Medina News - Spectrum Housing Group

Spring 2013
Medina Housing News
QUALITY HOMES AND SERVICES FOR THE ISLE OF WIGHT
Inside...
Your Money Matters – pull
out & keep section
Resident stories in
your area
2013 Garden Competition
News from your
Community Forum
Healthy spring recipes
Resident competitions
Community Hero Award given to
‘unsung hero’ of Gunville community
Continued on page 2

Community Hero Award given to ‘unsung hero’ of
Gunville community
Ursula Gray, a resident from Gunville in Newport, who has worked
tirelessly to help elderly people in her local community, received
the very special award of Community Hero 2012 from Spectrum
Housing Group in January.
She became the first recipient of the award on the island, in
recognition of her extensive work within the neighbourhood. She
regularly visits older people to make sure they are safe and well,
and organises a weekly tea and chat session as well as an annual
post-Christmas meal for the elderly at Carisbrooke and Gunville
Methodist Church Hall. Alongside supporting the elderly, Ursula
also organised a litter clean with local youths.
Ursula was presented with a special glass trophy by Paul Swain,
Branch Manager of the award sponsors Jewson, the builders
merchant, and Yasmin White, Resident Network Director for
Spectrum Housing Group.
'Totally unexpected'
“The award means a lot to me and it is lovely to be recognised
even though I feel that I don't deserve it” said Ursula after
receiving the award. “Helping people comes very naturally to me
and I'm so grateful to all who support this and feel that I deserve to
win it, as it was totally unexpected.”
In addition to the trophy, Ursula also received a cheque for £250
for the cause of her choice; she said “I have chosen the stroke
unit at St. Mary’s Hospital as they are wonderful. Not only have
I experienced two strokes myself and received the support and
care from the staff there, but many of the people that I help have
also had strokes and received excellent care and support whilst
in the unit. They work extremely hard so this money is going to an
extremely good cause”.
'Ursula is an inspiration'
Diane Huskisson, the Neighbourhood Housing Officer for
Spectrum Medina who nominated Ursula for the award, said
“Ursula really is an inspiration to others - nothing
is too much trouble and no problem is unsolvable.
She will help and assist you without question
which is a rare quality in a person in this day and
age”.
If you know someone who you think deserves
recognition for what they do for their local
community – someone who has gone the extra
mile, coped with adversity or generally achieved
something worthy of recognition, then nominate
them for the 2013 awards, see page 8 for
further details.
Front cover:
Paul Swain from Jewson & Ursula with her glass trophy
Ursula with her 2012
Community Hero glass trophy
The annual post-Christmas meal for the
elderly at the Carisbrooke and Gunville
Methodist Church Hall
Ursula receives her award and cheque, pictured with, from left to
right, Bob Nelson, Paul Swain, Diane Huskisson and Yasmin White
2
2

Spring Editorial
Dear Reader
The spring edition of Medina Housing News is packed full of stories on how residents are out and about
making a difference to their communities, including – the Foyer residents joining forces with residents at St
Cross Court and the residents of Vectis Road improving their green spaces, among many other stories in this
issue. Also huge congratulations to Ursula Gray who is the first Island recipient to win the 2012 Community
Hero award. If you know of someone doing amazing things in your community please nominate them for this
year’s award – see page 8 for more information.
As you will now know from our communications over the past six months, Spectrum are joining the
four organisations (Western Challenge, Signpost and Medina Housing Association and Signpost Care
Partnerships) into one and from April 1st 2013 we will become one organisation simply known as 'Spectrum
Housing Group'.
To embrace one organisation, the Spectrum Residents Group are in the process of completing a scrutiny
exercise and making recommendations on what is required for one organisation. They will be looking at all
the resident newsletters which are currently produced. This provides a new opportunity to embrace the future
and examine a ‘new look’ newsletter for residents across Spectrum.
News and articles of interest about your local area will still be included but you will also get to hear about all
of the good things residents are doing in other areas across Spectrum. The newsletter will still be written and
produced by Spectrum residents.
Watch this space!
Wishing you all a very Happy Easter.
The Editorial Panel
The Foyer and St Cross Court, Together – by Pat Sturmey, resident
and Chairman of the Courtyard Gardening Club at St Cross Court
In August
2012 at St
Cross Court
Independent
Living, the car
park flower beds
needed total
replanting. It
was decided by
the Gardening
Club to order
and pay
for £322 of
perennial plants to be planted in the autumn.
The autumn came and because of a change in
health and ability we realised that we were going
to need help with planting, which caused a great
deal of concern.
At a Gardening Club meeting in October our
Sheltered Housing Officer, Debbie Morris,
suggested we approach the young people of The
Foyer with a request for help. A notice was put
up on their notice board and some showed an
interest, and it was decided to wait for delivery of
the plants before anything else was planned.
In November the plants arrived and Foyer
residents Peter and Emma were contacted,
who turned up to work on November 22nd. I
explained what was needed and where, so we
set to it and planted six standard roses, 100
bulbs and a few ground cover plants in 2½hours.
The following Thursday Emma, Peter and Matt
turned up to finish the job, planting shrubs,
hostas and the rest of the plants.
Emma told me "I thought it would be really nice
for us to help the elderly residents to clear out
and re-plant their garden".
I have never known such enthusiasm, hard
work and ability from such lovely young people.
Their need to have a job, and work to do, was
inspiring. Who says the elderly and young
cannot work together, just give them a chance!
3
3

New facilities for Foyer residents
Ray, Barry and James who volunteered their time to fit the new kitchen
New Kitchen
A brand new kitchen and multi-purpose room
has been made a reality by a kind donation
from Liz Earle Cosmetics of Ryde and with the
support and help from Maintenance Direct and
Spectrum Property Care (SPC).
The spacious kitchen and general training
room will enable a wide range of new activities
and training to take place in-house, supporting
residents to develop their skills. The kitchen is
vital to help the Foyer provide support to move
to independent living which amongst other
things teaches young people cookery skills.
The installation of the kitchen would not have
happened without the contributed effort of many
parts of Spectrum Group. Maintenance Direct
planned and arranged for the kitchen to be
supplied free of charge by Moores and three
very kind staff from Spectrum Property Care
volunteered to give up their weekend to come
and fit the kitchen, battling through the heavy
snow fall.
James Willis, Barry Andrews and Ray Bishop of
Spectrum Property Care arrived on site despite
the treacherous road conditions, and after
needing to abandon their van about a mile from
site due to the snow, got on with the installation
of the kitchen, a tiled splash back and new
skirting boards. The works were completed by
lunch on the Sunday.
Julie Adams, Neighbourhood Services
Manager, said “They completely transformed
the area and worked relentlessly. They were all
very friendly, good spirited and I don't think they
can appreciate what a difference this is going
to make for the current and future residents
of the Foyer. Without these skilled volunteers,
this new facility could not be afforded. So a
huge thank you to James, Barry and Ray and
everyone who helped make this happen”.
Foyer resident Jane Mabey said "It will be really
good to produce healthy meals and socialise
with other residents in the new kitchen".
New lounge
As well as a brand new kitchen residents are
now also enjoying a resident’s lounge with sofa,
television and football table offering a place
to relax and chat, watch films and socialise
after receiving support by the Rotary Club of
Ryde. The lounge has made a big difference to
residents and will continue to do so for many
years to come.
Ray, Barry and James hard at work installing the
kitchen
4
4

Residents lead the way for neighbourhood improvements
Alex and Kay preparing the
plants
Residents of
Vectis Road in
East Cowes have
taken advantage of
the Resident-Led
Improvement Fund
to tackle nuisance
behaviour in their
area and bring
the community
together at the
same time.
After regular
reports of
children running across a grassy area and
kicking footballs against residents’ fences,
Neighbourhood Housing Officer, Lisa
Downer, and Resident Involvement Officer,
Kate Bucci, did a door-to-door survey in the
area. Residents said they were interested in
shared ‘growing spaces’ which would provide
raised beds that they could grow herbs and
vegetables in, and would also stop children
from using the area as a football pitch.
The idea was put forward to the Medina
Community Forum as an application for a
Resident-Led Improvement Fund grant.
After approval from the Forum members,
Lisa and Kate worked with residents and
Spectrum’s own Neighbourhood Impact
Team to install the beds and plant them with
a selection of herbs and fruit trees. Lisa said:
“Residents were really keen to see the project
take place, and it has made the area look
much more cared for.”
Kay Pringle, a resident of Vectis Road, said
“It has made the area look much better and
really solved our problems. All the residents
are keeping an eye on the beds and we are
looking forward to using the herbs in our
cooking.”
Resident Kay Anderson, Neighbourhood
Operative Alex Dodd, and Neighbourhood
Housing Officer Lisa Downer set out the plants
ready for planting
Safety warning for residents using automatic air fresheners
Spectrum is warning all residents about the risk of using automatic air fresheners in close
proximity to gas fires, following an explosion at a house owned by Gloucester City Homes in
December last year.
Fire Safety Officers investigating the explosion believe it was caused due to an automatic air
freshener being placed too close to the gas fire in the living room, causing the vapour to ignite.
The blaze began to spread as clothing left to dry in front of the fire then caught fire.
Debbie Phillips, Group Health and Safety Officer at Spectrum, said “We would like to
emphasise to residents that air fresheners or other products containing flammable materials
like aerosols or similar containers should not be placed on or near a heat source or open
flame. Whilst this incident wasn't caused by a faulty appliance, it highlights how important gas
safety is and why tenants should always let qualified gas engineers into their homes to do their
annual gas safety check."
5
5

Residents get
crafty at Route 66
Residents from across the Island enjoyed
taking part in Christmas craft workshops at the
community flat - 66 Slade Road, Ryde.
Four sessions were held for parents and
children of all ages to make crafts including salt
dough decorations, hand-sewn felt ornaments,
Christmas cards and collages. Families worked
together to make decorations that they then took
home.
The workshops are all part of activities at Route
66 that are designed to bring families together,
encouraging learning and personal development.
Everyone enjoyed it so much that we are now
looking for further funding to run more creative
workshops later in the year.
Don’t forget…there are regular play and
information sessions at Route 66 as well as
monthly coffee mornings. For more information
call the contact centre and speak to Resident
Involvement Officer Kate Bucci.
Maisie Hotchin (aged 3) making a Christmas card
Blake Edwards (aged 4) and mum Carly Edwards
making salt dough ornaments together
Tell us now if you have a bright idea
Do you have an idea that could improve the way things are
done at Spectrum? Maybe something that could improve
services for residents, save money and make the experience
of being a Spectrum resident that bit better.
Spectrum is launching a Residents’ Bright Ideas scheme. We
will look at ideas that residents send to us, and if we think
they can be put into place the resident will receive a £25
prize. Your opinion counts and this is an opportunity to make
yourself heard and perhaps help shape the way we do things
in future. Remember even a small suggestion could make a
big difference.
Resident Cheryl Gandy had a bright idea and suggested a Resident Resource Centre and this is
now happening – see page 28 for more information.
If you have a bright idea that you want to tell us about, please contact either Kate or Becky, your
Resident Involvement Officers, who will send you a ‘Bright Idea Form’.
After receiving your ‘Bright Idea’ we will keep in contact with you and update you on the progress
of your suggestion.
6
6

Residents participate in photography and news ‘masterclass’
Winning photographers Niall Morrow, Jean Taylor and Tim Crawshaw
Residents and staff from
across Spectrum took part in a
special News and Photography
training day in December, led
by Spectrum’s marketing team
and Plum Communications
& PR - the communications
agency that works directly with
residents on the production of
the quarterly newsletters.
Residents who sit on the
Medina Housing News
editorial panel joined the other
editorial panels for Your Voice
and Western CHAT as well
Resident Involvement Officers
for a full-day of training
at the Hall & Woodhouse
Brewery Conference Centre in
Blandford St. Mary, Dorset.
The first half of the day
focused on news stories,
looking at what makes a
good news story, how news is
used, and talking about local
opportunities and resident
stories. Tina Partridge,
Marketing Manager for
Spectrum, led the session,
alongside Karen Morledge and
Ben Veal from Plum.
Following a festive lunch, those
attending spent the afternoon
getting to grips with new
digital cameras in a practical
session led by Spectrum’s
Communications & Marketing
Officer Lara Ball and resident
Ian Capon. After learning about
the basic principles behind
successful photography,
small teams took part in a fun
competition and competed
against one another to take the
best, and most creative, shots.
The winners from the day
were:
Best portrait photo: Alex Wright
- taken by Jean Taylor
Best group photo: Anna
Johnson, Claire Henderson,
Joyce Hatchard and Abdul
Haitham - taken by Tim
Crawshaw
Best prop photo: Andy Pound
with a flipchart - taken by Niall
Morrow
Best candid photo: Lisa Elford
and Karen Morledge - taken by
Tim Crawshaw (not pictured)
“It was a fun day and very
interesting, I learnt a lot about
news stories and photography.”
said Niall Morrow, a resident
panel member.
Resident Network Director
Yasmin White added “At the
end of the session, all of those
that took part went away with a
greater understanding of how
we use news and photography
at Spectrum to communicate
the achievements of our
residents and staff.”
Best portrait,
taken by Jean Taylor
Best Group photo -
taken by Tim Crawshaw
Best prop photo
taken by Niall Morrow
7
7

Do you know a community hero?
Is there an adult or a young
person in your neighbourhood
who is a Community Hero?
Do they help other people
in the community through a
caring or volunteering role?
Perhaps they run a club, help
elderly people or are always
there to help the neighbours
where you live. If so, we want
to hear about them.
Spectrum Housing Group, in
partnership with Jewson the
Building Merchants, is proud
to announce that the
Community Hero awards will
run for a second year. The
awards recognise Spectrum
residents who go the extra
mile, putting significant
energy, commitment and effort
into working for the benefit of
their local community.
Residents can either nominate
someone as a Young
Community Hero (aged up to
25) or as a Community Hero
(aged over 25).
We will select ten finalists,
two from each category
living within Spectrum’s five
Community Forum areas.
All winners will be invited to
attend an award ceremony
at the Spectrum Residents’
Conference on 13th
September 2013.
Winners will receive a trophy
and a cheque for £250 to
donate to a local community
charity of their choice.
So if you know someone who
deserves to be nominated for
this award, please contact
your Resident Involvement
Officer for a nomination
form. You have until July
31st to nominate your local
Community Hero.
How much easier would it be to become
more active if you had someone to
motivate and encourage you?
A specially trained group of Health Trainers, Buddies
and Champions are in your local area and can help you
create a healthier lifestyle. They are not super-fit men
and women clad head to toe in Lycra but people who
understand how hard it can be to change the habits of a
lifetime.
They can work with you for a number of weeks, or
months, identifying activities in your area, help set
realistic goals for you, record your progress and support
you to ensure you achieve them.
It’s a free service so call 07887 832799 or visit
www.iwighthealthtrainers.org for more information and
get motivated to create that healthier lifestyle you’ve
imagined.
8
8

A tasty ‘main’ to tempt you to get involved
In the last edition we introduced the new Menu
of Involvement – a menu divided into Starters,
Mains and Desserts listing the range of ways
you can get involved, that suits your lifestyle
and the time you are willing to put in.
Here we tell you about a new initiative for
resident involvement that is a ‘Main’ on the
menu – Service Improvement Groups (SIG).
Becoming part of a SIG gives residents a new
opportunity to become involved in scrutiny,
working alongside the Spectrum Residents’
Group (SRG).
Resident scrutiny allows Spectrum to work
closely with residents focusing on getting
the best results for everyone. Residents test
the quality of services and look at how they
are delivered. If residents feel things could
be improved they make recommendations
to Spectrum to make changes that improve
quality and value for money.
Whilst the SRG acts as the link between
residents and the Spectrum Housing
Group Board and scrutinises all parts of the
organisation, the SIGs are themed around
particular areas of Spectrum’s Services.
These are:
• Day to day repairs and empty homes
• Design and building new homes
• Planned maintenance and safety servicing
• Resident involvement
• Access and customer care
• Neighbourhood and community services
• Communications
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Value for money
The SIGs are made up of residents with
staff assisting, and residents will have an
opportunity to train as Resident Inspectors.
The SRG can ask the SIGs to inspect areas of
Spectrum’s services to support and inform the
scrutiny work they are doing.
We can then get many more residents
involved in scrutinising services across the
group and in neighbourhoods.
SIGs will also assist Spectrum to develop,
monitor and review policies, plans and
strategies and get involved with helping
Spectrum staff buy in goods and services.
Each SIG will operate slightly differently and
the time commitment will differ for each one.
For example, you may need to attend a oneday
session twice a year, or, meet once a
quarter. All of the groups won’t require more
than one day four times a year of your time.
You’ll receive training to build your knowledge
in your chosen service area, gain skills
and confidence and be able to effectively
interrogate our performance and approach.
So if this new idea from the Menu tantalises
your taste buds then get in touch with the
Resident Network team on 01983 824262 or
email jo.winch@spectrumhousing.co.uk
We're almost there…
We're getting closer to joining our housing associations together as part of our plan to make
things simpler. From the 1st of April 2013 we will become Spectrum Housing Group and the
individual housing associations will no longer exist.
This means that your landlord will be changing to Spectrum Housing Group Ltd. The only
difference will be the name of your landlord, everything else will stay the same for example
your agreement with Spectrum remains and your rights are unaffected by this change.
If you have any queries please do call our Contact Centre on 0300 777 7837 or email us at:
contact@spectrumhousing.co.uk.
For more information on our future plans do visit our website at www.spectrumhousing.co.uk
9
9

Island stations in line for fresh veg
Two new vegetable gardens have been created at Sandown and Brading train stations to enable the
local communities to grow their own produce which can be used in the station cafes. The project
was commissioned by Spectrum Housing Group as part of the Incredible Edible Wight project and
delivered in conjunction with the Community Rail Partnership.
Brading Station
A series of raised beds has been created at Brading Station in front of the recently restored signal
box which is now open to the public. The signal box itself was used as a ‘greenhouse’ to grow
the signalman’s tomatoes; the large windows that take up three of the four walls were perfect for
ripening tomatoes through the summer months.
Tom Murphy and his team at Living Landscapes designed, built and installed the raised beds for
the garden area. The beds will be maintained and managed by volunteers from the Brading Station
Visitor Centre volunteers.
Sandown Station
The garden area at Sandown Station has been squeezed into a small previously neglected space
at the end of the station buildings. Sian Kirk, who runs the award winning Larder and Pie House
community café at the station, is delighted to have a dedicated area to grow herbs and vegetables to
use in their home-made pies and snacks. The vegetable garden will be planted and maintained by
the Pie House staff at first, but Sian hopes to be able to use the garden as a catalyst to encourage
community and voluntary groups to make good use of the station as a community hub.
Sandown Station’s garden was also designed and installed by Living Landscapes, and manages to
include raised beds, wall planters, a bay bush, a compost bin and a water butt into a very compact
space.
Maria Wilkinson, Community Investment Manager says, “We hope the new Incredible Edible
gardens at the stations will help to raise the profile of sustainable local food, and help the
Community Rail Partnership in their aspirations to create community hubs at the train stations. We
are thrilled with the impact made by the Incredible Edible Wight Campaign at Brading and Sandown
stations.”
For further information on the Incredible Edible Wight project visit www.incredible-edible-wight.co.uk
Work is underway creating the new
raised beds at Brading Station
The neglected space at
Sandown Station before
The new garden space
10
10

Top tips for
Residents
Spring cleaning without the chemicals
– by Aquila Read
Aquila Read from Cowes has kindly shared
some of her great tips to help with the spring
cleaning – thanks Aquila!
For a few years now, white vinegar has been
always my friend. When you are running out
of cleaning products, use white vinegar as an
alternative.
All-purpose cleaner - Use any clear plastic
container with a spray attachment and fill
halfway with slightly warm water. Add a cap
full of white vinegar and squeeze the juice of
half a lemon and it’s ready to use. Just spray
the liquid on the surface you want to clean and
wipe with a cleaning cloth. It can be used on
almost everything from windows, window sills,
doors, door handles, table tops, toilets, baths
and sinks, even the phone.
Cleaning stained carpets - You can
also use the all-purpose cleaner to help clean
stained carpets. Spray the stained part, rub it
with a green pad, then wipe with a cloth to dry
and then you will see the sparkling results.
Washing-up Aid - In the sink use three
drops of vinegar before you add the washingup
liquid. Wash the greasy pots and pans at
the end and all the grease disappears, you will
be amazed with the result. You will also notice
the hard skin around your finger nails will easily
brush off.
Cleaning tea-towels - Soak your tea-towels
by using this wonderful cleaning friend - pour
two cups of vinegar in a bowl with warm water,
add sufficient washing powder and then soak
the tea-towels overnight. Rinse them in the
morning and it will give you a smile on your face
how clean they are.
• If you have an ant problem this summer -
keep the skin of cucumbers near the place
there are appearing, or by the actual ant
hole, and the ants will go away as they hate
cucumbers.
• To get pure and clean ice cubes just boil the
water first before freezing.
• If you get a lump of chewing gum on your
clothes then pop the item of clothing in the
freezer for an hour and it can then easily be
chipped off.
• To make your “whites whiter than white”
all you need to do is to soak the white
clothes in hot water with a slice of lemon
for 10 minutes and then wash as you would
normally.
• Don’t like the smell of cabbage in your
house whilst cooking? Then keep a piece
of bread on top of the cabbage in your
saucepan when cooking.
• To remove ink from clothes put toothpaste
on the ink spots generously and let it dry
completely, then wash the item as you would
normally.
11
11

Two QHS enhanced
accreditations for Spectrum!
Spectrum Housing Group are delighted to
have retained enhanced accreditation for a
second year in a row and have also achieved
enhanced accreditation for our NHS and Student
accommodation as a result of the first round of
audits against new bespoke criteria.
Quality Housing Services (QHS) Ltd is a nonprofit
organisation formed in 2003 with the
support of a grant from the Housing Corporation.
There are currently 33 members across the
UK. Previously Medina, Signpost, (including
Signpost Care Partnership) and Western
Challenge held their own individual subsidiary
memberships but in 2011 this was changed to a
Spectrum Housing Group membership. At this
time the NHS and Student accommodation was
also registered separately with QHS.
Components
The QHS quality standard has set challenging
targets for Housing Associations to achieve.
The standard has identified over 200 individual
critical service areas. These are brought
together under 10 components which are tested
through a combination of office audits, customer
opinion polling, and mystery shopping.
The components are:
• Opening and reception
• Telephone accessibility
• Information and documentation
• Dealing with those seeking housing
• Maintenance
• Rent payment and collection
• Complaints handling
• Estate services (Including management of
anti-social behaviour)
• Participation
• Diversity and equality
Bespoke Critera
We have worked closely with QHS over the last
year to develop a bespoke set of criteria to be
used for non-traditional housing accommodation
as the criteria was developed with traditional
housing services in mind and we believed did
not apply to the service provided in our NHS and
Student accommodation and, more importantly,
did not capture the excellent work that is
undertaken at these sites.
QHS are now marketing the new set of
criteria to attract other providers of this type of
accommodation to join as it is the first quality
benchmarking of its type in the country.
These results are a positive endorsement that
the services we provide to all our residents
across all our stock are excellent, reflecting
the hard work and effort that has been put into
improving these services in recent years.
Our new website is coming soon!
We are very pleased to announce the launch of our new website on the 2nd April 2013. Along
with a new look we have included some great features that we hope will make visiting the site
quicker, easier and a more interactive experience.
You will be able to:
• Update your personal details
• Pay your bills securely online
• Request maintenance repairs
You will need to register to use these services when you visit the website. You will also be able
to view our new Residents Portal, read your local newsletters online and much more.
To see for yourself check out www.spectrumhousing.co.uk and do let us know what you think.
12
12

Four pages
Your Money Matters
of helpful pull
out and keep
information
With big changes to the welfare benefits system and other legislation
this year it is important that you keep up to date with what is happening.
We have put together four pages of articles designed to help you keep up with
the changes and save you money too.
Big changes to benefits are going
to start this year
2013 is the year that major cuts in benefits
will hit and the sweeping changes to benefits
begin. As a result many of you will get less
money. Most of the changes do not affect
pension age residents. Here is a timetable of
the changes which might affect you.
March 2013: Pension age will reach
61 years and 6 months
This is the age at which you can claim
Pension Credit, winter fuel payments and
women can claim their retirement pension.
1st April 2013: Council Tax Benefit
will end
• It will be replaced by a localised scheme
designed by each Council. The Isle of
Wight council has agreed to reduce the
amount of support given for Council Tax.
• It means all working age residents will
have to pay some council tax, even if
they are on benefits such as Job Seekers
Allowance or Income Support. Some
protection will be given for the more
vulnerable and if you receive certain
benefits.
April 2013: Housing Benefit cuts
• New under-occupancy rules (the
bedroom tax) come into force. If you have
1 spare bedroom your benefit will be cut
by 14% of your rent. If you have 2 or
more spare bedrooms your benefit will be
cut by 25%.
• Non-dependant deductions increase
by 19%. If you have an adult son or
daughter living with you your benefit
may now be reduced by between £13.60
and £87.75 per week (according to their
income).
April 2013: Other changes
• All benefits and tax credits (except
pensions and pension credit) are to be
increased by 1%, lower than inflation.
• A new appeal process comes into force.
• Many social and crises fund payments
are to be made now by your local council.
• Each Council’s scheme will be different,
and is likely to be paid in vouchers rather
than cash.
• Personal Independent Payments (PIP)
will begin to replace Disability Living
Allowance (DLA).
Summer 2013: Benefit Cap will be
introduced
• Does not affect pension age or those
claiming working tax credits or Disability
Living Allowance (DLA).
• Housing Benefit will be reduced if total
weekly benefits exceed £500 for a
couple/lone parent or £350 for a single
adult.
• If your benefits add up to more than the
above each week your benefits are likely
to be cut so you will have to find the
difference to make sure your rent is paid.
September 2013: Pension age will
reach 61 years and 9 months
October 2013: Universal Credit is
due to begin
• The major change to benefits is the
introduction of Universal Credit. This will
replace many benefits over the next few
years.
Your Money Matters - Pull out and keep
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13

Top ten points about Universal Credit
1. Universal Credit is a working age
benefit. It does not apply to pension age
residents.
2. It will be phased in over four years. It
is not expected that many Spectrum
residents will be affected before 2014.
3. It will replace the following benefits
entirely:
• Housing Benefit,
• Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
Income based,
• Employment & Support Allowance
(ESA) Income related,
• Income Support,
• Child and Working Tax Credits.
4. Eventually up to 7,000 Spectrum
residents will be getting this benefit.
5. You will only have to contact one agency,
the Department of Works & Pensions
(DWP), to claim and notify them of any
changes in your circumstances.
6. It is expected that most contact with
the DWP will be done online using a
computer.
7. You will be paid once a month into your
bank (like most wages).
8. You will get only one benefit payment for
all your needs.
9. Payments will not normally be made
direct to your landlord. You will therefore
have to make arrangements to pay all
your rent in full.
10. Transitional arrangements have been
made to ensure no one should be worse
off under Universal Credits compared to
their old benefits.
Don’t miss out. Find out more about the
benefit changes by going on line to the
Government’s website www.gov.uk
Personal Independence
Payments
From April 2013 Personal Independence
Payments (PIP) will begin to replace
Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for all
those of working age. It will be introduced
in stages over a number of years from April
2013 to 2016.
The Department of Work and Pensions
(DWP) will write to all existing DLA
claimants with more information.
If you are already entitled to DLA and are
aged between 16 and 64 then you will be
affected by the introduction of PIP even if
you have an indefinite or lifetime award.
• From June 2013 - new claims for PIP will
be taken from all parts of the country
• From October 2013 - if you receive
DLA and have any changes in your
circumstances or you have reached the
end of your award, you will be invited to
claim PIP.
• From 2015 - DWP will start to contact
everyone receiving DLA. There will be
no need to contact them.
There is no automatic transfer from
Disability Living Allowance to Personal
Independence Payments.
For more information or Benefit Advice
please go to our website.
Top Tip If you don’t have internet access
you can call UK Online Centre for free on
0800 771234. Remember, some local
libraries offer free internet access.
Your Money Matters - Pull out and keep
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14

Bedroom Tax
From April 2013 changes being made to
Housing Benefit mean that if you are of working
age (which is 16 to 61½) you could have to pay
more for your home, even if you are receiving
full housing benefit at the moment.
The Government is reducing the amount of
benefit that you receive if you have one or
more spare bedroom. The new rules allow one
bedroom for:
• Every adult couple
• Any other person aged 16 or over
• Two children of the same sex under the age
16
• Any other child – other that a foster child or
child whose main home is elsewhere
• A carer (or team of carers) who do not live
with you but provide you or your partner with
overnight care
For one ‘spare’ room your benefit will be cut by
14% of the rent you pay each week. If you have
two ‘spare’ bedrooms you will lose 25%
Remember – The bedroom tax doesn’t apply
to you if you have already reached pension
credit age by April 2013 (this is currently 61½).
You will not lose your home if you are underoccupying
and make up the shortfall.
Downsizing
• Consider downsizing to a smaller property.
You can swap your home with another
tenant of Spectrum or one owned by
another housing association or council. To
do this you can register with the national
online Homeswapper service at www.
homeswapper.co.uk. This service is free
for Spectrum residents. This may be the
quickest way to move.
• If you would like to transfer to another
property you must register through the Isle of
Wight Homefinder - www.islandhomefinder.
org.uk – where you can place a bid on a
property that suits your needs.
• If you are not online please contact the
Housing and Family Support team on 01983
823040.
• You may be entitled to Discretionary Housing
Payments. Contact your local council for
more information and to discuss this.
Planning your future
If you think you may be affected by the bedroom
tax you have several options:
• Stay in your home and make up the extra
rent not covered by Housing Benefit – you
will have to find this from your income or
savings.
• You or another member of your household
could try and boost your income through
additional training, looking for work or by
increasing your working hours.
• Take in a lodger. This could affect your
benefits in other ways and inviting someone
in your home needs careful thought. You
must also have written permission from
Spectrum.
Your Money Matters - Pull out and keep
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15

Planning your budget
When Universal Credit comes in you will be paid once a month into your bank (like most wages)
instead of having separate benefit payments so you’ll need to make sure you budget carefully.
Do you know where your money goes every month? By writing down everything you spend, you
can see if you are balancing your income with your outgoings, and where your biggest areas of
spending are.
Fill in the planner below and you might be surprised how much your spending adds up to over
a month. For big annual expenses such as Christmas or holidays, take the amount you would
normally spend and divide it by 12 to work out how much you need to save each month. Be
honest with yourself when you fill in the form and note all your outgoings. If your expenses each
month are more than the money coming in, you need to take action to make sure you’re not
getting into debt.
Do you have any savings?
If yes how much?
Yes/No
Your Money Matters - Pull out and keep
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16

Credit Union Jam Jar Account
The local credit union is offering its members a
Jam Jar Account. This account allows members
to set up different ‘Jars’ to help pay bills such as
rent and utility bills helping people budget their
money.
Every month, money is transferred to each
“Jar” and on an appointed date the money
is transferred to pay your bill. As money is
separated into specific jars each month you
won’t miss a bill payment. The money can be
transferred from the Jam Jar Account to any
bank card or prepayment card so no need to
switch banks if you don’t need to. It also means
you can avoid high bank charges through
bounced direct debits or standing orders as you
know how much money you have left until your
next wage or benefit payment is due.
If you don’t have a bank account why not take
a look at the other services the Credit Union is
able to provide including their own Credit Union
Current Account and Prepaid Card.
For more information or to join the Credit Union
head down to the local office at 122a Pyle Street,
Newport or call 01983 559 100.
For more help and information with your money
• Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) - Telephone: 08444 111 444 (Advice Line)
• Step Change Money Aware – Telephone: 0800 138 1111 or visit www.stepchange.org
• Money Advice Service - 0300 500 5000 or visit www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
• Christians Against Poverty (CAP), a national debt-counselling charity, offers free courses
(‘CAP Money’) on how to budget using a simple, cashbased system that really works. Visit
www.capuk.org for more information.
• Age UK – visit www.ageuk.org.uk/money-matters
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17

2013
GARDEN
COMPETITION
Take part in the 2013 Garden Competition
and win yourself a prize!
The categories are:
• Best Small Garden
• Best Large Garden
• Best Communal Garden
• Best Floral Content
• Best Hanging Basket or Container
• Best Vegetable or Fruit patch
• Best Young Gardener (under 16)
• Best Wildlife Garden
Winners will receive a trophy and a £30
voucher.
To enter send in a photo of your garden
together with your name and address and
which category you are competing in. If
you are entering the Best Young Gardener
category please also tell us your age.
You can send your photo by email if taken
with a digital camera – please send it as a
.jpeg file and ensure it is high-resolution (a
minimum of 1MB in size). Alternatively, you
can send in an actual photo and we will return
the originals after the competition has been
judged. Do contact either Kate or Becky, your
Resident Involvement Officers, if you will have
difficulties in taking a photo of your garden.
Each category will be judged by a panel from
your Community Forum. Send in your entry by
Friday 30th August 2013 to the Medina office
in Lugley Street or by email to
kate.bucci@spectrumhousing.co.uk
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18

STAR Survey Results for 2012
The results of the residents’ satisfaction survey,
known as the STAR (Survey of Tenants and
Residents) Survey, are in for 2012.
The majority of Spectrum residents remain
satisfied with the services and their landlord.
Some scores have reduced from the year before
and these will be the areas we focus on in 2013.
The Key Performance
Indicator results for 2012
in comparison with 2011
are as follows:
It is likely that the survey results were influenced
by the restructure of the Operations Department
in 2011 which affected all parts of the service
to residents. Notably the satisfaction with the
repairs and maintenance service has reduced
and we need to understand the reasons for this
and then make improvements to the service to
address it.
Rating Spectrum
We asked this year ‘On a scale of 0-10, how
likely or unlikely would you be to recommend
Spectrum to your family or friends?'
(0 = 'definitely would not' and 10 = 'definitely would').
We are very pleased with this result and aim to
improve this score next year.
Priorities and satisfaction
Comparing satisfaction results with residents
priorities reveal that the three areas that
residents identify as important are:
• repairs and maintenance
• the quality of the home
• value for money of rent
All three scored high in terms of satisfaction
levels. There were no areas which residents
considered to be important that had low levels
of satisfaction.
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19

Results by Community Forum area
The graphs below show the percentage who
indicated a positive reply of satisfaction for each
category, by Community Forum area.
Medina had the second highest
levels of satisfaction compared
to the other community forum
areas.
Whilst the profile of our residents will have had some influence on the scores, in particular age and
tenancy length, it is not the sole reason and we need to understand why there are such differences
in the scores across our stock and ensure that good practice is shared amongst staff.
What do we do now?
A number of actions have been identified and will feature heavily in our action plans for 2013. The
results are being reported to our Board, Spectrum Residents Group and the Community Forums and
we are seeking feedback from residents on the results and also the format and content of the survey
form that will be used in 2013.
We are pleased with the results of the STAR survey although it is clear that there is scope for
improvement in some areas. If you would like any more information on the questions asked or the
results, please contact Helen Hann helen.hann@spectrumhousing.co.uk
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20

News from your Community Forum
At our last meeting of 2012, we said goodbye
to Cheryl Gandy from her role as Chair of the
Community Forum (CF). Cheryl is going to
be concentrating on her work as a member of
Spectrum Residents’ Group (SRG). Cheryl has
been a committed member of the CF and the
members thank her for all her hard work. Andy
Pound has been elected as the new Chair of
Medina Community Forum.
Neighbourhood Update
The meeting was held in Ryde, and
Neighbourhood Housing Officers from the East
Team gave presentations about the work they
have been doing. These included a ‘Rubbish
Amnesty’ at Tandy Close in Binstead to tidy up
before the new fencing scheme (see page 25).
There was also an update on the community
flats in Preston Close and Slade Road, and
the work that is being done to develop these
communities.
Taking cash at our offices
The CF heard an update on the Cash Handling
Review. As reported in earlier editions
Spectrum is trying to reduce the amount
of cash that is handled at our offices and
consultation with residents showed that they
were in favour of this idea. However, due to
the welfare benefit changes that are coming in
this year, Spectrum managers have reviewed
this decision and decided that Spectrum will
continue to take cash at local offices. Staff will
be encouraging residents to use other ways to
pay.
Grants and Funds progress
Neighbourhood Housing Manager Phil Taylor
gave an update on the grants and funds
projects that the CF had approved earlier in the
year. All the projects are now underway and
the majority should be finished by the end of
March 2013. You can read more about some
projects which have received funding from the
CF on page 5.
Come and join us in 2013!
The Medina Community Forum meets every
other month. You are welcome to join us.
• 10 April at Albert Cottage Hotel, East
Cowes.
• 12 June in Newport – venue to be
confirmed
• 14 August in Ryde – venue to be confirmed
• 9 October in Cowes – venue to be
confirmed
• 11 December in East Cowes – venue to be
confirmed
All meetings start at 6pm. If you have personal
issues to discuss, please come along at
5.30pm to speak to a Housing Officer.
Refreshments are provided and help with
travel costs and other expenses. Contact
your Resident Involvement Officer for more
information, contact details on the back page.
Jannaya Early
It is with great sadness that we report the Medina
Community Forum has lost one of its members.
Jannaya Early passed away suddenly in December
2012. Jannaya had been involved with Spectrum
Medina for a long time and worked alongside other
residents to help make many improvements to services.
Jannaya will be greatly missed as a colleague and a
friend. Our thoughts are with her family.
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21

Spring Photo Competition - Calling all budding photographers!
There’s always something very special about spring
– something that lifts the spirits and makes us want
to get out and about in the fresh air. Natural Wight
would love to see your photos of what it is about
nature really lifts your spirits this spring. Perhaps
UPDATE you’d like to take a picture of the bluebell carpet in
Borthwood Copse, a close-up of a bright green new
leaf in your neighbourhood, or even an action shot of the first swallow
arriving over our south coast! Whatever magic natural spring thing makes
you smile, take a snap, send it to us and you may be the winner of a really
beautiful Bempton bird table for your garden or street!
Send your picture along with a description, plus your name, address and
age to:
Bempton Bird Table
Natural Wight, Lugley House, Lugley Street, Newport PO30 5EL
or email your details and the photographs as .jpgs to claire.hector@medinahousing.co.uk by Friday
31st May 2013. Runners-up will receive their own packets of wildflower seeds to sow this spring.
Natural Wight's Green Army
Natural Wight’s Green Army are a hardy bunch. All
through the winter months, in rain and in snow, they’ve
worked hard tidying up ponds, wetlands and woodlands
for spring. Foyer residents and Green Army team
members Emma Basil and Kiefer Drake were also the first
people to take part in an important new Island project to
reintroduce Britain’s rarest trees to East Wight.
Isle of Wight natives Black Poplars and Small-leaved
Limes were once common across the Island but are now
limited to just a handful of each. Emma and Kiefer planted
the first trees of the project at the Gift to Nature site,
Sandown Wetland and Community Orchard.
If you’re aged between
16 and 25 and would
like to give Green Army
a go, call Claire on
01983 824275 or
email claire.hector@
medinahousing.co.uk.
Right
Natural Wight's Green Army
volunteer Kiefer Drake plants
the first Small-leaved Lime of the
project
Above
Natural Wight's Green Army volunteer
Emma Basil prepares to plant a snowcovered
Black Poplar, the first Poplar
of the project
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22

Natural Wight Spring and Summer Programme
There’s plenty to look and listen out for in April and May -
everything from hedgehogs to Queen Bees and butterflies
emerging from hibernation, leaves unfolding, flowers appearing
and frogs and toads on the move looking for ponds to spawn in.
And look out for ‘May’ blossom coming to a hedge near you!
We’ll also be busy and full of the joys of spring with our Natural
Wight walks and conservation days.
Here are the details for our Tree Trails, a brilliant way to see the
Island from a different perspective and make the most of those
spring greens:
Ryde Tree Trail
Explore some of Ryde’s most magnificent and historical trees.
We’ll travel the old packway, pass through ancient woodland
and see Ryde’s tallest and most stout tree! Find out more about
the role trees play in our landscapes, their wildlife value and also
pick up some basic tree identification tips along the way.
Stout footwear recommended. Some stiles and uneven ground.
When: Saturday, 13th April, 10.30am.
Meet: at Ringwood Rd and Binstead Rd, Binstead SZ 578 923
Distance: approx. 5 miles
Brading Tree Trail
Discover the veteran trees of Brading and Nunwell. We’ll follow the ancient boundaries, learn
more about the role these magnificent trees play in the landscape and their importance for wildlife
as we admire some of the biggest and oldest trees on the Island along the way. Stout footwear
recommended. Some stiles and uneven ground.
When: Saturday, 27th April, 10.30am.
Meet: The Bull Ring, Brading SZ 606 871
Distance: approx. 2.5 miles
Freshwater Tree Trail
See some of the magnificent and veteran trees of West Wight. We’ll explore a churchyard
arboretum, follow in the footsteps of Tennyson and find some very special Yew trees. Learn
about the role trees play in our landscapes, their wildlife value and also pick up some basic tree
identification tips along the way. Stout footwear recommended. Some stiles and uneven ground.
When: Sunday, 9th June, 10.30am.
Meet: at School Green opposite Freshwater Library SZ 338 870
Distance: approx. 4 miles
If you’d like to try something else new, look out for details of our spring Green Gym days and Wild
Food Walks on the Spectrum website and Facebook page. Spring is also the best time of the year
for bird song – if you can face getting up really, REALLY early, it’s well-worth joining a Dawn Chorus
walk to learn more.
Contact Claire at Natural Wight on claire.hector@medinahousing.co.uk or 01983 824275 if
you’d like to find out more.
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23

Keeping Spectrum on its toes
Three years of success for Resident
Scrutiny Group
The Spectrum Residents’ Group (SRG) acts
as a link between residents and the Spectrum
Housing Group Board. The group made up
of twelve resident volunteers, scrutinises
and monitors the services residents receive,
checking performance levels and making
recommendations to ensure that standards
are always improving. Group members also
carry out scrutiny of Group Board decisions
to make sure residents’ views and needs
are always considered and help to develop
Spectrum’s improvement plans.
Having the SRG is a way to involve residents
who have an interest in how Spectrum
Housing is growing, improving and planning
for the future.
The SRG recently presented their 2012
report to the Spectrum Group Board which
reviewed the work they have done since they
set up in July 2009.
Year 1 - the SRG scrutinised Spectrum’s
approach to Value for Money and made
recommendations which were adopted by
Spectrum. This included a recommendation
that vacant property inspectors were
introduced across Spectrum to ensure high
re-let standards were met and that vacant
properties were promptly allocated to those
who need them.
Year 2 - the SRG scrutinised one of the most
important services to residents – Housing
Management. The assessment found that it
is a good service where strengths outweigh
weaknesses. The Housing Management
service also has a high level of tenant
satisfaction and resident involvement is
embedded across the Spectrum Group.
Year 3 - scrutinised Spectrum’s approach to
Equality and Diversity as well as a number of
other areas of service.
The Group Board congratulated the SRG
on their successful scrutiny work resulting in
service improvements for residents. Richard
Organ, Chair of the Group Board, said “The
SRG’s scrutiny gives real control to residents
in shaping services as well as developing
individual SRG member’s personal skills,
knowledge and confidence. Spectrum also
benefits by improved performance and
increased community confidence achieved
through resident driven accountability”.
Keeping Spectrum on its toes
John Radford steps down
as Chair of SRG, by resident
Mike Ruddy
John Radford, Chair of Spectrum Residents’
Group has, due to ill health, stepped down.
John has been associated with resident
involvement since 1999 and his knowledge of
the workings of Signpost and then Spectrum
is, and always will be, unsurpassed. On
behalf of all the residents thank you John for
the enormous contribution you have made to
resident involvement at Spectrum over the
years.
John Radford and his wife Pat
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24

Do you want to pay less for
your energy bills?
A newly revamped service called My Home
Energy Switch from the National Housing
Federation can help you check if you are
on the lowest available tariff with a free,
impartial online or telephone comparison
and switching service.
The service allows you to compare the
prices of all gas and electricity suppliers
and find the very best deal for your home.
With energy bills on the rise, it’s worth
giving them a call for free on
0800 0014 706 or visit their website
www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk today
to find the best price for your gas and
electricity.
It’s free, fast and simple to switch if you
need to and they will take care of all the
paperwork.
Tandy Close creates new boundaries
Step 1 - Call 0800 0014 706 or visit
www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk
Step 2 - Select the best deal for you and
complete the switch with the help of their
staff.
Step 3 - Sit back and wait.
Step 4 - The supplier will contact you to
confirm the start date of your new service.
Simply visit www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk
or call 0800 0014 706 to speak to one of their
dedicated customer service team and see how
much you could save.
** Over the sixty days between the 23 November and
the 21 January customers using the service saved an
average of £167.21. The maximum saving was £2,772.
Residents of Tandy Close in Binstead are celebrating after new fencing worth over £12,000 has been
installed as part of their Estate Improvement Strategy.
Fences and gates were installed round individual gardens, creating enclosed spaces where children can
play safely. The project was initiated by Neighbourhood Housing Officer Mark Honey, who noticed that the
‘open-plan’ nature of the area was causing a lot of problems as some residents were walking across other
people’s gardens, and children were playing in the street.
“These houses were built with open-plan gardens, which has always caused problems in the
neighbourhood” said Mark. “Putting in fencing has enabled us to create a much tidier area with safer
places for children to play. We hope that residents will now be able to look after their gardens safe in the
knowledge that they are not going to get trampled on.”
Local resident Rachel Green said “I have wanted to put fencing around the garden since I moved in, to
make it safe for my little boy. I am delighted Spectrum Medina has funded the project making it safer for
all the children who live here”.
Tandy Close before and after the fencing has been installed
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25

Healthy seasonal eating on a budget
Eating healthily doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money on food and as spring has sprung
you could even grow some of the vegetables and herbs if you have a garden and make it even
cheaper!
Herby spring vegetable pasta
Serves 3 to 4
Ingredients:
1 leek, sliced
1 courgette, sliced
12 mushrooms, sliced
1 tin of chickpeas
6 tablespoons grated cheese
Several large handfuls of pasta
2 teaspoons of chopped fresh herbs such as
parsley, or mixed dried herbs.
Method:
1. Cook the pasta according to the packet
instructions.
2. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil in a frying pan and add
the leeks, mushrooms and courgettes.
3. Soften over a medium heat for about 5 minutes.
4. Add the herbs, chickpeas and cooked pasta and
heat through for a further minute.
5. Stir in the cheese and heat through until it melts.
6. Serve sprinkled with a little more cheese.
Cook’s Tips - Try replacing the grated cheese with
cream cheese for a delicious creamy sauce.
Rhubarb-Vanilla Compote
Vanilla and cinnamon add subtle flavour to this
quick rhubarb compote. Serve warm or cold,
wrapped in crepes (pancakes) or over ice cream.
Ingredients:
10- 12 medium stalks of rhubarb, diced
100g sugar
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
Method:
1. Combine rhubarb, sugar and cinnamon in a
medium saucepan.
2. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat then
reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook until
the rhubarb begins to break down, about 5
minutes.
3. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
Spring Vegetable Soup
Capture the freshness and flavour of
spring seasonal veg in this delicious
soup. Carrots, leeks, celery and new
potatoes are just some of the nutritious
ingredients in this low-fat dish.
Serves: 4; Prep time: 15 minutes;
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
1 litre hot vegetable or chicken stock
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
100g carrots, trimmed and chopped
1 stick celery, finely sliced
4 leeks, trimmed and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and finely sliced
250g baby new potatoes, quartered
100g fresh or frozen peas
3-4 heads baby pak choi or spring greens
About 12 mint leaves
Method:
1. Bring the stock to the boil in a large
pan. Add the onion, carrots, celery,
leeks and garlic. Return to the boil
then add the potatoes. Simmer for 12-
15 minutes, until just tender.
2. Add the peas then put the pak choi/
spring greens on top, so it’s just
below the level of the stock, and
simmer for another 5 minutes.
3. Spoon into warm bowls and garnish
with the mint, roughly chopped.
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26

Diamond Double Celebration
Dorothy and Bill Liddell from Saint Cross Court in Newport
had a double celebration in January - Dorothy celebrated
her 81st birthday and they also celebrated sixty years of
marriage. Friends and family attended an afternoon tea
to celebrate the special occasion with the happy couple.
Dorothy and Bill were delighted with the cards and gifts,
especially the card received from HM Queen Elizabeth.
When asked the secret of a happy, long-lasting marriage
they replied "plenty of give and take" and "better the devil
you know!”.
Spectrum Medina Office
Lugley House, Lugley Street, Newport, Isle
of Wight, PO30 5EL
Telephone
0800 783 7837 (free from landlines) or
0300 777 7837 lo-call from mobiles
Email: contact@spectrumhousing.co.uk
You can find out more about Spectrum
Medina on the website:
www.spectrumhousing.co.uk/medina
For further information on any article or
service covered in Medina Housing News
please ring the Contact Centre on the
numbers above
New Residents Resource
Centre
Opening on the April 4th 2013 a brand new
Resource Centre for residents will be available
for residents to speak to Community Forum
members, find out how to get help and advice
or use the computers to go online.
The centre will be open every Thursday and
Friday from 10am to 12noon.
For more information contact Kate or Becky,
your Resident Involvement Officers.
Easter Bank Holiday -
Office Closure
Spectrum Medina offices will close at 5pm
and the Contact Centre at 6pm on Thursday
28 March for the Easter bank holidays. The
Contact Centre reopens at 8.00am and the
offices at 8.30am on Tuesday 2 April.
If an emergency arises when the office is
closed on the above date and cannot wait
until the next working day, please call the
free phone numbers in the normal way –
0800 783 7837 or for mobile phone users
0300 777 7837 - and you will automatically
be put through to the emergency out-ofhours
service.
Please remember an emergency is a
problem likely to cause danger to health, life
or which could directly affect the safety of the
building.
27 27

Young Animals Wordsearch
One of the words listed is missing from the grid. Find the missing one and you
could win a £20 gift voucher.
Words to look for:
calf, caterpillar, chick, cub, duckling, elver, fawn, fledgling, foal, gosling,
kid, kitten, lamb, leveret, minnow, owlet, piglet, tadpole.
Please cut around the dotted line and send to: Kate Bucci, Wordsearch,
Spectrum Medina, Lugley House, Lugley Street, Newport, Isle of Wight,
PO30 5EL.
The winner will be the first correct wordsearch to be drawn.
28
Wordsearch Winner
Thanks go to everyone who took part in the New
Year wordsearch in the last edition of Medina
Housing News.
The missing word is:
Name:
Address:
Age if under 16:
Congratulations to our winners – Sarah Miles of
Ryde and Alex Thorn of Cowes, whose names
were pulled from the pile of correct entries, and
win the £20 voucher.
Postcode:
Telephone No:
Winners will receive a high street gift voucher that can be used at a wide range of well-known stores including
WHSmith, Homebase, Halfords, BHS, Boots, and Argos, to name a few. It can also be used for great days out to places
like AltonTowers, Madame Tussauds, Warwick Castle, Legoland, Thorpe Park and Chessington World of Adventures.
This competition is open to Spectrum Medina
tenants, leaseholders and their families only.
✁
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