Our Helping Hand Fund has supported over 200 households. Throughout the last year, we have spent a total of £109,627 providing residents with household essentials. 

Most recently, the tenancy team supported Ms S* who is a vulnerable resident suffering from a variety of health conditions and social anxiety. In addition, she was heavily in debt with high rent arrears, housing benefits, and utility bill debts. To make matters worse, her cooker was broken and she was sleeping on a mattress on the floor which was seriously impacting her wellbeing.  

Due to the severity of Ms S* situation, her application was fast-tracked, and she was awarded £800 in vouchers to purchase a new cooker and bed frame. 

She was also awarded £350 in Sainsbury’s vouchers to purchase groceries and cover her fuel. 

Ms S* was thankful for the help and said: “These vouchers are going to help me so much. I can now order a cooker and a new bed for my daughter, thank you so much!” 

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

We have seen a worrying increase in disrepair claims, and ‘no win – no fee’ companies targeting our residents.

These companies will use many different methods to contact you, including telephone, WhatsApp, social media and even knocking on your door.

They will say they are working with us, and to report a repair through them. Do not believe them – their sole purpose is to make money out of you and us.

You may be advised not to accept contact from Wandle, or to let us in to do repair work. Please remember that we are legally entitled to have reasonable access to your home, and it is in both our interests to ensure that any repairs needed can be carried out.  We will always try and book a time and date that is convenient for you.

We are members of the Housing Ombudsman Scheme, and you may wish to contact them for advice and guidance about your complaint with us. You can get in touch with the Housing Ombudsman Scheme at any point during your complaint.

What to do if you are contacted

Always ask for identification, and don’t be afraid to call the police if you feel scared or threatened. Block any unknown numbers that look suspicious. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns or are being pressures to sign anything! You could be liable to pay fees if you change your mind.

You can help us stop this ‘claim’ culture by reporting your repair on MyWandle or calling us on 0300 2000 120. If you are not happy with a repair you can register your complaint on MyWandle. Also, if you have a problem with damp or mould in your home, please report it on MyWandle.

We are delighted that work is set to begin on 93 units in Summerstown, Merton.

The development is in partnership with Higgins and the Greater London Authority (GLA) who have supported the scheme with a social housing grant. The new homes are part of the wider regeneration of the area which is also home to the new AFC Wimbledon football ground.

The development will provide much needed, high quality and energy efficient homes and will be a mix of 39 London Living Rent and 54 Shared Ownership. Wandle exists to help south Londoners who need a home, by building and managing quality housing and supporting communities so they can thrive.

Yinka Bolaji, Executive Director of Property and Development at Wandle said: “I am delighted that Wandle will be able to provide safe and affordable homes that people really need. Summerstown is an exciting development and will create a new community and boost the economy. I look forward to seeing the development take shape.”

We will keep you updated with the development which is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

We have achieved 100% gas compliance on all our properties, keeping our residents safe and secure in their homes.

The team recently completed a gas inspection on a 91-year-old vulnerable customer who they were unable to reach. Our Neighbourhood Customer Services Officer arranged access to the property with the residents’ neighbour, so K&T Heating could complete the inspection.

Anyone who uses gas in their home needs to be aware of the gas risks and how to keep safe. Badly fitted and poorly serviced gas appliances and installations can cause gas leaks and carbon monoxide poisoning.

If you have concerns about gas safety in your home please contact us immediately on 0300 2000 120.