At Wandle, we celebrate Black History Month every year, and this year’s theme is ‘Reclaiming Our Narratives,’ and marks a significant shift towards recognising and correcting the narratives of black history and culture. 

Below are two real-life stories from Wandle colleagues. 

Tok’s story 

Tok’s is a Customer Service Advisor at Wandle and has been kind enough to share her experience of emigrating to the UK as a young woman. 

“I came to the UK aged 18 after I had sat my GCSE exams in August 1982, and l was so excited to leave Nigeria for greener pastures. 

“My parents both studied in the UK and returned to Nigeria in 1963 by ship which was cheaper for them.  

“I wasn’t prepared for the cold at all, and I wore the wrong footwear from September to November until my GP warned me to buy boots instead of wearing open sandals with socks to college after I got chilblains on both feet.  

“I had to book an urgent holiday to Nigeria after the first-term break from college to get warmth as l wasn’t coping well with the cold UK weather. 

“I made friends at college, especially with my Philippine classmates. There were very few black students in my class in the 80s. There was a lack of information for foreign students and accessing the information I needed to make the UK my home was difficult. 

“I hit difficulty when my money was stolen, and my visa didn’t allow me to work. I was lucky that my aunt worked for the Metropolitan Police and helped me retrieve the stolen £1000. 

“However, it took a month for my money to be refunded, and I was at breaking point. I wrote to the Home Office explaining I needed to work to thrive in this country. They quickly sent me my National Insurance number and I got my first job at McDonald’s.” 

Black History Month is important to Toks, because she believes, in “celebrating my culture and heritage, and acknowledging the good things other black people have achieved with their contribution to humanity and their sacrifices.” 

Yinka’s story

Yinka Bolaji is Wandle’s Executive Director of Development and Property and has shared his fascinating story. 

“I recently re-watched a Netflix documentary called White Nanny, Black Child. It tells the story of more than 70,000 West African children who were informally fostered by white British families from the 1950s to as late as 1995. These children’s parents came to seek better opportunities in Britain, hoping to build a brighter future.  

“I was one of these children. I was born in 1965, and at that time, families like mine had two options: either pause their studies to care for their children or arrange informal fostering.  

“My parents came to England in the 1960s to study and improve their prospects after Nigeria gained independence. My father, Nathaniel, trained as an Electrical Engineer, and my mother, Mary, trained as a Midwife. 

“Both were teachers before arriving in the UK, and they left my three older siblings, the youngest only three years old, in Nigeria with relatives to care for them while they pursued their studies.  

“When I was born, my mother was preparing to start her training in Sheffield, and through a work colleague, she found the Meads family. At just six weeks old, I was fostered and lived in Surbiton alongside their three older children until 1968, when I returned to Nigeria with my mother.  

“Though I grew up in Nigeria, the Meads, who had lived in Tanzania in the 1950s, became my extended family. We stayed in touch over the years, exchanging letters and updating each other on our lives. They never missed a birthday, always sending gifts and postal orders. When I returned to the UK after graduating from university, we rekindled our relationship, and the Meads saw me build a life and family of my own here.  

“In 2000, before my mother passed away, she visited the UK one last time. Her final words to Barbara Mead were, “Thank you, and if we don’t meet again, we will surely meet at Jesus’ feet.” 

“I was honoured when the Mead family asked me to deliver Barbara’s eulogy at her funeral. During her final days, Barbara’s last words to me were “my baby,” and I am thankful that I had the chance to express my gratitude for the legacy she left behind.  

“I am immensely grateful for the kindness shown to me by the Meads and perhaps because I returned to Nigeria at a young age, I did not struggle with identity and belonging issues that some children experienced. I also know others who were fostered for many years—some for over a decade—and have gone on to become successful, responsible adults in the UK.   

“Reflecting on the recent ‘mindless’ riots that followed the tragic event in Southport during the summer of 2024, I can’t help but think of how some marginalised individuals have chosen to blame an entire migrant population for their struggles. Instead, I choose to remember the enduring connections we form across cultures. “ 

Our income support team recently supported a vulnerable resident who was at risk of being made homeless.

Elderly resident Mr RB* had been served a NOSP/legal action letter because he had missed rent payments of £1300.

This was out of character because he had always claimed housing benefits. After further investigation, our income officer discovered that Mr RB’s housing benefit had stopped because he had travelled abroad for three months for a funeral.

Our Welfare Rights Advisor worked hard to ensure no legal action was taken against Mr RB, to allow us the time and space to resolve the issue. We helped Mr RB make a new housing benefit claim and a three-month backdated start.

Unfortunately, the housing benefit payment was slow, and Mr RB’s rent arrears increased to over £3,500. Understandably this impacted his mental well-being, and the team consistently sent evidence to the local authority. In the meantime, we encouraged Mr RB to pay what he could while his benefit was processed.

Mr RB’s housing benefit payment was finally processed, and he is happier in his home. He contacted us to say thank you for the advice and support during a stressful time. We will keep an eye on his tenancy to make sure he does not fall into arrears again.

At Wandle, we see our purpose as supporting people across south London, who need a home. We know it can be overwhelming if you fall into debt, and it can be easy to ignore them, but this only makes the problem grow.

If you cannot pay your rent, we will work with you to resolve the problem, and if for any reason we cannot help you, we will sign-post you to agencies who can.

Our customer contact centre is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. You can also email us at customerservices@wandle.com. 

Recycling Week is back for it’s 21^st year and this year’s theme is ‘Rescue Me’, which aims to get more people recycling the right things, more often.

Recycling helps our planet by saving energy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Sometimes it can be confusing what you can and cannot recycle, therefore it’s always good to familiarise yourself with the recycle symbols.

Find out how to reuse, repair or recycle your household waste here.

It’s now easier than ever to recycle at home. Here are a few tips to get you started:

• Make sure you have the right bins and if you’re missing one, contact your local council.
• Check your local council’s website to familiarise yourself with what can and cannot be recycled, and make sure you’re putting your waste in the correct bins. You can also check the bin dates on their website.
• Make sure to store your recycling bins or boxes in a safe convenient place that does not obstruct access to your home or fire escapes.
• Make sure to recycle when you’re out an about too, as many bins will have a recycling section.

Fly-tipping is also a common problem for our residents, and we encourage you to report this as it is considered as anti-social behaviour. Please contact us at estatesservices@wandle.com so we can resolve the issue.

Taking the time to learn about what you can and cannot recycle means you are playing an important role in helping to look after our beautiful planet.

Today is World Mental Health Day and the overall objective is to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and how you can access the support you may need.

The theme this year is ‘Mental health in the workplace’. Our jobs can be fast paced which could lead to chronic stress and burnouts. The World Health Organization are calling for everyone to take shared responsibility for workplace mental health.

Addressing your mental health issues with your line manager or HR team means they can support you early on before work becomes too overwhelming.

For further information and resources for mental health in the workplace, click here:

If you are struggling with your mental health or want someone to talk to, here are a list of charities and support organisations that can help:

• www.mind.org.uk
• www.mentalhealth-uk.org
• www.rethink.org
• www.nhs.uk/mental-health

On Saturday 28 October, we attended the unveiling of a Battersea blue plaque at 28 Lavender Sweep in honour of Tom Taylor and Laura Barker.

Tom Taylor (1817 – 1880) was an English dramatist, critic, biographer, public servant, and editor of Punch magazine.

Laura Barker (1819-1905) was a renowned composer and musician, who lived at the property with her husband Tom Taylor from 1858 until he died in 1880.

Both Laura and Tom held regular Sunday musical soirees, and celebrities at the time such as Lewis Carroll and Charles Dickens would attend.

The Battersea Society consists of local and former residents, businesses, and even visitors who fell in love with a vibrant part of Southwest London.  They are committed to honouring Battersea’s rich heritage and ensuring the community is at the heart of development across the historic borough.

The unveiling was attended by Wandle’s Chief Executive, Anne Waterhouse, and the Worshipful Mayor Sana Jafri, who both said a few words about the importance of acknowledging our local history and the importance of art and culture.

Anne Waterhouse, Chief Executive of Wandle said, “It is an honour for a Wandle to be a part of this event. The boroughs we work in have a rich history, and it is fascinating to learn about Tom Taylor and Laura Barker. Thank you to The Battersea Society for their commitment to honouring the history of this historic borough.”

Emma Anthony from the Wandsworth Heritage Service read the poem Lavender Sweep by John Betjeman, and renowned actor Alun Armstrong enacted an excerpt from Still Waters Run Deep.

Relatives of Tom Taylor and Laura Barker attended, with Rupert Stutchbury actor and great, great-grandson of Tom Taylor reading an excerpt from In Memoriam to Abraham Lincoln

*Photography was taken and is owned by Chrysoulla Photography.

The weather is getting colder, therefore it’s important to know how to keep you and your home safe when you need to keep warm.

When warming your home, the most effective way to prevent a fire is to remain vigilant when it comes to fire safety and understand the common risks in your home.

By carrying out simple safety checks you can reduce the chances of a fire starting in your home.

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 overnight or if you are leaving the property. 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 – such as curtains. 
• Ensure 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 as 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.

On Friday 20 September, we officially broke ground at 46-76 Summerstown in Merton, where we will deliver 93 much-needed affordable homes.

Supported by a social housing grant from the Greater London Authority (GLA), the development is part of a broader regeneration project in the area, which includes the new AFC Wimbledon football ground. Originally designed by Concept Architect CZWG Architects LLP, the design has been updated by Higgins Partnership, who are working closely with the GLA to bring the project to life.

Dominic Higgins, Chief Operating Officer at Higgins Partnerships, said: “We are excited to begin work on this development, which will provide much-needed affordable homes, enhance the community, and boost the local economy. Our commitment is to deliver high-quality, energy-efficient homes that meet the needs of the residents.”

The single eight-storey development will include 39 London Living Rent homes and 54 Shared Ownership homes, offering high-quality, energy-efficient housing options.

Anne Waterhouse, Chief Executive of Wandle Housing Association, said, “I am delighted that Wandle will be providing much-needed homes to south London and will be part of the exciting regeneration of Summerstown. This is a flagship development for Wandle, and I look forward to welcoming our future residents.”

In addition, the hoarding was designed in partnership with local school children from Belleville Primary School and older Wandle residents who spent time together at monthly workshops organised by the charity InCommon. The workshops provided younger and older people an opportunity to build friendships with one another.

During their final meeting, they discussed what home means to them. We hope you enjoy the children’s drawings, showcased on the site hoardings which reflect the various feelings home can evoke.

Kybor Carlsen, Head of Wandle’s Customer Excellence Panel said, “As a member of Wandle’s committee, I advocate for better-designed homes with fewer issues. For example, this new building will feature bathrooms with windows, which is key for preventing damp and mould through proper ventilation.

“Though I’m not a football fan, I know Wimbledon’s stadium next door offers great community activities. My partner, a club member, mentioned they run walking groups to boost mental wellbeing, walking football for those less able, and fun days for children with free or low-cost activities.”

Both Wandle and Higgins are committed to building better, stronger, safer, and more sustainable communities, that not only deliver high-quality homes for local residents but also leave a legacy of positive impact.

Congratulations to the winners and runners-up of this year’s gardening competition.

Anne Waterhouse, Chief Executive at Wandle and Jeremy Kimberley and Suzana Karakashi from our Engagement & Partnership team visited the winners and were impressed by the hard work and creativity on display.

First place:

Community garden – Soul food garden

Outdoor garden – Donna Spiller

Runner up:

Outdoor garden – Allison Rose

Congratulations to all our winners and thank you to everyone who entered the competition. This year’s entries were sustainable, colourful and demonstrated how you can create a mindful space for everyone to enjoy.

Research shows that 880,000 pensioners who are eligible for Pension Credit are not currently in receipt of the benefit, which is an average worth £3,900 per year.  

If you are over State Pension age, you may be eligible to claim Pension Credit, even if you own your home or have savings. People who claim Pension Credit may also be able to get: 

• The Winter Fuel Payment and other help with heating costs 

• Help with rent and Council Tax 

• A free TV Licence for those aged 75 or over 

• Help with the cost of NHS services, such as NHS dental treatment, glasses and transport costs for hospital appointments. 

You could be eligible for Pension Credit if your weekly income is below £218.15 or, if you have a partner who lives with you, £332.95. qualifying income level may be higher in some circumstances. 

“If you have £10,000 or less in savings and investment this will not affect your Pension Credit. If you have more than £10,000 every £500 over £10,000 counts as £1 income a week.  

Pension Service helpline:  

• call the Pension Credit claim line on 0800 99 1234 and they can fill in the application for you over the phone (lines are open Monday to Friday, 8am-6pm). 

It can be helpful to have the following details to hand before you get started: 

• your National Insurance number 

• your bank account details 

• information about your income, savings and investments 

• information about your pension (if you have one) 

• details of any housing costs you have (such as a mortgage, interest payments or service charges) 

• your partner’s details, if you have a partner. 

Our New Homes team recently helped one family of eight downsize into two smaller properties. The A* family were living in a seven-bedroom house, and they were looking for a new home to better suit their needs.

At Wandle we will always try to find our residents a suitable home, however we don’t have many properties with a large number of bedrooms, therefore our Project Liaison Officer Angie Lewis worked with the family to find them a new home to meet the needs for the entire household.

It was challenging to find a large property in the same area; therefore, it was agreed we would help them find two new homes close to one another, with the adult children in one and the younger members of the family, along with their parents in another.

Angie Lewis worked closely with the family and found two homes that matched their requirements, including size and location.

Mrs A* thanked Wandle and said, “You have helped my family get the best home possible. You communicated well with my family and listened to our needs and preferences. This helped us feel confident in trusting you with the move.”

Ms A* personally thanked Angie Lewis for all her hard work relocating her family to their new homes.

“A key highlight was the exceptional support provided by our project manager Angie. She was consistently available to answer any questions I had, no matter how small, and dealt with any queries promptly and effectively.

Overall, we couldn’t be happier with the outcome of this move. The scheme not only helped us find homes that perfectly suited my family’s needs but also ensured that the entire process was handled with professionalism and care.”

Anne Waterhouse, Chief Executive at Wandle said, ‘I am proud that we have been able to support the A* family with two new homes to build a future. Sadly, this is becoming more and more rare due to the challenges facing the sector in being able to build new social homes in London.’