Latest News

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Drop in while you’re shopping: housing association offer new place for advice in Waltham Cross

A new drop-in shop will be open for advice in Waltham Cross on the 8 May from 10am to 4pm for Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) residents. The new service is offered by BHA for residents looking for advice on benefits, grants and how to tackle debt and will be available fortnightly.

An Income Recovery Officer and Tenancy Support Worker from BHA will be there every fortnight to answer questions on rent and tenancies and can arrange for an appointment with Citizens Advice Bureau. Residents will be able to get advice on volunteering and finding training on CV writing and IT. They can also find out how to move to another property and help with completing forms.

David Lockerman, Housing Services Manager said: “We recently asked our residents in Waltham Cross if they would use a local office - and over 90% of those who replied said that they would. We are starting this fortnightly drop in to offer residents the opportunity to come and speak to staff in person about any issues they have. We may not always have the answers there and then but we will definitely try our best to help. If you have an issue you wish to speak to us about or you just want to call in we look forward to seeing you there.”

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New name, same people, same service

Since Broxbourne Housing Association started in 2006, our work in the community has grown and we want our name to reflect that growth. Because of this, we are changing our name to ‘B3Living’. The three B’s represent better homes, better communities and better business.

We have consulted with a wide range of residents over the past year about changing our name. As a result of our consultations, our Board have agreed a name change to happen during the summer months. We recently published information on the proposed name change in the March issue of our residents’ magazine and have since written to every resident. By changing our name now, we are able to reduce costs and save money on projects which were due for change, such as re-designing leaflets and our residents’ handbook, buying a fleet of vehicles for our new repairs service and launching our new website.

Our focus on homes, communities and business mean that as well as offering better homes, we have strengthened our community work benefitting our residents as well as the wider community.

Sandra Royer, Chair of the Board, said: “We are pleased to announce our new name – B3 Living - which represents how our business has grown and strengthened over the past six years. Our services go far beyond providing homes and collecting rent, and we want to have a name that reflects we are about more than housing.”

Young Broxbourne resident is highly commended in national awards

A Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) resident was given a special commendation at a national awards ceremony in March for young people who go the extra mile.

Camelia Borg, 24, of Longcroft Drive, Waltham Cross, received a highly commended in the ‘Tenant of the year’ award, for her work with BHA, helping to set up a youth panel and supporting children in care.

The TPAS Awards highlight the impact of involving and engaging tenants and celebrate the inspirational work carried out by individuals.

TPAS is a national organisation with over 20 years experience informing and supporting tenant and landlord members to challenge, influence and control how their housing services should be delivered.

Camelia took a lead role in establishing Broxbourne Housing Association’s youth panel and is a positive role model for other young residents. As well as study for the full-time business degree, Camelia also teaches dance and recently undertook a charity sky dive for children in care.

She says: “I was really shocked when I heard I’d been shortlisted for an award. I really appreciate it. It’s been great to get involved with how Broxbourne Housing Association is run and have fun along the way. I get to give input and have been able to set up new things too.”

BHA Resident Involvement Manager Peter Walkinshaw said: “The success Camelia has had in her voluntary work for BHA sets a great example of what can be achieved in local communities. She really deserved her special commendation and we would like to congratulate and thank her for her contribution.”

Communities play together to support Sports Relief

Community organisations got together on Friday 23rd March for a mini charity football tournament in aid of Sports Relief.

Organised by Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) and the Ethnic Minorities Association and sponsored by Purdy Contracts Ltd, the event raised £250. Four teams from BHA, Broxbourne Polish Community team, Hertfordshire Police and a local community team from Hoddesdon brought together over 60 players.

As well as raising money for sports relief, this event brought the community together though football, a game where language, social and political differences are not obstacles to participating and having fun.

The organisers are now busy planning a larger tournament in June and July this year with 16 teams representing countries around Europe to run alongside the European Championships.

If you would like to take part, contact Broxbourne Housing Association’s Community Development Manager Brian Cooke on 01992 453712.

Housing association supports start-up pet care business with charitable aims

Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) is supporting a new charitable social enterprise helping animals who need temporary shelter or re-homing.

Brigitte Hopkins, founder of Creature Cavorts said: “The concept for Creature Cavorts came from my experience as a volunteer in the animal care sector. I noticed there was no provision for people who had fallen victim to the recession, become ill or lost their job. Anyone can find themselves in a difficult situation - I can help by fostering the pets at a reasonable fee when your only other option is to hand them over to a shelter for re-homing. During the recession there has been a rise in abandoned animals as owners struggle to pay for their care.

“The start-up money provided from Broxbourne Housing Association will help me gain an industry accredited qualification. I’ve also had support from Mike Nelson at Kennel Store.co.uk, who has offered us a generous discount on their aspen kennels; as well as a generous donation by Haydn Bendall of Strongroom Studios. However we always welcome more support. If there are any companies that could help, especially with food, a van, medical supplies or donations – anything is gratefully appreciated.”

Creature Cavorts is run by Brigitte Hopkins, with 5 part-time voluntary members ranging from 12 to 70 years old with a passion for animal welfare. Creature Cavorts is a small socially responsible business operating from a domestic setting and offering a full range of pet care services. They charge a very competitive rate and the money raised is re-invested to support and care for abandoned animals.

Brian Cooke, Community Development Manager said: “We chose to help Creature Cavorts with their business start-up as the service they provide is much needed in the borough. It is also a service BHA can directly access as we have often found ourselves in possession of animals that residents have abandoned in their homes. We wish Creature Cavorts the best of luck and hope that their business grows with the help that is now in place and in the hope that others may be inspired to offer some support for them too.”

The animals currently cared for by Creature Cavorts include a bearded dragon, a sugar glider (a flying marsupial), hamsters, reptiles, gerbils, rodents, birds, cats, dogs, arachnids, guinea pigs and rabbits. Alhtough they care for small animals at the moment, Creature Cavorts have recently been granted planning permission to build a number of kennels for larger animals.

Brigitte is a member of NarpsUK (National Association of Registered Pet Sitters), and is currently taking their accredited course for pet sitters. For more information on Creature Cavorts visit www.creaturecavorts.com/index.html or call 07522 032 291.

BHA Chief Executive up for national award

Broxbourne Housing Association’s Chief Executive John Giesen will be recognised at an awards ceremony in May after a national organisation announced the shortlisted nominations for ‘unsung heroes’ working in the housing sector.

The 2012 Housing Heroes Awards shine a spotlight on dedicated, innovative and creative individuals. The ‘Inspirational Leader of the year award’ celebrates leaders in the housing world who make a positive impact and have moved their organisation forward in the current tough economic climate.

Ken Goodsell, Deputy Chief Executive of BHA said: “John Giesen has been Chief Executive of Broxbourne Housing Association since it started in 2006. It was clear from the outset that his vision for the organisation was about so much more than housing. John’s passion for creating improved work chances, without which communities struggle to thrive, has cemented BHA as a key partner in the community.

“His vision has inspired staff too and thanks to this, BHA appears in the 2012 Sunday Times ‘Best Companies to work for’ top 100 list and been awarded Best Companies three star accreditation for the first time.”

Broxbourne residents up for national awards

Two hard-working residents of Broxbourne Housing Association will be recognised at an awards ceremony in March, after a national organisation announced the shortlisted nominations for residents who go the extra mile.

The TPAS Awards highlight the impact of involving and engaging tenants and celebrate the inspirational work carried out by individuals.

TPAS is a national organisation with over 20 years experience informing and supporting tenant and landlord members to challenge, influence and control how their housing services should be delivered.

Camelia Borg, short-listed for the Young Tenant of the Year award, took a lead role in establishing Broxbourne Housing Association’s youth panel. She is a positive role model for young residents, having hosted a community event for over 3,000 people, raised money and offered practical support to children in care and is studying full-time for a business degree.

Diane Smith, short-listed for Tenant of the Year, willingly gives of her own time despite a busy job and life. She has earned respect from Broxbourne Housing Association’s staff and residents though her active involvement in five resident groups, speaking at a staff conference, interviewing BHA’s Chief Executive for an annual report and studying for an Award in Governance.

BHA Resident Involvement Manager Peter Walkinshaw said: “I’ve worked closely with the Residents and Youth Panel for some time now and have seen Diane and Camelia’s excellent work first hand. The success they have had with their voluntary work for BHA sets a great example of what can be achieved in local communities. They are both very deserving candidates for the awards.”

Housing Association and college creating lasting memories for older residents

Recording a lifetime’s memories for one Broxbourne Housing Association retirement scheme resident brought together the generations as Hertford Regional College students created a ‘This is your ‘life’ DVD recording.

Hertford Regional College (HRC) students recorded the DVD as part of BHA’s ‘Making Memories Last’ project for older people with dementia. BHA made a donation to the course to thank the students for their work and invited the star of the DVD, Mrs Caroline Emily Pickering, to present the cheque at an event held at Wormley Court in Broxbourne.

Deborah Fenton, Housing Services, said: “We would like to thank students from the Creative Media Production course at Hertford Regional College for creating a ‘This is your life’ DVD as part of BHA’s ‘Making memories last’ project. When we asked if HRC would like to be involved, we hoped we may get one or two students interested in working with residents at our retirement scheme at Wormley Court. We were absolutely delighted when we had 30 students on the day of filming. The ‘Making Memories Last’ project is a first for us and we hope we will do many more in the future.”

Sarah Holmes, Programme Manager of HRC’s BTEC L3 Creative Media Production said: “We were keen to work on this project as it provides our learners with an opportunity to gain valuable experience of working for a real client. Additionally, we believe that learners should be encouraged to be aware of, and engage with, all members of the community they live in. This was a great chance to do that and the learners greatly enjoyed interacting with the residents and staff whilst working on this project. I hope we shall go forward to work on further projects with Wormley Court and Broxbourne Housing Association as I feel this project has been of benefit to all concerned.”

Origami and cake brings together older residents and Japanese students

A group of students from Japan enjoyed tea and cakes with residents at Cheshunt-based retirement scheme, Emmanuel Lodge on 21st February.

The students, aged 17 and18, are all in an interim period between school and university and are staying with families in the area.

The visit was organised by ‘Cultural Home-Stay in Europe’, a non profit organisation specialising in home-stay based education study programs for groups and individual students visiting the UK and Ireland. During their stay the students experience the culture, lifestyle and language of the country.

Jill Andrews, Senior Retirement Housing Co-Ordinator said: “The visit was part of a cultural exchange and went exceedingly well. The students played games, did origami and wrote tenants names in Japanese lettering. The residents enjoyed the games and visit and were particularly proud that Emmanuel Lodge was chosen by the students to visit. This is now a yearly event which for residents to look forward to.”

Broxbourne Housing Association is a Best Companies top 10 hit

Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) is one of the top 100 not-for-profit organisations in the country according to the Sunday Times.

The Sunday Times Best Companies list, which looks at every aspect of the workplace, has named BHA as 10th in the list of best companies to work for in the UK.

John Giesen, Chief Executive said: "We are always looking for new ways to make sure our organisation is the best it can be. Best Companies has been an invaluable tool to help us do this, finding out independently how we are doing and how we compare against other similar organisations. Using the feedback from last year’s entry, we have grown BHA from a two star to a three star organisation and to hear we feature in the top 10 best not-for-profit organisations in the country is absolutely fantastic.”

Being a best company is about excelling in every area throughout the workplace and an organisation's commitment to its most important assets - its workforce.

To become recognised as a best company, organisations must demonstrate high levels of employee engagement based on a staff survey designed to measure employee engagement across eight factors: Leadership, Wellbeing, My Manager, My Team, My Company, Personal Growth, Giving Something Back, Fair Deal.

Hertfordshire’s Five Gold Rings music project gets Olympic backing

Hertfordshire’s Five Gold Rings Music Project has been granted the Inspire mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme.

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Five Gold Rings Music project was inspired by the vision of Broxbourne Housing Association, Purcell School for Young Musicians, Hertfordshire Music Service and Herts is Ready for Winners to use music as a way to engage and inspire local communities across Hertfordshire. Since then many other organisations including housing associations, local authorities and schools have got involved.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “The Inspire programme is ensuring the legacy of the 2012 Games starts now as projects like Hertfordshire’s Five Gold Rings are enabling people in Hertfordshire to make positive life changes.”

John Giesen, Chief Executive of Broxbourne Housing Association, said: “We wanted to find a way to involve Hertfordshire communities in the Olympic Games in 2012. Residents will come together throughout the year to make music and perform at events. The Five Gold Rings programme will be a lasting legacy and is the first in what will become an on-going annual event.”

Chairman of the Hertfordshire is Ready for Winners Partnership, Derrick Ashley said, “Hertfordshire’s Five Gold Rings enables housing association residents of all ages to develop new skills and enhance the profile of their communities through whilst celebrating Hertfordshire’s role as a host county for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This project will embrace the cultural diversity of both Hertfordshire residents and of the world coming to the county and the country in the summer.”

Music from different cultures will feature in the fun activities for all ages with community groups and at local events, to celebrate a special year in the county. Secondary school students will be coaching and writing music with primary school students, there will be fanfares and workshops in town centres and festivals, with local musicians playing alongside international performers. There will also be chances to join residents from across Hertfordshire in celebration events in the summer, building to our Gala event Broxbourne’s Civic Hall on Tuesday 3rd July.

The following organisations are working in partnership to deliver the Hertfordshire Five Gold Rings programme:

Herts is Ready for Winners
Broxbourne Housing Association
North Hertfordshire Homes
Riversmead Housing Association
Thrive Homes
Watford Community Housing Trust
Purcell School for Young Musicians
Hertfordshire Music Service
Hertford Regional College
Council for Voluntary Service for Broxbourne and East Herts

If you would like to know more about the opportunities in this programme, please contact Alison Cox by email on hertfordshires5gr@btinternet.com.

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Broxbourne Housing Association offers a three star service

Broxbourne Housing Association (BHA) has been awarded three stars from the ‘Michelin style’ elite accreditation ‘Best Companies’, which recognises organisations by Star Status. A three star award is the highest level achievable and is described as ‘extraordinary’ by Best Companies Accreditation.

Being a best company is about excelling in every area throughout the workplace and an organisation's commitment to its most important assets - its workforce.

To become recognised as a best company, organisations must demonstrate high levels of employee engagement based on a staff survey. Following the announcement to staff, Chair of the Board Sandra Royer said:

“The Board and I are extremely proud of Broxbourne Housing Association staff achieving the coveted Best Companies three star accreditation. With a strong, happy workforce, we can deliver an excellent service to residents and continue to make improvements. Staff work very hard to make sure BHA is the best organisation it can be.”

One staff member said in the survey they liked: “Working with a loyal and trustworthy company that has many benefits for the staff, supports residents well-being and works for the greater good of the community.”

Focusing on employees brings real benefits such as, improved workplace engagement, better staff retention, reduced recruitment costs and greater financial performance so there is more to spend on services for residents.

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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.