Summ

er 2012

Happy 10th Birthday Helena

Helena HEADLINES

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New Domestic Violence Refuge Opens DoorsPeople experiencing domestic violence and their children are being supported at a new refuge which has been specially designed to suit their needs.

Helena has invested almost £600,000 in the self-contained flats, which can accommodate up to 18 families. The private living arrangements have been designed to encourage independence, while a large communal area, garden and children’s play area offer a sense of community spirit too.

If you are suffering from Domestic Violence please contact Helena Extra’s 24 Hour Domestic Violence Helpline on 01925 220 541.

Join the Dream Trail – September 16th

National Award for Neighbourhood Team

A neighbourhood team which works at the heart of a Clock Face community has received a national award.

The staff behind re:new Four Acre were crowned Frontline Housing Team of the Year at the Housing Heroes Awards for their work to improve health and education and reduce nuisance and anti-social behaviour on the estate.

re:new brings Helena together with St Helens Council, Merseyside Police, Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service, St Helens Chamber, Halton & St Helens PCT and Job Centre Plus to tackle issues which matter most to local residents.

Get your running shoes on and sign up to take part in this year’s Dream Trail Race on Sunday, September 16.

St Helens Sutton Athletic Club and The Steve Prescott Foundation are all set for this year’s Dream Trail Race after receiving sponsorship from Helena Partnerships.

Show your support by walking, jogging and sprinting in the Dream Trail 2012 in September to raise funds for local good causes.

Sign up or find out more at www.dreamtrailrace.org.uk or visit www.facebook.com/DreamTrail

Summer 2012

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Tenants Given Tools To Better DIY SkillsHelena’s Propertycare team has been hammering home Do It Yourself tips at an interactive skills workshop.

Tenants got to grips with wallpapering, basic plumbing and tiling jobs at the workshop, which aimed to give people the skills to carry out small DIY jobs in their homes.

Becky Whittle, who recently moved into her first Helena home, said: “The DIY workshop gave me some great tips, so I’m looking forward to putting my new skills to good use at home.”

Let’s Make It Happen!Young people are waving goodbye to boredom thanks to a donation of almost half a million pounds from the Big Lottery Fund.

Over the next five years, the ‘Make It Happen’ project will aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and increase learning and development by encouraging young people to take part in everything from diversionary activities to training and volunteering.

To find out more about the Make It Happen launch events in July check out www.renewsthelens.co.uk or visit www.helenahomes.co.uk

Signing Up For EqualityHelena has joined forces with other housing associations to encourage better engagement with Merseyside’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) communities.

By signing the new Equality Pledge, Helena has committed to find out more about LGBT communities and work with people to develop services which meet their needs.

West End Road in Haydock has been chosen as one of the best retirement schemes in the country.

Residents and staff were delighted to win the silver award for Best UK Retirement Housing Schemes in the National Housing for Older People Awards this spring.

West End Road Scoops Silver Prize

Helena HEADLINES

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HH Connect Launched on Helena Homes WebsiteWe’ve now added an extra service to our website providing you with a one stop shop for finding out information on your tenancy and property, reporting repairs and viewing and paying your rent.

Using your own unique log-in and password you can now enjoy the following benefits 24 hours a day:

Access to your personal information…4 View and update your contact details;

4 View your reference number, tenancy type and start date;

4 Find contact details for your neighbourhood and arrears officers and use the links provided to get in contact with them;

Options to identify and report repairs…4 Report repair work;

4 Access an interactive guide to help you identify the type of repair needed;

4 View details of outstanding and completed repairs and gas service jobs.

Option to view rent details…4 Pay your rent;

4 Find out your rent amount and balance;

4 View details on your last rent payment and a breakdown of charges;

4 Generate custom rent statements between specific dates.

Visit www.helenahomes.co.uk;

Click on the ‘HH Connect’ tab found on the top menu bar;

You will now see the login screen. Click the ‘Register here’ button found at the bottom right of this page;

On the registration screen enter your Tenancy Reference number, this is the 10 digit number found on your rent statement or on the bottom right of your rent payment card. You must also enter your surname and date of birth;

You will then see the ‘Complete your Registration’ page. Here you will need to create your own username and password and enter a valid email address;

You will then be sent a link to your email address – you will need to click on this link to activate your account;

After successfully activating your account you will see a ‘Login now’ button; click this to go back to the login screen;

You can now use your username and password to access online services.

To check out HH Connect simply follow these easy steps to register and get your login details:

For further information and updates, stay tuned to www.helenahomes.co.uk

If you are previously registered for the Under One Roof bidding services, you can use the same username and password to access our new online services.

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These next four pages are for you to pull out and keep as a souvenir to mark Helena’s 10th birthday celebrations.

Our communities have been at the heart of everything we’ve done since taking over St Helens Council’s housing stock in 2002.

We would like to share with you some special stories from tenants, along with a commemorative 10-year timeline charting our development.

When Clinkham Wood resident Laura Ganson began the search for a new home which would allow her to live more independently, she never expected to find a lifelong friend in the process.

Laura, 23, who has various disabilities as a result of a brain tumour, was finding it difficult to maintain her home so Tenancy Support Officer, Janet Proudlove, stepped in to help.

Laura said: “I’ll never forget the day Janet first knocked on my door and I know I’ve found a lifelong friend.

“She has helped me to find a new flat just around the corner from my carer and sorted out my kitchen and garden for me so that my home feels perfect now.

“It’s not just a job to Janet, she really cares, and thanks to her I’m happier than ever.”

Janet said: “I first met Laura back at her old property which wasn’t suitable for her needs, so I put the wheels in motion to find her a new home and it’s a pleasure to see her looking so happy now.”

“I’ve found a lifelong friend.”

PULL OUT A

ND

KEEP M

E!

Helena HEADLINES

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A DEcADE Of DEDicATiON

2004

£29 million was spent improving our tenants’

homes, including fitting 4,000 new central heating systems.

The first extra care housing scheme was launched at

Parrmount Court.

2005

Hundreds of people benefited from weekly deliveries of affordable

fresh fruit and veg when SHOOTS food club was born.

Finding and bidding for a new property became a whole

lot easier with the launch of Under One Roof.

£700,000 was spent on aids and adaptations to help tenants with

mobility issues to live safely and independently.

2010

Following feedback from tenants, our repairs appointments were extended to include

evenings and weekends for the first time.

Helena’s new in-house Green Space Service began to transform areas of open space across our estates.

Our digital TV site HHTV offered a new way to find out about news and events and contact Helena.

2003

Neighbourhood and anti-nuisance teams

supported over 500 people through cases of anti-social

behaviour.

The first community fund to support volunteers

and activities on our estates was launched.

2011

Tenants told us they wanted a more accessible head office

in St Helens town centre. In autumn 2011 this became a reality as the doors to Helena

Central opened for the first time.

Green-fingered local residents were welcomed to the Green

Base, a new eco-friendly community hub for learning.

JULY 2002

Following a vote by tenants, Helena Housing took over

ownership of 14,400 homes from St Helens Council.

Over £1.5m was invested in modernising homes in the

first nine weeks.

JULY 2012

Helena reaches a special milestone as we celebrate 10 years since our launch.

The biggest landlord in St Helens, we have invested over £300 million in homes across the town during that time and we’re now looking forward to another 10 years of working with residents

to create strong communities and happy homes.

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Summer 2012

A DEcADE Of DEDicATiON

2005

Hundreds of people benefited from weekly deliveries of affordable

fresh fruit and veg when SHOOTS food club was born.

Finding and bidding for a new property became a whole

lot easier with the launch of Under One Roof.

£700,000 was spent on aids and adaptations to help tenants with

mobility issues to live safely and independently.

2010

Following feedback from tenants, our repairs appointments were extended to include

evenings and weekends for the first time.

Helena’s new in-house Green Space Service began to transform areas of open space across our estates.

Our digital TV site HHTV offered a new way to find out about news and events and contact Helena.

2006

£44,000 was invested in community activities and over

£5million in regeneration projects.

The development of over 100 new homes in Rainhill and Rainford, including many to support older

people, was announced.

2009

Helena helped first-time buyers get on to the property

ladder with a new development – Liberty Place – shared ownership

houses and apartments.

Heald Farm Court, a new extra care facility, opened its doors in

Newton-le-Willows.

2007

The standard of our homes continued to improve. Since 2002 we have fitted 8,600 new kitchens, 7,980 new bathrooms, 10,200 new central heating systems, 10,900 new windows and 3,870 new roofs.

2008Helena was increasingly becoming much more than a housing organisation and its new name, Helena Partnerships, was chosen to reflect this.

The first re:new neighbourhood management scheme launched in Parr.

Evolution, a programme which supports young people at risk of offending into work, training and education, ran for the first time and has since helped over 100 young people.

Helena HEADLINES

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It’s not just us celebrating a big milestone this year…This year has also seen two Helena tenants blow out a remarkable 170 birthday candles between them to mark their own special birthdays.

Teresa and Arthur Newton, who live in St Helens Town Centre, marked their 80th and 90th birthdays surrounded by family and friends.

Arthur was the first to celebrate when he turned 90 on March 28, closely followed by Teresa who was 80 years young on June 6.

The couple have been together for a total of 33 years after marrying at Billinge Methodist Church in 1979, and say “laughter” is their secret to living long, happy, healthy lives.

Celebrate our 10th birthday with us. If you drop into Your Space at Helena Central, Helena East or Helena West between Monday, July 2, to Friday, July 6 you can enjoy a free cupcake cake on us!

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Summer 2012

NOMiNATE YOUr cOMMUNiTY STArSNominations are now open for Helena’s 2012 Making A Difference Awards which recognises individuals and community groups who have gone the extra mile to improve their neighbourhoods.

To mark Helena’s decade in business, we will be making this year’s ceremony extra-special by introducing ten exciting award categories:

Bright Young Star

For young people under 25 trying to achieve better things.

Inspirational Project

An inspiring project which has motivated others.

Green Fingers

For those who work tirelessly to improve their environment.

Tenant Of The Year

For those who go the extra mile in their neighbourhoods.

Local Hero

A good neighbour providing a helping hand in the community.

Respect Your Neighbourhood

For those working to keep their neighbourhoods safe and peaceful.

Outstanding ContributionHelena’s special 10th birthday award recognising a significant contribution in our neighbourhoods.

Partner Of The Year

An organisation who has been an invaluable source of support to Helena’s neighbourhoods.

Together We Can

Community groups working together to achieve positive change.

Reaching Out

For those who work voluntarily for the benefit of the wider community.

The closing date for nominations is Friday, August 24. If you would you like to make a nomination, please complete an official Making A Difference entry form which is available to download at www.helenahomes.co.uk

Alternatively, you can request a form by contacting Jo McMahon on 01744 63 73 83 or by collecting one from your local neighbourhood office.

Helena HEADLINES

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Welfare Benefit Reform Advice Hi, my name is Anne Meadows and I’m Helena’s Welfare Reform Project Off icer. Since the Government announced huge changes to the way benef its are paid, we have launched a campaign to address the potentia l risks our tenants may face and it’s my job to help you through this.

People are most concerned about reduced housing benefits for those who have more bedrooms than the Government says they need. We want to make sure our tenants don’t end up in debt and know where to turn to for advice about how to deal with these changes.

This is what we are doing:We have contacted over 600 tenants who have two bedrooms more than the Government says they need and are likely to be most affected by the changes. We are helping these tenants to budget and save money, be more energy efficient and where possible, move into a smaller property.

We are helping tenants to get back into work by running employment and skills sessions at Your Space at Helena Central. Since April 2012, more than 100 people have attended work support and IT sessions.

We will soon be collecting information from a further 1,700 tenants who have one bedroom more than the Government says they need so we can help to provide further advice and support. We will continue to work with our tenants and partners to minimise the impact of these changes as much as possible.

Helena’s Money Matters team are available to support tenants with benefits and money matters advice. You can contact the team by calling Helena One Call on 01744 63 73 83.

You can also find more information on HHTV (see page 12 for instructions). From the main menu, select ‘Your Services,’ followed by ‘Money.’

To find out more about job fairs and other events at Your Space, check out our Facebook page (details on page 12) or visit www.helenahomes.co.uk and select ‘Contact us‘ followed by the ‘Your Space’ tab.

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEFHelena tenants who are of Pension Credit age (61 years and 6 months) by April 2013 will not be affected by the changes. Although this will change in the future and gradually increase to 66 years by 2020.

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEFFrom April 2013, if you have one bedroom more than you need your housing benefit will be reduced by about £11 a week. If you have two bedrooms more than you need your housing benefit will be reduced by about £20 a week.

IN BRIEF

IN BRIEF

New Government rules mean one bedroom will be allowed for:• Each adult couple;• Any other person aged 16 or

over;• Two children under the age of

10 regardless of their gender;• Two children of the same

gender under the age of 16;• A carer (who does not normally

live with you) if you or your partner needs overnight care.

Your Space, Your HITHundreds have been enjoying the benefits of Helena’s community venue, Your Space.

Since its official launch in April, the meeting place – based at Helena Central in St Helens Town Centre – has welcomed plenty of visitors attending various events.

The community hub has hosted young people’s events, community forums and support sessions to help people get into work.

There are plenty more events coming up this year – check out our calendar below:

YOURHEALTH

YOURMONEY

YOURWORK

YOURHOME

YOURVIEWS

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Your Space ‘works’ for youHundreds of people have received work advice and support at Your Space thanks to Helena and its partners.

Connexions have been hosting events at Your Space helping young people to find jobs. David Little (pictured), from Connexions, said: “Our aim is to equip young people with help and advice to find and apply for jobs and training. There are so many opportunities out there we can help people with.”

Monday, July 2 – Friday, July 6:

Join Helena staff for a cake to

celebrate our 10th birthday.

Monday, July 23, 6pm-9pm:

Helena Public Board Meeting.

Come along to our board meeting

to f ind out more about how Helena

is doing. Contact Kath Taylor on

01744 67 55 57 for information.

Mondays, 9am-12pm:

CV advice. Get help creating a

CV to be proud of with the

National Careers Service.

Mondays, 1pm-4pm:

Work Club and digital inclusion.

Need help looking for work? Look

no further than the Work Club with

Starting Point and get technology

savvy with Job Centre Plus.

Wednesdays, 1pm-4pm:

Work Club 50+.

Advice and support for people

aged over 50 in getting into work,

hosted by Get Britain Working.

JOIN OUR AGMDo you want to find out what Helena has been up to over the past year? Then come along to our Annual General Meeting (AGM).

We will be holding our third ‘open’ AGM on Thursday, September 6, at Your Space and tenants are welcome to come along and find out about Helena’s performance, successes, financial matters and plans for the coming year.

Call Kath Taylor on 01744 67 55 57 to register

your interest.

how to bookCall in: Helena Central, 4 Corporation Street,

St Helens, Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm.

Phone: 01744 67 55 63

Email: yourspace@helenapartnerships.co.uk

Web: Visit www.helenahomes.co.uk

Like us on Facebook: Visit ‘Your Space at Helena’.

Contact UsTranslations are available on request and if you would like a copy of this document in large print, braille or audio tape, please call 01744 63 73 83 for more information. Here are the ways you can access our services:

You can phone One Call on 01744 63 73 83 or call into one of our neighbourhood offices:

• Helena Central, 4 Corporation Street, St Helens Town Centre, WA9 1LD

• Helena West, 70/72 Thatto Heath Road, Thatto Heath, WA10 3QS 2-6 Millersdale, Four Acre, Clock Face, WA9 4GE

• Helena East, 193 Newton Road, Parr, WA9 2JR

Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/yourspaceathelena

Follow us on Twitter: @helenapartnersh

By phone: 01744 63 73 83

By email: onecall@helenapartnerships.co.uk

Website: www.helenahomes.co.uk

Using our digital TV site, Helena Homes TV:

• Sky viewers: Go to the Community Channel (number 539); press the red button; enter Quick Code 4488.

• Virgin viewers: Press ‘home’ button; choose ‘interactive’; click on ‘news & info’; click on ‘Looking Local’; enter Quick Code 4488.

• To access through Nintendo Wii or internet-enabled mobile phones, type this into your browser: http://www.lookinglocal.gov.uk/helena

Face to face at any of the offices below or at the drop-in events we hold regularlyin community venues. Details of these can be found on our website and HHTV.

If you would like a member of staff to visit you at home please give us a call on 01744 63 73 83 and we will make an appointment for you.

Helena Central 4 Corporation Street, St Helens, WA9 1LD

Helena East 192 Newton Road, Derbyshire Hill, St Helens, WA9 2JR

Helena West 70-72 Thatto Heath Road, Thatto Heath, St Helens, WA10 3QS

www.helenahomes.co.uk

HHTV Quickcode 4488 (see instructions above)

Helena HEADLINES

HHTV is red hot this summerOur digital TV site has had a bright new makeover in time for summer.

A one stop shop for all your Helena information, HHTV has been refreshed and revamped with the hottest up-to-date news, events and estate walkabouts.

We have even added a brand new ‘Helena Updates’ section where you can find out more about Your Space – the community zone at Helena Central – along with all the latest welfare reform information and money matters advice.

Don’t take our word for it – see for yourself! If you have Sky or Virgin, all you have to do is press the red button on your remote control:

Sky

Go to Community Channel (539)Press RedEnter Quick Code 4488

Virgin

Go to Community Channel (233)Press RedEnter Quick Code 4488

Nintendo Wii:

http://www.lookinglocal.gov.uk/helena