Our annual gardening competition is back for 2024 and by entering you could be in with a chance of winning £150 or £300.

Gardening and tending to plants are a great form of exercise as well as being a positive mindful activity which can boost your mood and help with your mental health.

This year we have three categories:

Community Project: We have loved seeing your community gardens over the years, creating beautiful spaces to share and build together. This year, we want to see examples of how you are using gardening to bring your community together.

Prize: £300 cash prize for first place and £150 cash prize for second place, to put towards your community garden.

Best Back Garden: If you love spending time in your garden, attending to your flower beds and creating your own space to enjoy alone or with loved ones, then we want to hear from you and see your beautiful botanical creations!

Prize: £100 Amazon voucher for first place and £50 Amazon voucher for second place.

Best Balcony: Living in London means that some of us have limited outdoor space, so we want to see your beautiful balconies. We are looking for a creative space that is sustainable and wildlife friendly, helping to protect our planet.

Prize: £100 Amazon voucher for first place and £50 Amazon voucher for second place

Entries are now closed.

Our previous winners at Soul Food Garden in Croydon said, ‘“Our community soul food garden offers a place where neighbours can contribute and reap the harvest. There is so much to harvest in so many levels, it’s a place to connect with mother nature and enjoy being outside in the open. The garden boarders Mitcham common so we have the common as a backdrop with all the added wildlife wonders that makes our little heaven a special place.”

Our New Homes team recently helped one family find their forever home. Last August, Mr and Mrs F* attended our community day in Peckham and advised they were looking to downsize into a smaller property after outgrowing their home in Peckham. They had tried to use Homeswap, but there were only a few options available to Wandle.  

Our amazing BMH Project Officer Angeline Lewis got into contact with Mr and Mrs F* and advised she would assist them in finding them their new home.  

In October 2023 Angeline organised a visit to a property in Tooting, but unfortunately it did not quite meet their needs. Angeline promised to continue searching for their new home and in April 2024, she found them a property in SE1. The couple viewed the property and immediately knew they had found their forever home, moving in the following June. 

Mr and Mrs F* thanked everyone who was involved at Wandle, but in particular, Angeline for her hard work and guidance throughout the whole process. 

Mrs F* said, ‘As Wandle tenants of nearly 40 years, we could never have imagined living in a property like this, and though it’s early days, it’s hands down the best home we have lived in. We are very happy and always look forward to coming home’.  

A south London council has warned residents in the area to stay scam aware after a series of phone calls were made from criminals pretending to be a housing disrepair team.

Residents in Southwark were contacted by an unknown number, asking them to confirm if they were a tenant, landlord or staff member of the housing association.

If you receive a call you believe to be a scam, do not give any personal details over the phone and end the call immediately. Then block the number.

You can always contact your local authority or Wandle to check if we contacted you. Our number is 0300 2000 120.

If you’re worried you’ve been scammed, here’s what to do:

• End all further communication with the scammer and block their number/email address.
• Call your bank immediately as they will check if you’ve paid a scammer accidentally or set up a standing order or direct debit.
• Report the scam to the police by calling 101. If you feel threatened or are in danger, call 999.
• Report the scam to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040.
• Contact Citizens Advice Scams Action via the Citizens Advice website or call their helpline on 0808 250 5050.

Are you ready to take the Plastic Free July challenge?

We know it’s important to reduce our waste to help protect our planet. Therefore, this month why not take on the Plastic Free July challenge. This is your chance to make a difference and be a part of the solution. We have put together some hints and tips to help get you started.

• Coffee cups: Swap single use cups for reusable cups. Many coffee branches offer a discount if you bring your own coffee cup.
• Loose produce: When buying loose fruit and vegetables at the supermarket or market, why not bring your own reusable bag instead of using single use plastic bags.
• Reusable shopping bags: Bring your own shopping bag to the shops instead of having to buy a plastic one.
• Ditch the one use plastic straws: Instead buy reusable plastic, metal, or bamboo straws. Paper straws are also an option as they are biodegradable.
• Water bottles: Swap single use water bottles for a reusable one. Filling up your water bottle at home will also save you money in the long run.
• Soap: Swap shower gels and shampoos in single use plastic bottles for soap bars instead.
• Sanitary products. One way to save plastic and money when on your period is using a menstrual cup or period underwear.
• Events and celebrations: Why not save party decorations and gift bags after you have used them for another occasion. This is a great way to save the planet and some pennies.

For more tips, please visit the Plastic Free July website.

Alcohol Awareness Week campaigns for change and this year’s theme is ‘Understanding alcohol harm’.

Alcohol Awareness Week is coordinated by Alcohol Change UK. Each year over 5000 public health services, workplaces, pharmacies, hospitals, charities, community groups and GPs take part to raise awareness and share the support that is out there for those struggling with alcohol addiction.

Alcohol can sometimes play a big part of our lives, especially in the warmer months when it is promoted during sports games, advertised on our commutes, and discounted in our supermarkets.

It can be used when we celebrate, but sometimes it can become a problem and a way to cope. Each year thousands of people become addicted to alcohol and experience long-term health problems that can lead to death from alcohol related causes.

This year’s theme explores what is meant by ‘alcohol harm’ and its aim is to get the country talking about what the role of alcohol plays in our lives, society, families and communities. By getting people talking, this provides an environment for open discussions around alcohol, and encourages those who are struggling to come forward and ask for the help they need.

If you would like to discuss this further, or talk to someone, please see below a list of services that can help:

• NHS www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
• Drink Aware www.drinkaware.co.uk/advice-and-support/

Love your lungs week is an initiative started by the British Lung Foundation to raise awareness surrounding lung health.

What is the British Lung Foundation?

The British Lung Foundation is a UK charity, and they’re aim is to highlight the importance of research, with the aim to improve care as well as preventing, treating and curing lung conditions. They also provide support for those who are suffering with lung disease.

What is the aim of Love your lungs week?

The aim of the campaign is to raise awareness of lung conditions and increase support.

How to keep your lungs healthy

You can help keep your lungs healthy by improving the air you breathe in. Living in an urban area can make it difficult to make changes when you’re outside, but there are small changes you can do to improve the air you breathe in your homes:

– Regularly open your windows when cooking or showering to keep the airflow moving.

– Vacuum your space at least once a week to remove dust and dirt particles.

– Keep the temperature of your home between 18-21 degrees to prevent damp and condensation.

– Have a smoke free house and ensure if anyone does smoke, they do it outside. Smoking is one of the biggest causes of lung cancer. For more information and support, click here.

– Use products that are chemical free and are allergy free.

– Being active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also improve the health of your lungs. Exercises such as walking, jogging and other aerobatic activities can make your lungs stronger.

For further information, please visit here.

Gas leaks can be fatal, therefore it’s important to know how to keep your family and neighbours safe.

As a landlord we have a legal duty to check your gas appliances and ensure your flues are safe. We carry out an annual safety check for all our homes and an annual service for any gas appliance we own. Please let us in when we book an appointment for these checks. If you cannot make an appointment, please contact us so we can rearrange.

If we are not able to complete your gas service and safety check after several appointments, we will request court permission to force entry into your property. To read more about these checks and our safety requirements, please click here.

If you think you can smell gas:

• put out any flames
• do not touch any electrical appliances
• open all windows and doors
• turn off the gas emergency valve control if you can
• leave the property

Then call the National Grid immediately on 0800 111 999. If you are deaf or hearing impaired and need to contact Cadent, you can download the free Relay UK app, and contact us using the prefix 18001 0800 111 999.

Do not use your phone within the property. Make sure you follow all the advice given to you by the emergency adviser and wait outside for the engineer to arrive.

Our annual gardening competition is back for 2024 and by entering you could be in the chance of winning £150 or £300.

Gardening and tending to plants are a great form of exercise as well as being a positive mindful activity which can boost your mood and help with your mental health.

This year we have three categories:

Community Project: We have loved seeing your community gardens over the years, creating beautiful spaces to share and build together. This year, we want to see examples of how you are using gardening to bring your community together.

Prize: £300 cash prize for first place and £150 cash prize for second place, to put towards your community garden.

Best Back Garden: If you love spending time in your garden, attending to your flower beds and creating your own space to enjoy alone or with loved ones, then we want to hear from you and see your beautiful botanical creations!

Prize: £100 Amazon voucher for first place and £50 Amazon voucher for second place.

Best Balcony: Living in London means that some of us have limited outdoor space, so we want to see your beautiful balconies. We are looking for a creative space that is sustainable and wildlife friendly, helping to protect our planet.

Prize: £100 Amazon voucher for first place and £50 Amazon voucher for second place

Entries are now open and will close on Sunday 18 August.

Click here to enter!

As the weather gets warmer, it’s important to know how to keep you, your loved ones and your pets cool this summer. We have put together some helpful tips when the temperature rises.

Take lukewarm or cool showers

• By taking a cooler shower, this can bring your body temperature down.
• By letting yourself air-dry, rather than using a towel, can create a cooling effect on your skin.

During a heatwave, close your windows, curtains and blinds.

• By keeping the windows shut when the country is experiencing a heatwave, it will keep the warmer air out of your home.
• Use blinds and curtains to keep the sunshine out of your rooms.
• When the sun goes down, open the windows to let the cooler air in.
• Stay hydrated.
• Make sure to stay hydrated during the warmer weather. It is recommended adults drink 2 litres of water a day.
• By eating cooler foods such as fruit, cold salads and chilled soups, will not only keep you hydrated, but will also save you from having to use your oven, which could make your home even warmer.

Use an electric fan (and use it well)

• Electric fans are relatively cheap to run and will instantly cool you down.
• Remember, the fan will not decrease the air temperature, so don’t leave a fan in an empty room, as you will waste energy.
• Position your fan either at the same height as you or lower than you. This will ensure the cooler air will reach you, rather than warmer air pushing down on you.

Remember to dress cool

• Try to wear thin, cotton-based loose clothing to stay cool.
• At night, you might think it’s better to not wear anything, but wearing thin loose clothing will act as a sweat barrier between you and your bed sheets, which will help you feel cooler.

Don’t forget your pets!

• Keep pets inside during the hottest hours.
• If you do have your pets outside, make sure they have shade and water.
• Never exercise pets when the temperature is very high. A regular walk could become a medical emergency.
• Never leave your pet in a parked vehicle.
• Always test pavements, footpaths and slabs in gardens and communal areas. If it’s too hot on your hand, it’s too hot for your pet.
• If you see a pet in distress, please contact the RSPCA.

The weather may be warming up, but we must remain vigilant when it comes to fire safety. Most fires in the home start by accident and by carrying out a few simple safety checks you can reduce the chances of a fire starting to keep you and your loved ones safe.

Remember: If there is a fire in your home – get out, stay out and call 999 – don’t try to tackle the fire yourself. 

Things you should do:

• Make sure you know where the fire escape routes are from your home and building.
• If you see an object blocking any of the fire escapes, please move it if it is safe to do so or report it to us.
• Close inside doors at night to stop a fire from spreading. 
• Never store items in communal (shared) areas such as corridors and balconies.
• Make it a habit to keep the exits from your home clear, so that people can escape if there is a fire.
• Check all your smoke alarms work.  You are twice as likely to die in a fire if your smoke alarm does not work. Your local fire service provides free home safety checks and in many cases this may include fitting a free smoke alarm. Fire Officers will also advise you about making your home safer. To get a free safety visit from your local fire service, contact the London Fire Brigade on 08000 28 44 28. 
• Turn off and unplug all electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on, like a freezer.  
• Do not leave the washing machine on as that can potentially start a fire.  
• Check your cooker is off.  Gas cookers are harder to notice so double check. 
• Turn heaters off and put up fireguards too if you have them.  
• Put candles, naked flames and cigarettes out properly. It is much safer to smoke outside and ensure they are put out properly in an ashtray. Make sure candles or naked flames are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains. 
• Make sure that everyone in your home can easily find the keys for doors and windows – always keep them in the same place.
• Keep mirrors and other reflective materials like glass and crystal away from sunny windows as the reflection can start a blaze.

Fire doors

We check flat entrance doors and communal doors routinely to ensure compliance with safety regulations.

• Never leave fire doors wedged open, they need to remain closed.
• Do not tamper with self-closing devices on fire doors.
• Please report any faults or damage to fire doors immediately.

Keeping your balcony safe:

• Never barbecue on your balcony, sparks can fall to the homes below.
• Don’t keep paints, paint thinners or fuel on your balcony.
• If smoking on your balcony, dispose of smoking materials responsibly and do not flick lit cigarettes from a balcony. Use safety ash trays to extinguish cigarettes.

How can I keep fire safe? 

You can keep fire safe by: 

• giving our staff and contractors access to your home so they can carry-out fire related maintenance and undertake fire risk assessments. 
• looking after doors and windows on escape routes so they can be easily and quickly opened in case of a fire. This includes keeping doors closed (unless they are doors designed to be held open on magnetic devices) and not wedging them open. 
• not changing your flat’s front door, as this acts as a key line of defence in preventing the spread of fire. 
• not smoking in communal areas and generally taking care when smoking. 
• keeping escape routes and communal areas clear by not storing belongings in communal areas and in particular keeping stairwells free of obstacles. This will ensure people can get out of the building quickly. 
• familiarise yourself with the escape plan for your building. If you are not sure of this, please contact us. 

For more fire safety advice, visit the London Fire Brigade website at www.london-fire.gov.uk 

If you discover a fire:

• raise the alarm
• leave the building immediately by the nearest available exit if it is safe to do so
• move to a safe distance away from the building
• phone the Fire Brigade by dialling 999 
• remain a safe distance away from the building and await the Fire Brigade.

If the fire is in your home:

• tell everyone in your home and get them to leave the building closing your front door behind you
• move to a safe distance away from the building
• call the Fire Brigade by dialling 999 asking for FIRE
• remain a safe distance away from the building and await the Fire Brigade
• if you see or hear of a fire in another part of the building stay put in your home as this will usually be the safest option unless you are directly affected by the fire. Close all windows and be prepared to leave
• phone the Fire Brigade by dialling 999 asking for FIRE
• you must leave the building immediately if smoke or fire directly affects your home or you are directed to do so by the Fire Brigade. Close your front door behind you
• move to a safe distance away from the building, remain there and await the Fire Brigade.

Remember:

• Do not take risks.
• Do no stop to collect personal belongings.
• Do not return to the building for any reason unless authorised to do so.
• Do not use any lift.