Grove Community
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
2023-24
THE GROVE
GAZETTE
An eventful &
colourful year...
NEW HOMES
UPDATE
Planning approval for the new homes is awaiting
a final decision which we hope to receive in the
coming weeks and we are hopeful for a positive
outcome. We are grateful to our local MLA Mr
Philip Brett for his tireless work supporting us to
address the challenges of delays from NI which
is critical to approval, and also delays with the
planning application. It is a dicult site with a
number of additional abnormal costs and factors
to be taken into account due to the varying
levels within the site and issues identified during
survey works and need to retain existing trees.
When the scheme is complete it will add to the
changing investment in the area and compliment
the significant improvements that have been
brought from the new private homes being
built. The 31 additional homes in the Grove
area are for social housing rent, and like all our
homes will be allocated based on need from the
Common Selection Scheme waiting list. There
are 4 homes specifically designed for those with
physical disabilities, including two bungalows
which existing G.C.H.A. tenants have already
been identified for. This new development will
provide housing for 112 people, contributing to
the improvement of our community’s health and
well-being.
We are eager to move forward with the next
steps, such as securing a contractor and
commencing construction on site. In addition to
the new build scheme, we continue to appeal
for increased funding to address the housing
crisis and essential infrastructure investment to
make the homes deliverable. We will also spot
purchase new homes throughout the year where
possible to increase the number of homes we
can provide in the area.
Over six million pounds will be invested in
much-needed homes for households in housing
stress on the waiting list. We have applied
for additional funding to deliver the scheme
to Passive House Standards and are hopeful
that this necessary grant funding is secured to
cover the additional costs of state of the art,
highly energy ecient homes. Together, we aim
to build a sustainable and thriving community
for all. Thank you for your continued support,
and we look forward to sharing more positive
updates with you very soon as we address the
challenges with new build developments.
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Contents
New Homes Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Our Achievements
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Community Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Tenant Voice Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Energy Bills Support & Competition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Winter Freeze Tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Cost of Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The Larder Social Food Market/Maintenance . . . 17
Bulky Waste/Living Conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Energy Ecient Behaviour Savings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Domestic Abuse/Bogus Callers/Hate Crime
. 22/23
Tenancy Fraud/Complaints/Adaptations/
Help Your Neighbour
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Home Security/Belfast Warm & Well Project . . . . . 25
Top Tips For Fire Safety At Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Tenant Satisfaction Surveys 2021-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
New Starts/Retirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Community Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31/32
Word Search/Crossword Puzzles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
New Board Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Recipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Contact Details/Useful Numbers
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Calendar of Events for 2024 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
We were delighted to have been shortlisted for a second
year in a row for the CIH All-Ireland Awards in the ‘More than
Bricks & Mortar’ category for our tenant engagement work.
We were up against some very strong competition, but it was a brilliant
achievement to have been shortlisted for these prestigious awards.
Congratulations to the winners, Radius Housing Association.
Both sta, Board, tenants and guests had a brilliant
night celebrating Sector achievements.
We look forward again to the 2024 Awards taking place in
March and are delighted and proud that our own hero Paul
Stuart has been shortlisted for CIH Category “Housing Hero”.
We wish to give special mention and thanks to our founding and long
service Board Member Mr Erskine Holmes OBE. He
has been shortlisted for “Lifetime Achievement”
Category. He has worked tirelessly for over five
decades selflessly volunteering his own expertise
and time for many charities in their work and the
homes and communities he has helped regenerate
are a long lasting and generational example of his
achievements. We also wish him a very Happy Birthday
and wish he’d tell us his secret but we suspect he dips
into his beautiful wife Sally’s beauty cream when she’s
not looking …Sssssh!
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
L to R: Niamh O’Hanlon, ASM, Vivian Chestnutt,
Board Member & Agnes Crawford, Chief Executive
We love a selfie with our tenant
Esther who enjoyed getting glammed
up and joining us as our special
guest at the CIH Awards night
Erskine Holmes OBE
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OUR SHINING STAR!OUR SHINING STAR!
We are thrilled that our Senior Housing Ocer, Paul Stuart,
has been chosen to receive one of NIFHA’s 2023 Shining
Star Awards. Congratulations, Paul! This award is truly well-
deserved, and we want to thank you for your unwavering
support and assistance to our tenants and the Grove area.
Paul always goes the extra mile for everyone and
has fostered wonderful local relationships. His
dedication is evident in his constant search
for donations, often seen with
trolley loads of pumpkins, crisps,
and selection boxes throughout
the year. Additionally, his alter
ego “Mr G the Grove Mascot”
is extremely popular at events.
Thank you, Paul, for your outstanding
commitment and congratulations on
this fantastic achievement!
Easter Egg-stravaganzaEaster Egg-stravaganza
The GCHA hosted a Hoppy Easter event in April
2023 bringing joy to the neighbourhood. The
highlight of the day was a special appearance
by the Easter Bunny, much to the delight
of the children in attendance. The young
ones also had the opportunity to showcase
their creativity by taking part in a fun-filled
colouring competition, with the chance to
win a free Easter Egg as a prize. It was a
heartwarming day filled with laughter and
excitement, and it truly captured the spirit
of community togetherness. We look
forward to more such wonderful events in
the future, bringing happiness to all in the
Grove community.
Spring Community Clean-up
The Community Clean-up is scheduled for
Wednesday 20 March 2024. This was a popular
event last year and we want to make it even
bigger this year. We are expecting special
guest appearances from Easter Bunny and
Mr G and Easter Egg treats for all. Let’s work
together to keep our neighbourhood clean
and beautiful for everyone to enjoy. Grove
will provide all the tools for the clean-up,
but feel free to bring any items with you.
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Belfast
Mela
GCHA and its tenants had a fantastic time at
the Belfast Mela Day on 27th August 2023.
The event was a true celebration of culture
and togetherness, featuring a lively color run
and street carnival that brought everyone
together in a burst of colour and joy. It was a
day filled with laughter, shared experiences,
and the opportunity to make new memories
with neighbours and friends.
The vibrant festivities provided a perfect
setting for the community to connect and
enjoy each other’s company, strengthening
the bonds that make our neighbourhood a
wonderful place to call home. Such events
are a testament to the spirit of unity and
inclusivity that we cherish at GCHA, and
we look forward to many more shared
experiences and celebrations in the future.
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Summer
Fun Day
On 23rd August 2023, GCHA hosted an
exciting community event, featuring a wide
array of activities and treats for everyone to
enjoy. From free food and bouncy castles
to glitter, tattoos, and fun games, the day
was packed with entertainment. Tenants
also had the chance to explore various
stalls, receive goodie bags, and capture
memorable moments with Grove’s beloved
mascot bear. It was a fantastic opportunity
for the community to come together, have
fun, and create lasting memories.
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Visit to the
Grand Opera
House
We had an incredible time at the Grand
Opera House in Belfast! GCHA sta
members and tenants went along together
for a special behind-the-scenes tour of
this iconic venue. We got to explore every
corner, from the enchanting dressing rooms
to the electric atmosphere backstage. The
highlight was definitely stepping onto the
center stage, where we felt like stars for a
moment. It was a fantastic opportunity to
appreciate the magic of the theatre and
create lasting memories together. Can’t
wait for the next adventure!
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Grove’s Spooktacular
Halloween Bash
We would like to extend a huge thank you to everyone who joined us at
our Halloween event. We hope you all had a fang-tastic time! We also
want to apologise to the parents who had to deal with their kids’ sugar
rush after indulging in all those spooktacular treats kindly provided by
Asda. Your presence and enthusiasm made the event a great success,
and we can’t wait to celebrate with you again next year. Thank you for
being part of our hauntingly good time!
Huge thanks to our tenant
volunteer Laura who spooked the
crowds with her local ghostly tales
Jingle &
Mingle
Grove Community
Gathers to Trim the Tree!
The spirit of the season was in full swing as
tenants and sta of GCHA came together
to adorn the community Christmas tree.
Laughter and festive cheer filled the air as
everyone pitched in to hang ornaments and
string lights, turning the tree into a dazzling
centerpiece for our upcoming celebrations. It
was a heartwarming sight to see neighbours
and friends joining forces to spread holiday
joy throughout our community. A huge thank
you to all who participated – your enthusiasm
made this event truly special!
DIGG DEEP FOR
CHRISTMAS APPEAL
The Digg Deep for Kids campaign was a
tremendous success, thanks to the incredible
support of our community. Through our
partnership with Cash For Kids, Simon
Community - Northern Ireland, and Saint
Vincent de Paul, we were able to make a
meaningful impact on families in need during
the Christmas season. The generosity of our
volunteers and donors brought joy to many
children in need, and we are truly grateful for
everyone who contributed to this initiative.
Despite the challenges faced this year, the
outpouring of support and donations made
a significant dierence in the lives of those
who needed it most. Thank you to everyone
who dug deep and helped as it really made a
dierence to many children’s Christmas.
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A Jolly
Santa
Spreads
Cheer in the Grove!
We want to extend a warm thank you to Santa, his merry
little helper, and Mr. G for making our Santa Sleigh event a
magical success. The children and adults alike were thrilled
to meet the festive trio. A special thanks to Chair Brian Dunn
and Asda for generously providing the delightful selection
boxes for the local children. Of course, we can’t forget to
express our gratitude to Santa and his dedicated team of
helpers! We also want to acknowledge the Community PSNI
for their unwavering support in keeping the Grove area safe,
and for treating everyone to delicious pizza and chips. Your
contributions truly made our community brighter during the
holiday season!
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Community
Information Day
GCHA took part in an Information Day Event,
bringing together the local community to
share valuable insights into housing and the
organisation’s work. The event was also an
opportunity to connect with various inspiring
organisations operating in North Belfast. The
McDonald Centre provided an excellent venue,
and the collaboration with ROC North Belfast
was truly beneficial for all involved. It was
also a day of new beginnings, as Andrew, the
Property & Business Support Ocer, joined
the team, working alongside Margaret, the
Corporate Services Manager, and Brian, the
dedicated Chair of the association.
The event truly embodied the spirit
of teamwork, and the hashtag
#TeamWorkMakesTheDreamWork couldn’t
be more fitting. For those who missed
the event, the North Belfast Directory is
available on the association’s website,
ensuring that the valuable information
shared reaches as many community
members as possible.
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Many thanks to Phillip Brett MLA and two of our lovely tenants Esther and
Joanne for joining some of our sta on a walkabout of the Grove area.
Dander &
Gander
The recent community walkabout was
a great success, allowing our team to
engage with some of our tenants
and gather valuable feedback. We
are grateful for the opportunity to
have these informal chats and hear
your thoughts on how we can improve
our community.
Your input is incredibly important to us,
and we look forward to implementing
some of the ideas discussed during the
walkabout. Thank you for being part
of this collaborative eort to make our
community an even better place to live.
Why should I
join the Tenant
Voice Group?
As a tenant of Grove Community Housing
Association, your knowledge of tenancy matters
is integral to shaping the services we deliver.
What is the
Tenant Voice
Group?
The Tenant Voice Group members are volunteers
who give up some of their free time to help
improve the services and information tenants
receive from Grove. Members also meet to have
their say on a range of topics. They discuss policy
changes, home improvement specifications,
events held for tenants and lots more.
What’s in it
for me?
A chance to have your say and for your voice to
be heard. To bring your expertise as a tenant.
To attend training events, develop existing skills
and learn new skills. This group will introduce
you to other tenants. You will learn more about
Grove and have your chance to respond to
proposed changes.
What’s in it
for Grove?
Feedback from the Tenant Voice Group
members gives us a well-rounded view of the
business and ensures we are doing right by you.
How to apply
If you would like to join the Tenant Voice Group
or find out how else you can get involved at
Grove, please email Paul (Senior Housing Ocer)
housing@groveha.org.uk or contact him by
phone 028 9077 3330.
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Grove Community Housing Association hosted the Housing
Policy Panel meeting.
The Housing Executive presented an excellent presentation
to the Panel and there was input from the Department for
Communities. and Supporting Communities.
Get in touch!
Do you have an idea you’d like to share,
or a story to tell, or comments
about our services?
Please get in touch with an email to:
housing@groveha.org.uk
If you have any complaints or
problems they should still be
addressed directly to our oces.
T: 028 9077 3330
(Please note we are unable to respond to anonymous emails)
LEVEL 1: Information and Communication
You receive regular information, participate
in surveys, provide feedback and keep us up
to date on how to communicate with you.
LEVEL 2: Group Structure
You help set up and participate in the local
tenants groups. You also participate in the
organisation and planning of social activities
in the community.
LEVEL 3: Formal Based Tenant Group
You participate in a broader Tenant’s Forum
which looks at the work of the Association,
scrutinises our activities and policies and
engages in our business for the benefit of
all tenants.
LEVEL 4: Governance Structure
You agree to serve on the Board of Grove
Community Housing Association having
influence in its strategic direction and how it
is governed.
Level of Participation
choice for tenants
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Some of Grove’s sta, tenants and a Board Member attended the
Supporting Communities very first All-Ireland Tenant Engagement
Conference which took place in June 2023.
The Conference showcased involved tenants, leading housing
professionals, and policymakers who care about tenant involvement
from across the island of Ireland and learned what works, what
doesn’t, and how to take tenant participation to the next level.
What the payment includes -
The payment is made up of the Energy Bills
Support Scheme (£400) and the Alternative Fuel
Payment (£200) and will be provided by the UK
government through electricity suppliers.
The payment is automatic. If you get a message
asking for your bank details, this could be a scam.
Customers who pay by Direct Debit
Starting from 16th January, Direct Debit
customers will:
• Receive the payment directly to their bank
account.
• If suppliers have been unable to complete a
direct payment for a Direct Debit customer
into their bank account, then that customer will
receive a voucher from the Post Oce in the
name of the electricity account holder.
Energy Bills Support Scheme
Households in Northern Ireland are to receive a single non-repayable payment totalling £600 to help
with their energy bills, regardless of how they heat their home.
Customers who pay by
standard credit (bill pay)
• Starting from 16th January Credit Customers who
pay for their electricity by standard credit (bill
pay) will receive a voucher from the Post Oce
in the name of the electricity account holder.
Customers who are on suppliers’ Customer Care
Registers will receive their vouchers first.
Customers who pay for their
electricity via a keypad meter
• Starting from 16th January customers who
pay for their electricity via a keypad meter will
receive a voucher in the mail from the Post
Oce addressed to the ‘Occupier’. Customers
who are on suppliers’ Customer Care
Registers will receive their vouchers first.
Please see link for additional information - £600
Energy Bills Support Scheme information | Advice NI
Share Your Bright Ideas and WIN a
Crockpot Slow Cooker or Tefal Air Fryer!
We’ve got an exciting competition just for you. Do you have any clever
energy-saving tips you’d like to share? Well, now’s your chance to
win a Crockpot slow cooker or a Tefal Air Fryer! These nifty kitchen
gadgets not only help you to cook up a host of culinary delights but
also save energy, making them perfect additions to your home.
The winning energy-saving tips will be featured in our next tenant
newsletter. So, drop a note into the GCHA reception, call us on
T: 028 9077 3330 or email housing@groveha.org.uk with your
fantastic ideas. Rules - one entry per household to win one of the prizes.
Both the Crockpot slow cooker and the Tefal Air Fryer oer a range of
benefits as energy-saving kitchen items. The slow cooker tenderises
meat and develops rich flavors while using minimal energy, and the
air fryer cooks up crispy meals with little to no oil, making it an energy-
ecient alternative to traditional frying methods.
Let’s work together to create a more sustainable and energy-ecient
community. We can’t wait to hear all your wonderful ideas and tips for
saving energy at home.
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FREEZE TIPS
Winter Freeze Advice Handy hints to protect
your home in winter Every year, during spells
of freezing weather, households across North-
ern Ireland are faced with the possibility of
damage to their home and belongings, as a
result of freezing and burst water pipes. With
a few simple precautions, however, the risk
of damage can be considerably reduced.
Locate your Stop Cock
• Your stop cock controls the water supply
entering your home. Stop cocks are usually
found in your kitchen, below the sink unit.
However in some houses they are in a front or
back hall or in a larder unit. Take time to find
out where yours is located, should you need
to close it in the event of a burst pipe.
• We recommend that you check the stop cock
every few months to ensure that it can be
opened and closed easily.
•
If you are planning to be away from your
home for lengthy periods, during spells of cold
weather, please turn o the water supply at the
stop cock. This will minimise any damage to your
home, should a burst occur in any of your pipes.
Heating/Fuel
• Please ensure, throughout any period of
adverse weather conditions, that there is
enough oil to run the oil fired central heating
or credit to run the gas fired central heating at
your property. It is vital to maintain a supply of
fuel and/or credit to operate the system.
•
Ensure that your heating system is left running
- even if at a low temperature and for short
periods, throughout the day - when you are away
from the property. A minimal, regular supply of
heat will greatly reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• If possible, leave the trap door to your roof
space slightly open to allow warm air to
circulate in the loft.
Thawing Out Frozen Pipes
• Turn o the water supply at the stop cock. Don’t
leave any taps running or dripping, as the exit
of water down the plughole may be restricted if
the down pipes or drains are frozen.
• Protect everything around the pipe that appears
to be frozen to avoid damage if it bursts.
• Never attempt to thaw out frozen pipes by
switching on your immersion heater or central
heating boiler.
• Check for leaking joints or bursts in the pipes.
• Gently heat any frozen pipe sections with a
hairdryer (at its lowest setting) or a heated
cloth/hot water bottles wrapped around the
pipe. Do not warm them too quickly or they
may burst. NEVER apply a direct flame.
•
Thaw along the pipe from the end nearest the tap.
Burst Pipes
• Turn o the water supply at the stop cock
immediately.
• Switch o your immersion heater, central
heating boiler and, if there is any chance that
water could come into contact with electrical
wirings or fittings, your electricity supply.
• Open all COLD water taps to drain the system.
DO NOT TURN ON THE HOT TAPS AS YOUR
HOT WATER CYLINDER MAY COLLAPSE IF
THE PIPES LEADING TO IT ARE FROZEN.
• Warn your neighbours so they can take steps
to minimize damage to their property.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER TO MAKE
SURE THAT YOUR HOT WATER SYSTEM IS
REFILLED BEFORE YOU RE -LIGHT BOILER
OR SWITCH ON THE IMMERSION HEATER.
If you live in an apartment in a communal
building, your procedure is as above but you
may have a shared water supply. Make sure you
can get to the stop cock; this is normally located
where the water supply enters the building. Let
your neighbours know if you are turning o the
water in case it aects their supply.
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As we fast approach the winter months, many homes
in the community are going to struggle to make ends
meet this winter due to the rising energy bills and
ever-increasing cost of living. Households are having
to make dicult decisions and cuts to their spendings.
If you are already struggling and worried about how
you are going to meet your basic needs, please contact
GCHA’s Senior Housing Ocer Paul for further advice.
Alternatively, more help and advice can be found at:
www.adviceni.net/cost-of-living or
www.consumercouncil.org.uk/costofliving
GCHA are currently oering a Warm Hub based in the
oce, Tuesday’s – Thursday’s from 9.30am to 4.30pm for
all residents and members of the community. Why not pop
by for a cup of tea or coee (hot chocolate for the kids) and
enjoy the warmth and comfort of our newly opened oce.
There is some great work underway locally by community
organisations oering various drop-in sessions and help with
essentials throughout the winter months. Keep your eyes
peeled to GCHA Facebook page for more details.
GCHA are delighted to have Marie Fennell from North
Belfast Advice Partnership based at the oce. Marie has a
vast knowledge of the welfare benefit system and has been
providing this service since 2011. The main focus of Marie’s
role is to assist service users with benefit entitlement and
information. Marie also aids with completing application forms.
Marie’s highlights of her job are being able to empower people
to apply and manage their benefits with her advice and support.
Marie takes great delight when people receive good outcomes
especially when benefits have been identified which in turn
makes their life’s a lot easier.
Should you wish to arrange an appointment with Marie, she is
available for a drop-in Service Tuesday 9.30am – 12.30pm and
from 9.30am Wednesday & Thursday (appointments necessary).
Please contact the oce for further information.
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Telephone: 028 9035 1020
Email: frontdesk@vinecentre.org
https://twitter.com/nbapadvice/
Maintenance
Immediate Call Out
This category of repair will be attended by the
contractor within 4 hours.
These are faults which can aect the health and
safety of the tenant, the general public or which
could present an immediate risk to the fabric of
the building. Immediate Call Out.
Examples: escape of gas or fumes and similar
types of faults as the emergency category
Emergency Repairs
The fault will be attended to and made safe
within 24 hours.
These are faults which can aect the tenant or
public who could be endangered or there is a
risk of serious damage to the property.
Examples: serious electrical faults.
• sewage overflow into the dwelling
• securing the dwelling from vandalism or
forced entry
• water penetration via the roof
• and burst water pipes, tanks and service pipes
in your home
Urgent Repairs
The fault will be attended to within 4 working days.
Examples: partial loss of electrical power
• a minor leak
• insecure external window
• communal door lock
Routine Repairs
Faults in this category will be attended to within
4 weeks.
Examples: broken roof tiles, slates and lead flashing.
• clearing out rainwater goods
• easing /refitting doors or window sashes
• repairs to external render or plaster work
• repairs to solid or suspended floors or floor tiles
• repairs to internal joinery
• chimney stacks
• pots caps and cowls
• kitchen units and fittings
Emergency Out of Hours Repairs
In the event of an emergency outside of normal
oce working hours, tenants are requested to
call Radius Connect 24’s Out of Hours Service.
Freephone 0800 731 3081
This must only be used in real emergencies, for
example, a burst pipe or serious electrical fault.
An emergency repair of this nature may in some cases
only make safe the fault, in which case the full repair
will be carried out during normal working hours.
Tumble Dryer
Do you have a similar tumble
dryer? If you do and would
like the machine vented
outside, please contact a
member of the maintenance
team and arrangements will
be made free of charge.
Loughview Community Action Partnership
(L.C.A.P.) provide a vital service for many running
a Social Supermarket (Food Bank) “The Scullery”
based in Mount Vernon Community House,
Shore Road, Belfast. It is open on Mondays,
Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 10 am to 2pm.
It has been running successfully for over a year
now by Mr Brian Dunn, Project Manager and
he thanks his team of hard working volunteers.
Together they support families across North and
Lower North Belfast with much needed food and
essential household items.
This programme is for families who are referred
to “The Scullery “by advice workers, schools, and
L.C.A.P. along with other statutory bodies. If you
think you could make use of this service then
please contact in confidence Marie the advice
worker from North Belfast Advice Partnership,
based at Grove Community HA Oces Tuesday
to Thursday or Paul Stuart our Senior Housing
Ocer who will then refer you on.
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Bulky Waste
This year GCHA has instructed contractors on
several occasions to attend various areas to
remove disregarded rubbish and household
items, these removals are a costly expense to
the Association. As a tenant you are responsible
for your own waste management at your home.
If you are finding it dicult to bring your bins in
and out of your home, please contact a member
of sta who could contact Belfast City Council on
your behalf to arrange for an assisted lift.
If you have a large item, you no longer want, such
as a sofa, cooker, bed or mattress. You can request
a free bulky collection from Belfast City Council
To arrange a collection, just call 028 9027 0230.
You will be asked for your name, address and
asked to explain what items you are requiring to
be lifted. You will be given a collection date and
confirmation of where the item should be left
for collection (usually from the place your bin is
collected from).
LIVING
CONDITIONS
Many things can aect the comfort in
your home. One common issue that
frequently arises is mould and mildew.
Condensation is what occurs when moist
air comes into contact with a cold surface,
for example you will note this when your
windows steam up. This surface can
become moist and encourage mould
growth. We create moist air in our homes
all the time, by cooking, showering and
drying clothes indoors.
If mould grows in your home, it can give o an
unpleasant smell and be unsightly but more
worrying is that it could actually cause you to
become ill, often worsening any conditions like
asthma. It can aect the more vulnerable like
children and older people.
WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE
CONDENSATION AND MOIST AIR?
To avoid these health risks and prevent this
moist air turning into condensation, try and keep
your home as warm as possible (between 18-21
degrees on your thermostat). Make sure you air
all rooms well, even in winter months.
When cooking ensure that you cover your pans
with a lid to reduce moisture. Also ensure that
you have opened a window, or you are using
an extractor fan if you have one fitted. Close the
kitchen door.
To see a full list of items which can be lifted by
Belfast City Council please refer to
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/bulkywaste
Alternatively, please contact a member of sta at
GCHA who could assist you in making the call.
18
When taking a shower or a bath ensure that you
turn on an extractor fan or open a window to get
rid of the steam that is created. Afterwards, leave
the extractor running or window open for at least
15 minutes.
If you have a tumble dryer in your property,
ensure that it is vented correctly. Contact our
maintenance team who can call and assess if this
can be fitted to an external wall and arrange for
this works to be carried out.
NEVER BLOCK OR COVER AN EXTRACTOR
FAN OR VENT OR KEEP A TUMBLE DRYER
VENT INSIDE.
Do not stu your cupboards and wardrobes so
full that the air cannot circulate inside.
Try to dry clothes outdoors to prevent excess
moisture indoors. If you need a clothes line fitted
contact our maintenance team. If you have to
dry clothes inside, we advise that you open your
doors or windows in these rooms if not using a
vented or condenser tumble dryer.
10 pints of moisture is released into the air just
from drying a batch of washing!
Make sure that your furniture is at least 5 cm
away from the surrounding walls so that air can
move around the property. Leaving a gap enables
the air to move freely. If you don’t, mould can form
at the bottom of the walls, not good in a bedroom!
Watch out for the physical signs of mould. These
range from a build-up of moisture on windows or to
peeling wallpaper and black spots/patches on walls.
How to treat mould and mildew
If you have areas of mould or mildew for example
in your shower or behind furniture or window cills,
the cheapest and most eective treatment is a
diluted solution of household bleach and water.
Or you can use a mould-removing spray.
If the mould is extensive we encourage you to
contact our Maintenance sta for a home visit
and advice and consideration of the need for
professional treatment.
FURTHER ADVICE AND SUPPORT
Damp can also occur in properties, several
factors can contribute to this, particularly older
properties. For example water coming in from
a missing or damaged roof tile, a damp proof
course that has broken down etc., or an old
chimney stack. If you note anything like this
please contact our Maintenance sta and request
a home visit for further advice and treatment to
determine the cause and best course of action.
We are here to support you and provide friendly
advice and to work with you to ensure your home
is a comfortable and healthy a place to live as
much as possible.
If you are currently struggling financially
to heat your home adequately please
in the first instance contact Paul Stuart
for confidential advice for potential
further referral for financial assistance.
We work with many agencies who
provide extra advice and assistance.
19
Energy ecient
behaviour savings
Washing and drying
• Setting your washing machine to wash at 30
degrees rather than higher temperatures will
save around £10 a year on energy bills and
around 12kg of carbon dioxide.
• Setting your washing machine to wash at 30
degrees uses around 57% less electricity than
washing at higher temperatures.
• You can save on average £40 a year on your
electricity bill, and 50kg carbon dioxide in
emissions, by line drying clothes instead of
using a tumble dryer during the summer.
•
Only filling the kettle up with as much water as you
need could save around £8 in energy bills a year.
Thermostat
Your room thermostat switches your heating
system on and o according to the set
temperature. A common misconception is that
turning your thermostat up will heat up your home
quicker; but all that will do is heat your home to
a higher temperature at the same rate. Insulation
increases the speed your home heats up as less
heat is being lost through the building.
• Turning your central heating thermostat down
by 1 degree could save you £80 and 300kg of
carbon dioxide every year.
Switching it o
Avoiding standby and turning appliances o
when you’re not using them could save £40 and
up to 45kg of carbon dioxide ever year .
• Turning o your lights when you don’t need
them could save you around £14 on your
annual energy bills, and avoid 16kg of carbon
dioxide emissions a year.
Home appliances Cold appliances
• The energy label for cold appliances has
rescaled; that means some of the appliances
have had their energy ratings changed. Make
sure you keep a look out for the new label that
has the UK flag and the word ‘Energ’ at the top.
• Check the new energy ratings when looking for
a new cold appliance. The new labels go from
A to G with A being the most energy ecient;
this means they will use less electricity, they will
be more sustainable and cost you less to run.
• When buying a new freezer, choosing a
E-rated freezer over a G-rated model will
save you around £25 in energy bills and 25kg
carbon dioxide a year.
•
When buying a new fridge, choosing a D-rated
fridge over a G-rated model will save you around
£10 in energy bills and 11kg carbon dioxide a year.
• When buying a new fridge freezer, choosing
a D-rated fridge freezer over a G-rated model
will save you around £30 in energy bills and
30kg carbon dioxide a year.
Wet appliances
• The energy label for most wet appliances has
rescaled; that means some of the appliances
have had their energy ratings changed. Make
sure you keep a look out for the new label
that has the UK flag and the word ‘Energ’
at the top. This new energy label applies to
dishwashers and washing machines. Tumble
driers are on a A+++-G scale, but are due to be
rescaled in late 2021.
• Check the new energy ratings when looking for
a new wet appliance. The new labels go from A
to G with A being the most energy ecient; this
means they will use less electricity, costing you
less to run. Tumble drier labels go from A+++ to
D, with A+++ being the most energy ecient.
• When buying a new washing machine,
choosing an A-rated washing machine over
a D-rated one could save you around £8 and
9kg carbon dioxide a year.
• Choosing a D-rated dishwasher over a G-rated
one could save you around £14 and 16kg
carbon dioxide a year.
• Choosing an A+++ non-vented tumble dryer
over a A-rated one could save you around £35
and 40kg carbon dioxide a year.
20
Home computing Computers
• Choosing a laptop over a desktop and
reducing standby could save up to £25 and
25kg of carbon dioxide every year.
Tablets
• When turned on, tablets use on average 68%
less power than laptops.
Lighting
• In 2019, 47% of light bulbs in homes were
energy saving bulbs (combination of
compact fluorescent lamps and LEDs), 51%
were halogens and 3% were traditional
incandescent light bulbs.
• LEDs are the most energy ecient bulbs you
can buy, followed by compact fluorescent
lamps. Whilst halogen bulbs can still be
bought in the UK, they have much lower
eciencies than their LED or other energy
saving equivalents.
LEDs
• By replacing all the remaining standard
incandescent and halogen bulbs in your home
with energy saving LEDs, the average household
could save around £35 a year from your energy
bills, and 40kg of carbon dioxide every year.
Electronics TV
• Choosing an F-rated 65”TV over a G-rated
65”TV could save you almost £25 and 30kg
carbon dioxide a year.
In general, smaller TVs use less energy. Choosing
a 32’’ LCD over a 42’’ LCD TV could save £15 and
16kg of carbon dioxide a year.
Water Showers
• You could save around £25 o their yearly gas
bills by replacing your inecient shower head
with a water ecient one .
• Spending one minute less in the shower each
day could save as much as £15 a year in the
average household.
Washing up
• Using a bowl to wash up rather than leaving
the hot tap running saves a lot of water; a
typical 10 litre washing up bowl fills up in just
95 seconds.
Toilets
• By fitting a dual flush mechanism to an old
toilet, a four person household could save
over 50,000 litres of water a year.
Electricity and behaviour
Householders can reduce their electricity bills
using the following tips:
Standby
By avoiding standby and turning o devices
when not in use, the average household could
save £40 o their annual electricity bill.
Lighting
Turning o your lights when you don’t need them
could save you around £14 a year.
LEDs are the most ecient lighting technology;
they are available for most types of light fittings.
Line-dry clothes
You can save on average £40 a year on your
electricity bill by line drying clothes instead of
using a tumble dryer during the summer.
Television
Choosing an F-rated 65”TV over a G-rated 65”TV
could save you almost £25 a year.
Fridge-freezer
When buying a new fridge freezer, choosing a
D-rated fridge freezer over a G-rated model will
save you around £30 in energy bills a year.
Tumble dryer
Choosing an A+++ tumble dryer over an A+ -rated
model could save you around £35 a year o your
energy bills.
21
Domestic
abuse
Domestic abuse can take many forms
and can aect anyone
Domestic abuse can be broadly defined as
a pattern of threatening, violent or abusive
behaviours (including coercive or controlling
conduct) by a current or former intimate partner
or family member.
This behaviour may be psychological, virtual,
physical, verbal, sexual, financial or emotional in
nature and inflicted on anyone (irrespective of
age, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity,
sexual orientation or any form of disability).
No-one should be subjected to any form of
domestic abuse.
Remember, you are not to blame for any abuse
that is happening to you.
Sexual abuse
If you have been sexually assaulted you can
report this to the police directly who will arrange
for you to visit the Rowan.
The Rowan is a specialist regional Sexual
Assault Referral Centre which provides a range
of services for people who have been raped or
sexually assaulted.
Its services are available for men, women,
children and young people.
Alternatively you can also access the Rowan
directly via its contact number.
PROMOTING
SAFE
AND
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
Children
Domestic abuse can have an impact on children
(including unborn children) which may not be
immediately obvious. Early intervention will
ensure that any impact is kept to a minimum.
It is police policy to share information with the local
Family and Child Care Manager where children
are resident or present at home at the time of a
domestic incident or where the victim is pregnant.
Support agencies
There are several organisations which can help
by oering emotional and practical support
24 Hour Free Phone
Domestic and Sexual Violence Helpline
Freephone Helpline 0808 802 1414
(free from all landlines and mobiles)
The 24 Hour Domestic and Sexual Violence
Helpline is available 24 hours, seven days a week
to all women and men aected by domestic
violence and sexual violence.
The Rowan
Freephone Helpline 0800 389 4424
(from all landlines only)
See ‘Sexual Abuse’ section for more information.
Victim Support
028 90 244 039
Victim Support NI helps people aected by crime.
It oers a free and confidential service, whether
or not a crime has been reported and regardless
of how long ago the event took place.
You can find out more about the warning signs of
Domestic Abuse here: www.psni.police.uk/crime/
domestic-abuse/domestic-abuse-behaviours/
22
23
Hate Crime
The Association understands the
detrimental impact hate crimes
have on people’s lives. We will
continue to report any incidents of
hate crime to the PSNI. We realise
that people that carry out such
crimes on others in society are in
the minority however any tenant
found guilty of hate crimes by the
PSNI is putting their tenancy at
serious risk.
A hate crime will be recorded
where it is perceived that the
perpetrator’s hostility against any
person or property is based on the
victim’s ethnicity, sexual orientation,
gender identity, religion, political
opinion or disability.
You can use the True Vision Online
Reporting Form which will be sent
immediately to the PSNI.
In a non-emergency you can also
contact police by dialling ‘101’ or use our Minicom
number: 028 9090 1246.
Reporting incidents will help the Police Service
tackle hate crime. The information you provide is
important and will enable the police to identify areas
of concern, patterns of behaviour, and may assist in
identifying and prosecuting oenders.
In an emergency, always call ‘999’.
Information about hate crime in your neighbourhood
can also be passed on anonymously through the
independent charity ‘Crimestoppers’ on freephone
0800 555 111.
www.psni.police.uk/safety-and-support/advice-
and-information/hate-crime
PROMOTING
SAFE
AND
CONNECTED COMMUNITIES
23
How to deal
with bogus
callers
Most callers to your home will be genuine,
however there are some who may not be.
These callers are ‘Bogus Callers’ or ‘Distraction
Burglars’ who may want to trick their way into
your home to steal from you. If you are in any
doubt simply check your caller out with Quick
Check on Freephone 0800 012 3390.
Easy Steps with QUICK CHECK
• Before you answer the door, make
sure your back door is locked.
• If you have a door chain remember
to use it before you open the door.
• Ask the caller for their identification
and check it carefully.
• Ask them to wait outside and close the
door - genuine callers will not mind.
• Ring Freephone 0800 013 2290, your call
will be answered personally and promptly
by a trained operator. They will check with
the company on your behalf, that the person
at your door is genuine. If they are not or
thy think there is something suspicious,
they will contact the police immediately.
• Do not let anyone into your home until you
are satisfied as to who they are. QUICK
CHECK is a FREE telephone service, which
is available 24 hours a day all year round
to residents throughout Northern Ireland.
Remember if in doubt check your caller out
with QUICK CHECK on 0800 013 22 90. In an
emergency dial 999.
Tenants have contacted us directly about
concerns of bogus callers and drug misuse
in the area, we hope that you find the
information below helpful. We continue
to engage regularly with our community
safety police ocers and are grateful for
their advice and extra footfall in the area.
Tenancy Fraud
Tenancy Fraud and Subletting
of GCHA properties
Grove Community Housing
Association are committed to
tackling tenancy fraud to ensure
our properties are used to their full
potential by those designated to
reside within them.
Addressing tenancy fraud can only be
achieved with the support of our tenants
and the information we receive. If you
suspect that someone is committing tenancy
fraud or subletting their home to someone
else, please contact us immediately.
Tenancy Fraud has a major impact on all those
currently awaiting a new home. To report any
suspected Tenancy Fraud, please contact our
Housing Ocer on 028 9077 3330.
Complaints
How to make a complaint
Contact Housing (Paul) on 028 9077 3330
or email housing@groveha.org.uk.
24
Adaptations
We understand that our tenants can be aected
with health and mobility issues and will continue
to support our tenants as their needs change.
The local Occupational Therapy Service (located
at the Grove Well-Being Centre) provide a free
assessment of your needs. For example they
can recommend to us installation of level access
showers, stair lifts etc. (We can only provide
minor items such as additional hand rails without
at OT report - contact your Senior Housing
Ocer for further advice.)
These works support tenants to retain their
independence, reduce the possibility of falls
and hospital admissions and enables ability to
remain in their home for as long as possible.
If you would like any help with disability
adaptions to your home please contact
our Housing Ocer Paul Stuart by
emailing housing@groveha.org.uk
or by calling him on 028 9077 3330.
Help your neighbour
During extreme weather conditions
please check on your neighbours if
they are elderly, have a disability
or are housebound as it can
be a dicult time for them
to get out and about.
A friendly visit from a
neighbour will
be appreciated.
25
HOME SECURITY
Sometimes we tend to take it for granted that
our homes are secure, many burglaries are
committed by opportunistic criminals. Open or
unlocked doors and windows are used to gain
quick and easy access to homes.
Good home security, such as using window
and door locks, is the best way to reduce your
chances of being burgled.
If you are a Homeowner or Landlord spending
money on security for your property is a good
investment. Security fittings will last a long time
and can add value to your property. Make sure
that your home security improvements don’t stop
you escaping from the property quickly if there
is a fire. Safety is important while you are in the
property AND security is important while away.
Preventing Burglary
• Check all doors and windows for any weaknesses
• Fit mortise locks to all front and back doors and
locks to all downstairs windows or windows which
are easy to reach
• Fit barrel locks to the top and bottom of doors
• Make sure you keep the appropriate keys nearby
in case of an emergency
• Keep your house and car keys safe and away
from doors and windows
• Ensure your burglar alarm is installed properly and
works. If you don’t have a burglar alarm consider
installing one
• When you are away from home, use timer
switches to turn on some lights when it goes dark
• Make sure you have up-to-date contents insurance
• Cancel any milk or newspaper deliveries when
you go away
• Before you go out, go into each room in the
house and make sure all the windows are tightly
shut and locked. A burglar may be less likely
to enter your home if a window needs to be
smashed. Check all doors leading into your home
are secure and locked.
• If you have a garage, put your car inside if you are
not using it
• Recent improvements in car security mean that
the easiest way for a thief to steal a car is to break
into your house and steal the keys for it therefore
keep car keys were they will not be easily found
Belfast Warm
and Well Project
The Belfast Warm and Well Project is
coordinated by National Energy Action (NEA
NI) and is supported by Community Planning
Partners from across Belfast. The project is
available to vulnerable people who are finding it
dicult to keep their home warm.
Our aim is to help local people struggling to
keep their home warm, by oering advice and
practical support to stay warm and well, and
where appropriate, the provision of heating
measures and discretionary financial assistance
(subject to assessment) to alleviate the aects of
living in cold and damp homes.
NEA will work with local community and voluntary
groups, to provide helpful independent and
confidential advice and practical support. If you
or someone you know is vulnerable and finding it
dicult to keep your home warm, contact NEA on
028 9023 9909 or warmandwell@nea.org.uk to
see if they can help.
• Ensure your main garage door is shut and locked.
• If there are any bicycles or toys sitting around the
outside of the house, put them away
Protect Your Keys
• Always keep your keys safe
• Never give keys to workmen
or tradesmen
• Change your locks if you think
other people might have copies
27
TOP TIPS FOR FIRE
SAFETY AT HOME
HERE ARE TEN TOP TIPS FOR FIRE SAFETY AT HOME:
1. FIT A SMOKE ALARM AND TEST IT REGULARLY:
Smoke alarms are essential for early detection of fires.
Test them regularly and ensure they conform to safety
standards.
2. TAKE CARE WHEN COOKING:
Cooking-related fires are common, so always stay
attentive in the kitchen and keep flammable items
away from heat sources.
3. PLAN AN ESCAPE ROUTE:
Prepare and discuss an escape plan with your family,
and ensure everyone knows the best routes to exit the
home in case of a fire.
4. STORE MATCHES & ELECTRICAL ITEMS SAFELY:
Keep matches and electrical items away from children
and flammable materials to prevent accidents.
5. AVOID OVERLOADING ELECTRICAL OUTLETS:
Plugging too many appliances into one outlet can lead
to overheating and fire hazards, so distribute the load
across dierent outlets.
6. FIT A CARBON MONOXIDE DETECTOR:
If you have a gas boiler/appliance or an open fire or stove
make sure you have a carbon monoxide detector fitted.
7. ARRANGE A FIRE SAFETY CHECK:
Many Fire and Rescue Services oer fire safety risk
assessments, which can provide invaluable insights
into potential fire hazards in your home.
8. KEEP AN EYE ON HEATERS, STOVES & FIREPLACES:
Ensure that combustible materials are kept at a safe
distance from heat sources to prevent accidental fires.
9. QUIT SMOKING INDOORS:
Smoking is a common cause of fires, so consider quitting
or smoke outside to reduce the risk of fire in your home.
10. HAVE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER:
It’s advisable to have a fire extinguisher at home to
tackle small fires before they escalate. Make sure you
know how to use it safely.
BY FOLLOWING THESE TIPS, YOU CAN SIGNIFICANTLY
REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE IN YOUR HOME AND
ENSURE THE SAFETY OF YOUR FAMILY AND PROPERTY.
CARBON MONOXIDE
KILLS! YOU CAN’T SEE IT,
TASTE IT, OR SMELL IT
BEDTIME CHECKLIST
You are more at risk from a fire when you are
asleep. So it’s a good idea to check your home
before you go to bed.
Close inside doors at night to stop fire
from spreading.
Turn o and unplug electrical appliances
unless they need to be left on
eg. Fridge/Freezer.
Check your cooker is turned o.
Don’t leave the washing machine on.
Turn heaters o and put up fireguards.
Put candles and cigarettes out properly.
Make sure that exits are kept clear.
Keep door and window keys where
everyone can find them.
IF A FIRE DEVELOPES IN
YOUR HOME REMEMBER TO
GET OUT, STAY OUT AND
GET THE FIRE BRIGADE OUT
27
Tenant Satisfaction Survey Results
28
Our annual Tenant Satisfaction Survey provided us with powerful insights into our
services, our housing stock, timeliness and quality of repairs and maintenance
standards. We also gained insights into the community we are working for and of
the issues that concern it day to day. 45 responses were received which represents
around 20% of GCHA’s housing stock.
Surveys were conducted using a questionnaire based on the benchmarking
standards used by Housing Associations across Northern Ireland.
TSS Responses
29
“Paul Stuart has been
fantastic, helpful, polite
and professional. Lisa in
maintenance is also very
good. The receptionist
is polite and helpful.”
“Lisa has been very helpful,
knows her stu, and conveys
a sense of confidence that she
knows what she is doing and
that the work will be done.”
“Paul, Margaret,
Agnes and all sta are
very friendly and take
the time to stop and
talk to me.”
“Always made to feel
welcome no matter how
many times you visit.”
30
Andrew Curran
Property & Business Support Ocer
Andrew joined our sta team in November
2023 and has worked in the social housing
sector since 2021 after graduating with a
degree in building surveying. He has also
gained experience working in three other
Housing Associations.
His role entails supporting the property, housing
and business functions of the Association.
He is looking forward to meeting more tenants
and get to know the local area and community
and he recently took part in our Christmas event
as Mr G!
In his spare time, he is an avid sailor and enjoys
being out on the water spending time with
family. He also enjoys trips away going and see
his beloved Liverpool play whenever possible.
Terry Boyd
Compliance and Maintenance Ocer
Terry Boyd Compliance and Maintenance Ocer
retired in September 2023 and we wish him a
long and happy retirement and we thank him for
being a great colleague and friend.
A Winning
Season Ahead!
We’re excited to share that we donated to Rooftop
Football Club, following the support of Phillip Brett
MLA with their application. The funds were secured
through the Association’s Community Engagement
Fund, reflecting our ongoing eorts to support and
enrich our local community.
The Housing & Assets Committee Board members
and the Housing & Property team join me in wishing
Rooftop FC a successful and fulfilling season.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to this
achievement. Your support has made a meaningful
dierence, and we look forward to continuing a
thriving and supportive community for all. The
next round of applications to our Community
Engagement Fund will open in April 2024. If you’re
interested in applying for funding please email Paul
(Senior Housing Ocer) housing@groveha.org.uk or
contact him by phone 028 9077 3330.
31
Visit to Midland Boxing Club:
A Knockout Success!
We are thrilled to share the exciting news of our
visit to the newly refurbished Midland Boxing
Club. Our Chair, Brian Dunn, and Housing
& Property Manager, Marcia McMath, had
the pleasure of experiencing the warm and
inclusive atmosphere that the club oers to all
its members. During our visit, we were proud to
announce our sponsorship for new equipment
and gear specifically for the female youth
members of the club.
The open event on Wednesday, 9th August 2023
was a fantastic opportunity for our tenants to
witness the state-of-the-art facilities, enjoy thrilling
exhibition fights, and even meet the renowned
former professional boxer, Carl Frampton MBE.
We hope those of you who were able to attend
had a great time and got a
chance to connect with the
vibrant community at the club.
We are committed to supporting
such positive initiatives and look
forward to more opportunities
to engage with our amazing
community.
32
Carl Frampton MBE
Community Engagement Fund - great to support youth sports
Proud sponsors of Midland Boxing Club
- new tops for their new female boxers
PUZZLE
MANIA:
TEST
YOUR
WITS!
33
1. Electricmixer
2. Blender
3. Ricecooker
4. Oven
5. Kitchenstove
6. Microwaveoven
7. Scale
8. Refrigerator
Answers
Grove Community
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
We hope you will join us in welcoming our new board
members to join our existing GCHA Board. Your commitment
to our community is truly valued, and we are excited about
the fresh perspectives and ideas you will bring to the table.
Together, we will continue to work towards creating a positive
and inclusive living environment for all our residents. Your
passion for making a dierence is what makes our community
stronger, and we look forward to achieving great things
together. Once again, welcome aboard, and thank you for
being part of our wonderful team!
34
Our Board, sta and shareholders at our AGM in September at Crumlin Road Gaol
Grove Community
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
Welcome to our New
Board Members who
join the existing Board
Pancake Tuesday is just around the corner, and GCHA is excited to celebrate
this delicious tradition with our tenants. To add a touch of sweetness to your
day, here’s a simple and delightful pancake recipe that you can enjoy.
Get Ready for Pancake Perfection with Our Delicious Recipe!
Flipping Fun
Ingredients
120g plain flour
1 large egg
300ml milk
Pinch of salt
Butter for frying
Instructions
1. Put the flour, milk and egg into a bowl.
Whisk until you get a smooth batter.
2. Heat a frying pan over medium heat. Add a small
knob of butter and let it melt. Pour a ladle of batter
into the pan, swirling to coat the base. Cook for
about 1 minute until the pancake is golden. Flip the
pancake and cook the other side for another minute.
3. Transfer the pancake to a plate and repeat with the
remaining batter, stacking the pancakes as you go.
Serve with your favorite toppings such as lemon and
sugar, chocolate spread and strawberries, or even bacon
and maple syrup.
Ingredients
200g fresh strawberries
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lemon juice
500ml sparkling water
Ice cubes
Instructions
1. Place strawberries, honey and lemon
juice in a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Strain the strawberry
mixture to remove the
seeds, if desired.
3. Fill glasses with ice cubes,
pour the strained strawberry
mixture over the ice, top it
o with sparkling water and
gently stir. Garnish with a
fresh strawberry on the rim
of the glass.
This recipe
makes about
5 pancakes.
Enjoy your delicious
Pancake Tuesday
treat!
35
Toast to Love with Our Sparkling
Strawberry Cocktail!
To celebrate Valentine’s Day with your special someone, this
easy-to-make non-alcoholic sparkling cocktail is the perfect
way to toast to love and cherished moments together.
Contact Details
Registered Oce
171 York Road, Belfast BT15 3HB
Telephone: (028) 9077 3330
Out of Hours Repairs Line
0800 7313 081
E-mail: info@groveha.org.uk
Website: www.groveha.org.uk
twitter.com/housinggrove
facebook.com/
grovecommunityhousing
Grove Community
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Out of hours repairs phoneline 0800 731 3081
Grove Community Housing Association Oce 02890 773330
Gas emergency service if you smell gas 0800 002 001
Electricity supply faults 03457 643 643
Police Service of N Ireland – emergency 999
Police Service of N Ireland – non-emergency 101
Crimestoppers 0800 555 111
NI Water – emergency/flooding 03457 440 088
Housing Benefit 03448 920 902
Make the Call (Benefits Helpline) 0800 232 1271
Universal Credit 0800 012 1331
The Vine Centre - Benefits Advice 028 9035 1020
Housing Rights Service 028 9024 5460
Women’s Aid Helpline 0808 802 1414
City Council: Noise Hotline 028 9037 3006
Anti-social behaviour ocer 028 9027 0469
Reporting dog fouling 028 9027 0431
Waste collection 028 9027 0230
Phoenix Gas 03454 55 55 55
Firmus Energy 0800 032 4567
Power NI 03457 455 455
Budget Energy 0800 012 1177
Click Energy 0800 107 0732
Airtricity 08454 555555
Children’s Helpline 0800 1111
Nexus - Sexual Abuse Helpline 028 9032 6803
MacMillan Cancer Support 028 9070 8610
Lifeline (Northern Ireland) 0808 808 8000
GCHA is excited to
present our 2024 events
calendar, featuring
a diverse range of
activities and gatherings
for all tenants. From
community days to
informative sessions,
there’s something for
everyone, providing a
fantastic opportunity to
connect with neighbours
and be part of our vibrant
community. Join us and
be part of these special
moments. These are just
some of our key events
– follow us on Facebook
for more updates.
Grove Community
HOUSING ASSOCIATION