Housing Matters – July 2023
Thursday, 20 July 2023
Our July 2023 newsletter for our housing tenants.
Success from the ground(work) up!
Groundworks 2Another successful Green Team course has recently ended with a celebratory event to congratulate those who took part and receive their certificates.
The Green Team project, run by Groundwork East, is a free, 10-week course, part-funded by Housing Services and Oaklands College. The course is aimed at over 19s who are unemployed and want to gain new skills leading to a Level 1 qualification in Horticultural Maintenance. 
The work they do whilst they learn also helps to improve community areas – the latest project took place at the grounds by the Meadow Way Community Centre in Leighton Buzzard.
One of the learners, Neil, has just been offered a job as Park Ranger at Houghton Hall Park. He said: “I wanted to do this course to achieve a qualification to improve my chances of employment, and it has! I have learnt many things from the units covered, in particular consolidating soil when sowing seeds, and seeing how the team managed the project and the students I feel I have a better insight into what it takes to run a team and adapt to individual requirements. This will help me in my new role.”
Kim Hopcroft, Neighbourhood Operations Manager, said: “The team worked really hard in Meadow Way - clearing paths to create better walkways, planting flowers and improving flower beds, pruning hedges, and making raised beds. It was a big commitment, and I really hope they know they have made a difference in the area. After the success of this first project, we’re looking at continuing to fund more projects this year.”
The whole team achieved their qualification and were part of a celebration ceremony, where they were handed their certificates and congratulated on their achievement.
Mark, one of the volunteer students who successfully completed the course presented a powerful speech to his colleagues and tutors, saying: “We have worked with remarkable people who have been our guides, mentors, and friends throughout this extraordinary experience. Their dedication, professionalism and commitment to our wellbeing and mental state has changed our lives forever. The knowledge and skills learnt have not only empowered us in our personal lives, but also equipped us to contribute positively to our communities. The team have touched our hearts and forever changed my life and many other students and friends that are here today. I can't thank you enough. You are the best.”
Groundwork is looking for people for the next project. If you would like to find out more about how you can take part, or if you know someone who would like, visit Groundworks's website.
Who are the Involvement and Engagement Team?
Community Engagement teamIf you follow our Facebook page, you will see posts about our Involvement and Engagement team.
As their title suggests, the team are often out in the community, giving advice about housing related issues to residents. They also join other organisations such as Community Safety, Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue, Bedfordshire Police, Healthwatch and local charities such as TACTIC and the Sandringham Hub.
Why do the team go out into the community?
Sharon Scully from the team said: “It’s important that we, as housing services, get out into our communities and meet with residents where they live. By organising our own events, joining events and door-knocking with other teams, we get to meet many people who would not usually have the chance to speak with one of us to get advice. We also promote the local services that help to bring people together, tackling loneliness and offering specific advice and guidance on a range of topics, such as anti-social behaviour, age related issues and youth support.
“This year, we have been to various joint events and visited some residents in their own homes. The team has helped with repairs issues, ASB complaints, tenant referrals to our Sustainment team, submitted intelligence to the police and signposted residents for a home fire safety check. Where we can’t help directly, we always try to find the right support for the person who needs it.”
How do I get to see someone?
The team will be out all summer at various events. To find out where they will be next, see our Facebook page.
Making sure everyone has a great time this summer
We don’t want to pour a bucket of cold water over any fun you’re having in the sunshine (although you may like it if the temperature soars again), but we do need to ask you to think about your neighbours when you’re outside in the communal gardens.
Here’s an easy guide to making it a good time for you and everyone else:
Sharing is caring. Have lots of fun out there, but please remember to make some room for everyone who shares the outdoor space.
Please think about the noise if you’re sitting by a neighbour’s window.
Leaving toys out overnight isn’t on. It’s a bit like towels on sunbeds and there’s a safety risk as well.
Ash could be all that’s left of a tree if a BBQ catches fire nearby. Please no BBQs on the shared outdoor space.
Safety – we can’t say it enough. Water, flames, glass, trip hazards. Make it a safe fun sun time.
Have fun, relax, be kind and keep communal areas clear for all to enjoy.
To chat to one of the team, contact: neighbourhoodhousing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
Raising awareness of anti-social behaviour
On 5 July, as part of ASB Awareness Week, colleagues from Housing, Community Safety, Bedfordshire Police, Child Exploitation and the TREE project worked in collaboration at an event in Oakley Green, Leighton Buzzard. The group spoke with local residents about issues in the area, offering advice and guidance on issues raised.
ASB Awareness week – run by Resolve, a centre for excellence solely focused on community safety and anti-social behaviour – is held every July to raise knowledge of what people can do if they are experiencing antisocial behaviour. For the last 2 years, Housing Services have tied our messaging into the week.
Susanne Bellamy, Tenancy Enforcement Officer who took part, said: “Holding the event was a great way to meet new people and reassure them that we do take every report seriously. We were able to explain that evidence is vital in resolving anti-social behaviour and nuisance, and to reassure them that there are different ways to share this evidence, anonymously if they prefer.”
For those who were not able to make the event, flyers were posted with information on how to report incidents to the police, housing or anonymously via Crimestoppers.
Susanne went on to say: “Anti-social behaviour is complex and covers anything that causes harassment, alarm or distress, be it noise nuisance, intimidation, nuisance behaviour, verbal abuse, targeted bad behaviour, fly-tipping or neighbour disputes. We want our tenants and residents to know that we will investigate with our professional partners, and we will take action against the tenancy if needed.”
An example of action that is taken happened recently, where Housing Services gained possession of a property in Leighton Buzzard which was being used for anti-social behaviour and crime. After receiving several reports of anti-social behaviour and drug use at the address, we worked with the police who gained entry to the building and found Class A drugs. Due to the conviction and breach of tenancy, we were able to gain possession of the property meaning the previous tenant will not return. The property is will now be relet to a new family.
If you see criminal activity report to the police on 101. If there is an immediate threat of harm to you or anyone, call 999. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. To report to us, email: neighbourhoodhousing@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
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.