In this issue...Your Space at Helena Central launches

STAR performance in tenant survey

Helena offers a helping hand onto the property ladder

New housing developments

plus much more!

Spring 2012

Key features Flexible space for meetings, events, training, exhibitions

and drop-in advice sessions

4 Two adjoining rooms which can be opened out into a

larger space

4 Capacity for 20-100 people depending on layout

4 Large white projection screen linked to an audio visual

control centre

4 Wi-Fi

4 Internet café comprising of four internet

enabled PC’s

4 Children’s play area

4 Toilets, disabled toilet and baby change facilities

4 Drink and snack vending machines

4 Fully accessible building and hearing loops available

4 Disabled car parking spaces at the front of

the building

Opening timesYour Space is available to hire between 9am and 7pm,

Monday to Friday.

We will review these hours after the first six months

based on how you tell us you want to use Your Space.

Remember this is Your Space, your time.

How to book

Visit Your Space

Call into Helena Central, 4 Corporation Street, St Helens

Town Centre, Monday to Friday, between 9am and 5pm

and we’d be happy to make an appointment with you to

show you around. If the space isn’t being used we’ll show

you around there and then.

Phone 01744 67 55 63

Email yourspace@helenapartnerships.co.uk

Web visit www.helenapartnerships.co.uk/

yourspace and complete the online

enquiry form

Like us

Facebook Your Space at Helena

We will use Facebook and our website to list what’s on

and to post photos of events being held at Your Space.

MAke A dATe AT

Six months after opening the doors to Helena Central, Your Space – a fantastic new meeting

place for local people – will launch on Monday 2nd April.

Your Space is for everyone – you decide what and when. It’s part of our brand new office,

Helena Central, which is in a prime location - a short walk from the town centre and close

to the bus and train stations.

Helena HEADLINES

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Find out moreWe have created a promotional leaflet for Your Space which we will send to you on request, or you can download a copy from our website or view details on our Facebook page.

The leaflet contains details about the room layout options, how many people we can fit into Your Space and details of local caterers.

What’s on at Your Space?Our programme of events will focus around five key themes.

This programme of events will develop over time but here are some key dates for your diary.

Monday 2nd April As well as being the official launch date of Your Space we’d like to kick off the school Easter Holidays with Easter crafts for children between 10am and 2pm. You might even meet the Easter Bunny!

Looking for work? Get a helping hand from large local employers including Tesco and Asda who will come in to deliver practical advice and tips on the following dates between 4pm and 6pm:

Wednesday 18th April, 4pm – 6pm, Wednesday 16th May, 4pm – 6pm Wednesday 13th June, 4pm – 6pm Spaces are limited so get in touch today to reserve your place, call Helena One Call on 01744 63 72 83!

Diversity Forum Meeting Tuesday 22nd May, 10am – midday Contact Janet Ruse on 01744 63 73 83.

Helena Board Meeting Monday 25th June, 6pm – 9pmMonday 23rd July, 6pm – 9pm Contact Kath Taylor on 01744 67 55 57.

Monday 2nd to Friday 6th July Join us at 10.30 daily for a coffee and cupcake on us to celebrate Helena’s 10th birthday.

We will prioritise requests from people living on our estates and businesses that we work with regularly. We will support as many activities as possible, particularly those linked to the themes listed above.

YOURHEALTH

YOURMONEY

YOURWORK

YOURHOME

YOURVIEWS

Spring 2012

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Helena HEADLINES

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STAR Performance In Tenant Survey

Join In With Our 10th Birthday Celebrations!We are looking forward to celebrating more than the Diamond Jubilee and Great Britain

hosting the Olympic Games in 2012 – this July Helena Partnerships is 10 years old!

To mark our 10-year milestone, we would like you to get involved and share your special news and stories from the decade gone by.

• Have you lived in your Helena home for 10 years this year?

• Were any of your children born in 2002?

• Will you be celebrating a special birthday or anniversary this year?

Whatever your stories are, we would love to hear from you!

You can email your stories and snaps – along with your name, address and contact details - to communications@helenapartnerships.co.uk. You can also share your stories by contacting the Communications team on 01744 671574.

We may feature your stories and photographs as part of our birthday celebrations this summer – watch this space!

Overall satisfaction with Helena has reached an all-time high of 90% – with 52% of tenants ‘very satisfied’ – according to a Survey of Tenants and Residents (STAR).

The independent survey was carried out to help Helena find out what you think we are getting right and which of our services can be improved.

The largest increase in satisfaction was around giving you the opportunity to make your views known, at 84% it is now 13% higher than when we carried out the survey two years ago. Satisfaction with the general handling of enquiries also saw a large increase to 87% - 7% higher than the previous survey.

Ten years after our launch, Helena is still committed to creating quality homes, neighbourhoods and communities. It’s good news that 87% of you are satisfied with the condition of your home and 83% with your neighbourhood as a place to live. We’ll keep working hard to improve even further.

The survey highlighted tackling anti-social behaviour (ASB) as a key priority. Helena’s neighbourhood office teams and anti-nuisance team are working closely with residents and partner organisations to do just that – look out for an update on page five.

Our neighbourhood officers and dedicated anti-nuisance team are

continuing to work closely with residents and partner organisations to

stamp out anti-social behaviour (ASB) on Helena estates.

Recent successes include:

• One tenant was evicted because of the condition of their property;

• Two ASB injunctions gained against tenants who disturbed neighbours with loud arguments;

• One ASB injunction gained against a tenant who played loud music and disturbed neighbours with shouting, swearing and fighting;

• One possession order gained against a tenant following an investigation into serious ASB occurring at the property. Two witnesses were moved for their safety.

TAKING A TOUGH STANCE ON ASB

Spring 2012

You can report ASB using our digital TV site, HHTV.

For further details on how to use the site, see page 9.

In a recent consultation, you told us you would like an improved repairs service.

After working closely with our Customer Excellence Panel (CEP) we have changed the way that we prioritise responsive repairs by introducing a new repairs priority system.

Launched in November 2011, the new priority repairs system changed how we decide which repairs to do first.

These changes mean that tenants needing emergency repair jobs – those which pose a health risk or may cause harm to the property or its occupants – will now be offered an appointment within a shorter time frame of up to eight hours. All other repairs which used to fall into the ‘urgent’ and ‘routine’ categories now receive an appointment within 15 days.

These changes are providing a simpler, more flexible and efficient process which is better suited to your needs.

The CEP will continue to scrutinise the new repairs priority system to ensure that we provide a customer responsive, value for money service.

You can find out more about our repairs priority system by visiting www.helenapartnerships.co.uk

We’ve Improved Our Repairs System – Thanks to you!

Responsive Repairs are completed by our operational trades including plasterers, joiners, roofers, plumbers, electricians and drainers. They carry out repairs such as replacing broken windows, unblocking drains or fixing plumbing and electrical faults.

Did you Know – you can now report incidents of anti-social behaviour by sending a text?

Simply send a message to

07860 022826 briefly explaining the nuisance – always include your name, what happened (including when and where) and who was involved.

Your Neighbourhood team will respond to the text within 24 hours if it is classed as an emergency, otherwise we will respond within 48 hours.

You will then be contacted and we will talk to you about what options are available to resolve the matter.

Send a text to

07860 022826

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Helena HEADLINES

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Looking To Get On The Property Ladder? Here are some of our home ownership options:

Under Helena’s shared ownership scheme you can purchase a share in a property – typically between 50%

and 75%. You would then pay an affordable rent on the share owned by Helena. You will still require a

deposit before being able to secure a mortgage for the purchase but the deposit will be based on the

share you purchase rather than the full value of the property, which makes it more affordable. Shares can

then be increased over the years to gain 100% ownership.

With Helena’s shared equity opportunity, you can buy 70% of the value of the property and receive an

equity loan from Helena for the remaining 30%. You would not have to repay anything on the loan until

the sixth year when you would pay an interest charge on the loan, with the interest increasing on an

annual basis. The 30% loan is only repaid either when the the mortgage has been paid or the property

sold. Helena does not retain an interest in the property and the purchaser is classed as being an outright

owner. The loan is secured as a second charge on the property.

Based on the same principles as shared equity, this Government-funded scheme allows you to buy 80% of

the property and receive a loan for the remaining 20%, with Helena and the Government each providing

10% for the remaining share.

Ed Is Loving Life At Lea GreenEd Wallace, 35, has benefited from a Helena home ownership scheme to help him onto the property ladder after recently moving into a property at Lea Green.

He said: “Helena’s home ownership scheme suits me as I have struggled to save enough for a large deposit. By doing it this way I can get my foot on the property ladder at a manageable pace.”

1

2

3

Shared Ownership

Shared Equity

FirstBuy

You can find out more about our home ownership options by calling us on 01744 67 15 55, or emailing

helenaliving@helenapartnerships.co.uk.

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Spring 2012

Our Current developments

Ratcliffe ParkRainhill Road, St Helens, L35 8NR

A development of stunning two and three-bedroom apartments situated on Rainhill Road, close to Rainhill Village.

Available on a shared ownership basis, prices start from £47,475 for a 50% share of a two-bedroom apartment.

We have one x two-bedroom apartment and two x three-bedroom apartments remaining.

For further details call 01744 67 15 55.

Liberty Placeknowsley Road, St Helens, WA10 4PW

A contemporary development of stylish new apartments situated on knowsley Road close to St Helens town centre - available on a shared ownership basis.

Prices start from £30,000 for a 50% share of a one bedroom apartment, paying a monthly rent of just £69.

We have one x one-bedroom apartment remaining.

For further details call 01744 67 15 55.

HighcrossAlfred Street/Victoria Street, Rainford, WA11 8dA

A modern development of spacious two-bedroom apartments for over 55’s - including balconies, communal gardens and a lift.

All apartments currently reserved, priced from £64,975 for a 50% share.

For further details call 01744 67 15 55.

Heald Farm CourtSturgess Street, earlestown, Newton le Willows, WA12 9HP

Heald Farm Court is a retirement living development for over 55’s consisting of two-bedroom apartments and bungalows - available to buy outright or on a shared ownership basis. Prices start from just £56,500 for a 50% share of a two-bedroom apartment.

We have one x two-bedroom apartment remaining.

For further details call our Sales Advisor Jackie on 0800 111 44 24.

We wrote to you recently to tell you that we are increasing our rents from April 2012 in line with Government advice.

All tenants have had their rents increased by the government’s set formula of 6.1% (5.6% plus half a per cent). Some tenants will also pay an additional £2.08 per week - this is because their rent is not yet at the target set by government. Their rent will go up by an additional £2.08 each year until their rent reaches the target.

If you receive full or partial housing benefit, this will cover the full amount of the increase for you, unless your circumstances have changed. If your circumstances have changed, the housing benefit team will need to reassess your claim.

Non-dependent charges (for other people living in your property over 18 years old) have increased. You may find yourself paying more rent because of this.

Tenants who currently have a non-dependent charge can ring Helena One Call on 01744 63 73 83 for more details about how the rates are changing.

For advice and support, contact our Money Matters team via Helena One Call on 01744 63 73 83. They’ll be happy to help and offer a range of support options from budget management courses to advice on the best saving options and welfare benefits.

Helena tenants can also access more information about Helena’s rent increase by visiting www.helenahomes.co.uk or by visiting HHTV (access instructions are on page 9).

Helena HEADLINES

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Q: My gas and electricity bills keep going up. How can I find the best deal out there?

A: You might be interested to know that Helena is promoting a new comparison service which could help you save money on your bills. The free-to-use service, which is known as Billscutter, searches for the cheapest gas and electricity tariffs out there to help you find the best possible deals.

Billscutter is an independent service which is not associated with any energy company and the average saving on home energy bills is estimated to be nearly £140. In January 2012, Helena tenants using Billscutter saved a combined total of more than £2,600. The highest amount saved by one tenant who switched providers was £239.

You can find out more by visiting www.helenahomes.co.uk. Alternatively, you can call 0844 811 1831 and we will check out the best deals for you.

What does Helena do with the rent money collected from our tenants?

Spent £118 million in repairs

Provided £37 million for building new homes

Invested £183 million on improvements

Ask Bob

Helena’s Rents Are Increasing

Access to your personal information…

4 View and update your contact details;

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

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

Options to identify and report repairs…

4 Report repair work;

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

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

Option to view rent details…

4 Find out your rent amount and balance;

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

4 Generate custom rent statements between specific dates.

We will soon be adding an extra service to our website which will act as a one stop shop for finding out information on your tenancy and property, reporting repairs and viewing and paying your rent.

Using your own unique log-in and password, our new website service will offer the following convenient benefits:

Find out more with HHTVWant to check our latest property developments or find out how you can get involved with Helena and have your say? Tuning into HHTV is an easy and accessible way to access useful information and it couldn’t be simpler to tune in - here’s how:

Virgin Media

- Go to community Channel (233)

- Press the red button

- Enter QuickCode 4488

Sky

- Go to community Channel (539)

- Press the red button

- Enter QuickCode 4488

If you would like to share your views, comments and experiences of using HHTV, please email communications@helenapartnerships.co.uk and provide your name, address and telephone number.

All entries will be put into a free prize draw for a chance to win £50 High Street gift vouchers and the winner will be announced in the summer edition of Helena Headlines. The closing date for entries is Friday 20th April.

don’t have the internet? You can get online by dropping into our new town centre office and making use of our free internet café. You can find our address on page 12.

Online One Stop Shop For Tenants

For further information and updates, stay tuned to www.helenahomes.co.uk or visit our digital TV site, HHTV (instructions below).

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Spring 2012

Helena HEADLINES

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Well-known Garden Designer Returns to St Helens Roots for Green Base OpeningWell-known garden designer and landscape architect Andrew Wilson returned to his St Helens roots for the opening of Helena’s new community horticulture facility, the Green Base, last autumn.

Andrew (pictured far right) - who grew up in Thatto Heath and went on become Founding Director of The London School of Garden Design – declared the Green Base open to the public alongside the Green Space team and Helena’s Chief Executive, Rob Young.

The Green Base is home to Helena’s Green Space Service and offers a place where members of the community can learn more about horticulture, green spaces and how to become more eco-friendly.

Get Involved at the Green Base...The building is open weekdays from 10am until 4pm and the team would love to meet you.

The team are currently developing a community garden behind the Green Base and are looking for green-fingered residents to get involved and help them to create raised beds and wildlife areas.

To find out more about this or any other volunteering opportunities at the Green Base, contact Jo Lyon on 01744 67 79 38 or email joanne.lyon@helenapartnerships.co.uk.

Alternatively, you can keep an eye on volunteer opportunities at the Green Base on HHTV and by visiting www.helenahomes.co.uk

Green Space Service Update

Spring is in the air and the Green Space Service is working hard on landscape improvements

across St Helens. You may have spotted them out and about -

moving earth on wildflower sites to prepare the areas for seeding.

This will help to get the very best display of colourful wildflowers this summer.

Green Base 1 Queensland Place

Thatto HeathSt HelensWA9 5SH

Helena Forums Celebrate DiversityTenants have been having their say on Helena’s services at a Diversity Forum event.

The forums - which include representative groups for disability, race, gender, sexual orientation, and age – have been developed by Helena to give traditionally under-represented groups of people the chance to scrutinise our services.

The sessions provide attendees with opportunities to advise Helena on the best ways to involve and consult with the wider community, and to identify and find solutions to issues which affect people’s quality of life.

At a recent Diversity Forum session focusing on Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) history, attendees reviewed and shared their views on Helena’s hate crime policy before watching a video celebrating the involvement of LGBT people in the health care sector through the ages.

Gary Peet, a Helena tenant from Four Acre, was a new attendee to the Diversity Forums and found the session very fruitful.

He said: “When I heard about the Diversity Forum, I was very curious to find out what it was all about. I enjoyed meeting people from all different types of backgrounds and hearing their personal views on the services Helena provides.”

The next Diversity Forum event will focus on Disability Awareness and will take place on Tuesday 22nd May, 10am-12pm, in the Resource Centre at Helena Central.

Spring 2012

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If you would like to go along to the next Diversity Forum, or for

further information, contact Janet Ruse on 01744 63 73 83.

Gary Peet

As part of Helena’s commitment to become more accessible, we have opened our Board Meetings to the public to provide you with the opportunity to learn more about our business and the objectives we have set ourselves.

These monthly meetings cover issues including performance, recent tenant satisfaction scores and housing developments, along with our plans to introduce new partnerships and services.

Catherine Dutton, a Helena tenant and member of our Customer Excellence Panel (CEP) attended a recent Board Meeting and found the experience very useful. She said: “It was very reassuring to listen to the efforts Helena is going to in order to support tenants with potential changes to the benefits they receive.

“I will definitely be going along again and would encourage others to do the same.”

The next Board Meeting will take place on Monday 28th May, 6pm – 9pm in the Resource Centre at Helena Central (you can find the address for Helena Central below).

If you would like to attend the meeting please register your interest by contacting Kath Taylor, Board & Governance Officer, by 5pm on Monday 21st May. Kath can be contacted either by phone on 01744 67 55 57 or by emailing kath.taylor@helenapartnerships.co.uk.

Stay Up To Date With Helena At Board Meetings

Board Meetings with Tenants

Catherine Dutton

BOARD MEETINGS Dates for your Diary

Monday 25th JuneMonday 23rd July6pm – 9pm at Helena CentralContact Kath Taylor for further information.

Helena HEADLINES

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

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

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

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

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

By phone: 01744 63 73 83

By email: onecall@helenapartnerships.co.uk

Website: www.helenahomes.co.uk

Using our digital TV site, Helena Homes TV:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

www.helenahomes.co.uk

HHTV Quickcode 4488 (instructions on page 9).