S U M M E R 23
We are looking for four tenants to join our Board this year. Becoming a Board member is a fantastic opportunity to get involved in contributing towards how Ayrshire Housing operates and offers the opportunity to influence decisions affecting your community. You don’t need any particular skills to join the Board,
just enthusiasm and a willingness to attend monthly Board meetings.
Becoming a Board member can also give you lots of transferable skills and you will receive an induction when you join, as well as the opportunity to attend paid for training sessions and seminars. To apply for one of the positions head to your My Home portal and complete the form. You can also email info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk or complete and return the form below to us at 119 Main Street, Ayr, KA8 8BX by Thursday 27 July 2023.
Bios of our current Board members can be found on our website:
www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk /about/staff/
Name: ______________________________________________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________
Postcode: ____________________ Tel: ___________________ Email: _________________
Please tell us why you would like to become a Board Member (max 100 words):
Call us: 01292 880120 (option 1 for repairs and option 2 for reception).
Text us: 07860 020459
Email us: info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk
Keep up to date at www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk or on My Home. Follow us/DM us on Facebook and Twitter.
TOUCH
HOW TO GET IN
South Ayrshire Community Transport (SACT) connects People and Places through the provision of Community Transport, E-Car Club and E-Bike Provision.
One of SACT’s most popular services is the ‘Out and About’ trips which provide outings to various attractions and venues, such as garden and shopping centres. Their friendly driver picks you up from your door and returns you home after the trip in a fully accessible minibus which has room for wheelchairs and walking frames.
Membership of ‘Out and About’ is free, with a charge per trip. Previous feedback from those who have used this service includes, “this was perfect as it helped me get out of the house and meet new people” and “I had a great day out.”
You can find more about SACT services by checking out their website:
www.sacommunitytransport.org or phoning 01292 270864
“Just wanted to say how great the bike is. I am really enjoying having it.”
SACT E-Car Club (two cars based in Ayr and one in Girvan) provides low-cost transport in an eco-friendly car, which can be hired in a flexible way to meet your needs.
One customer said, “I've been able to take my family around more places and parks, and even managed to have our first camping trip this year.” If you live in the North Carrick area, SACT have several E-bikes that are available for hire at low cost. E-bikes are a great way to build confidence, ability and fitness, especially if you don’t think a regular bike is right for you.
U3a Ayr is a locally run collection of interest groups that provide a wide range of opportunities to come together to learn for fun. It encourages those no longer in full time employment to explore new ideas, skills and activities in a social environment. U3a Ayr runs discussion groups such as philosophy and news review, educational groups such as Spanish, French and Italian, outside groups such as cycling and wee walks and interest groups such as games for fun and backgammon. Some groups take place online for those unable to attend in person. U3a Ayr also offers social outings and monthly meetings, and access to Scotland/UK wide talks and groups. Membership costs £15 a year and this lets you join as many groups as you wish and there is no additional cost for most sessions. Some of the groups take place in The Local. Please see Ayru3a.com for more information.
My Home is safe and secure. No bank details are held on My Home and payments are made through a secure online gateway. You can register through our website www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk or you can request an email link which is valid for 24 hours. Take part in surveys Manage your tenancy online Report a repair Pay your rent & view your rent account Register Today! Secure access 24 hours a day, 7 days a week Go to www.ayrshirehousing.org.uk and click Send and receive documents
Information for Tenants Legionnaires’ Disease
We would like to take this opportunity to make you aware of the possible causes and symptoms of legionella so that you can report any concerns you may have to us.
What is legionnaire’s disease?
Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia caused by legionella bacteria. It is caused by the inhalation of small droplets of water from a contaminated source containing legionella bacteria.
Who is at risk?
While anyone can catch legionnaires’ disease, those with existing health conditions will be more susceptible to infection. Legionella is not contagious, and you cannot get it from drinking water.
The symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease are like those of flu:
• High temperature
• Tiredness
• Muscle pain
• Dry cough
• Fever or chills
• Headache.
What precautions can you take?
There is no need for concern. Legionnaires’ disease is rare and preventable by taking the following simple precautions:
• Keep taps clean and free from a build-up of mould or algae growth.
• Regularly clean and disinfect mist producing devices in your home (shower heads, humidifiers, hot tubs).
• Flush shower heads and taps for 10 minutes following a period of non-use (i.e. after you have been on holiday or if the room is not in regular use).
• Keep hot water on your boiler system at a minimum of 60 degrees.
If you feel you might be affected
If you suspect any member of your household has contracted Legionnaires’ disease, contact your doctor immediately. You should also contact us to allow us to investigate and undertake any remedial work.
Our latest development in Ayr’s Carrick Street is progressing well with the interior of the flats currently being worked on. Brick planters are taking shape in the courtyard. We expect the development to be ready by August 2023. Most of the properties have been allocated, with a proportion going to the Health and Social Care Partnership.
Carrick Street
It has been a tough year for everyone with the continual rise in energy and food costs. Over the past few months we have managed to secure almost £100,000 in external funding. Tenants have been able to access these funds through a range of projects.
How the funds have been spent:
SFHA Fuel Hardship Fund - Winter Pack Project - £54,000
National Lottery Tenant Support Fund£20,000
SFHA Food Insecurity Fund - £16,600
EVH Cost of Living Grant - £2,500
VASA Cosy Spaces funding - £4,600
Our free Wednesday Welcome club is taking a break and will return on 26 July with a ‘family fun’ event. We will provide details of this soon.
Battery and Charger Safety
We’ve compiled some information below on how to use chargers safely. For more tips please visit www.firescotland.gov.uk
Always use the charger that came with your phone, tablet, e-cigarette or mobile device.
If you need to buy a replacement, always choose a branded product from a supplier you can trust. There are lots of fakes out there, and it can be difficult to spot the difference.
Avoid storing, using or charging batteries at very high or low temperatures. Don’t leave items continuously on charge after the charge cycle is complete – it's best not to leave your phone plugged in overnight for example. Don't overload your sockets.
While barbecues should never be used on balconies, they can be used safely in outdoor communal areas provided these points are observed.
Ensure the barbecue is strong, sturdy and in good working order.
Place it on level ground to avoid it tipping over.
Keep it well clear of any trees, shrubs or flammable objects.
Keep children and animals well away.
Never pour on petrol or other accelerants.
Never leave the barbecue unattended.
Keep a bucket of water or sand close by.
Ensure the barbecue is cool before attempting to move it.
The recent hot weather has meant that we are able to spend more time outdoors. It’s important to be mindful of your neighbours during the long evenings. Any nuisance caused by you, your family or visitors, is a breach of your tenancy agreement. We ask you to:
Be conscious of noise levels (especially early in the morning and late at night).
Take responsibility for your children, pets and any visitors to your home.
If you live in a flat, close gates and security doors behind you. This will create a safer environment for all your neighbours living in the block.
Avoid driving or parking your car in a way that would endanger or interfere with others.
Tips for a safe BBQ
Our Good Neighbour Award is still running. Get in touch if you think your neighbour deserves a special prize! 01292 880120
Money Advice
Are you missing out on unclaimed benefits?
It has been widely reported that a few benefits are underclaimed. DWP is urging pensioners to check for pension credit, whilst Social Security Scotland encourages parents with children under 16 to check for entitlement to Scottish Child Payment. There are also some issues around unclaimed disability benefits.
PensionCredit
If you are of pensionable age, you may be entitled to Pension Credit to top up your income depending on your circumstances. Pension Credit gives you extra money to help with your living costs if you’re over State Pension age and on a low income.
• On top of the standard Pension Credit rate, you might get extra help if you’re a carer, disabled, or responsible for a child or young person.
• Pension Credit is separate from your State Pension.
• You can claim Pension Credit even if you have other income, savings or own your own home.
An award of Pension Credit, no matter how small, is a stepping stone to other help like TV licence, NHS costs dentist, optician, full Housing Benefit, Warm Home Discount etc.
If you are unsure whether you meet the criteria for one of the benefits listed, or if you would like some more information from the team, please complete the form on My Home or phone 01292 880120.
Scottish Child Payment
You may be able to get Scottish Child Payment of £25 per week per child, if all of the following apply:
• You live in Scotland.
• You or your partner are claiming certain benefitsUniversal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit, Income based JSA, Income Based ESA, Income Support or Pension Credit.
• You or your partner are the main person looking after a child who's under 16 years old.
The main person looking after your child (if any) might want to complete the application form, or use their bank details for payment.
Child Disability Payment / Adult Disability Payment / Attendance Allowance
If you or a household member have a disability you may be entitled to additional help. These claims are different depending on what age you are and can often lead to other entitlements. This group of benefits is not means tested.
There’s still time to enter our pet and garden competitions. We have a top prize of a £50 voucher for both competitions as well as £25 vouchers for the runners up.
Is your garden or window box in full bloom? We’d love to see the results of your hard work. Head to the My Home site and follow the link to upload your photo/s. You can also email info@ayrshirehousing.org.uk or speak with your housing officer. Categories are: private garden, shared garden and window box.
Entries are also open for our ever popular pet competition. If you think your pet deserves to win a prize, head to My Home and upload a photo or email our resident PurR guru ruby@ayrshirehousing.org.uk Categories are: dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and other. Please note we can only accept one pet per household.
Remember to get your entries in by Friday 4 August. We’ll announce the winners at our AGM on Wednesday 6 September.
Staff Update
Jayden McWilliam also joined us in March this year. He has taken up a temporary post within the repairs admin team. Prior to joining us, Jayden completed a modern apprenticeship with Shire Housing Association.
We welcomed Samantha Strain to the association in March. Sam is our full time Receptionist and greets our callers and visitors with a friendly smile! Previously, Sam worked in customer service roles in a variety of local businesses and loves helping people.
