Our Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) team recently helped saved Christmas for Wandle residents who unfortunately experienced a gas leak in their block.

After the gas leak was discovered, our M&E team were contacted by the gas supplier to inform us the properties would be disconnected, leaving our residents without hot water or heating. Our M&E team worked alongside our contractors K&T to ensure our residents’ gas supply was connected as soon as possible.

Thankfully our residents’ gas was connected within two days, but due a complex issue this was not possible for one property. Initially it was predicted the repairs could take up to two weeks to resolve the problem, but our M&E team worked tirelessly with our contractor K&T to ensure a fast solution. By working together alongside the gas supplier, our tenant was connected within a matter of days instead of weeks.

Our tenant was relieved their Christmas plans would not be disrupted and said, ‘I can’t thank you enough. You have been wonderful and just saying thank you doesn’t seem to be enough’.

Know what to do in an emergency

Act fast! It’s crucial that you act fast in a gas emergency by carrying out the following steps. If you smell gas at your property, you must open all doors and windows to help ventilation, turn off the gas emergency valve control, leave the property and immediately call National Emergency Gas on 0800 111 999. 

Make sure you follow all the advice given to you by the emergency adviser and wait outside for the engineer to arrive. You must not use any electrical switches, smoke or naked flames near your home.

We are supporting Southwark’s cost of living Christmas campaign, which aims to support households who find themselves struggling this winter.

Last winter Southwark council helped over 30,000 households who were struggling due to the increase in living costs. Their aim is to help and offer advice about the wide range of  services and organisations available to those living in financial difficulty due to the cost of living crisis.

Southwark Council can assist you with:

• Financial support and advice
• Energy support
• Finding a warm space near you
• Finding mental health and wellbeing support
• Help with food and household costs
• Domestic abuse and how to get help
• Help with employment and training
• Cost of living support for businesses.

Click here to access their services. They have also created a cost of living booklet which is an in depth guide of all the services they provide.  

Our new homes team recently saved Christmas for one Wandle resident who was struggling with rent arrears.

Our tenant was living alone in a three bedroom property and was struggling to afford her rent due to the increase in living costs and only being eligible for partial housing benefit as a single occupant.

Our tenant did not inform us of her situation, which left her in rent arrears and struggling to cope.  Fortunately, she contacted our resident support team who referred her to our new homes team to find our resident a more suitable and affordable home.

Our new homes team found a beautiful one bedroom property and ensured it was fitted with new carpets and was redecorated prior to our tenant moving in. We helped our tenant clear her rent arrears, paid the removal costs and gave her further support through our helping hand fund to remove any further pressure and support her in her new home in time for Christmas.

Suzanne Horsley, Executive Director, Customer Services and Operational Services said, ‘Our colleagues across Wandle worked hard to ensure our tenant was settled into her new home in time for Christmas. By supporting her to address her financial situation, has given our tenant the opportunity to start over again without the worry of being homeless.’

If you are struggling with any issues mentioned in this article and are unable to pay your rent, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Information about the Helping Hand Fund
The Helping Hand Fund is available to all Wandle residents who are financially struggling. It aims to support residents by providing vouchers for food and other household items from supermarkets, furniture, carpets, washing machines, essential white goods, and even technology as internet access is now essential for Universal Credit and other online services. Please note that the fund is not to be used to cover your rent.

Applications for the Helping Hand Fund are now open. You can apply by emailing helpinghandfund@wandle.com.

• Never overload electrical sockets and always switch off your Christmas lights when you go to bed or leave the house.
• Never place candles near your Christmas tree, garlands or decorations.
• Keep candles out of reach from children and pets, and never leave candles unattended.
• Most fires start in the kitchen. Many Christmas dishes require a longer period of time in the oven, therefore avoid leaving the oven on unattended and don’t leave your oven on when you leave the house.
• Avoid cooking under the influence of alcohol.
• Do not light cigarettes or leave ashtrays near decorations.
• Don’t attach decorations to lights or heaters, as they can get hot and start a fire.
• If you have an open fire, take care when decorating the fireplace and have nothing hanging over the edge.
• When wrapping gifts, make sure you are not near any open flames or lit cigarettes.
• Do not burn wrapping paper in the fireplace, as it burns very quickly and could cause a chimney fire.
• Make sure guests visiting your home know the emergency exits.
• Check in on older and vulnerable relatives and neighbours, to ensure their homes are safe.
• Test your smoke alarms.
• And finally, check your Christmas tree lights have the British Safety Standard sign either on the battery pack or on the plug.

Our repairs team recently completed a project in Streatham Vale after one of our properties had unfortunately been left vandalised by a previous tenant. The property was so badly damaged, it needed a complete renovation before it was relet again. 

Our repairs team is made up of highly skilled operatives and experts, including floor layers and UPVC specialists. They work hard to maintain your homes to a good and safe standard.  

Our operatives worked tirelessly and spent time away from loved ones to ensure the property was ready to be let in time for Christmas. They worked out of hours, including evenings and weekends, to ensure any previously booked appointments for our Wandle residents were unaffected. 

Wandle’s Repairs Service Manager, Cliff Marcus said, ‘All of the operatives involved sacrificed their weekends and evenings away from their families to get this project finished. The craftmanship is outstanding and all of them represent Wandle’s values; aim high, own it, think customer, work together and build relationships. Thank you and well done!’ 

The Regulator of Social Housing has today published a regulatory judgement, upgrading Wandle’s governance rating to the highest standard, G1.

While our governance rating has always been compliant, we needed to improve some aspects of our governance arrangements and are pleased that the regulator has received sufficient assurance to make this decision.

We also continue to comply with the financial viability elements of the Governance and Financial Viability Standard.

The regulator has seen improved oversight of services and data, and our corporate strategy progress has shown consistent, steady improvement in our three strategic objectives – outcomes for customers that make us proud, homes we would be happy to live in, and building new homes and successful communities.

The regulatory judgement endorses our business plan, which is robustly positioned in a landscape of challenging and changing economic and consumer regulatory conditions.

Dr Valerie Vaughan-Dick MBE, Chair of the Board, said

“We are very pleased that Wandle has regained its G1 rating. It is welcome news that the regulator recognises the hard work put in, and progress made, to improving customer service and the quality of stock condition information.

“I would like to share a personal thanks to members of the Board and Executive team, both past and present, and to all colleagues at Wandle for their diligent work and persistence in delivering our corporate strategy. I am also grateful to residents for continuing to share feedback and work with us on topics that matter to them most.

“Everyone at Wandle knows that while we have made excellent progress, there is always more we can do to improve outcomes for customers, and there is a clear commitment from colleagues and leadership to continue building on the foundations laid.”

HEATING YOUR HOME

OPEN FIRES

• Always be careful when using an open fire to keep your home warm and always use a fire guard to protect against sparks.
• Always check your fire is under control before going to bed.
• Keep chimneys and flues clean.

PORTABLE HEATERS

• Keep heaters away from curtains and furniture.
• Do not use heaters for drying clothes.
• Always unplug an electric heater when you go to bed.
• Try to secure the heater to a wall to stop it falling over.

KEEPING WARM

ELECTRIC BLANKETS

• Unplug blankets before you get into bed, unless they have a ‘safety all night’ feature.
• Store the blanket either rolled, flat or loosely folded to avoid wire damage.
• You may be able to get your fire blanket tested by Age UK or your local fire service. They should be tested every three years.
• Try not to buy second-hand blankets.
• Replace your blanket every ten years.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

WHAT TO DO IF THERE IS A POWERCUT

ALTERNATIVE LIGHTING

• Have battery operated torches and extra batteries in an easy to find place.
• If you have to use candles, make sure you blow them out before going to bed.
• Make sure candles are in a secure holder and are away from curtains, clothing and bedding.

ALTERNATIVE POWER

• Have a portable charger fully charged, so you can still use a mobile phone in the event of an emergency.

STAY WARM

• Wrap up in layers of warm clothes and blankets.

You can read our fire safety guidelines in full here: Fire Safety – Wandle Housing Association

On Sunday 5 November it is Bonfire Night, which can be a fun night for all the family to enjoy. However, for many the noise can be distressing, and it is important to respect your elderly and vulnerable neighbours, as well as those with young children and pets.

Here are some tips to keep everyone safe this weekend.

Bonfire and firework safety

• If you are hosting a fireworks party, please tell your neighbours, especially those who are elderly, have young children or have pets.
• Never have a bonfire or let off fireworks on your balcony or in communal areas.
• Don’t set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am.
• Please avoid using drink or drugs before or when using fireworks.
• Never return to a lit firework.
• Never throw fireworks and never have fireworks in your pocket.
• Children should never play or light fireworks.
• Sparklers should be lit at arm’s length and at one at a time. Children under five should not handle sparklers, and children over five should be always supervised by an adult. Wear gloves when handling sparklers and dispose of them in a bucket of water.
• Keep your pets indoors this weekend, close the curtains and play some gentle music or pop the television on to mask the sound. For more information on keeping your pets safe during fireworks night, please visit the RSPCA website.
• The safest way to enjoy fireworks is by going to an organised event. Check your local council’s website for displays near you.

For more information, visit Fireworks | London Fire Brigade (london-fire.gov.uk)

Halloween takes place this year on Tuesday 31 October and it is likely some people will be enjoying early celebrations this weekend. We have put together some handy tips to keep you and your family safe over the Halloween period.

Fire safety

• Use battery-operated candles in your pumpkins

• Use battery-operated torches and glowsticks

• When choosing costumes, stay away from long trailing fabric and make sure they are labelled as flame-resistant.

• Teach children to stay away from pumpkins in case they have a live flame inside

• If you are decorating your home, please make sure all decorations are away from open flames, ovens, microwaves and radiators.

• Make sure to keep all exits clear of decorations in your home.

• Make sure all smoke alarms are working.

Stay street smart

• Always accompany young children

• If your older children are trick-or-treating without adult supervision, plan a route with them and agree a time they will get back home.

• Remind children the risk of distracted walking and remind them to not assume cars will always stop at crossings.

• Stay on well-lit streets in well known areas and always use the pavement.

• Caution children to never enter a house or car to receive their Halloween treat.

• Remind children of all ages what to do in case of an emergency and how to call 999.

Halloween disturbances and home safety

• Remember that some people will not want to be disturbed. If there is a pumpkin outside a house, it’s usually a good sign they are happy to receive trick-or-treaters.

• When out trick-or-treating, be mindful of your noise and do not ring someone’s doorbell or knock more than once.

• If you want to receive trick-or-treaters, always use a door chain or look out of a spy hole/window before opening the door.

• Only open the door if you feel it’s safe to do so. If you don’t feel safe, it’s fine to not open the door.
• Some people leave a bowl of sweets outside their home so they don’t have to keep answering the door.
• If you’re worried about Halloween night, invite a friend, family member or relative to sit with you.

It’s ok to not take part in Halloween

If you don’t want to receive trick-or-treaters and are concerned about staying safe, always have your doors and windows locked. We have created a poster you can print at home or at your local library to attach to your front door so you won’t be disturbed.