Housing Matters – October 2023
Tuesday, 17 October 2023
Read the latest edition of Housing Matters – October 2023
Welcome to Housing Matters. In this issue, read about:
- How to stay aware of scam calls
- Changes at our recycling centres – you'll now need proof of your address when you visit
- Our independent living open day
- The new website for Grove View integrated health and care hub
- Rewarding careers in adult social care
- Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations
Unsolicited calls to residents
We have been made aware that some of you are receiving calls from agents claiming to be from our Housing Services team, or trades people calling and offering repairs.
Residents are being asked for pictures of their windows, walls, kitchen and bathrooms, to be sent via WhatsApp, text and email. The callers are asking for this on the assumption that they will repair any damage, damp or mould, or offer to take on a legal case.
These types of calls are usually from agents who are paid to get business for private traders and no win no fee solicitors. Claiming to be us is not only fraudulent, but potentially dangerous if we are not made aware of a repair or instance of damp and mould. If we don’t know about it, we can’t fix it.
How do you know if a call is from us?
Calls from us will always come from an 0300 300 number, or an email address as follows: firstname.lastname@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
If you notice a problem, what should you do?
It’s very important that if you have any repairs, mould, broken fixtures etc that you contact the housing team. In an emergency call the repairs hotline: 0800 074 0263. This is the only way we will know that you have any problems that need fixing.
You’ve already reported a problem and are still waiting...
If you feel your request may have been overlooked or the situation has gotten worse, re-report your issue. If you feel you are not being listened to, you can make a complaint which is the first step in taking a formal approach to your grievance. If you feel you still are not receiving the response you need, you can complain to the Housing Ombudsman via the official complaints process.
Find out more about how to protect yourself from scams. Remember: if in doubt, check it out.
Proof of address will be required to access our recycling centres
Visitors to our recycling centres will now need to show proof that they live in Central Bedfordshire. So if you're planning a visit, please don't forget your ID!
What are the current forms of acceptable I.D.?
- current UK driving licence (photo card or paper licence will be accepted, may be displayed electronically via a mobile phone)
- Council Tax bill – from the current financial year (may be displayed electronically via a mobile phone)
- utility bill (gas, electricity, or water) – less than a year old (may be displayed electronically via a mobile phone)
- letter from HMRC or the Home Office – less than a year old (may be displayed electronically via a mobile phone)
- current bus pass
- current disabled parking permit
Over 55 and looking to make the right move?
Visit us at our independent living open day on Saturday 28 October 2023 – it's free and open to all.
Moving to an independent living scheme can help you live your life to the full – come and find out more about affordable rent and shared ownership housing options.
Drop in to All Saints View (Sapphire Way, Houghton Regis, LU5 5LP) any time between 10am and 3pm for:
- advice and information
- refreshments
- information about costs
- more about other housing schemes
For further information call us on 0300 300 5904 or email: independentliving.housingservice@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
New website launch for Grove View integrated health and care hub in Dunstable
We are pleased to introduce the brand-new Grove View website. The website is a great resource providing information about the services at the health and care hub, opening hours and detailed directions to the hub.
One of the highlights of the website is the section dedicated to the artwork of Marcus and Hayley Walters. Their work, influenced and inspired by a local art project, adorns the walls of this four-storey building, adding a unique and vibrant effect to the space. Marcus and Hayley have recently been featured on a six-part documentary series for Channel 4 showing how the two artists work and where they get their inspiration from; A Cotswold Farmshop, Episode 3, which you can watch on catchup.
We’d love to hear your feedback on the new website, which you can email to communications@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Discover rewarding careers in adult social care – new online resource launched
Working in adult social care is both rewarding and inspiring, and provides career opportunities with a diversity and range of roles many may never have considered.
To help people find out about the range and diversity of roles available in adult social care, we have launched how to get a career in adult social care to encourage people to consider a career in adult social care.
It acts as a one stop shop for information on the various career options available in adult social care. The site is designed to be appealing and user friendly, with content that is informative, engaging, and accessible to a wide range of audiences including school leavers, individuals looking to start a new career, or those already employed in adult social care and looking to progress further.
It also contains a range of resources and guidance to support people in understanding the different career pathways available in adult social care, including information on entry requirements, training and development opportunities and progression routes.
In addition, we offer practical advice on how to get started in the sector, including links to helpful resources such as CV writing and the ability to view current vacancies in the area listed by DHSC.
Find out how to get a career in adult social care and start your journey to a new and rewarding career.
Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for a healthy winter
As we enter the colder months, it’s important to safeguard your wellbeing and that of your loved ones. The NHS is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to those at a higher risk of severe illness during the upcoming season.
Eligibility
People who qualify for both these essential vaccinations include anyone who is:
- 65 years old or over
- a resident of an adult care home
- expecting a child
- aged over 6 months old with certain health conditions
- frontline health and care staff
- unpaid carers
- household contacts of high-risk individuals
Why it matters
While flu and COVID-19 might be mild for some, they can be life-threatening for others. Contracting both viruses during winter raises the risk of severe illness. Vaccination is a step you can take to protect yourself and those around you.
Benefits of the vaccination
By having the vaccinations, you can reduce your chances of severe illness, experience milder symptoms if you become infected and help prevent our healthcare system from becoming overwhelmed.
Protecting children
School-aged children should receive the flu vaccine through schools and community venues.
Children who are 2 to 3 years old, or with certain health conditions, can also get the flu vaccine at their GP practice.
Most children over 2 years old and over will have the vaccine through a quick and painless nasal spray. For those under 2 and those who cannot have the nasal spray vaccine, the vaccination is offered as an injection. Both are safe and effective and can protect your child from flu this winter.
Getting vaccinated
Visit the NHS website for the latest information and booking details.
Don't wait – get your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations for a healthier, safer winter.
Give us your feedback
Do you like the news bulletin? What would you like to see included? If you have anything you would like to see on these bulletins, email housinginfo@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk and let us know.