SPOTLIGHT SPRING 18

The newsletter for Tenants and Leaseholders of Bracknell Forest Homes

Bracknell

Forest Homes

Providing new homes

2018 is set to be a very busy year for our development team and we’re
delighted to be providing new much-needed homes for young people,
families, and retirement living.

Read more on page 4

Lawrence Court retirement living scheme set to open May 2018.
Find out more and register your interest in downsizing by visiting

our website or calling us.

Inside this issue

Does Universal Credit affect you? Issue 41 Spring 2018
Safety at home
Providing new homes
Celebrating 10 years

Contents... Hello from the editorial team

New homes update p4 Welcome to our tenth anniversary same team of employees and
edition. It’s an exciting new era customers working on it to keep all
Safety at home p5 as the association moves into its tenants and leaseholders informed
second decade. There’s plenty and up-to-date.
Free training and p6 of achievements to look back If you have any comments or
employment help on and we’ve shown a few of the articles you would like to send, or
milestones on page 11. Elsewhere if you have any feedback, please
Do you know a p7 we’ve got latest news, important contact us or fill in the feedback
tenancy cheat? updates, tips, activities to get box on the wordsearch on page 12.
Help us tackle fraud involved with, and more.
Contact the news group
Money matters p8 To mark the tenth anniversary year [email protected]
and the new name coming soon, 01344 382800
Events to join in this spring p 10 Spotlight will get a makeover later
this year but rest assured it’s the
Bracknell Forest Homes
We have moved
Housing Officers 01344 382800
Freephone 0800 692 3000

Text:
81025 and start your message with BFH

Email:
[email protected]

Web:
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk

Post:
Bracknell Forest Homes
Western Peninsula,
Western Road, Bracknell,
Berkshire RG12 1RF

Western Peninsula opening hours:
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5pm

Bracknell Forest Council:
for enquiries about housing benefit,
street lighting, gritting, street care,
social services: 01344 352000

If you would like this We moved to a new office on Monday 19 March 2018.
newsletter in large print,
braille, on audio tape or The new office is at Western Peninsula, Western Road, Bracknell,
CD, please contact Berkshire, RG12 1RF, and is located opposite the old office.

0800 692 3000. Linda Wells, Executive Director (Customer Services), said:

Português Espanol Polski “We are delighted to have moved to a new office which will
be welcoming and convenient for our customers and partners to
Follow us on visit. There is a customer waiting area with computer facilities
and visitor parking, and we’re in a local and accessible area for
We make every effort and endeavour to ensure accuracy our visitors.”
and that content is correct at the time of print.
Please visit www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk for updates.
Many thanks to our contributors.

Page 2 Register for a My World customer account at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/my-world

Welcome to the spring edition

The first day of spring was actually one of the coldest on record and I’m sure it
was an inconvenience to many of our customers going about their daily lives. We
had unprecedented levels of repairs calls which made our customer experience
centre and the repairs team extremely busy dealing with boiler breakdowns and
frozen pipes. We had to reschedule some planned repairs to attend to these urgent
repairs which is regrettable but unavoidable. We aim to fix every urgent repair as
quickly as possible, but we had to prioritise the most vulnerable customers whilst
tackling the extremely high volume of calls and ensuring the safety of colleagues
travelling in the snow and ice.

I’d like to pay tribute to our teams who worked exceptionally well dealing
with the majority of the calls promptly, and of course to our customers for
bearing with us during this time.

As you know from previous editions, it’s a busy period for on our website once the Board has reviewed all the
the association and we are going through significant feedback in May.
change. I have now been formally appointed as chief You may recall that we have plans to change the
executive following a recruitment process. Initially I name of Bracknell Forest Homes to Silva Homes. We are
came to help the association with its growth strategy moving closer to the formal process for changing the
and the planned merger last year but after spending name in May and we will let all our customers know
time here and experiencing the positive efforts of when it has been completed.You’ll then see a change
colleagues and customers, I decided to apply for the in the livery of our vans, uniforms, signage, letterheads,
permanent role. We have also recruited three new and email addresses over a period of time. There has
executive directors – details of the new team will be on been some misinformation circulating on social media
our website in May when they start. about the name change saying we are changing the
business away from its original roots as a not-for-profit
The Board also has three new members to replace three housing association. This is not true. The story started
who retired at the end of their maximum terms of office because someone noticed we registered a company
in September 2017. They are Elizabeth Egan, Valerie with the same name at Companies House. This was
Knott and Karen Morris. They all have relevant strong purely to protect the name and stop anyone else
business skills and will strengthen and complement registering it. It’s normal practice and whilst we have
existing skills on the Board. Their profiles are on our responded to this speculation I’m afraid it does persist
website now. I’d like to thank the outgoing members, in some places. There is more detail on our website if
Barbara McMinnies, David Mody and Bob Wade for you have any concerns.
their contribution to the Board and Bracknell Forest Finally, I’m delighted to announce we successfully
Homes since the housing transferred from the Council. completed our move to our new offices at Western
Peninsula (details opposite and below). The move was
The Board has just approved a new strategic a major undertaking and we did it over the weekend
plan which sets out our new purpose, vision of 17-18 March with only a minor interruption in our
and objectives as well as the key priorities for services. Our office costs have been reduced through
us as a business over the next three years. the move to a smaller office space,enabling us to invest
more money in services and homes.
We will now be discussing the plan with key stakeholders
including involved customers, local authority partners, Alan Ward, Chief Executive
our lenders and a number of other partner organisations.
We will publish some information about the new plan

Wokingham Road

Milbanke Way Western Peninsula Contact telephone numbers and
email addresses are the same.
Binfield/A329 Town/station
Bracknell Forest Homes occupies
Western Road two floors at Western Peninsula
and will be reducing its office costs
Old office through the move. The office will
also provide a modern environment
for smart, agile ways of working.

Follow us on Page 3

Investing in our

Development Two substantial investment projects are
update
underway to improve Iveagh Court and
continued from cover
Point Royal over the next 18 months.
We’ve completed 65 retirement living apartments at
Lawrence Court,Warfield, and it will open in May 2018. Iveagh Court

A £6 million investment to modernise Iveagh Court,
Harmans Water, started in February 2018 following
planning and is expected to finish in April 2019. The
improvements will significantly improve the look and
energy efficiency of the blocks.

Improvements include:

• New door entry security, re-decoration, signage
and lighting in communal halls, lift, new doors
and windows, new heating, and modern fire
prevention fittings

• Modernised kitchens and bathrooms where
needed in flats

• New roof, and external finish to provide better
insulation and reduce condensation and damp
issues.

Lawrence Court

In the summer we will complete 28 one and two
bedroom shared ownership apartments near
Bracknell town centre.

Our development at Amen Corner has 94 flats and
houses, which are progressing well and the first
completions are expected mid-2018.

We have 555 homes in contract in Bracknell Forest,
Hart, East Hampshire and Vale of White Horse.

New homes are available for affordable rent
or shared ownership. Keep up-to-date and see
what’s available at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.
uk/properties-available

Charles Shaw,
Head of Development

Apartments at Abercrombie Mews, due for Customers have received letters and attended an
completion summer 2018 open event about the work and project timetable,
and they will be kept informed throughout
the process by United Living and our property
investment team.

There’s also updates at
www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/iveagh-court

Page 4 Register for a My World customer account at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/my-world

homes Safety at home

Point Royal Carbon Monoxide (CO) safety is very important and many people
have CO detectors in the home.
At our 17-storey high rise block in
Easthampstead, we are installing Bracknell Forest Homes is committed to ensuring the safety of all our
a sprinkler system as an added customers. We have a partnership with Honeywell Detection and we
fire safety measure, which was will be funding a project to install CO detectors in all our properties
planned before the Grenfell Tower which have a natural gas supply. Your CO detector will be fitted at the
tragedy. We are also re-decorating next gas service and the engineer will show you how it works.
the communal hallways.
We had to get listed building If your CO alarm goes off or you have any concerns that you may be
consent and carry out extensive at risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, it’s essential to:
planning to retro-fit the sprinkler
system to the tower. 1. Open the doors and windows for ventilation and
We’ve been visiting customers and
held an open event so customers leave the room to get fresh air
could see the sprinkler system and
help us finalise the finish of the work. 2. Seek medical advice from your doctor if you feel
The contractor carrying out the
work at both sites is United Living unwell or call 999 if it’s an emergency
and they will have presence on
site and maintain regular contact 3. Turn off all appliances and call Bracknell Forest Homes
with customers.
As well as these large investment if the alarm sounds to get all gas appliances in the
schemes, we are continuing property checked by our registered gas engineers, and
to install new kitchens and do not use the appliances until told it’s safe to do so
bathrooms, fit new fire doors in
blocks of flats and modernise 4. If you suspect there may be a gas leak, vacate
heating where needed.
For more information, please the property immediately and call the National Gas
contact the property investment Emergency Line: 0800 111 999. Don’t smoke or
team. operate any electrical switches and do not do
anything that could create a spark.
Andy Farrar,
Head of Property Investment Carbon Monoxide can cause symptoms including headaches,nausea,
vomiting, dizziness and unconsciousness. You should seek medical
advice immediately and ask for a blood test.

If someone is seriously ill from carbon monoxide poisoning it is vital they
are removed immediately from the area and go to open air.You need
to call 999 for medical help urgently.

We take safety very seriously and carry out annual gas safety checks.
It’s important these mandatory checks are done so please allow
access for your appointment. The last inspection date is shown on
a sticker on your boiler or alternatively on the Gas Safety certificate
issued by the engineer. Your carbon monoxide alarm will be tested
every year as part of your annual gas safety inspection.

The units require no maintenance and have a 10 year
battery life that is guaranteed by the manufacturer.If a fault
occurs with the unit, the orange fault light will illuminate. If
this occurs, please call Bracknell Forest Homes to report

the fault. In the event that the unit
detects Carbon Monoxide the ventilate
light will illuminate and the main unit will
display ‘ALARM EVACUATE CALL 0800 111 999’.
If the alarm indicates Carbon Monoxide has
been detected, follow steps 1 to 4 above.

We are installing carbon monoxide alarms for
safety so once your alarm has been installed,
please do not tamper with it or remove it.

Daniel Hooper, Compliance Manager

Follow us on Page 5

Follow us

Use our website for information
and services any time at your
convenience

• Report repairs • Set up direct debits for secure • You can also contact our
• Report anti-social behaviour and convenient rent payments customer experience centre
and fill in diary sheets • Read latest news and using live chat on our website
• Check your rent account information and get answers - a two-way typed
balance to frequently asked questions conversation with our
• Pay rent • Check and book events customer experience advisors.
• Update your contact details including training courses


“The website is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day,

and is safe and convenient, quick and easy. It’s got lots of useful

information and I can check my account”.

Registering for a My World account is simple and gives you quick access to view
your rent balance, check repairs appointments, and update contact details:

1. Visit www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk
2. Click My World log in (top right of the screen)
3. Click register then enter the details requested
4. You’ll receive an email with your log in details
5. Your account is now activated and ready for you to use with

the log in details sent to you

SAVE
THE DATE
24 APRIL

2018
10AM

LOCATION:
Bracknell Open Learning Centre, Rectory Lane, Bracknell RG12 7GR

Page 6 Bracknell

Forest Homes

Register for a My World customer account at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/my-world

Tenancy reviews

Every year we meet all our new customers and around 20 per cent of our existing customers to stay
in touch, update our records, signpost any additional support services if needed and see if there is
anything you need help with.

Some of these visits are made by appointment and some are carried out
when we are in your area.

If you receive one of these unannounced visits, don’t panic, they are routine.

You don’t need to prepare or do anything but we will need to see photo ID, for
example a driving license or passport.

Do you know of a tenancy cheat?

Help us ensure our homes are occupied by people who really need them and are legally entitled to live in them.

Please let us know if you think someone: *livNeprosoplaoetnrgttehyre * Has
a home
* Sub-lets elsewhere
their Bracknell
Forest home to
another person

If you suspect benefit fraud, please report We will offer a reward for information that leads to
it to the National Benefit Fraud hotline by the successful recovery of a Bracknell Forest home.
calling 0800 854 440. Reports can be made anonymously. Your call could
help someone in genuine housing need.
Sub-letting is a criminal offence. You can Feel free to ask to see our ID, and if you are
face prosecution and lose your home. concerned about the identity of anyone claiming
to work for Bracknell Forest Homes, please call
01344 382800 to discuss.

Andrew McDonald, Housing Services Manager

Tenants and Leaseholders
Panel update

Each month a Board member and employees well as possible. There’s tips for dealing with severe
from Bracknell Forest Homes join the Tenants and weather conditions on the website.
Leaseholders Panel meeting to represent customers
and discuss hot topics. At the latest meeting we There’s always varied topics and in recent months
were shown photographs of recently completed we have also discussed anti-social behaviour
homes (more on page 4) and updated on the processes, how to engage more customers in the
development programme. There are 555 homes in future, rebranding, website updates, and more.
contract in Bracknell Forest, Hart, East Hampshire If you’d like to be involved, the next meeting is on
and Vale of White Horse. Wednesday 18 April at 7pm at Western Peninsula and
The Panel also discussed the impressive responses you’re welcome to observe or report issues
during the recent severe weather conditions. A and topics to your area representative.
record 190 calls were received in one day reporting
boiler failures due to frozen pipes and most heating You can find out more at www.
was restored within 24 hours. A large number of bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/get-
compliments were received for employees across involved
the association,particularly the customer call centre
and the tradesmen who maintained services as James Beasley, Chair of the Tenants
and Leaseholders Panel

Fwowllwow.bruascoknnellforesthomes.org.uk Page 7

MONEY MATTERS MONEY MATTERS MONEY MATTERS

Register a coming to
Bracknell in May
lasting power
Universal Credit, the benefit
of attorney which replaces six others for
working age people, is coming
As we grow older we all risk not being able to manage our to Bracknell in May. We’re putting
day-to-day affairs. Putting a lasting power of attorney in together a detailed guide that
place can save your loved ones going through a lengthy we’ll publish on our website and
and costly process and can help when dealing with send out in April.
service providers. Using this Government service costs
around £82. If there is anything you would like
to know about Universal Credit
A lasting power of attorney (LPA) is a legal document that lets you (the and how it might affect you, please
‘donor’) appoint one or more people (known as ‘attorneys’) to help you contact our money advice team.
make decisions or to make decisions on your behalf if you are not able to. Our website has a host of useful
information including a benefits
This gives you more control over what happens to you if, for example, you calculator which can help you
have an accident or an illness and can’t make decisions at the time they make sure you’re receiving
need to be made (you ‘lack mental capacity’). There are different types everything you’re entitled to. It’s
of power of attorney depending on your circumstances. not just Housing Benefit you can
calculate, you can also check your
You must be 18 years old or over and have the ability to make your own entitlement to tax credits along with
decisions when you make your LPA. all the other welfare benefits.
You can also register for a My World
If you have set up a power of attorney, please let us know so account to help you keep track of
that any housing enquiries can be dealt with in a prompt and your rent payments, set up direct
sensitive way. debits and make an online payment.

Tom Mason,
Income Services Manager

You can also contact your bank to allow family members to access or Citrus Energy
keep an eye on your account if you need any extra help. saved over £400
a year on bills
Contact the Office of the Public Guardian for more information about a
lasting power of attorney. Customers have told us that
they’ve saved on their utilities, and
Office of the Public Guardian you could do the same - save
money on your gas and electric
[email protected] bills with free advice from Citrus
Energy. One customer saved
Telephone: 0300 456 0300 £407.48 a year, while the average
switcher saving is £208.
Making a Will may not be a comfortable subject to think about but
everyone should have a Will, and there are several ways of getting yours Citrus Energy gives independent
written, including using solicitors or writing it yourself. Having affairs in advice with several options
order can save a lot of time and distress for your loved ones. that could save you money.
It’s easy to use and takes a
Help and information is available from sources like five to 10 minute telephone call.
Citizens Advice Bureau, gov.uk or the Money Advice Service. Ring 0800 221 8089 or visit www.
citrusenergy.businesscatalyst.com
for information.
It’s helpful to have your latest bill
handy.

Page 8 Register for a My World customer account at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/my-world

Extra help with rent
and council tax

If you’re having difficulty paying your rent and you’re receiving Housing
Benefit or Universal Credit with housing costs for rent, you may be eligible for
a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP) from the Council.

Apply to the Council for a DHP on their website or at DHP is a Council decision - they decide how
their office, and be specific when explaining why you much it is and for how long.
need a DHP. For example, you should explain: You should also tell them if you’re waiting for
the Council to decide whether you can get
• why you can’t afford to pay the rent Housing Benefit.
There is also a “council tax hardship scheme”
• why you can’t move somewhere cheaper in Bracknell.
In Bracknell you need to either already be in
• if it’s causing problems for someone you look receipt of council tax discount (“Council Tax
after, like a child or elderly relative Reduction or Benefit”), or have been in receipt
of it in the past and it has been stopped due to
• any evidence you have, like a letter from your the changes in eligibility.
doctor or details of debts you’re paying off.

Volunteer befrienders needed

Are you looking to do something worthwhile with your time or to put
something back into the community?

Can you spare one or two hours a week?
Are you: Reliable? Friendly? Good at listening?
We’re looking to recruit much needed volunteers to visit the
elderly and isolated in the community to provide companionship.
To find out more please contact Lynn or Kate at involve on

01344 383522/383525

Follow us on Page 9

Spring events 201S8ave the dates

DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION

21 May 4pm to 5.30pm Hotel for critters Jealott’s Hill Landshare

22 May 2pm to 3.30pm Dig in Carlyle Court

23 May 2pm to 2.30pm Crafting around Farningham House

23 May 6pm to 8.30pm Relaxation on the hill* Jealott’s Hill Landshare

24 May 2pm to 3.30pm Crafting around Liscombe House

24 May 6pm to 9pm Tunes and trees* Jealott’s Hill Landshare

25 May 11am to 12.30pm Go with the flow Farningham House

To find out more please contact Wendy or Tina on 01344 382933
or email [email protected]
*Tickets for these events are £5 and available by contacting [email protected] or 07970 356292.
Special thanks to Tesco at Martins Heron for supporting some of these events.

News from Jealott’s Hill Secret
gardener
Community Landshare
Now that winter has
In the new year Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare held a passed and we’re
traditional annual walk ‘n’ wassail. This was a 3.5 mile walk looking forward to a
around the Warfield countryside of the site, followed by a bountiful summer, you
Wassail ceremony led by Morris dancers. can start sowing seeds
for some vegetables
The Wassail ceremony dates back to Anglo Saxon times and consists of and flowers for summer
making noise to scare away the evil spirits to ensure there is plenty of fruit and autumn colour.
next season. The Ellington Morris Dancers also encouraged guests to join in
the dancing, and an enjoyable time was had by all. You can start them in a seed
tray on a window ledge.
120 people attended and also enjoyed the stalls including a tombola, Make sure you keep them
bric-a-brac, plants, and refreshments of cakes and hot apple drinks. damp and do not put the
trays out too early before
I hope to bring you further news of exciting events at Jealott’s Hill Community the frost has gone.
Landshare soon.

John Stevens, Customer Start thinking ahead and
reading seed catalogues
to plan what you want to
plant in the summer. Have

a good and plentiful
spring and
summer.

Secret gardener

Page 10 Register for a My World customer account at www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk/my-world

Top years - thanks to you

2008 2011 2013 2016 Today

Bracknell Forest First of seven First new build By 2016, A new era
Homes established consecutive homes colleagues had Moving to
customer service Western Peninsula
Moved to excellence delivered at walked, ran
Berkshire Court accreditations, Jennett’s Park and cycled New name
around 500 coming soon
Establishing amongst miles and New executive team
infrastructure numerous other raised £23,000 Development
£61 million major awards across for charity capacity to provide
investment works minimum 1,100 new
in homes starts the business homes over five years

2010 2012 2015 2017

Two star £61 million home Flagship extra Additional funding
excellent improvements care scheme secured to provide
prospects Clement House more new homes
rating from delivered within target opened by HRH
Customer satisfaction Countess of Top governance
Audit and viability
Commission increased 16 Wessex ratings from
percentage points regulator
from council to 91%

Follow us on Page 11

The season’s BLOOMING GROWING cComCrtooMopwSMlnaerangrtCnssiWrttdhaiKoehoitpinudulopplridwatsiein,totiri,na,onnn’nsedsrs,
BRIGHT PLANTING
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NMC L JWN S R B N I ORW GARDEN WARM
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SMQPD I O I A P P PHB T Find the 12 words in the box opposite, then
PE T RBOGRE X I LRY Z
RPAYOHMXMP L AH L P complete the form below and send your entry to us.
I GTBT I ZUYBUNXF T
NS L I DOF F ADT T YRS All entries will be judged and the winner will be notified.
GHKD Y BMX S I Q I J EW Closing date 31 May 2018.
T UXB ZMBKABHNS T U The prize is £25 Love2shop vouchers.
I OYGN I MOO L BGB T Z Competition open to tenants and leaseholders only.
MF S E UG F K P L AML UO
EWZ Z K EOB S YOV J B Y Name:
R A I N B OWR Z R I K C K Y Daytime telephone number:

Address:

Please give us your feedback on Spotlight.
What do you like or dislike and what would you
like to see next time?

Would you like any information about benefits or

Universal Credit? Yes No

Send your completed entry to the news group,
c/o Bracknell Forest Homes, Western Peninsula,
Western Road, Bracknell, Berkshire RG12 1RF

Recipe... Parsnip and apple
soup with honey

This is a recipe for a soup maker but can be made in a saucepan,
adjusting the time if needed.

What you need Soup maker method

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 1. Set the timer on the soup maker to

• 1 medium onion roughly chopped 26 mins and turn on low

• 2 medium parsnips peeled and 2. Add the olive oil and the onion, leave
chopped into small dice for 60 to 90 seconds until steaming
using the stir button
• 2 dessert apples, peeled, cored and
chopped into small dice 3. Add the parsnips, apples, honey and
thyme with the seasoning and cook
for a further 3 to 4 minutes, using
• Salt and black pepper to taste the stir button until everything is
• 2 tablespoons clear honey coated with honey (I also use a

• 2 pinches dried thyme wooden spatula to stir)

• 650 ml chicken or vegetable stock. 4. Add the stock, set the soup maker
to high and bring the contents to a
Pan method vigorous boil for 2 minutes

1. Simmer all the ingredients until the 5. Switch to simmer, cover and cook
vegetables are cooked and very tender until the time is up or the parsnips
are tender. switch off the heat and
2. Blitz in a processor until smooth and adjust blend until completely smooth.
the consistency with a little more stock if 6. Check the seasoning and serve.
necessary

3. Season with the salt and pepper.

Page 12 www.bracknellforesthomes.org.uk