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CORONAVIRUS-Covid-19 UPDATES
Covid19 Service Update - 13 January 2021
With mainland Scotland now in lockdown since 4 January 2021, because of a rise in Covid-19 cases due to the new faster-spreading variant, you will be aware of the new ‘stay at home’ message from government.
The following arrangements will be in place until at least the end of January. We will keep you updated following any government changes to this information.
Covid19 Service Update 13012021
Repairs Service restrictions - 22 December 2020
In accordance with Government Guidance and the introduction of Level 4 restrictions from midnight on 26 December, works within tenants homes will be limited to emergency/essential repairs only.
Level 4 restrictions will remain in place for three weeks and should be lifted on 18 January.
Planned maintenance projects and associated visits/surveys will also be put on hold and programmes revised to correspond with the end of the lockdown period. Our contractors will be in touch shortly to reschedule surveys/installations.
All non-emergency repairs should continue to be reported and these will be carried out as soon as possible, upon restrictions being lifted.
We appreciate that this must be extremely frustrating, however, recognise why further restriction have become necessary.
Repairs Service resumes - 11 December 2020
In accordance with Government Guidance and the easing of Level 4 restrictions from 11 December 2020 back to Level 3 in Glasgow, we have reinstated our repairs service and Planned Maintenance projects and associated visits/surveys.
Our staff are continuing to work from home to deliver services and will be available 9-5 Monday to Thursday and 9-4 on a Friday.
Thank you in advance for your continued co-operation and please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance and or advice.
Emergency Repairs service resumes - 20 November 2020
In accordance with Government Guidance and the introduction of Level 4 restrictions from 6:00pm on 20 November, repairs within tenants homes will be limited to emergency/essential repairs only.
Level 4 restrictions will remain in place for three weeks and should be lifted on 11 December.
All non-emergency repairs should continue to be reported and these will be carried out as soon as possible, upon restrictions being lifted.
Planned maintenance projects and associated visits/surveys will also be put on hold with programmes revised, to correspond with the end of the lockdown period.
Our staff are continuing to work from home to deliver services and will be available 9-5 Monday to Thursday and 9-4 on a Friday.
Thank you in advance for your continued co-operation and please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance and or advice.
DHC Office Remains Closed to Public - 26 October 2020
As you will know, our staff are working at home following the Governments directive to stay at home if able to do so. All of our staff are set up to provide a full service to tenants and are available 9-5 Monday to Thursday and 9-4 on a Friday.
The announcements from the UK and Scottish Governments is clearly expecting people to stay at home if they can, with this in mind, our Board decided at the last meeting on 20 October 2020 that in order to continue to follow the guidelines set, our offices will remain closed and staff will continue to work from home until at least the end of January 2021.
Message from Chairperson - 29 September 2020
Our Chairperson Joan McFarlane has issued the following statement to our tenants.
Renting and your rights during coronavirus if you have a social landlord - 14 April 2020
New protection for tenants
The Scottish Government has now passed an emergency law to protect renters in Scotland during coronavirus.
The Coronavirus (Scotland) Act 2020 protects tenants from eviction for up to 6 months, where a landlord issues a notice on or after 7 April 2020
This law temporarily extends the amount of notice landlords must give before beginning the process of ending a tenancy. In most cases landlords will now need to give tenants 6 months' notice, unless they are ending the tenancy for certain reasons. This includes antisocial and criminal behaviour and where the tenant has abandoned the property.
Ministers can extend the temporary period these changes are in place, if that is needed.
If you're experiencing financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus
If you are able to pay rent as normal you must continue to do so. If you are unable to pay the full amount, you should pay as much of your rent as you can.
It's likely that many tenants who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of coronavirus will be eligible for some financial support at this time. You should check what help you can get. You may be able to claim Universal Credit, Discretionary Housing Payment or get help from a local council through the Scottish Welfare Fund. Citizen's Advice Scotland has information and advice on financial support available if you are experiencing financial difficulties because of coronavirus.
The Scottish Government has also called on all social sector landlords (councils, housing associations and housing co-ops) not to evict a tenant because they have suffered financial hardship due to coronavirus. We expect landlords to be flexible with tenants facing financial hardship and signpost them to the sources of financial support available.
If you think that you may still have problems paying your rent even with these sources of support, you should speak to your landlord about this as soon as possible.
If your landlord issues you with a 'Notice of Recovery of Possession', it's important to know your rights.
Most tenants in social rented housing have a Scottish secure tenancy agreement.
Find out your rights if you have a Scottish secure tenancy agreement and your landlord has told you they are going to take action to evict you.
Some tenants have a short Scottish secure tenancy agreement.
Find out your rights if you have a short Scottish secure tenancy agreement and your landlord has told you they are going to take action to evict you.
You may wish to get help and advice if your landlord is trying to evict you.
Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service
During coronavirus, the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service has issued an announcement that all court business has been postponed for the time being. You should check the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service website for updates on the current situation.
If you need to move for another reason
We are discouraging any unnecessary movement of people where possible. We also advise that, where possible, moves should be delayed. All parties involved in the move should seek to agree to delay a move.
However, we understand that it may not be possible to delay some moves during this period, particularly where someone may be at risk of becoming homeless or may be put at risk by not being able to access alternative accommodation, or where a move is necessary so that key workers can be where they are needed.
Where a move cannot be avoided, care should be taken to follow the latest social distancing and hygiene guidance. Face-to-face contact should be limited where possible. In cases where face-to-face contact is necessary, distancing measures should be carried out by all parties – keep a distance of two meters between anybody who is not from the same household.
Where an individual or family is self-isolating or where a vulnerable person is shielding, moves should not take place unless needed for urgent health and safety reasons.
Guidance on social distancing in different languages
The UK Government has released some translations of their guidance on coronavirus and social distancing in several different languages. You may find these helpful:
· Guidance on Social Distancing and for Vulnerable People
25 March 2020
Due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Drumchapel Housing Co-operative has taken the necessary steps and precautions to minimise the risk to our customers and staff. We took the decision to close our offices to the staff, contractors and public from 5pm on 23 March 2020 until further notice. This is in line with recent UK and Scottish Government advice.
We have been working hard to ensure that we are fully staffed to deliver our full services, however, to reduce spread of the virus, we will suspend delivery of the following services from 25 March 2020:
• Non-emergency repairs. Any non-emergency repairs reported will still be logged and we hope to be able to schedule those as soon as possible.
• Planned maintenance works for the coming year will not be progressed until we are able to be back full operating.
• Non-essential face-to-face meetings and appointments in tenants’ homes.
• Community services and events.
From 25 March 2020 we will only provide critical services such as Emergency repairs, Emergency gas repairs, Gas safety checks. Tenants are asked to ensure that if they order an emergency repair that they notify the contractor if they are self-isolating or have symptoms of Coronavirus.
Please keep checking our Website and Facebook page as this is kept up to date.
In the meantime, our staff will still be able to deal with any enquiries you may have by telephoning 0141 944 4902 or emailing enquiries@drumchapelhc.org.uk.
We would also like to reassure you that tenant and staff wellbeing is our number one priority, which is why we have stepped up measures to limit the spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) following official advice.
While our office is closed until further notice, we are working hard to ensure the critical and essential services that make a difference to communities every day continue to operate.
We are dedicated to protecting those most vulnerable from the effects of Coronavirus (COVID-19), and we are working with a wide range of partners to support those most at risk.
Thank you for the time you have taken to read this update. We want to reassure you of our commitment to you as a tenant and customer during this uncertain time.
24 March 2020
Following the Governments instruction on 23 March 2020 to stay at home; Drumchapel Housing Co-operative now have all of our staff working from home.
We are still be operating a full service including repairs (subject to our contractors own risk assessments) and taking rent payments over the phone. You can also pay at any Post Office, PayPoint, online at www.allpay.net or by bank transfer (please contact us for our bank details). Please contact us if you require a rent payment card or you are having difficulty in paying rent.
We ask Tenants and Service Users to be aware and understand that our aim is to provide a full service but we may have restrictions out-with our control.
Our number-one priority will continue to ensure tenants and their families remain safe and secure in their homes, whilst safeguarding our staff and contractors.
Please note that as tenants can still request repairs; if you order a repair, please ensure that you allow access in line with Government advice on self-isolation.
We will continue to contact you by text, email or phone and you can call us on 0141 944 4902.
Stay Safe and Stay Home
18 March 2020
In light of the recent developments, a decision has been taken to close the office from 12pm today (Wednesday 18th March 2020) until further notice.
We will still be operating a full service including repairs (subject to our contractors own risk assessments) and taking rent payments over the phone. You can also pay at any Post Office or PayPoint, online at www.allpay.net or by bank transfer (please contact us for our bank details). Please contact us if you require a rent payment card.
We apologise for the inconvenience, please continue checking the page and our website for further updates.
17 March 2020
Following announcements from the Government about the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Drumchapel Housing Co-operative are implementing a service delivery plan for the coming weeks and months.
Our priority is to ensure that we follow Government guidance and we hope that our Tenants will also follow this advice. We are unclear how long restrictions will be in place and we expect that our services will be disrupted and at times it may be impossible to deliver services at the usual levels. We will work to keep disruption to a minimum.
Primarily we want to keep everyone safe, including Tenants, Staff and Contractors and this may mean that some people may not be able to attend work and our contractors may not have capacity to deliver a repairs service.
From today, 17 March 2020, we are asking Tenants to not visit our office; we have not closed the office but will screen visitors. Our telephone service is still operating, and we are keeping our Website/Facebook page updated.
We have suspended all home visits by our staff from today.
Our benefits advice is moving to telephone based only.
We need Tenants to tell us if they are self-isolating and for how long; this will inform how we can still offer you a service.
We are working closely with our repairs contractors to ensure as little disruption as possible, especially for gas safety and emergency repairs.
We still need Tenants to pay their rent and we ask that you use alternative rent payment options rather than coming to our office. Paypoint is available in many of the local shops and online at www.allpay.net or 0844 557 8321.
We may have to ask our staff to work from home and this will limit the types of work they can carry out so please consider if your enquiry is not urgent; can you hold off until the situation settles. We are happy to try answer queries made via email and we will be able to work our way through these.
We have identified many of our Tenants who fall into the risk groups identified by the Government and will prioritise calls to those Tenants over the next few days. However, we would ask that neighbours also check in on those living around you to offer any help.
This situation is un-precedented and changing daily; we aim to keep this statement updated based on Government guidance and to keep the office open but may have to close at short notice, please keep up to date on our Website/Facebook page.
13 March 2020
The Co-operative has been planning and considering how it will continue to provide a service should the Coronavirus affect our tenants/staff and contractors.
We are keeping up to date and following the directive of Health Protection Scotland advice. https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/covid-19
OUR STAFF ADVICE
In the event that a staff member has been in direct contact with someone that has the virus we expect that staff member to self-isolate and to work from home.
If the staff member is unwell, they will be off work and not available to work.
Should there be a number of staff affected either by being in contact with the virus or being unwell; we will close the office to visitors and move to a skeleton staff. There will be limited service as we redirect telephones to staff mobiles to deliver our service remotely.
CONTRACTORS
Our contractors will continue to deliver a service unless there is a change due to similar concerns.
If this changes we will move to undertake emergency repairs only and Non-Emergency repairs will be suspended.
TENANTS
If a tenant has self-isolated, we must be notified and we will not provide a service from staff or contractors until the end of the self-isolation period has ended.
Tenants are encouraged to use the alternative rent payment methods however, we will continue to take rent at the office unless we need to close the office.
VISITORS
Should anyone display symptoms while attending our office we will isolate them until such time as they can safely leave the premises. We will arrange for the office to be closed and areas to be sanitised; we will reopen the office once this is completed.
Further UPDATES on services and advice during Covid-19
Drumchapel CAB Advice Point - 6 January 2021
Drumchapel Citizen Advice Bureau have set up a new feature outside their premises. The Advice Point will remain open during the pandemic and is funded by the Scottish Government to assist the needs of our community.
Drumchapel CAB Advice Point flyer
Reinstatement of Bulk Waste Service - 8 December 2020
From 10 December Glasgow City Council is restarting its household bulky waste collection service.
The service is for main-door and flatted properties where Housing Associations have no alternative waste management arrangements in place and will be by request only.
Residents should no longer place bulky waste out onto the streets or lanes as this will be considered to be fly tipping.
Requests for collection by the council can be made using the MyGlasgow app or online at www.glasgow.gov.uk/bulkywaste. Residents will be issued a Collection Date and should only put bulky waste outside within their property boundary the day before collection. Alternatively, the council’s Household Waste Recycling Centres are open 7 days a week or if items are in good condition, residents can also use Zero Waste Scotland's National Re-use Tool and donate items to charity.
At this time, the service does not extend to high rise or multi-storey properties - residents in these properties should continue to use their dedicated bulk chambers. For more information and a downloadable poster visit www.glasgow.gov.uk/bulkywaste
Scottish Government - Tenant Hardship Loan Fund - 2 December 2020
At the end of August 2020 the Scottish Government announced the creation of a £10million Tenant Hardship Loan Fund as part of their response to the coronavirus crisis. The loan will be available from early December and will be administered by Energy Savings Trust on behalf of Scottish Government and can be accessed here:
https://tenanthardshiploan.est.org.uk/
Change to Bulk Uplift - 25 November 2020
All tenants including those in tenement blocks who have bulk items for uplift should report these directly to Glasgow City Council from 1st December 2020. Our contractor would normally pull out all bulk items from tenement back courts on a Thursday morning for Glasgow City Council to uplift however they are no longer providing this service. The Co-operative has disposed of bulk items for tenements blocks during the Coronavirus pandemic and has incurred high costs as result however we are unable to sustain this.
The final bulk uplift for tenement blocks by the Co-operative is this Thursday 26th November 2020 AM. Please ensure any items are left neatly outside bin stores.
The quickest way to report bulk items for collection from 1st December 2020 is via the MyGlasgow App. Main door tenants should continue to leave bulk items this in their front garden. Tenants of tenements should leave any
items neatly outside the bin store.
Any bulk items dumped on tenement access lanes is fly-tipping which could incur a fixed penalty notice. These items will no longer be removed by the Co-operative.
Thank you for your co-operation in this matter, please contact us if you have any questions.
Bin Thefts in Drumchapel Housing Co-operative area - 24 September 2020
In light of recent wheelie bin thefts in the Co-operative area, we are encouraging tenants to follow the process below:
• Phone the Police on 101 and obtain a crime reference number
• Contact Glasgow City Council (Cleansing section) on 0141 287 9700 and quote the police reference number when requesting replacement bins
We are aware that approximately 30-60 bins have been stolen and set alight and we are working with partner agencies to identify those responsible. As a temporary measure, Taylor bins are being located on footpaths outside of properties until the current situation can be brought under control.
To address this problem, we are undertaking partnership working with Glasgow City Council and undertaking the following measures:
• Checking CCTV footage to help identify persons involved
• Liaising with Scottish Fire & Rescue
• Requesting increased police patrols
• Involving campus police to work with schools and help identify persons responsible
• Engaging with G15 to provide additional funding to assist with diversionary projects
All tenants will have received a letter over the past week which should assist in informing everyone with our temporary refuse arrangements.
Planned Maintenance works - 23 September 2020
We are currently in the process of appointing contractors and will be in touch with tenants shortly to progress surveys etc. We expect to be on site November/December due to manufacturing period for windows.
'Near Me' Plans for Scotland - 8 July 2020
Since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic, video consultations in Scotland have rapidly escalated. From a mere 300 video consultations a week pre-pandemic, Near Me is now seeing a staggering 17,000, with around 150,000 in total!
Building on this and looking to the future, the Scottish Government has produced a vision that plans for all health and care consultations in Scotland to be provided by Near Me, whenever it is appropriate.
To raise awareness about the vision, a major engagement exercise is underway across Scotland to find out what people think about having their appointments by Near Me and how it might be improved for the future. You can take part in the online survey here. For more information or questions about Near Me, you can contact info@hghcp.co.uk.
Letter for Social Housing tenants from Minister for local Government Housing and Planning - 8 July 2020
Please read the letter below received from Kevin Stewart, MSP
Letter to Social Housing tenants from Minister for Local Government Housing and Planning
Covid19 - Allocations Update - 6 July 2020
We have still been issuing and processing housing applications as normal during COVID-19. You can print an application pack from the website or contact us for a pack to be sent out. With regard to letting our properties, we have been following Scottish Government Guidance on prioritising lets to alleviate emergency situations; this will continue until further notice. Please check our website for any updates or any change in guidance during the coming weeks.
Maintenance programme 2020/21 - 6 July 2020
It is our intention to progress the planned maintenance programme for 2020/21 as noted below and we hope to appoint contractors shortly to help take this forward. All works will be carried out in accordance with government guidelines and revised practices to take account of Covid 19.
Window replacement
15 – 21 Merryton Avenue (odds) 33
Bathroom replacement
15 – 21 Merryton Avenue 33
Kitchen replacement
117 -131 Linkwood Drive (odds) 8
1 – 15 Linkwood Grove 14
Boiler replacement
29 – 39 Carolside Drive 6
117 -131 Linkwood Drive (odds) 8
1 – 15 Linkwood Grove 14
We have also re-commenced works to upgrade smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors to improve tenant safety and meet the revised legislation by February 2021.
Close cleaning and ground maintenance services have also recommenced and gas maintenance and safety checks are continuing to be programmed.
Although we are currently operating an emergency repairs service only, we will review this in accordance with Government guidance as restrictions are eased.
COPE - Whit's Happening Issue 6 - 30 June 2020
COPE Scotland Whit's Happening Issue 6
COVID 19 - Test and Protect (Step By Step Guides/Information Leaflets) - 29 June 2020
Update from NHS
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - ARABIC
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - ARABIC
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - CHINESE (Simplified)
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - CHINESE (Simplified)
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - CHINESE (Traditional)
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - CHINESE (Traditional)
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - ENGLISH
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - ENGLISH
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - FARSI
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - FARSI
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - GAELIC
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - GAELIC
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - HINDI
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - HINDI
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - HUNGARIAN
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - HUNGARIAN
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - LATVIAN
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - LATVIAN
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - LITHUANIAN
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - LITHUANIAN
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - POLISH
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - POLISH
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - PUNJABI
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - PUNJABI
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - ROMANIAN
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - ROMANIAN
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - RUSSIAN
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - RUSSIAN
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - SLOVAKIAN
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - SLOVAKIAN
Test & Protect Step by Step Guide - URDU
Test & Protect Information Leaflet - URDU
COVID 19 - Household Waste & Recycling Centres (HWRCs) - 23 June 2020
Update from Glasgow City Council
Our household waste and recycling centres are now open from 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday (last entry 3.45pm).
Our centres at Dawsholm, Shieldhall, Polmadie and Easter Queenslie continue to be very busy as the lockdown restrictions are eased and we are urging residents to consider whether visiting is urgent or essential.
Anyone in self isolation or with Covid-19 symptoms must not visit our HWRCs under any circumstances.
From Monday 22nd June we will accept the following waste types:
Bags of household waste
Garden waste
Cardboard
Wood (including small furniture)
Mattresses
White Goods
Electrical Items (including lamps, tv screens and monitors).
Staff will not be able to provide physical assistance to householders to unload material.
Please continue to use your blue recycling bin, brown bin for food/garden waste and utilise the network of public collection points across the city for dry mixed recycling (paper, cardboard, plastic bottles, food and drink cans) and glass recycling (glass bottles and jars).
Due to the current situation, in order to reduce queuing times and to protect you and our staff there are rules in place that you must follow when visiting one of our centres:
• Vehicle restrictions are in place - no vans, trailers, traders or cars over 1.8 metres will be accepted. No waste will be accepted by pedestrians.
• Only a limited number of vehicles will be allowed to access our sites at any one time. This is due to the continued need for physical distancing between individuals to stop the spread of coronavirus.
• Access to our site is strictly controlled on a one-out, one-in basis. Delays in accessing the waste centres should therefore be expected.
• Cones and signage are in place help guide drivers safely into the each site. To protect yourself and staff, please keep your car windows closed when the check on Glasgow residence is made and follow the direction of staff on hand to manage traffic. Signs that give an indication of waiting times are in place as there will most likely be delays before entering a centre.
• Physical distancing rules must be adhered to at all times to ensure the safety of you and our staff. We urge people to travel alone to our centres wherever possible. However, if you require to move a larger item then you can bring another person from your own household to assist you.
• Householders will be asked to provide proof of address by presenting a Council Tax Bill, drivers licence or utility bill - this is to ensure that our sites are only used by Glasgow residents.
• Please remember to wash your hands before and after visiting one of our centres
Please remain patient and be respectful of our staff at all times. We understand the restrictions in place may cause frustration, but they are intended to prevent the spread of Covid-19 and save lives.
We thank the public for their continued patience and support at this time.
Please see our frequently asked questions for more information.
COVID 19 - Adaptations Funding - 10 June 2020
Would adaptations help you to live within your home?
Each year we receive funding from Glasgow City Council to adapt properties to meet tenants changing needs. This could include:
• Installing level deck showers or wet floor areas
• Installing ramps
• Fitting hand rails (internally or externally)
Applying for Medical Adaptations
All medical adaptations must be referred from a medical practitioner such as an Occupational Therapist, Hospital Care Team or Doctor.
The one exemption to this is where external or internal handrails are required, this may be made on a self-referral form which is available from the Co-operative.
Social Work can also help with items to aid you which are included in the list. We have a set budget each yet to assist you with Adaptations and would urge anyone who requires advice on how to apply for an adaptation or aid to contact the office for advice on 0141 944 4902.
Types of Medical Adaptations available
Medical Referral:
Level access showers
Wet floor showers
Over the bath showers
Lever action taps
Ramps: (where possible)
Extending doorways: (where possible)
Deaf aids
Self-referral
Handrails/Grabrails
Social Work referral
Bath and shower aids
Raised toilet seats
Removable ramps
Stairlifts
COVID 19 - School Age Payment - 5 June 2020
The School Age Payment is now open for applications. This £250 from Social Security Scotland is for families who get certain benefits or tax credits. If your child was born between 1st March 2015 and 29th February 2016 then you could be eligible, especially if you have had a change in your income due to COVID19. The grant is to help with the costs when your child would normally start Primary 1, even if they're not starting this year. You can find out more and apply here.
https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/
COVID 19 - Glasgow Disability Alliance - 1 June 2020
Information on how Glasgow Disability Alliance (GDA) can assist our tenants during COVID19 is available at the link below.
Please call 0800 432 0422 FREE if you are disabled or elderly and living in the Glasgow area.
https://mailchi.mp/gdaonline/gdas-covid-19-resilience-response?e=5821e0f52c
COVID19 Scottish Fire and Rescue Service - Rubbish and refuse fires advice - 14 May 2020
Our partners in the Scottish Fire & Rescue Service have provided valuable advice for our tenants concerning the dangers of dumping rubbish and refuse outside their homes. Please read the information below and follow the guidance.
Scottish FIre & Rescue Service - Rubbish & Refuse Fires
For further information, please check the website below:
https://www.firescotland.gov.uk/
COVID19 Resources Mental Health and increased distress - 4 May 2020
Below are some useful contact numbers, websites, and advice for people who are struggling during the coronavirus pandemic.
COVID 19 Coping with suicidal thoughts leaflet
COVID 19 Key Websites to support Mental Health & Wellbeing
COVID 19 Mental Health support leaflet
COVID 19 Suicide Alert Pathway Briefing
The Big Bike Revival: Support for key workers - 1 May 2020
Ground Maintenance Update - 27 April 2020
Our ground maintenance contractor, idverde will resume service, week commencing 27 April 2020. In doing so, they will employ strict social distancing arrangements and we ask that everyone is respectful of this while operatives carry out their duties within the estate.
Unfortunately, the bulk uplift service provided by Glasgow City Council is still on hold and we would ask everyone to refrain from putting out bulk items at this difficult time.
Thank you for your continued patience, co-operation and understanding.
COPE - Whit's Happening Issue 3 - 27 April 2020
COPE Scotland Whit's Happening Issue 3
COPE - Drumchapel Cares poster - 23 April 2020
Some agencies who can help or put you in touch with others you are not alone.
Close Cleaning Service update - 21 April 2020
Our close cleaning service is currently suspended due to operational restrictions associated with the pandemic. We intend to resume this service again at the earliest opportunity and in the interim our contractor CAS Contract Cleaning will carry out weekly sanitation/disinfectant of key touch points. This will include applying sanitiser/disinfectant to all common areas touched by hand such as bannisters, railings, door handles and door plates; including the door handles of individual flats.
We hope that this revised service is of assistance, however, would remind everyone to continue to follow government guidance on handwashing to help prevent spread of the virus.
Annual Gas Service - 3 April 2020
We are continuing to carry out annual gas safety checks to ensure that gas appliances and flues are safely maintained. Some disruption has been experienced in progressing appointments, due to the current circumstances, however, we appreciate your patience and assistance in progressing this essential service, at this difficult time.
Upon arranging the service, we will ask you some questions about your current situation and whether you are self-isolating or shielding, so we can understand how best to protect you and your family.
Upon visiting your home, the engineers will follow the most up to date guidance, in accordance with your circumstances, to help protect your family and prevent the spread of the virus.
This will include:
• Distance themselves by at least two metres from anyone in the property
• Avoid touching surfaces where possible
• Wear protective gloves and other additional protection equipment where necessary
In circumstances where someone is self-isolation or shielding, more robust measures will be incorporated.
We kindly ask that you to minimise interaction with our contractors as they carry out the service. To keep our colleagues safe, we would ask that you stand at least two metres away from them where possible. All operatives will show you identification when they visit your home. Please check this and once you are satisfied, leave them to carry out their work. Upon completion of the job, they will advise you that they have finished and will see themselves out.
By following these steps, we want to reassure you that there is a low risk of infection arising.
Emergency Repairs (during COVID-19) - 3 April 2020 (UPDATE)
Our contractors are continuing to provide emergency repairs services at this difficult time. However, please be aware that this may alter if their staffing levels are reduced due to the continuing spread of the Coronavirus.
You can keep up to date about which services are being provided on this Website or our Facebook page.
Please contact us on 0141 944 4902 if you have an emergency repair during working hours or on 0800 595 595 out with normal office hours.
Emergency/urgent repairs include:
• unsafe electrical fittings;
• loss or part loss of electric or gas supply;
• Insecure windows or doors;
• loss or part loss of heating or hot water;
• toilet not flushing;
• blocked drain, waste pipe, toilet, sink, bath or basin
• loss or part loss of water supply;
• significant leak or flood;
When you contact us about your emergency repair we will ask you some questions about your current situation and whether you are self-isolating so that we can understand how best to protect you and your family, as well as the contractor that attends your home. The questions may include:
• Have you had contact with anyone who may be infected with the virus?
• Do you have any of these symptoms – cough, fever or shortness of breath?
Please be patient with us while we ask these questions. These are required to protect the health and wellbeing of you, our staff and our contractors, which is essential in allowing us to maintain services.
If it is deemed essential that a contractor does attend your home, they will:
• Ask some further questions at the front door before entering the property
• Distance themselves by at least two metres from anyone in the property
• Avoid touching surfaces where possible
• Wear protective gloves and other additional protection equipment where necessary
• Ask you if they can wash their hands before and after the visit, if you are happy for them to do so.
All of our staff and contractors are encouraged to keep up-to-date with the latest government health advice, follow good hygiene practice and to inform their manager if they feel unwell. Staff and contractors will be expected to follow official advice and if anyone is suspected of having the virus, we would expect them to self-isolate.
We kindly ask you to minimise interaction with our contractors as they carry out work in your home. To keep our colleagues safe, we would ask that you stand at least two metres away from them where possible. All operatives will show you identification when they visit your home. Please check this and once you are satisfied, leave them to carry out their work. Upon completion of the job, they will advise you that they have finished and will see themselves out.
By following these steps, we want to reassure you that there is a low risk of infection arising from a home visit.
Bulk Uplifts - 30 March 2020
Glasgow City Council has advised that all household waste recycling centres are closed until further notice. There will be nowhere to take the bulk and we must ask Tenants to refrain from leaving bulk items in paths and lane or closes to avoid risk to safety. We hope that Tenants will understand that we are all working hard to keep services in place, however, we must work together to avoid deterioration in our areas and follow official advice and guidance.
Financial Advice - 26 March 2020
If you need any help or advice with your rent account or if you are worried about a change in circumstances due to loss of earnings, please contact your Housing Officer to discuss. We can also assist with income maximisation and tenancy sustainment issues. It is important you keep in touch with us if you are experiencing problems. Please note that the government has announced emergency legislation to suspend new evictions from social or private rented accommodation during the coronavirus crisis.
If you are worried about the short-term impact of COVID-19 on your employment then you can contact the PACE helpline on 0800 917 8000.
Further advice can also be found on the Money Advice Service website:
https://www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk/en/articles/coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you
Should you find yourself with no income due the impact of Coronavirus (COVID-19), if you do not already claim benefits, you may be eligible to apply for Universal Credit to help you pay your rent. You can find out more about Universal Credit and eligibility:
https://www.understandinguniversalcredit.gov.uk/coronavirus/
There is also further information for people affected by Coronavirus (COVID-19), including information about eligibility for Statutory Sick Pay on the UK Government website:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/coronavirus-support-for-employees-benefitclaimants-and-businesses
If you currently pay your rent in cash, you need to use the alternative arrangements in the meantime e.g. card payments or online payments. We may contact you to discuss this further.
If you are self-isolating or recovering from Coronavirus (COVID-19), this will mean you may not be able to leave your home. This can be a problem if you have a pre-payment meter, which requires you to go to the shop to top-up. Different energy suppliers will have their own ways of dealing with this. If you or anyone in your home has any underlying health conditions, you should also contact your energy supplier to let them know. They will add you to the Priority Service Register, which will give you extra support should you need it. If you are self-isolating, you should contact your energy company as soon as you become aware of an issue to do with your prepay meter, as some of the solutions can take a few days.
Other advice on energy related issues can also be found here:
https://www.ofgem.gov.uk/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-covid-19-and-your-energysupply
Wellbeing Advice - 26 March 2020
It’s understandable that not only our residents, but communities everywhere will be worried about how their lives are going to be affected over the coming months. The government has provided guidance on social distancing for everyone in the UK and how we can all work together to protect each other. This includes steps you can take to stay connected with family and friends during this time:
Government advice on social distancing: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-socialdistancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults
As we anticipate there will be disruption for an extended period of time, where tenants are self-isolating and have no local friends and family to assist with delivering prescriptions and other vital supplies, we can be of assistance, please call our office on 0141 944 4902 and we will try offer assistance.
If you are concerned about a vulnerable neighbour please let us know and we can provide you with advice and assistance.
If you are feeling worried or overwhelmed, support is also available from the following organisations:
• Breathing Space: 0800 83 85 87
• MIND: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus-and-your-wellbeing/
• Samaritans: 116 123 or https://www.samaritans.org/?nation=scotland
• SHOUT: Text SHOUT to 85258 or visit https://www.giveusashout.org/
Glasgow Mutual Aid - support information - 26 March 2020
COPE Scotland support (during COVID-19) - 26 March 2020
A brochure of support offered by COPE Scotland is available on the link below.
COPE Scotland - support during Covid19
Mar 2020
Shared Service Agreement reaches conclusion
Tenants will be aware that we have had a shared service agreement with Cernach Housing Association for the last 3 years, this agreement concluded on 31 January 2020 and Caroline Jardine resumed her role as full-time Director at Cernach.
Our Deputy Director, Pauline Burke has been in place as Acting Director since mid-August 2019 and our Board have felt that although the shared service agreement was successful for both organisations, we are keen to review the longer-term plan for Director services while continuing the close relationship formed between both organisations. We plan to publish a full article in our newsletter due early Spring.
Mar 2020
Coronavirus-Covid-19
You will have been following coverage of the global and national response to the Coronavirus Covid-19. The Government has advised that we are likely to see a marked increase in transmission in the UK in the coming weeks. The Scottish Government has confirmed the first cases of Coronavirus Covid-19 in Scotland.
It will be important that all landlords are aware of, and have regard to, the latest advice from Government, the NHS and the Chief Medical Officer. The position is changing on a daily basis and therefore it is important to check that advice regularly.
The Scottish Government’s advice can be found here https://www.gov.scot/coronavirus-covid-19/
Public health advice can be found at: Coronavirus (COVID-19) on NHS Inform
For the latest advice and information from the UK Government go to gov.uk/coronavirus
Health Protection Scotland provides general advice on protecting people from the virus at:
https://www.hps.scot.nhs.uk/a-to-z-of-topics/wuhan-novel-coronavirus/
The latest travel advice is available here: gov.uk/guidance/travel-advice-novel-coronavirus
Mar 2020
Don't Tolerate Hate
#DontTolerateHate is a new Police Scotland Disability Hate Crime public awareness campaign. Any tenants of Drumchapel Housing Co-operative who have been subject to hate crime are encouraged to report this to the Police.
Jan 2020
Energy campaign launched by charity which delivered over £1m in savings last year
COPE Winter Wellness Booklet
Some useful contacts to support your mental health and wellbeing. If you have difficulty viewing these on a mobile/PC screen, please just call the office on 0141 944 4902 and we will happily print and post you out a copy of the booklet.
The COPE website is also a useful tool for handy tips - please click here https://www.cope-scotland.org/index.php/latest-blog/tips-for-staying-well-over-winter
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Community Events & Groups
COPE Scotland have also provided a list of community events and groups which may be of interest to our tenants. Please see the link below for further information.
Dec 2019
Glasgow City Council Christmas Holiday Closure
Sep 2019
World Suicide Prevention Day
Tues 10 September (9.30am-2.30pm). Further details provided below.
Sep 2019
TV Licensing for over 75s
Recent changes to TV licensing for over 75s have taken effect from June 2019. For further information, please read the attached article.
Sep 2019
Donations to local high school and food bank
In line with our Donations policy, we set aside committed expenditure towards a local school and the food bank.
Pictured is our Housing Officer Matthew Leach presenting a cheque for £300 to Drumchapel High School's Head Teacher, Joanne Sturgeon. The money will be used by the school towards a study weekend.
Our Asset Management Officer Lorraine Logan is pictured below presenting a cheque for £500 to Drumchapel Food Bank.
January 2019
- Our office was made fully accessible at our front door via the installation of a new push button and ramp for wheelchair use. We endeavour to make things as easy as we can for you and hope that this provides some ease to public who visit our office premises.
