New Dorset Street play area is unveiled by Sheffield Homes (29/4/2010)

Children in Broomhall now have a great new play area thanks to work by Sheffield Homes and Upper Springs Tenants and Residents Association (TARA).

To celebrate, Sheffield Homes and the TARA invited colleagues from Broomhall Forum, members of the local community and local children who use the play area on Dorset Street to a special opening ceremony.

This included a presentation by Jason Siddall, Sheffield Homes’ Maintenance Partnership Manager, and the unveiling of the play area’s new sign, designed by Lindsay Taylor-auord, Manager of Broomhall Forum.

The TARA and Sheffield Homes have been working on this project for two years, having received many requests from local residents to revamp the play area. The funding for the play area was secured by Sheffield City Council from the Playbuilder Capital Grant.

Dawn Jacques, Chair of Upper Springs TARA, said: “We are a relatively new TARA and have only been going for just over 18 months. With the help of Sheffield Homes we are really pleased and proud to have delivered such a large project in a short space of time. The play area is now a wonderful place for children from the area to go and enjoy.”

Jason Siddall, Sheffield Homes’ Maintenance Partnership Manager, added: “This play area is the first to promote natural play were we have used the environment around it.

“The project involved removing the existing equipment and replacing it with an exciting jungle climber and a bark chipping play surface that is more in keeping with the woodland setting of the park. A swing has also been installed along with a slide built in to the embankment making the most of the natural environment surrounding the play area.”

For the last three years Sheffield Homes has been committed to raising the profile of play. The organisation is currently working on six other play area projects on various estates across Sheffield.

Sheltered residents get boost from martial art (14/4/2010)

RESIDENTS at a Sheffield sheltered housing scheme have taken up Chinese martial art Tai Chi to help improve their health and fitness.

Up to 20 people, aged in their 70s and 80s, attend the weekly, hour-long exercise sessions at the Newgate Close complex at High Green.

Tai Chi emphasises slow, gentle, flowing movements designed for relaxation, balance and health. An ancient form of meditation, it is highly effective for stress and pain relief, combining mental concentration, slow breathing and dance-like movements to increase chi (life energy).

Sheffield Homes has provided £1,250 to fund the sessions as part of the Your Community, Your Choice initiative.

Resident Winnie Gunstone helps organise activities at the Newgate Centre, where she is Chairperson.

“Tai Chi is so relaxing, it’s difficult not to fall asleep,” said Winnie. “It’s a very gentle exercise that suits people of all fitness levels. You can even sit down and do it, so if you have mobility problems you can still take part and do it at your own pace.

“I find it helps with my balance and the pain I sometimes get in my legs.

“It also provides a social activity for residents who would otherwise be on their own.”

Members pay a subsidised £1.50 per session. Winnie is currently seeking further funding to keep the sessions going long-term.

“The Tai Chi sessions are proving extremely popular and the benefits in helping residents maintain their physical and mental well-being are obvious,” said Rhian Owen, Sheltered Housing Manager at Sheffield Homes.

“Getting people involved in activities like this helps them create social networks and make new friends. It also shows you are never too old to think about improving your health and fitness levels with a gentle exercise regime.”

Work on the Digital TV Switchover begins (8/4/2010)

Let us in and you can keep bang up to date with the digital TV switchover. That’s the message from Sheffield Homes to customers who get their television signal through a communal aerial.

Sheffield Homes is writing to council tenants and leaseholders to tell them about important upgrade work in preparation for the digital switchover. It’s really important that people allow access to their homes, otherwise they could find that they can’t watch television.

The programme is being managed by Wates, and work will be carried out by TVSAS in around 10,000 homes over the next few months in readiness for next year’s switchover. They will need to fit a new television socket inside homes, which should take under an hour to complete. Wates will contact tenants and leaseholders when they are in the area, and everyone affected will get an appointment letter.

The work will only affect council tenants and leaseholders who receive television through a communal aerial. Those who have their own aerial are responsible for making sure that it is ready for switchover. All customers will need to make sure they have television equipment that can receive a digital signal.

For a leaflet and more information about the work and when it is due in your area, please visit our webpage about the Digital TV Switchover , call 293 0000 (North Sheffield) or 205 3333 (South Sheffield), call into one of Sheffield Homes offices or First Points, or email enquiries@sheffieldhomes.org.uk.  Anyone who has already received information about the work and has a question about an appointment, please call Wates on 08456 035787.

For impartial, independent information about the switchover and what you need to do, please contact Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50 or visit www.digitaluk.co.uk.

8-month tenant gets 90 day jail term (12/3/2010)

A nuisance council tenant who thought she could ignore the law has been sent down.

Lisa Goodinson, of 44 Delves Road, lived at the property a total of just eight months, yet caused so much trouble that neighbours made scores of  complaints - ranging from the woman blasting music at all hours, to shouting death threats to people living next door.

Within three months of moving in to the Hackenthorpe address, Miss Goodinson was brought before a court for verbally abusing her neighbour. Then, even after making a legal promise to clean up her act, the tenant’s expletive tantrums landed her in trouble just one month later.

For breaching her earlier undertaking Miss Goodinson received a 60-day jail sentence that was suspended on condition that she started acting responsibly.

But on 16 February Sheffield County Court heard that she had given cause for another 20 complaints from neighbours who were forced to call police on the non emergency ‘101’ telephone number.

The call for help was provoked by a turbulent night on January 18 that started with Lisa standing in a communal area screaming swearwords to wake people up. The woman then returned to her flat to blast her stereo from 11.45 until the early hours of the next day.

Despite Sheffield Homes Officers and Police asking the woman to calm down and turn off her music, Miss Goodinson continued to shout threats and cause a disturbance - until she stormed out of the apartment, threatening to return and kill her neighbours as she left.  

For these offences His Honour Judge Bullimore imposed an additional 90 day custodial sentence, but allowed it to run concurrently with the 60 day sentence handed down earlier, as Miss Goodinson admitted to all the disturbances.

Ms Goodinson was also ordered to pay costs of £2300

Cllr Bob McCann, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable, Safer Communities, said: “I sympathise with those who have to live near individuals like this - who feel its okay to spoil people’s lives if they feel like it.

“By no means was there any intolerance on the part of neighbours here. It was a clear case of one person making life hell for others, who did absolutely the right thing calling 101 for help.

“I hope that a spell in prison will help this woman learn her lesson. But more importantly, I want members of the community to feel confident that she won’t be able to disturb them in their own homes again in the future.”

Music project strikes a chord with Sheffield Homes (9/3/2010)

AN innovative music project in the North of Sheffield is busy drumming up business after securing a £9,000 cash boost.

Foxy Music was set up by like-minded musicians and performers who wanted to make music and performing arts accessible to people who otherwise might not have the chance to learn an instrument or new skill.

Foxhill-based Alex Oliver recruits volunteers to provide expert tuition on various musical instruments, singing and other crafts, such as drama and poetry. Styles range from rock to folk and they even help with instrument maintenance and recording techniques.

The £9,000 grant from the Sheffield Homes Your Community, Your Choice scheme will buy guitars, keyboards, drums and amplifiers, as well as paying for free tuition and room hire for performances.

“We were thrilled to get this money – it has made such a difference,” said Alex. “Music and performing can really bring people together and strengthen communities, as well as helping to engage with young people and build their confidence. I’m so pleased that the project is going from strength to strength.”

As well as Sheffield Homes, Alex has had support from many agencies, including the police, local schools and GPs practices, with doctors potentially making referrals to the project for music therapy sessions.

“We try to tailor our work to meet individual need – whether that is someone who wants to play the harp or even recite poetry. It’s giving people an outlet for their creative aspirations, with expert tuition on hand. We also provide venues for practice and performances, and are hoping to take part in the Walkley Festival this summer.”

Foxy Music started its pilot in January this year but has already had interest, particularly from younger children and teenagers, who are spreading the word amongst their friends.

“We are here for everybody, regardless of age or background,” said Alex. “I just wish there had been something like this around when I was younger and getting interested in music.”

“You can’t doubt the enthusiasm and commitment that the Foxy Music members put into this project,” said Paul Voyse, North Area Manager for Sheffield Homes.

“It’s a great thing for people of all ages to get involved in and we wish good luck to everyone involved with the venture.”

Foxy Music are holding sessions in different areas around the North of Sheffield.

To find out more, email Alex Oliver at foxymusicfellowship@googlemail.com

Sheffield Homes awarded Customer Service Excellence Standard (4/3/2010)

Sheffield Homes has been awarded a prestigious Customer Service Excellence (CSE) Award.

Customer Service Excellence, previously known as Charter Mark, is the Government’s national standard for organisations delivering public services. The CSE standard aims to make a real difference to public services by encouraging organisations to focus on the individual needs and preferences of their customers.

For the assessment Sheffield Homes submitted a portfolio of evidence against five criteria.  These were customer insight, the culture of the organisation, information and access, delivery and timeliness and quality of service.  During a 2 day assessment in January the assessor met with customers as well as partners and stakeholders of the organisation.

The association recognised Sheffield Homes’ greatest strength was its culture of putting customers at the heart of everything it does. The organisation was commended for regular consultation with customers and involving them in all aspects of the service including visioning, standards, strategy and local area decision making.

Customer Care manager Jo Radcliffe said: “We are really delighted to have achieved this standard, which looks in much more depth at the customer view of services we are delivering. A big thank you to everyone for all the help we have received in achieving this award – we couldn’t have done it without you.”

As part of the rigorous assessment staff had to demonstrate that services were designed around the needs of the public, that hard-to-reach groups were not ignored, that they worked in partnership successfully, that they were trained and consulted and that customer focus was displayed throughout the organisation from the Chief Executive down to frontline staff.

The customers interviewed by the assessor during the assessment process all expressed satisfaction with the services they received from Sheffield Homes.

The standard replaces the Charter Mark scheme but is more challenging as it now includes culture and ethos and a strong customer focus.

Street dance and football keep kids fit (4/3/2010)

YOUNG people in Parson Cross can get to grips with street dancing and football coaching as part of an exciting after school activities programme.

Sheffield Homes has contributed £7,740 to fund the free sessions at Longley 4 Greens Community Centre on Southey Avenue until the end of July

Young people aged between 8 and 13 can burn off lots of energy whilst learning new skills under the guidance of qualified coaches.

LOCAL (Longley Organised Community Association) run the sessions. They are also looking to extend the programme with art, craft, drama or circus skills classes.

There are currently no other activities in the area for young people so organisers hope the sessions will continue to reduce levels of anti-social behaviour as well as increasing health benefits.

Sheryl Roberts, Business Development Manager at the community centre, said: “We have had quite a lot of interest, with 17-20 children sometimes attending. It gives young people something to do that’s interesting and keeping them fit at the same time. This is something we would like to run permanently if we could get the funding.”

Sheffield Homes’ North Area Board is funding the scheme via its investing in communities budget.

Paul Voyse, Sheffield Homes’ North Area Manager, said: “We are delighted to support this scheme, which is proving very popular with young people in the Longley area. Initiatives like this give children something interesting and worthwhile to do after school.”

The street dancing takes place on Tuesdays from 5.30-6.30pm and football coaching on Saturday mornings from 11-12.30pm. There is no charge for any of the activities and young people can just turn up to take part.

To find out more, contact the community centre on 0114 2332984.

Thorncliffe CC bowled over with funding (2/3/2010)

A NORTH Sheffield cricket club was bowled over with a £2,400 cash boost for its junior members.

Thorncliffe Cricket Club from Chapeltown bid for the money as part of the Sheffield Homes Your Community, Your Choice scheme.

The money will go towards developing the junior teams, as well as starting a girls team for the under 9s.

It will also help fund a new £10,000 astro turf wicket, which should last the club a good 20 years or so.

Thorncliffe CC - established in 1870 - has four senior teams and five junior teams, ranging from the under 9s to the under 17s.

The cash boost will help the club develop a quick cricket tournament between four local schools this summer.

“We would encourage children of all ages to come along and give cricket a try but its girls in particular that we are trying to recruit,” said Rob Hully, Junior Volunteer/Coach and Chairman of Thorncliffe CC.

“We’re also hoping to get children involved via the inter-schools tournament that we’re currently trying to organise for this summer.”

“Projects like this are great because they help youngsters learn a new skill and keep them active and healthy, whilst also promoting teamwork,” said Paul Voyse, North Area Manager for Sheffield Homes.

“I’m delighted we could help improve facilities at the club so future generations can enjoy the sport for years to come.”

The Club currently runs free cricket training on Monday nights at Yewlands School from 6.15pm till 8.15pm.

From April onwards, normal cricket will resume with the U15s/17s practising on Thursdays 6pm till 8pm and the U13s and newcomers welcome to come along on Fridays 6pm till 8pm.

For more information, go to the Thorncliffe CC website at http://thorncliffe.play-cricket.com/home/home.asp or contact Rob Hully on 07855798052.

Free footy training kicks off in the South West (25/2/2010)

Sheffield Homes is helping to provide a series of free weekly football practice sessions and tournaments, as well as opportunities for young people to train as football coaches as part of a joint project organised with Sheffield Wednesday Football Club (SWFC) and The Football League Trust. The initiative will provide young people across the South West with an opportunity to enjoy themselves in a safe environment, while developing their football skills.

Just over £21,000 has been provided through the ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ funding initiative that was launched last year by Sheffield City Council and Sheffield Homes. Seven events took place across Sheffield, which gave anyone living or working on Council estates across the city the opportunity to bid for funding and have their say on how over half a million pounds of investment will be spent in local communities. The event for the South West of Sheffield was well attended and the Sheffield Wednesday Community Football Programme in the South West was one of the winning projects.

A total of 48 weeks of football activities will be provided for youngsters in the Gleadless Valley, Jordanthorpe, Batemoor and Lowedges areas. Monthly tournaments are also planned, along with visits to the SWFC stadium training ground, which will help bring together children from the four estates. All sessions will be delivered by fully qualified and CRB checked Football Association Coaches. There will also be the opportunity for those aged 16 plus to train as football coaches. It is hoped that the 40 hour coaching courses will help increase participants employability.

To kick off the project in the South West football sessions are being held at the Meadowhead School Multi Use Games Area. The sessions are open to both boys and girls, aged 8 to 16 years and will be held on Monday and Wednesday evenings between 5 to 7pm, starting from Monday 22 February. Additional sessions will take place in Gleadless Valley and Greenhill Park from Easter.

Sheffield Homes South West Area Manager, Les Benn says "This is an excellent example of how the ‘Your Community, Your Choice’ has really let local people decide on the projects they think will make most difference to their community. By providing enjoyable and constructive activities the project aims to increase the well being of those involved and also reduce anti-social behaviour. Youngsters can come along, get fit and have some fun, while gaining confidence by improving their team skills. "

Contact Matt Bray at Sheffield Wednesday Football Club on 0114 221 2215 for further details.

8-month tenant gets 90-day jail term (23/2/2010)

A nuisance council tenant who thought she could ignore the law has been committed to prison.

Lisa Goodinson, of 44 Delves Road, lived at the property a total of just eight months, yet caused so much trouble that neighbours made scores of complaints - ranging from the woman blasting music at all hours, to shouting death threats to people living next door.

Within three months of moving in to the Hackenthorpe address, Miss Goodinson (43) was brought before a court for verbally abusing her neighbour. Then, even after making a legal promise to clean up her act, the tenant’s expletive tantrums landed her in trouble just one month later.

For breaching her earlier undertaking Miss Goodinson received a 60-day jail sentence that was suspended on condition that she started acting responsibly.

But on 16 February Sheffield County Court heard that she had given cause for another 20 complaints from neighbours who were forced to call police on the non emergency ‘101’ telephone number.

The call for help was provoked by a turbulent night on January 18 that started with Lisa standing in a communal area screaming swearwords to wake people up. The woman then returned to her flat to blast her stereo from 11.45 until the early hours of the next day.

Despite Sheffield Homes Officers and Police asking the woman to calm down and turn off her music, Miss Goodinson continued to shout threats and cause a disturbance - until she stormed out of the apartment, threatening to return and kill her neighbours as she left.

For these offences His Honour Judge Bullimore imposed an additional 90 day custodial sentence, but allowed it to run concurrently with the 60 day sentence handed down earlier, as Miss Goodinson admitted to all the disturbances.

Ms Goodinson was also ordered to pay costs of £2300

Cllr Bob McCann, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and Sustainable, Safer Communities, said: "I sympathise with those who have to live near individuals like this - who feel it’s okay to spoil people’s lives if they feel like it.

"By no means was there any intolerance on the part of neighbours here, who did absolutely the right thing calling 101 for help. It was a clear case of one person making life hell for others.

"I hope that a spell in prison will help this woman learn her lesson. But more importantly, I want members of the community to feel confident that she won’t be able to disturb them in their own homes again in the future. An application has therefore also been made to the court for her eviction."