Wirral Partnership Homes

Success at Housing Excellence Awards

Katie Jones — Tue, 15 May 2012 09:32:57 GMT

Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) is honoured to have been named winner of the Best Tenant Care Programme category in the ninth national Housing Excellence Awards 2012.

The Housing Excellence Awards highlight and reward those who are leading the way in social housing sector. The awards event has grown from strength to strength over the years, with ever-increasing audiences (now officially the largest social housing awards event in the UK with over 700 attendees in 2012) and consistently boasts a high calibre of nominations.

WPH beat off strong competition from nearly 100 other applicants with their award entry for the work undertaken by the integrated Customer Liaison Team, representing both WPH and Bullock Construction who collaborated to offer a professional tenant care programme for residents affected by the £27 million investment improvements to their high rise accommodation .

The judge’s feedback at the event said: “With a largely elderly tenant base in situ during an extensive programme of internal and external refurbishment and remodelling works, it was essential for WPH to pull out all the stops to satisfy residents and ensure the minimum of disruption. Tenant liaison and a willingness to provide a bespoke solution were essential to success and the partnership’s efforts saw tenant satisfaction rise to 97 per cent.”

Bullock’s client relationship manager, Caroline Telford, whose team played an integral role in the award said, “It’s a privilege to work with a client who is so proactive and innovative in their approach to customer care and one who shares our passion for delivery excellence. They let us work as true partners to our core values – teamwork, respect, innovation and professionalism - in what was an ambitious programme of works while keeping every resident happy.”

WPH Chief Executive, Brian Simpson said: “Our tenants were the key stakeholders and their engagement, participation and satisfaction were imperative to the overall success of the project. We are very proud that the enthusiasm, professionalism, dedication and expertise of our project team has been recognised and we will continue our efforts to maintain our tenants’ satisfaction rates.”

Garden Competition 2012

Katie Jones — Wed, 02 May 2012 13:29:12 GMT

The WPH Garden Competition is back!

We don't mind if you've got a front garden, communal garden or a balcony. Whether it's big or small, wild and wonderful or neat and tidy. If it looks good, we want to see it!

Entry into the competition is free and open to all WPH residents and anyone living on a WPH estate.

Want to know more?

Print and complete a form, post it back to the address shown.

Download your PDF Application Form now

Charity Football Tournament

Laura Wedekind — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 09:14:46 GMT

WPH staff Paul Hamill and Eddy Hutchinson are organising a second charity football tournament at Birkenhead Youth Club.

This year, they are raising money for the Everyman Cancer Campaign in memory of Brian Dennis, a former colleague who died earlier this year after fighting testicular cancer.

We're looking for teams to put themselves forward to play. Are you interested?

It's £5 registration and you need to raise at least £10 for the charity. Help Paul and Eddy make this event a success!

Download the sponsorship form and poster for the event:

Football Tournament Pack 2012 (PDF)

Heswall residents spruce up their gardens

laurawedekind — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 15:02:40 GMT

Following an application for a Community Grant from a group of tenants in Heswall, WPH provided £300 to purchase plants and gardening equipment. This brightened up a corner of their communal land and increased security by helping to prevent people climbing over the fence and using the gardens as a short cut.

In addition, WPH estate management team and tenants were helped by Sodexo, the company that provides horticultural and grounds maintenance for WPH developments, who supplied labour free of charge.

Tenants were invited along and were keen to join in the tidy up and planting out of the borders. WPH tenant, Mr Michael Ryan said: “This is tremendous, the border is now pleasing on the eye and has been planted out properly. It will also act as a deterrent to stop people jumping over the fence to cut through from the land behind.”

So far this financial year WPH has given over £24,000 in one-off Community Grants ranging from a small amount of £150 for a bonfire night party to help prevent children becoming involved in anti-social activities to an application in excess of £5,000 from a fund which is managed as an annual budget of £30,000.

Brian Simpson, chief executive WPH added: “WPH are really pleased to support this project and Community Grants help to improve neighbourhoods and make a positive contribution in a variety of ways to the sustainability of the community for which it is intended. We continue to receive some very worthwhile bids for consideration.”

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Pic: Tenants and staff muck in!
For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

Tobacco Free Futures

Laura Wedekind — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 17:05:55 GMT

The Government is due to launch a public consultation in Spring 2012 on whether the UK should adopt the plain packaging of tobacco products.

By signing up and showing support for the plain packaging campaign, you can help protect children from the dangers of smoking.

Sign up today, it’s quick and easy and your support will be fed through to the national consultation. Click on the link below to sign up:

www.tobaccofreefutures.org/plainpacksprotect

90% of smokers start to smoke before the age of 19, therefore this move is important in turning off the tap to new smokers.

You can also support the campaign on Twitter: www.twitter.com/tff4kids

Customers at the core of what we do

Laura Wedekind — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 09:49:52 GMT

We are proud to announce that WPH has met the Customer Service Excellence Standard after a thorough assessment by the Centre for Assessment Ltd, a national organisation that provides assessment and certification against a range of internationally recognised standards. This underlines our commitment to providing tenant focused services efficiently and effectively.

The independent assessor reported that: “There is a passion and determination presented by staff which is shown through going above and beyond expectations of customers. A positive caring attitude in their approach, a real commitment to deliver promised quality service and an obvious interest in meeting their customers’ needs was evident during the assessment.”

To achieve the Standard, WPH had to meet five specified criteria and demonstrated full compliance with all the elements. These included

Customer Insight
Culture of the Organisation
Information and Access
Delivery
Timeliness & Quality of Service

In addition, WPH was awarded the coveted ‘Compliance Plus’ status in two areas where we have implemented innovative ways of keeping our residents informed. For example, by use of local drama group to help get messages across and by developing a simple web based application that anyone can access to work out potential changes in their personal finances as a result of changes in welfare benefit.

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive said: “We are so pleased to have received this
Award and I would like to thank our Customers, Partners and Staff for their continuing co-operation and hard work. We will continue to seek out new ways improved ways of delivering a quality service.”

The CSE Standard is owned by the Cabinet Office and has been developed in conjunction with senior leaders, opinion formers and front line practitioners within the public, private and third sectors. It can be used in any organisation, in any sector across the UK.

The Resident Involvement Team's innovative use of a local drama group for a tenant event got the assessor excited about WPH's approach to customer service:

The Continuous Improvement Team's work to help tenants understand their entitlement to Housing Benefits following proposed changes also received commendation from our assessor:

International Women's Day

Laura Wedekind — Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:12:46 GMT

To mark International Women’s Day on 8 March, WPH used its Community Grant scheme to support a local event organised by Wirral Change, a black and racial minority outreach service.

International Women’s Day is a time for globally recognising and celebrating women’s achievements and highlighting gender inequalities. The day has been observed since 1900, and is a national holiday in many countries.

Wirral Change used its Community Grant to organise a free event for the local community, attended by over 250 women.

There was a fantastic atmosphere at the celebration, held at St Laurence School in Birkenhead, with lots of activities on offer including belly dancing, traditional foods, health and breast feeding advice and entertainment.

Sabra Ahmed from Wirral Change said “Thanks to WPH for the grant that made today a special day for 256 Wirral ladies.”

Jane Sharpe, WPH Head of Compliance – Diversity and Safeguarding said “We’re proud to have supported International Women’s day and Wirral Change through our Community Grants scheme.”

Want to know more about Community Grants?

	Community Grant Application Form (Word doc)
	Community Grant Guidance Notes (PDF)

WPH helps cut residents' heating bills in half

Laura Wedekind — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 17:45:09 GMT

WPH residents at Vittoria Court and Neston Gardens in Birkenhead and Knowsley Court in Rock Ferry will benefit from estimated savings on their heating bill of nearly 50% following the installation of the award winning, revolutionary EcoPod heating system developed by Belfry Group in Warrington.

The three tallest high rise buildings in Birkenhead are among the first in the UK to have their heating and hot water supplied directly from this energy efficient system which consists of a communal cascade boiler system supplemented by solar thermal panels and gas air sourced heat pumps. One of the key targets of the WPH £27 million High Rise investment programme is to ensure that tenants are provided with efficient heating and insulation systems resulting in warmer homes whilst reducing on-going heating bills and maintenance costs.

Brian Seddon, WPH senior projects manager said:

“We want to meet the needs of current and future customers, ensuring a sustainable future for each tower block and reducing the buildings’ carbon footprint by more than 40 per cent. Wherever possible, renewable energy sources have been adopted and the improved insulation will improve the thermal comfort of the flats. The existing systems are rather out-dated, extremely inefficient and don’t meet tenants’ heating requirements. The installation will be better for the environment and will form part of many other internal and external improvements being undertaken for example kitchens and bathrooms, working together with Bullock Construction.”

If you are interested in modern high rise living, contact (0151) 666 7001 and ask for a member of the New Homes Team.

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Going for gold

Alison Jones — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 16:32:13 GMT

WPH has held its 2012 Staff Conference. The aim of the event was to mark the progress made since the launch of their 2020 Vision, to celebrate staff achievements and prepare for the main challenges for the year ahead.

Kriss Akabusi MBE, was the inspirational speaker who motivated staff with the story of his life and his achievements, not least winning Olympic medals and his historic gold medal win in the 4 x 400 metre World Championship relay race in Tokyo 1991. His ethos was that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and he emphasised how each member of staff play their part in helping WPH continue to provide tenant focused, efficient and effective services.

Brian Simpson, WPH Chief Executive said; “Kriss illustrated how every member of staff has helped us deliver the 89 promises we made to our tenants at transfer some 7 years ago. Now that we are approaching full decency levels Kriss really helped inspire us for delivering our 2020 Vision by reflecting on the forthcoming 2012 Olympic Year, with the motto Citius, Altius, Fortius!”

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Pic: l-r Kriss Akabusi MBE, Winners of the Archery Award for hitting targets, Andy Batchelor, Graham Smith, Steve Eaves along with Brian Simpson

For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

Town Meadow Lane

Alison Jones — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:18:00 GMT

WPH’s Chief Executive, Brian Simpson and Councillor Chris Blakely launched a fantastic new development on Valentine’s day at Town Meadow Lane, Moreton.

They held a street party to celebrate the demolition and regeneration programme which begins on February 20 to remove a block of derelict flats and shops branded an eyesore.

Hundreds attended the fun day with a Valentine theme for local residents which also gave everyone the opportunity to have a look at the plans for the £1.7m investment of three new shops and 24 houses (consisting of two, three and four bedroom houses and bungalows).

The development proposal has been welcomed by community and local Councillors alike and the development is expected to be completed in Spring 2013.

WPH’s tenant and owner of the local hairdressing salon, Debbie Walters said: “From being a Saturday girl in the salon to end up owning the business – I’m very passionate about these shops and what happens to them.

“It will be great to start afresh in new premises, with clients old and new. Let’s hope the community support their local shops and keep this area thriving as it used to be many years ago.”

Steve Eaves, Assistant Director - Development at WPH said: “We hope that this development will act as a catalyst for regeneration in the area, and we will continue to work together with local residents in the community……”

WPH shortlisted for women in construction awards

Laura Wedekind — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 09:55:42 GMT

Congratulations to WPH staff Angela Stewart-Hughes from the Asset Management Team and Building Services Apprentice Cathy Jackson.

Both have been shortlisted for a national Women in Construction award.

The Women in Construction Awards provide a showcase for the brightest and the best female achievers in the housebuilding and wider construction industries.

Cathy has been shortlisted in the apprentice category and Angela in the Project Manager category.

Both will attend the award evening on Wednesday 14 March 2012 at The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Club.

Good luck ladies, we've got our fingers crossed for you!

Angela Stewart-Hughes is pictured above on the right along with WPH Director Jayne Winders, Malcolm Hebden (Norris from Coronation Street!) and Esther McVey MP at the launch of Barncroft.

Serial award winner Cathy Jackson wins apprentice of the year at a Scientiam awards ceremony.

WPH Survey of Tenants and Residents

Laura Wedekind — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:05:32 GMT

WPH is carrying out a tenant satisfaction survey called “STAR”. It is a standard satisfaction survey for all housing organisations.

Using the same survey means we can compare our results with other housing associations and share our findings with you.

Over 1000 tenants will be selected at random to complete the survey, and everyone who completes it will be entered into a prize draw to win a 32 inch TV or £250 cash.

If you are selected, we will send you a letter explaining how to complete the survey online or by phone. It’s a great way for you to get involved without leaving your living room.

Have your received a letter about our STAR Survey?

Go to our homepage and click the Star Survey link

WPH and Ridgeway High School make some ‘Green Choices’

laurawedekind — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 17:04:41 GMT

Wirral Partnership Homes (WPH) and Sodexo who provide horticultural and grounds maintenance for WPH developments, jointly funded two Environmental Awards of £500 for schools and residents’ groups in their annual Garden Competition. The winners were Ridgeway High School, who had a plan to repair their vandalised school garden and Coronation Buildings residents’ group who had drawn up plans to create a new communal garden area.

At Ridgeway, in addition to the Environmental Award, it was agreed to fund further work by way of a WPH Community Grant of £1200. These grants support our communities through a variety of activities and enabled the area to be totally transformed to provide access for the children, including those with mobility problems, to the new deep beds and plant flowers and vegetables. The area surrounding the beds and new pathways have now been turfed and an Olympic Rings design planted in crocus bulbs so the sloping
grassed area will be very impressive in the Spring!

Pauline Roberts, Ridgeway Headteacher said: “our bid for the Community Grant was submitted after the original garden was vandalised by intruders to the site over the Summer holidays. The bid outlined how we wanted to re-establish the garden in order to support our local community members who will be visiting the newly refurbished community centre. Our pupils will be growing vegetables with the idea of contributing to the weekly older people’s luncheon club which is held in the community centre each week.”

Taylor Liddell, a Ridgeway pupil and very keen member of the club would like to pursue a career in Horticulture. He said, “The garden looks fantastic and it will encourage lots of students to learn how to garden, we can't wait to see what it looks like in the spring when the bulbs come up.”

Brian Simpson, Chief Executive of WPH added: “The Environmental Award was designed to help groups fulfil their plans to create new gardens and Ridgeway have certainly done that. In addition, the Community Grants are intended to help improve neighbourhoods and build communities and we hope that growing their own vegetables will not only be an excellent way for children to get their ‘five a day’ but have the added advantage of them learning to garden and work together.”

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Pictured are some of the ‘Green Choices’ (Ridgeway’s Eco and Gardening Club) children planting up the new raised beds with winter vegetables, herbs and flowers. Also a group picture including Headteacher Pauline Roberts, Jan Watson, Senior Science Teacher, Nigel Payne, Sodexo Operations Director, Steve Jackson, Contract Manager and WPH local residents.

For further information contact Alison Jones, Communications & Reputation Management Officer on 0151 666 7063

Wirral Partnership Homes Recognises Community Leaders

Laura Wedekind — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 16:26:02 GMT

WPH held its third Tenant Conference on 9 December at the Village Hotel in Bromborough.

This year’s event was organised by tenants, with support from WPH’s resident involvement team. It was WPH’s opportunity to say thank you to residents who give up their spare time to volunteer in the community.

The day kicked off with displays and presentations from community groups, including a moving presentation from Westway Square Residents’ Association about their community garden project in Moreton, paying tribute to Len Foxall who was involved in the project when he sadly passed away earlier this year.

After the formal presentations, Director of Housing Services Jayne Winders presented the Tenant Awards for contribution to the local community. The seven winners included Woodchurch TRUST, Bentinck Street Community House in Birkenhead and Courtney Park Residents Association in Rock Ferry.
Guests enjoyed a Christmas lunch followed by bingo and a performance from Brymbo Welsh Male Choir.

WPH tenant Muriel Wilkinson said “This was the best ever tenants’ conference. Well done to all the award winners! The speeches were really informative and the choir was a lovely festive touch. Thanks very much to WPH for a brilliant day.”

Chief Executive Brian Simpson said “I’d like to thank all of our involved residents for the time they have given to WPH and their neighbours in 2011.

“As a social landlord, WPH is more than just bricks and mortar. The tenants at this event help us to build stronger communities and we’re looking forward to working with their groups in 2012.”

Nxt Gen Soccer Launch

Laura Wedekind — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 18:32:42 GMT

Liverpool goalkeeper coach John Achterberg, Morecambe coach Kurt Doyle and Manchester City FC supported a launch event on 8 December for a grassroots football project sponsored by WPH.

Rob Gately from Nxt Gen Soccer plans to change the face of football training in Wirral by offering free sessions for coaches.

The first event was attended by 80 coaches, all keen to find out how Rob's techniques keep his junior teams top of the league.

Kurt Doyle was a guest coach and he worked with children from Rob's junior team, the Wallasey FC Spartans to give a demonstration of coaching methods and ideas.

John Achterberg was available through the evening and took part in a question and answer session while Manchester City FC provided the opportunity for 10 coaches to visit their grounds and learn from the professionals. The Man City tickets were raffled off and the winners are looking forward to their trip.

Rob said "It's great to see the professional clubs supporting grassroots football. The idea behind Nxt Gen is to give coaches an affordable way of improving their skills and make sure we're inspiring the next generation of football players."

Rob Gately is about as passionate as it is possible to be about football coaching and training. Having just graduated from John Moores with a degree in Sports Science, he has set up Nxt Gen Soccer specifically catering for local football coaches who want to brush up their skills. It's expensive to travel down to London for a full FA course, and not every part time coach has the time to be able to do this. Next Gen Soccer offers an alternative.

If you are interested in attending Nxt Gen sessions, you should contact rob@nxtgensoccer.co.uk and arrange to go along to an informal lesson.