas): 0800 111 999• Scottish Power Energy Networks (central

and southern Scotland): 0800 092 9290• Scottish Water: 0800 077 8778

Further advice on preparing for winter can be found on the Scottish Government website: www.readyscotland.org.

Don’t forget your keys!With festive party nights about to begin, please do not forget to plan what you would do if you lost your keys. Many of our tenants have made this costly mistake and called our out of hours contractor. The average cost for this is at least £130 and would be re-charged back to you. Please have a spare set of keys with a family member or a trusted friend to ensure you don’t have any unexpected costs this festive season.

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08 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

The Freedom of Information (Scotland) ActThe Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act aims to increase transparency and openness by granting the public the right to access information about Scottish Public Authorities. On the 11th of November 2019, the definition of Scottish Public Authority was broadened to incorporate all Scottish Registered Social Landlords, including Wishaw & District Housing as part of Trust Housing Association. The Act grants the public the right to request access to information held by Trust Housing Association, and apart from where an exemption applies, Trust must comply and supply the information within 20 working days.

The categories of information the public can ask Trust for, include:• who we are and what we do;• what we spend and how we

spend it;• what our priorities are and how

we are achieving them;• how we make decisions;• our policies and procedures;• lists and registers we are on; and• the services we offer.

ExemptionsCertain types of information are protected and may not be released to the public on request: for example, sensitive personal data or information that is commercially sensitive. If the requested information is exempt from release, we will explain the basis of our decision to withhold the information.

FeesWe may charge for providing the information you request, but any charge will be based on the cost of providing the information (e.g. photocopying, printing, postage and staff time). We do not pass on any other costs or add any form of premium for provision of the information. We will always advise you of any fee and explain how we have derived the amount. Full details of how we calculate our fees is given on our website. It is however, completely free to access the information that Trust Housing Association publishes on our website.

How can you make a Freedom of Information request?

If you would like to exercise your right to access information about how Wishaw & District Housing or Trust Housing Association as a whole operates, you should visit our website at www.trustha.org.uk/about-us/freedom-information/

There you will be able to access a large amount of information that we publish. If the information you are looking for is not included on the website, you can make a request for Trust to provide that information. Requests should be made in writing and should include your name and contact information (e.g. your address or an email address) and a clear description of what information you would like to access. If you have any specific requirements of how you would like to receive the information, you should include those details (e.g. paper copy or an electronic file, do you require the information in large print format, braille etc).

Your request can be emailed to: [email protected]

Or you can post your request to: Data Protection Officer, Trust Housing Association, 12 New Mart Road, Edinburgh, EH14 1RL

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 09

12 Tips To Keep On Top Of Christmas Bills1. Pay your priority bills first – ensuring your rent

is paid on time is the only way to guarantee keeping the roof over your head. Setting up a direct debit means your rent can be paid on the day you receive your income so you are not tempted to spend it.

2. If you are worried about being able to pay your rent, now is the time to contact your Housing Officer who can offer advice and assistance. An appointment can be made with a Money Advisor if necessary.

3. You may qualify for Universal Credit and other benefits to top-up your existing income and help pay your rent.

4. Don’t buy on impulse and then worry about how you are going to pay your bills – you won’t actually enjoy Christmas for worrying.

5. Make a list and stick to it – don’t buy for the sake of it – ask yourself if you can afford it first.

6. Don’t borrow from door to door lenders – excessively high rates of interest mean you will be paying back the loan for years to come. You will also be harassed by creditors collecting payment.

7. Shop smart – see if there are cheaper alternatives available.

8. Build up enough credit in your rent account by paying extra throughout the year so you know your rent will be covered during such a pressured time.

9. Don’t get caught up in a retail festival and feel obliged to give, especially if you know you can’t afford it. Be honest with family, they may feel the same.

10. Consider a secret santa with family and put a limit on the spend of £5 or £10. This means you buy one present each rather than buying for everyone.

11. Set up a credit union account in January to start saving for next Christmas.

12. Free, impartial advice, including a Christmas Budget planner can be found on the Money Advice Service website: https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/tools/christmas-money-planner.

Your home is at the heart of your family. Don’t put it at risk

for Christmas!

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10 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

Useful InformationFire safetyThe safety of all our tenants is and will always be a priority to us, and with this in mind we would encourage anyone who has not yet received a home safety visit from Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to do so. This can be done simply be one of the following:

• Call 0800 0731 999• Text FIRE to 80800• Visit the website at: cset.firescotland.gov.

uk/Public/HFSV/RequestVisit• Call your local fire station

Fire safety over the festivitiesHouse fires and casualties increase during the winter, with a high risk over the festive period.

Safety tips...• Check your smoke alarms monthly and only

remove batteries when replacing them.• Check your Christmas tree lights carry the

British Safety Standard sign.• Never place candles near your Christmas tree

or materials that can catch light easily.• Don’t overload extension leads or sockets.• Decorations can burn easily – so don’t attach

them to lights or heaters.• Always switch off Christmas lights and unplug

them before you go to bed.• Always switch off and unplug chargers before

you go to bed.• Most fires start in the kitchen. Avoid leaving a

cooker unattended, and avoid cooking when under the influence of alcohol.

• Take time to check on older relatives and neighbours this Christmas, as they are at greater risk from fire.

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 11

For Tenants Of Flats With Common Stairs Or Closes.

As part of Wishaw & District Housing’s fire safety, and part of a general UK wide initiative, we are raising awareness of tenants living in flats of the importance of the front door to your flat. The below notice indicates what you should be aware of and to let Wishaw & District Housing

know if any item is missing, broken or not operating properly, now or in the future.

A fire safety message:

THE FRONT DOOR TO YOUR FLAT IS A FIRE DOOR AND HELPS STOP THE SPREAD OF SMOKE AND FIRE

Please�check:

A DOOR CLOSER IS FITTED TO YOUR DOOR

THE CLOSER FULLY CLOSES THE DOOR

YOUR�LETTER�BOX�FLAP�IS�IN�PLACE�

AND THE FLAP FULLY CLOSES

THE�DOOR,�THE�FRAME�OR�THE�HINGES�ARE�NOT�DAMAGED

Please contact Wishaw & District Housing if ANY of these do not apply.

FOR YOUR AND OTHERS SAFETY PLEASE DON’T�WEDGE�OPEN�YOUR�FRONT�DOOR

Wishaw & District Housing has recently carried out checks on fire doors to all flats and closes. Routine inspections shall be carried out annually.

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12 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

Best Start GrantBest Start Grant is a package of three different payments which you can apply for if you are a parent or a carer.

You can get these payments:

• if you have a child who is the right age for a payment; • whether you are in work or not, as long as you are on qualifying benefits or tax credits.

1. Pregnancy and Baby PaymentThis is a one-off payment of £600 for a first child or £300 for any child that comes after your first child. The aim of this payment is to help with the costs of pregnancy or having a baby such as maternity clothes, a cot or a pram.

You can apply for the Pregnancy and Baby Payment from the end of the 24th week of pregnancy up to the day your baby is six months old. This goes up to 1-year old if you have taken over looking after a child, for example if you have adopted.

Your first child is your oldest child under 16-years of age. This can include a stepchild, or a child you have taken over looking after if you get Child Tax Credit, Child Benefit, Universal Credit child payments or the child addition part of Pension Credit for them.

2. Early Learning PaymentThis is a one-off payment of £250 to help with the costs of having a pre-school child, for example the costs of day trips, books or toys for home learning.

You can apply from your child’s second birthday up to the day your child is three and a half years old. You or your partner must be responsible for the child on the day of the application.

3. School Age PaymentThis is a one-off payment of £250 to help with the costs of having a child of school starting age. The aim of this payment is to help with the things such as a new school bag, school trips or after school activities.

You can apply for the School Age Payment in the year your child should be starting school. The exact dates when you must apply depend on when your child was born:

Your Childs date of birth between: When you need to apply between:

01/03/14 and 28/02/15 03/06/19 and 29/02/20

01/03/15 and 29/02/16 01/06/20 and 28/02/21

01/03/16 and 28/02/17 01/06/21 and 28/02/22

You cannot apply outwith these dates

Your child does not need to take up a place at school and it does not matter if you defer your child’s entry into school. You should still apply within the time limits.

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 13

Who can apply?If you are over 18, you can apply whether you are in work or not, but you must be receiving one of the following benefits:

• Child Tax Credit• Universal Credit• Income Support• Pension Credit• Working Tax Credit• Housing Benefit• Income based jobseekers allowance (JSA)• Income related Employment and Support

Allowance (ESA)

How to apply?There are three ways you can apply for Best�Start�Grant

• Online – Visit https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/

• By�telephone – Call Social Security Scotland on 0800 182 2222

• By�Post – Application forms are available to download at https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-form/ or you can telephone Social Security Scotland and ask for one to be posted to you.

A helping hand for older peopleAge�Scotland�Helpline is a free and confidential phone service providing information and advice to older people, their carers and families in Scotland on a range of topics including:

• Local�services�and�opportunities�• Benefit�entitlements• Care�rights• Housing�options�and�heating• Legal�issues�such�as�Power�of�Attorney

The helpline is free to call on 0800�12�44�222 and is available Monday-Friday 9.00-5.00pm.

Age Scotland community connectingAge Scotland also offer Community Connecting service which aims to reduce social isolation and loneliness across Scotland. It can help you make contact with community services that offer friendship, social activities, health and fitness groups and events.

To find out more about this service, contact Age Scotland on 0800�12�44�222

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14 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019

Families Outside Families�Outside�is�the�only�national�charity�in�Scotland�to�support�children�and�families�affected�by�imprisonment.�Families�are�innocent,�but�are�often�treated�as�though�they�are�guilty�and�can�feel�stigma,�rejection,�victimisation,�and�rarely�know�who�to�turn� to�for�help.

Families Outside offer a range of support and information to families affected by a loved one’s imprisonment including:

• Regional�Family�Support�Coordinator�– The RFSC for Lanarkshire can meet with family members in the community to provide free, confidential, practical and emotional support relating to issues around imprisonment. The RFSC provides a listening ear and a link to support with a range of issues from housing and benefits, to how to tell other people about the situation, to what to expect when visiting a prison and much more. A referral or self-referral can be made by contacting their free helpline on 08000 254 0088.

• Website – Their website, www.familiesoutside.org.uk, contains useful information about imprisonment including “jargon busters”, information sheets and booklets to download on topics such as:• Preparing for a Prison Sentence• Talking to Children About Imprisonment• Integrated Case Management (ICM’s)• Visiting Prison with a Child

The RFSC post in Lanarkshire is part financed by the European Social Fund and the Scottish Government. The project is supported by the £9.7m Growing the Social Economy Programme as part of the Fairer Scotland Action Plan to tackle poverty and inequality.

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Winter 2019 Wishaw & District Housing 15

Public Holidays Wishaw & District Housing’s office will be closed for the festive break from:

2.00pm on Tuesday 24th December 2019 and will re-open at 9.00am on Monday 6th January 2020.

Useful Telephone NumbersScottish Power Energy Networks: Emergencies 0800 092 9290 (from a landline)

0330 1010 222 (from a mobile)Transco (Gas) Emergencies: 0800 111 999Scottish Water Emergencies: 0800 077 8778Police: Emergency

Non-Emergency999 101

Emergency Out of Hours Homelessness Service: 0800 953 2424Out of Hours Emergencies: Heating/Hot Water

01698 533917

Out of Hours Emergencies: All Other Emergencies

0800 999 2520

Wishaw & District Housing: 01698 377200

Text Message Service: 07529 777345Opening Hours:

Mon-Thurs 9.00am – 4.30pm Fri 9.00am – 4.00pm

Staff TrainingOur office will close every Wednesday morning to enable our staff to attend training sessions. This is important as we need to ensure all staff keep up-to-date with the changing environment.

Our opening hours on Wednesday will now be from 12.30pm - 4.30pm

Page 16: Wishaw & District Housing Newsletter...2020/04/14  · 02 Wishaw & District Housing Winter 2019 Office Closure During Festive Period Wishaw & District Housing will be closed from 2.00pm

Add Wishaw & District Housing’s text number to your contact list to keep us

up-to-date when you change your mobile number.

➢ To Contact your Housing Officer : Text RENTS

➢ For your Latest Account Balance : Text BAL

➢ To Report a Repair : Text REPAIR

➢ To Order a New Payment Card : Text CARD

Text Number : 07529-777345

YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR MOBILE NUMBER with us by simply texting

YOUR NAME & ADDRESS TO 07529-777345

Text Us

Add Wishaw & District Housing’s text number to your contact list to keep us

up-to-date when you change your mobile number.

➢ To Contact your Housing Officer : Text RENTS

➢ For your Latest Account Balance : Text BAL

➢ To Report a Repair : Text REPAIR

➢ To Order a New Payment Card : Text CARD

Text Number : 07529-777345

YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR MOBILE NUMBER with us by simply texting

YOUR NAME & ADDRESS TO 07529-777345

Text Us

Add Wishaw & District Housing’s text number to your contact list to keep us

up-to-date when you change your mobile number.

➢ To Contact your Housing Officer : Text RENTS

➢ For your Latest Account Balance : Text BAL

➢ To Report a Repair : Text REPAIR

➢ To Order a New Payment Card : Text CARD

Text Number : 07529-777345

YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR MOBILE NUMBER with us by simply texting

YOUR NAME & ADDRESS TO 07529-777345

Text Us

Add Wishaw & District Housing’s text number to your contact list to keep us

up-to-date when you change your mobile number.

➢ To Contact your Housing Officer : Text RENTS

➢ For your Latest Account Balance : Text BAL

➢ To Report a Repair : Text REPAIR

➢ To Order a New Payment Card : Text CARD

Text Number : 07529-777345

YOU CAN REGISTER YOUR MOBILE NUMBER with us by simply texting

YOUR NAME & ADDRESS TO 07529-777345

Text Us

Contact UsWishaw & District Housing’s newsletter is a way of keeping in touch with the residents.

We value your input, so if you have any questions to ask or points to make, please contact us at:

Wishaw & District Housing Trust Housing Association 55 Kirk Road Wishaw, ML2 7BL

Tel: 01698-377200 Via our website: https://wishawdha.org.uk/contact-us/

Email: [email protected] @wishawdh

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