Tenants’
 
Newsletter
 
WINTER 2022
 
Grove Community
 
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
 
Full planning
 
permission
 
sought for the
 
delivery of 30
 
new homes to the
 
grove area
 
The Association is delighted to have agreed
 
the final plans and worked through required
 
revisions during the pre-planning stages. We
 
have submitted our application for full planning
 
permission approval. This can take several
 
months to be assessed along with updates
 
on NI Water solutions but with support from
 
our elected representatives we hope we can
 
achieve a positive outcome soon to deliver much
 
needed homes. We will then go out to tender
 
for the construction phase to get on site as soon
 
as practical. We look forward to the positive
 
regeneration the new homes will bring to the area.
 
15NO 3PERSON, 2BEDROOM GENERAL NEED HOUSES
 
7NO 5PERSON 3BEDROOM GENERAL NEED HOUSES
 
5NO 3PERSON 2BEDROOM WHEELCHAIR BUNGALOWS
 
1NO 6PERSON 4BEDROOM WHEELCHAIR BUNGALOW
 
2NO 2PERSON 1BEDROOM APARTMENTS
 
The Association is delighted to
 
have invested in a new Compliance
 
& Assets Ocer, Paul Pollock
 
and warmly welcomes him to the
 
Housing & Property team.
 
Paul brings a wealth of experience and knowledge
 
to the Association. He has 40 years’ experience
 
with the NI Housing Executive and construction
 
sector in both response and planned maintenance.
 
He also is a qualified Chartered Building Surveyor
 
(MRICS) and commenced his early career as a
 
carpenter. He looks forward to starting work on
 
our planned maintenance programmes and values
 
work completed to the highest standard and to the
 
happy satisfaction of tenants.
 
In his spare time Paul is a qualified IFA football
 
referee and referees in the Belfast & District
 
League and occasionally in the South Belfast
 
Youth League. The rest of his spare time he likes to
 
spend with his 2 young grandchildren.
 
2
 
Contents
 
New Build Development Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
 
The 3 Ps
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
 
Housing Awards
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
 
Community Clean-up
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
 
Good Relations Event
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
 
Bulb Planting Event
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
 
Festive Fun
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
 
Santa Claus is coming to town
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
 
Christmas Dinner
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
 
Tenant Voice Group
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
 
2023 Upcoming Events/Energy Bills Support
 
. . . 13
 
Cost of Living
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
 
Skegoneill Community Foodbank/Maintenance
 
15
 
Bulky Waste/Living Conditions
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
 
Energy Ecient Behaviour Savings
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
 
Domestic Abuse/Bogus Callers/Hate Crime
 
. 20/21
 
Tenancy Fraud/Complaints/Adaptations/
 
Help Your Neighbour
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
 
Home Security/Belfast Warm & Well Project
 
. . . . . 23
 
Winter Freeze Tips
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
 
Kids Winter Art Competition
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
 
Tenant Satisfaction Surveys 2021-22
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . 26
 
Contact Details/Useful Numbers
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
 
3
 
Good Relations
 
Event
 
Good Relations Week 2022 took place from
 
Tuesday 20th to Monday 26th September 2022.
 
The theme for this year’s celebration is
 
‘CHANGE STARTS WITH US’
 
This year, Grove Community Housing Association
 
partnered with Newington Housing Association to jointly
 
run two events which seen tenants giving up a few hours
 
of their time to enjoy a gardening session at Camberwell
 
Court, facilitated by Grow Community Garden.
 
The following night tenants came together to test their
 
general knowledge in a quiz and pizza event. Grove
 
Community Housing Association would like to thank
 
everyone who attended the events, and we would also
 
like to thank Newington Housing Association and
 
Grow Community Garden for all their help in
 
delivering the events.
 
6
 
Bulb Planting
 
Event
 
Local residents and children came together on
 
the 4th November 2022 to help prepare the
 
planters and pots in the Community Garden with
 
a variety of bulbs for both spring/summer.
 
The event was a fantastic opportunity for some
 
outdoor working and a great neighbour bonding
 
exercise. It was amazing to see the Community
 
Garden back in use and residents taking
 
ownership of this unique space.
 
GCHA would be keen to meet with any
 
gardening enthusiasts willing to oer their time
 
to become volunteers to help maintain the
 
Community Garden, please contact a member of
 
the Housing Team for further details.
 
Similar events to be scheduled in the New Year.
 
7
 
Festive Fun
 
Tenants and sta came together on a cold afternoon in
 
December to decorate the new community Christmas
 
tree. Some of our tenants provided their own angel
 
wings decorations in memory of loved ones who had
 
recently passed and shared stories of old and new.
 
This added a more personal involvement from tenants
 
in remembering our past tenants at Christmas time.
 
Tea & coee were provided to warm up the hands
 
after all the decorating. Same time again next year?
 
8
 
Santa Claus
 
is coming
 
to town
 
There was a magnificent turnout for the
 
Grove’s Santa Sleigh event. Many people
 
in the community and their children
 
attended and enjoyed having their picture
 
taken with Santa and his elves. Santa and
 
his elves started their journey at the oce,
 
made their way through the streets of the
 
Grove area and finished at the community
 
garden. All the children received treats from
 
Santa. Lots of fun was had by all – especially
 
Santa as you can see by our pictures.
 
9
 
10
 
Christmas
 
Dinner
 
We hosted a Christmas Dinner and invited
 
all of our older tenants to join us. As you can
 
see the tenants (and sta) enjoyed a delicious
 
meal at the Orchardville Café in the Grove
 
Wellbeing Centre with some nice chocolate
 
Santa treats given out as well - everyone
 
definitely had full stomachs after. Special
 
thanks to Reverend Sam Best for his wonderful
 
singing and all the sta at Orchardville Café
 
for an outstanding service.
 
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 Ocer)
 
housing@groveha.org.uk or contact him by
 
phone 028 9077 3330.
 
11
 
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
 
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 oces.
 
T: 028 9077 3330
 
(Please note we are unable to respond to anonymous emails)
 
12
 
1313
 
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 Oce 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.
 
2023 UPCOMING EVENTS
 
Grove have a number of events scheduled over the next couple of months, it would be brilliant if you could
 
join us. If you are interested in any of the events, please contact our oce and talk to a member of sta.
 
16TH FEBRUARY 2023
 
MID MORNING BREAKFAST
 
29TH MARCH 2023
 
TENANT VOICE MEETING
 
13TH MARCH 2023
 
EASTER COMPETITION
 
14TH MARCH 2023
 
COFFEE & ADVICE MORNING
 
5TH APRIL 2023
 
EASTER EVENT
 
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
 
Oce 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
 
Oce 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
 
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 dicult 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 Ocer 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 oering a Warm Hub based in the
 
oce, 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 coee (hot chocolate for the kids) and enjoy the
 
warmth and comfort of our newly opened oce.
 
There is some great work underway locally by community
 
organisations oering 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 oce. 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 oce for further information.
 
14
 
Marie Fennell
 
Comfy Sofa
 
TV
 
Telephone: 028 9035 1020
 
Email: frontdesk@vinecentre.org
 
https://twitter.com/nbapadvice/
 
15
 
Maintenance
 
Immediate Call Out
 
This category of repair will be attended by the
 
contractor within 4 hours.
 
These are faults which can aect 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 aect 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
 
oce 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.
 
Skegoneill Community
 
Foodbank
 
Skegoneill Community Foodbank is run by local
 
volunteers and aims to oer help to all residents
 
in the local area, no referral is necessary. The
 
Foodbank oers assistance, providing food
 
parcels and other essentials to those in need.
 
Skegoniell Community Foodbank also are able to
 
provide clothing for homeless or other families or
 
individuals struggling at any time. If anyone would
 
like to visit the unique boutique or wish to have
 
a browse please contact a member of sta at the
 
foodbank or GCHA for further details.
 
Skegoniell Community Food
 
relies on donations and any contributions would
 
be greatly accepted as all funds raised go
 
towards the running of the food bank.
 
This essential service caters for all those in
 
need in the strictest of confidence in a friendly
 
non-judgemental manner. For more information
 
follow on their Facebook page or speak to a
 
member of sta at GCHA.
 
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 dicult 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 aect 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 aect 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.
 
16
 
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 eective 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.
 
17
 
Energy ecient
 
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 ecient;
 
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 ecient; 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 ecient.
 
• 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.
 
18
 
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 ecient bulbs you
 
can buy, followed by compact fluorescent
 
lamps. Whilst halogen bulbs can still be
 
bought in the UK, they have much lower
 
eciencies 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 inecient shower head
 
with a water ecient 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 ecient 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.
 
19
 
Domestic abuse
 
Domestic abuse can take many forms
 
and can aect 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 oering 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 aected 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 aected by crime.
 
It oers 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/
 
20
 
21
 
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 oenders.
 
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
 
21
 
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 ocers 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 Ocer on 028 9077 3330.
 
Complaints
 
How to make a complaint
 
Contact Housing (Paul) on 028 9077 3330
 
or email housing@groveha.org.uk.
 
22
 
Adaptations
 
We understand that our tenants can be aected
 
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 Housing Ocer 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 Ocer 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 dicult time
 
for them to get out and
 
about. A friendly visit from
 
a neighbour will
 
be appreciated.
 
23
 
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
 
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
 
dicult to keep their home warm.
 
Our aim is to help local people struggling to
 
keep their home warm, by oering 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 aects 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
 
dicult to keep your home warm, contact NEA on
 
028 9023 9909 or warmandwell@nea.org.uk to
 
see if they can help.
 
keep car keys were they will not be easily found
 
• 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
 
Tenant Satisfaction
 
Survey Results
 
26
 
Take a look below to see your feedback on how you
 
think we’re performing.
 
27
 
of our Tenants are fairly or very satisfied
 
with the overall standard of their home.
 
75%
 
of our Tenants are fairly or very satisfied,
 
that their rent provides value for money
 
and with the tenant involvement that
 
GCHA provides.
 
OVER
 
67%
 
Contact Details
 
Registered Oce
 
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
 
facebook.com/grovecommunityhousing
 
twitter.com/housinggrove
 
Grove Community
 
HOUSING ASSOCIATION
 
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
 
Grove out of hours repairs (Fold Telecare) 0800 731 3081
 
Grove Oce 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
 
Citizen’s Advice NI 028 9064 1120
 
Housing Rights Service 028 9024 5460
 
Women’s Aid Helpline 0808 802 1414
 
City Council: Noise Hotline 028 9037 3006
 
Anti-social behaviour ocer 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