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Big Issue founder praises Broxbourne Housing Association’s apprenticeship programme

As National Apprenticeship Week approaches on the 6th February, John Bird MBE, Founder of the Big Issue, has praised Broxbourne Housing Association’s apprenticeship programme and its ‘big society’ approach at the organisation’s 6th anniversary celebration on 23rd January.

Speaking at BHA’s best attended anniversary celebration yet with over 100 guests, John Bird MBE said: “It is clear that Broxbourne Housing Association is giving its residents a hand up, not a hand out. In Projects like the Shoots and Roots enterprise, young people learn practical skills and use them to create a business with the potential to train and employ more young people in the future”

“As a big society we can’t just address poverty – we must offer education and social improvement too. That is what Broxbourne Housing Association is doing – in fact they are leading the way.”

John Giesen, Chief Executive said: “We are pleased to celebrate with our partners who helped us deliver fantastic results last year. One of the many highlights of the year was employing nine apprentices through our apprenticeship programme to work as PA’s, administrators, gardeners and caretakers.”

The current economic situation means many people are struggling to find work and we believe that without improved work chances, communities struggle to thrive. Broxbourne Housing Association recognise the fundamental part employment, training and work experience opportunities play in building strong communities and helping to change lives.

A BHA apprenticeship usually lasts two years and on successful completion, the apprentices gain the skills and experience to find permanent employment either with BHA or with another employer, based on the skills and experience they have gained over their time with the organisation.

Work finishes at Coopers Walk in Cheshunt

The Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Eddy Rowland, and Chair of Broxbourne Housing Association Board Sandra Royer joined Broxbourne Housing Association staff and contractors Lakehouse in marking the completion of the major renovation work at Coopers Walk in Cheshunt.

The £3 million investment from Broxbourne Housing Association represents the final stage of promises made to residents on transfer from Broxbourne Borough Council in 2006.

Residents, who were extensively involved in planning the transformation, now have warmer, better looking homes with reduced fuel bills. The work included segregating the blocks, insulating the walls, widening the balconies, new stair towers, and new double glazing to help reduce residents’ heating bills. Home security has been improved with new front doors, additional fences, private defensible space, improved lighting and video door entry. Walkways through the estate have been widened and additional paths created, as well as new bin stores added to encourage recycling.

Ken Goodsell, Deputy Chief Executive for BHA said: “Many residents that I have spoken to from the area have told me how much the renovation has improved the environment and changed people’s perceptions of the neighbourhood. It’s great to hear that the work we do is appreciated.

To thank residents for their involvement and cooperation during the works, we will hold a celebration event once the weather is warmer in the Spring when they can really enjoy the new landscaped areas.”

Injunction stops commercial use of private parking spaces

A parking injunction has given private parking spaces back to Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) residents after they suffered inconvenience and noise caused by nuisance parking activity. The problems started when another resident, who lived a mile away, began parking commercial vehicles and untaxed cars in private parking reserved for use by BHA residents.

Because the car park is privately owned by BHA, the local council were unable to remove the vehicles. Any vehicle registration numbers reported to the DVLA as untaxed were not acted on because of the quick turnover of vehicles.

As well as spaces remaining continually filled, there was additional noise from vehicles coming and going in low loaders and the untaxed and unkempt vehicles attracted other anti-social behaviour.

Once they were made aware, BHA acted quickly to identify the person responsible who was given ample opportunity to give reasons as to why he should be allowed to park vehicles there. He failed to make any contact but continued to prevent residents using their spaces and the nuisance continued. BHA applied for a with-notice injunction to prevent this behaviour and the court ruled that no more that 2 vehicles could be parked in residents’ spaces by him and that all vehicles must be taxed. Checks following the injunction have so far proved successful.

Kim Wotton, Anti Social Behaviour Caseworker, said: “We work closely with the Police and local residents to tackle anti-social behaviour and on this occasion 7 residents kept us updated on nuisance from the vehicles and Police carried out regular vehicle and DVLA checks’

Housing association helps get house ready for ill youngsters

Staff at Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) jumped at the chance to help the charity they’ve supported over the last two years, Teens Unite, in their bid to provide a retreat for young people with cancer.

Teens Unite Fighting Cancer is dedicated to improving the lives of young people aged between 13 and 24 with life-limiting illnesses.

BHA staff used their skills to completely refurbish three bathrooms, including replacing toilets and basins, as well as fitting a new level access shower. The work was funded through BHA’s community development programme.

BHA staff have now volunteered to help with painting and decorating the house and putting together flat-pack furniture.

Jodie Pezzani says: “We are so grateful for the support the Broxbourne Housing Association and its staff have given us in helping us with renovations, they have truly given something back to the local community and to the teenagers we support, it means so much for a small charity.

“Our aim has been to open the first respite home that is focused specifically on delivering support services tailored to the needs of teenagers and young people and with the amazing support of local people and companies we are almost there.

“Teens Unite is dedicated to improving the lives of teenagers fighting cancer and other life limiting illnesses by helping the young people build on their self esteem, self confidence and reducing the feeling of isolation by helping them realise that others are facing similar challenges.

Brian Cooke, Community Development Manager at BHA said: “The support Teens Unite offer young people with Cancer is fantastic and we have been pleased to support them through fundraising and practical help. Through our on-going community development programme we are proud to offer help to develop the communities in which we work.”

Housing Association leads the way to support families in crisis

The Family Intervention Project supports Hertfordshire families in crisis. In partnership with Hertfordshire County Council, Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) was the first to offer this kind of intensive support to families at risk of losing their home because of persistent anti social behaviour or rent arrears.

Leading on the project is Louise Wicks, Family Intervention Project Worker for BHA. She says: “We work with families who are considered ‘high risk’ because they have so far failed to engage with the support on offer.”

Following a 6 week assessment, Louise becomes a central point of contact for both the family and other support agencies, putting together a support plan and behaviour contract which outlines the objectives and expectations for everyone involved. Because the project is so intensive, Louise will only work with up to six families at any one time over a 12 month period.

She says: “Where we see a need for intensive support, I’ll go out to chat to the family as well as talk to agencies that can help. My job is to help the family identify their priorities and make sure that they have the same goals as the agencies supporting them.

“We make a support contract with the family, which everyone signs. It’s important the family are clear about what will happen if targets aren’t met. I provide support for them so they can achieve those goals.

“We try to focus on good outcomes and use positive praise to get there. I’ll work with a family for up to a year and make sure the change they make is sustainable at the end - I always make sure they know where to go for more help.

“You can’t fix everything. It’s about empowering families to do it themselves and getting them to take ownership of their problems. My favourite part is seeing the end result – for example a young Mum who’s child has come off the child protection register because of the work they’ve done with us to change their lives - they know they done something amazing.”

The project started in May 2010 and Louise can see real long term benefit.

“We work with the top 2-3% of high risk families. From the statistics we can see that this type of intervention does work. We have demonstrated many good outcomes such as children going back to school, a reduced risk of domestic violence taking place and parents going back to work. If we are able to work with families to make sure their tenancy is no longer under threat, we can save a great deal of money further down the line, as an evicted family often proves to be a real drain on other services.

“Some of the families I’ve worked with can see how their lives have changed. The trick is not to encourage them to become reliant on us, but instead give them the tools to cope on their own.

“To do this job you need to be resourceful, empathic and non-judgemental. You will come across things you may have an opinion about but you have to put it aside and get on with the job in hand. The work is tremendously rewarding – there are hard days, but the positive results make it all worthwhile.”

Broxbourne Housing Association helps tackle elder abuse

Broxbourne Housing Association has been raising money to support the national charity, Action on Elder Abuse. Staff raised £550 by holding coffee mornings on National Elder Abuse Day as well as other fundraising activities including selling breakfasts and massages.

Maggie Evans, Marketing and Support Manager for Action on Elder Abuse said; “You may not think it’s a lot of money, but to us it’s massive. This amount will pay to train a volunteer to work on our helpline.

“Action on Elder Abuse was set up in 1993 because there was nowhere for older people and their relatives to turn for help if they had concerns about abuse. We cover the whole of UK offer a Freephone helpline for anyone concerned in any way about the abuse of older people.”

Deborah Fenton, Housing Services Manager for Broxbourne Housing Association said: ‘We are pleased to be able to support Action on Elder Abuse. They champion the cause for older people by offering support and advice. We have been raising money for the charity for the last 3 years and hope to continue doing so in the future.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is held on the 15th June every year. To support the day or for help and advice, please call: 0808 808 8141.

The apprentice – you’re hired!

In challenging times for people seeking employment and skills, Broxbourne Housing Association is championing a new apprentice scheme, with recent recruitment bringing the number up to at least seven new apprentices to be appointed this year.

At the beginning of 2011, BHA decided to create real employment opportunities for people keen to gain meaningful employment experience while studying for a relevant qualification.

Following the successful appointment two apprentice PA’s in May, BHA has just confirmed the recruitment of three more apprentice administrators and two apprentice gardeners.

Apprentice PA Chloe Worth, 21, said: “When I was made redundant I took a job in retail, but I really wanted to get back into office work. I got lots of interviews, but everyone seemed to be looking for more experience.

“When I saw the advert for an apprentice PA at Broxbourne Housing Association I thought it would be the best way to get back into office work and a good way to get where I want to get in the longer term.

“I like the environment at Broxbourne Housing Association and I’m doing work I enjoy – it’s a great opportunity.”

BHA’s Director of People and Community Development Anna Knight said: “Our apprentices come from a range of educational backgrounds - school leavers with very few qualifications or with A Levels, or they may have gained a degree. Some will be coming straight from school or college with no practical work experience, whilst others may have been in the workplace for some time but be looking to develop their career in a new direction.

Our apprentices are selected through an open recruitment process. We have not excluded anyone because of the work experience they may or may not have. Instead, we are looking for potential, enthusiasm and someone who would be the right for the job.

“The current economic situation means many people are struggling to find work, and our residents have agreed that one of our main priorities must be to work to improve employment opportunities. For our business, it means we have more staff and with this, a greater ability to do more for our customers.”

BHA is supporting the six apprentices to gain work experience, supporting them to develop the skills they need to find permanent employment and making a commitment to support them through an accredited study programme at Hertford Regional College.

Apprentice PA Emily Dickson, 17, said: “I wanted to get into a work environment to get experience - being able to carry on my education is an added bonus. A lot of my friends, even those who are older and are coming out of University, are struggling to find a job. Getting paid to get work experience and qualifications was definitely the best option for me.”

BHA works to provide better homes and better communities and recognises the fundamental part employment, training and work experience opportunities play in building strong communities and helping to change lives.

Housing association creates new homes for Cheshunt

13 new affordable homes for rent have recently been completed on the Aldermere development in Cheshunt. They are owned by Broxbourne Housing Association. Almost all the new homes are family houses and have been let to local residents on the Council’s Housing Register. The homes were financed by Broxbourne Borough Council and the government’s Homes and Communities Agency.

John Giesen, Chief Executive of Broxbourne Housing Association, said: “We continue to work in close partnership with Broxbourne Borough Council to provide high quality homes for local people, matched by our high quality local services with support and assistance for our residents from the day they move in.”

Of the 13 properties, there are eight 3 bedroom houses, four 2 bedroom houses and one 2 bedroom flat. Once complete, the estate will be largely made up of private homes with a further two phases of affordable housing for rent.

The homes are built to high standards of energy efficiency and have photo voltaic cells on the roofs which generate electricity which is free for the tenants’ use.

Residents celebrate Fishers Close regeneration

Over 150 Waltham Cross residents had fun celebrating the transformation of their homes in Fishers Close, following a three million pound regeneration programme by Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA).

The Mayor of Broxbourne, Councillor Eddy Rowland and his wife, came along to see the work for themselves and meet residents delighted with the dramatic changes they have seen happen within less than a year.

Contractors Lakehouse have insulated the walls and fitted new double glazing to help lower residents’ heating bills. Home security has been increased with new front doors, fences, lighting and video door entry; walkways through the estate have been widened and additional paths created, as well as new bin stores to encourage recycling. The regeneration was promised to residents when the borough’s housing was transferred to BHA in 2006.

At the event, families enjoyed a barbeque together, listened to music and had fun with the bouncy castle, climbing wall and face painting, with the chance to try out a segway as a new form of transport. Entertainment was provided by three local children who live in Fishers Close and amazed everyone with their skilled Shaolin Monk performance.

Deputy Chief Executive of Broxbourne Housing Association Ken Goodsell said: “Our major investment in the improvements at Fishers Close has transformed these homes in terms of their appearance; energy efficiency and security. We could not have completed this work without the help and support of our residents who have been involved from start to finish.”

Broxbourne housing association helps Olympic hopefuls

A multi national group of 6 Olympic hopefuls have made Broxbourne Housing Association’s Grove House in Cheshunt their home during 2012 preparations at the Lee Valley White Water Centre.

Organised by Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners, the group of paddlers are part of the international canoe federation’s Talent Identification Programme and are trying to gain experience on the best white water facilities in Europe during a 2 month period.

The group were competing at the first competitive Canoe Slalom event at the Lee Valley White Water Centre, the London 2012 Canoe Slalom venue, in Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire. The event was part of the London Organising Committee’s “London Prepares” series, to test arrangements for the Olympic event next year. The event ran for 4 days from 28 July to 31 July.

Each paddler in the group has contributed a small amount of money to the communal pot to hire a minibus and travel across Europe attending open international events. They rely heavily on the support of national governing bodies, communities and sport enthusiasts for their board and lodgings during the trip.

The paddlers are paying a subsidised rent to Broxbourne Housing Association to enable them to stay at Grove House, a former retirement housing scheme. After consultation, the accommodation at Grove House was found to be no longer suitable for, or popular with, older people.

All the selected paddlers are the national champions for their country. Babacar Daoust-Cissé, a paddler staying at Grove House said: “It’s really helped to have a good place to stay and rest. This is our first time using the white water facilities. The first day was hard – lots of moves and tricky waves. We’re pretty excited to race there too.”

Pierrick Gosselin who is coaching the group of paddlers on their tour round Europe said, “Without this support with accommodation we would not have been able to come to this race.”

Ken Goodsell, Deputy Chief Executive of Broxbourne Housing Association said: “We are delighted to support this initiative as we want our residents to share in the excitement of the build up to the 2012 Olympics happening here in the Borough”

Gareth Morgan of the Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Partnership said: “The Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Partnership were delighted to help when we were approached by LOCOG to see if we could support this group of aspiring athletes.

“This is an excellent example of the principle of Olympic friendship extending beyond the glitz and glamour of the Games themselves. Through our Partnership we are demonstrating our desire to work with young athletes from across the globe to help them try and fulfil their ambitions and potential to compete in London 2012.”

There are 9 paddlers in the group however three have relatives in London and have opted to take advantage of that and stay with them during their time in the UK. The paddlers are: Sebastian Rossi (Argentina), Nicolas Sierra (Mexico), Chang Yun -Chung (Jason) (Chinese Taipei), Pan Hung-Ming (Ming), (Chinese Taipei), Herman Husslein (Thailand) and Babacar Daoust-Cissé (Senegal) and are coached by Pierrick Gosselin (France).

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Teens Unite

Staff at Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) presented a cheque for £2322 to the former Mayor of Broxbourne Mark Mills Bishop, to hand on to Teens Unite, the teenage cancer charity he had chosen as his charity, and which is also supported by BHA. Fundraising events have included staff abseiling down Grove House in Cheshunt and taking part in regular ‘dress down Fridays’.

Teens Unite Fighting Cancer is dedicated to improving the lives of young people aged between 13 and 24 with life-limiting illnesses. .

Ken Goodsell, Deputy Chief Executive of Broxbourne Housing Association said: “We have been proud to support this charity throughout the past year, and have agreed to continue to provide support as a result of the fundraising initiatives undertaken by our creative and caring team of staff”.

Housing association keeps its promises to residents

In January 2006, Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) bought Broxbourne Borough Council’s housing stock and started work immediately to deliver on the promises made to residents.

Five years on, BHA has invested £41 million in over 4,000 homes and built over 100 new homes. All the promises we made are either completed or exceeded.

BHA residents have benefited from major improvements to their homes, their environment and in the creation of many new services.

Since 2006, BHA has:

• Fitted 2,000 new kitchens and 1,500 bathrooms
• Installed or upgraded nearly 1,500 central heating systems – all BHA homes now have heating
• Cut heating bills by insulating over 500 lofts and 800 cavity walls
• Invested £2.3 million on adapting homes for people with disabilities

Surveys have consistently returned high levels of customer satisfaction as well as employee commitment. Overall, resident satisfaction is up from 85% before 2006 to 92%.