'Good, Good, Good' say the Audit Commission  (new as at September 2003)

In June, Harding was inspected by the Audit Commission.  The inspectors carried out an audit of three of our service areas.  They were Repairs and Maintenance, Customer Services and Complaints, and Continuous Improvement.  The final results are just in and we are delighted to announce that we successfully achieved a 'GOOD' rating in all three areas.  This is the highest possible mark and very few are awarded.  To receive a 'good' rating for all areas inspected is unheard of.

One of the things that the inspectors were particularly impressed with, was our Complaints Panel.  The panel is made up entirely of tenants. They listen to the complaints made by tenants and then decide whether the complaint is fair; whether compensation should be awarded, or whether procedures need to be looked at.  The inspectors said they had never come across another association who ran their complaints panel with just tenants, and the feedback they had got from tenants had been positive. 

Final Harding Annual Report sent out  (new as at September 2003)

The 40th annual report by Harding Housing Association is being sent out to all tenants and interested parties. The report not only looks back over the highlights of the last year, but all takes a peek at what the changes there have been over the 40 years, since the first report.  Extra copies of the annual report are available from reception or by calling Customer Service Staff on 020 8871 3260.

On 1st October, Harding and BCHT are expecting to merge.  The new name is not yet finalised (due to legal requirements) but an announcement will be made as soon as it is.

Evicted: 16a Knoll Road and 10 Meadowbank  (new as at July 2003)

At Knoll Road, the tenant and her boyfriend have been evicted for harassing and intimidating his neighbours. As a result, the local authority will not rehouse her and she will have to find a hostel that will take her in.

At Meadowbank, this tenant caused serious damage to the property, stole his neighbour's electricity, hid drugs in the communal areas and attacked his wife so severely she fled her home for good.

Five year jail threat for 'neighbour from hell' (new as at July 2003)

A BCHT tenant could be jailed for up to five years if he breaches any of the conditions contained in the borough's first Anti Social Behaviour Order.  The man, who is not being identified for legal reasons, was made the subject of an ASBO during a hearing at Wandsworth County Court in July. 

Neither Harding nor BCHT are willing to accept unsocial behaviour from their tenants.  The new stronger, merged organisation will be in an even better position to help tenants who experience this type of problem from their neighbours.  And this case proves that the courts are willing to back us.

The judge ruled that if the man breaches any of the orders imposed by the court and is convicted, he will face up to five years in jail.

To read the full press release please click here

Local Residents fight to stop 'Grand' development (new as at July 2003)

Please click here to view details

Inspectors visit Harding (new as at June 2003)

Inspectors are visiting Harding on 23 and 24 June.  They will be looking at our repairs service and access for tenants.  A meeting for tenants has been arranged for 23 June   Places are limited to 20 people, and a draw will take place if the number of tenants wishing to attend exceeds this.  Anyone interested in attending should contact Laurel Anderson on 020 8871 3260 x 108.

Harding expecting to merge with BCHT in Autumn 2003 (new as at April 2003)

Tenants have been sent a very important newsletter highlighting the proposed merger between Harding and BCHT.  The two organisations are of similar size and believe the merger will provide a greater range and improvement in services for both sets of tenants. You can view the newsletter here.

Supporting people goes live (new as at April 2003)

On April 1st, Supporting people, a new government initiative came into effect.  Supporting People aims to break the link between support services and tenure. A Supporting People grant can be paid to any organisation providing support to a person in a home of any tenure, including owner occupation. This means that Harding could provide support services to tenants of other Registered Social Landlords (RSLs), local authorities or owner occupiers.

Mutual exchange help sessions organised (new as at Mar 2003)

On May 15th, the Community Learning Centre will be showing tenants how to register their properties on the various registers available to help tenants who wish to exchange properties.  Exchanges are available within Harding stock and nationally with local authority or other housing association tenants.

Standards (new as at March 2003)

We have reviewed and reissued the Standards we aim to perform our services to. You can view them here first, however, we will be sending all tenants a copy of the Standards in June with the next edition of Harding Life.

Head Office Opening Times (new as at Feb 2003)

A trial to extend the hours staff were available to answer calls has been scrapped due to low demand. The Head Office opening times have reverted back to 9.00am to 5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Evicted for violence to neighbour (new as at Feb 2003)

We have obtained possession against a tenant who raped and stabbed another tenant, even though he has not yet been found guilty.

Customer Services News (new as at Feb 2003)

Customer Services will deal with enquiries about the Homes Mobility Scheme and Homeswap Scheme. This is the first of the duties being handed over which has been traditionally answered by housing management staff. Eventually, the customer services team will be fully trained to handle all tenant enquiries.

Evicted for sub-letting (new as at Feb 2003)

One of our tenants sublet a property for a significant profit. We then issued proceedings against our tenant and she was ordered to pay the rent arrears, costs and a daily amount (coming to £1,800). Her employers have been ordered to deduct the payments to us from her salary each month. If she leaves that job, her new employers can be enforced to do the same, or we can demand that it is deducted from her bank account, and as a final resort, the Bailiff's will visit her new address. Until the debt is paid off, she will have a County Court judgement against her name.

Eviction: 64 Ramsey House, SW9 (new as at Jan 2003)

We have today (Monday 27th January) evicted the tenant from the above address, who had been causing trouble on the estate.  The tenant had been sent to prison some time ago for 16 years but the court order has only just been given.  
We have also been awarded a Suspended Possession Order on a tenant whose child has been causing trouble on the estate. This means that if the child doesn't stop causing trouble, we will also be able to evict them as well. If we evict the family, they will not be eligible for council housing and will have to rent privately. This currently costs in the region of £200-300 per week in South West London.

Lambeth College come to the Community Learning Centre ( new as at Jan 2003)

Lambeth College is starting a free Introduction to Computingcourse at the Community Learning Centre in Vassall Road, SW9.  It will run every Tuesday from 10am – 1pm.  Available to all residents who are 19+ and in receipt of benefit/pension.  Contact either Lambeth College 020 7501 5564 or James Hall at the Community Learning Centre on 020 7735 9557.

Contacting the Tenants Forum Representatives (new as at Jan 2003)

You can contact the Forum reps by writing to them c/o Harding Housing Association or via e-mail to Forum Reps, alternatively you can ring and leave a message for them on the new Tenants Forum Hotline:
020 8871 3260 ext. 131.

New Racial Harassment Hotline (new as at December 2002)

If you are experiencing racial harassment that affects your peace, comfort and safety in your home then you should report it to the Association by writing to the Nuisance Team and marking the envelope ‘private and confidential’ or by telephoning our:

RACIAL HARASSMENT HOTLINE : 0800 389 8993

 Harding volunteers recognised as excellent (new as at December 2002)

On November 18th, Wandsworth Volunteer Bureau organised an awards ceremony to celebrate the borough's volunteers who were chosen to receive "Excellence in Volunteering" Awards. Two of Harding's Volunteers were named for very different activities. Stephanie Conran runs the Dempster Road Youth Association which provides weekly football sessions for the youngsters in the area. Sandra Brown also received an award for her work with deaf tenants, whom she meets weekly as a befriender.

There are many volunteers at Harding, who give up their free time to organise activities, meet other tenants and attend meetings. We are very grateful to them.

However, there's always room for more volunteers - So if you are interested, or think you might be interested - give us a call on 020 7735 1146 x 103.

£400K for eco-friendly materials (new as at December 2002)

Over the next few years, Harding are to invest £400,000 in eco-friendly materials to be used when renovating and updating their homes. The additional money will spent on such things as loft insulation, more efficient boilers, insulating external walls and double glazing. We will also be looking at buying timber form renewable controlled sources, and minimising the use of materials that damage the environment, particularly those that damage the ozone layer or produce vast amounts of CO2 either in their use or in their production. 

Red and yellow cards get the green light (new as at November 2002)

The Tenants Forum and the Board gave permission for Harding to adopt tough new measures for tenants who don't keep to their tenancy agreements.  The card system will mean tenants can be warned of their behaviour and unless they improve can be suspended from receiving benefits that other tenants enjoy.  A new leaflet explaining the system will be sent out in January to all tenants. 

Funding success for tenants' groups (new as at November 2002)

The Busy Bees, The Church Manor Gardening Club and the Church Manor Community Group have between them secure over £5,000 to support and expand their activities. 

The Busy Bees were awarded £1,950 from the Peabody Trust's Millenium Awards to open their group to more people.  If you're over 55 and live in Wandsworth you can take part in trips, social activities and games with the Busy Bees.   Contact Dorothy Watson on 020 8785 9113 for more information or help with transport to get there.

The Church Manor Gardening Club have received £1,750 for work on The Mound.  Anyone interested in joining the group should contact Andy Green at the Tenants Resource Centre on 020 7587 3723.

The Community Group at Church Manor have recieved £1000 to fund trips out and other social events on the estate.  Contact Vivienne Nethercott at the Tenants Resource Centre on 020 7587 3723.

New Groups, Clubs and Projects (new as at November 2002)

The "Life's Better Together" project in steaming ahead with the following new schemes starting in Wandsworth in the forthcoming weeks:   Parenting classes - with guest speakers with top tips for parents, Youth activities - DJ skills, Photography club, Art club, Streetdance.  For more info...

Life's Better Together (new as at October 2002)

"Life’s Better Together", is a new initiative developed by a partnership of three housing associations: Battersea Churches and Chelsea Housing Trust (BCHT), Harding Housing Association and Thames Housing Association.

All three are community based associations working within the South West quadrant of London. Each with a strong track record of providing affordable housing and with a combined total of 4000 homes. They believe they do not have just a housing role but a second role – to help regenerate their communities.

As individual organisations, each association does not have the resources to meet this second agenda, but together they do. Life’s Better Together offers greater scope to give to the maximum number of tenants from the three associations access to a wide range of services, local activities and opportunities, that might help them sustain their tenancies, and develop or fulfil their ambitions.

The traditional housing activities of each organisation continue to function separately as before.

Harding appoint in-house solicitor (new as at October 2002)

Harding is pioneering the way forward for registered social landlords to come down hard on anti-social tenants, nuisance neighbours and those that consistently fail to pay they rent. They have expanded their housing team to include a full-time, qualified solicitor, to work from their head office in Wandsworth, South West London. Katrina Robinson will be joining Harding on October 28.

Mayor to attend launch of the Community Learning Centre (new as at September 2002)

Lambeth's Mayor Mrs June Fewtrell was the main speaker at the launch of the Community Learning Centre on Monday 16 September.  The launch took  place in the Community Room at Church Manor, and was attended by local tenant representatives, regeneration workers and councillors.  After listening to the speeches, the guests were invited to watch a short presentation on the centre's plasma screen in the seminar room and then given tour of the IT suite.  (see August news for more information).

Employment and Training Scheme (new as at September 2002)

ASSET are providing outreach workers at the Church Manor office.  The ASSET staff are able to help interested residents needing assistance in finding work, including help with English and Maths where necessary. Please call the office on 0207 735 4464, or pop in for more information.

Harding introduces new improved mutual exchange scheme for tenants (new as at August 2002)

Harding tenants who want to exchange properties with each other, can now do so thanks to an improved system for matching tenants wanting to exchange.   Using the website, or by telephone, tenants can request a registration form and their details will be posted on the website and in the Mutual Exchanges books in receptions.  For more details ...

Community Learning Centre Opens (new as at August 2002)

The Community Learning Centre in Vassall Road, Lambeth is a resource for all Vassall area residents. A Harding Plus project in partnership with Vassall Area Regeneration group (VARG) and funded by the Raising our Sights SRB6 programme.

It houses a seminar room with plasma TV screen, video and DVD.   The IT suite has 12 computers with internet access.  The centre will offer training in IT, basic skills, and life and social skills.

The first group to visit was the Church Manor Community Group and the other residents on the Church Manor estate are being invited to attend a viewing of the centre and be the first to record their interest in the courses to be offered.

£6 Million to upgrade housing (new as at July 2002)

Harding Housing Association has just secured a £6 million loan to improve the second half of their properties. For the last 5 years Harding has been carrying out improvements and reinvestment works to half of their 1200 properties. For further information...

Quality Neighbourhoods (new as at July 2002)

New book tackles social exclusion and community development

"Quality Neighbourhoods" is a new book out, identifying the barriers to social inclusion and community development. It takes a look at what schemes are working up and down the country and how they can be emulated in your neighbourhood. The contributors are frank about what works and, more importantly, what can go wrong.

The book was commissioned by Harding Housing Association and researched and written by Chris Wadhams, with backing from the Housing Corporation. (further details)

E-forum relaunches (new as at June 2002)

The E-forum is open to any tenants wishing to express their views in debates about housing issues.  Our first e-survey asked whether or not tenants were in favour of naming and shaming nuisance tenants.  We decided that we would need a 30% response in order for the results to be valid, and sadly we failed to meet that target.  So, we are extending the voting for a month.  This is your chance to steer the way Harding operates. 

The voting will be updated on the Harding communication centre, where tenants have an opportunity to express their views on the subject.    To take part in this or future future debates, please e-mail helena_deacons@hardinghousing.org.uk

Church Manor celebrates Open Gardens Day (new as at June 2002)

Sunday 16 June is Open Gardens Day, when community gardens and city farms all over the UK will be open to the public.  The Church Manor Community Garden Club are holding a Garden Open Day from 10am to 4pm.  Plants, seedlings and refreshments will be available to buy at: Church Manor, Vassall Road, Lambeth, SW9 6NE.  Tel: 020 7735 4464 x 102 for more details.

IT training for tenants (new as at June 2002)

A free, 3-hour introduction to the internet and e-mail is to run every 6 weeks for any tenants who are interested.  The first course was held on 30 May and was attended by most of the Tenants Forum.  The course covered: setting up an e-mail account, accessing the internet, and how to use e-mail and web forms to contact Harding.   Tenants also had the opportunity to send e-mails to friends and family around the world.  The training is being provided by Make IT Easy from their base in St. Johns Hill, SW11.  Further details from:  Genevie George, Neighbourhood Participation Officer on 020 7735 4464 x 104

Update on National Dance Championships (new as at June 2002)

We promised to let you know how Kim and Nicci got on at the National Dance Championships.  Sadly, they failed to reach the final.   However, the staff that attended the evening thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

Jubilee party for Church Manor residents (new as at May 2002)
The Church Manor Community Group are organising a jubilee party for the residents of the estate on Bank Holiday Monday, 3 June.  Celebrating the 50 years since the Queen's coronation, the theme will be gold, red, white and blue.  Everyone is encouraged to join in and planned events include children's games and competitions, a puppet show, a football tournament, a junior disco, an old-time sing-a-long, a raffle, Bingo and a barbecue.  Here's hoping the rain stays away!

Harding Electrician who's light on his feet (new as at May 2002)

Andy Magin will be dancing in the National Championships on May 20th at Crystal Palace Sports Centre.  Andy and his partner dance under the names Kim and Nicci.   They'll be cheered on by a posse of Andy's colleagues from Harding. Andy, who is originally from South Africa, says "Most competitive dancers live in the UK so they can train with the world's best coaches."  We wish them the best of luck and we'll report back in next month's update as to how well they did.

Warden Scheme starts at Church Manor (new as at April 2002)

A warden scheme aimed at reducing crime and catching offenders was introduced at Church Manor at the beginning of the month.  Tenants pay a small amount for the service and can ring the warden if they see criminal activity occurring.  The warden has use of CCTV and a direct line through to the local police station.  The CCTV footage can be used in prosecution cases against the criminals.

New Activities Group in Wandsworth (new as at April 2002)

10 April -  we held our first activities group for tenants living in SW11 and SW18.  Over 25 tenants attended for lunch and a game of heads and tails.   Based at John Morris House on St. John's Hill, the group is a result of a continuing partnership with BCHT.  Each week tenants will meet at 2.00pm. The activities will be user led but likely to include Cake and Coffee, Crafts, Talks, Bingo, Quizzes and a sing-a-long.  For further information, contact neighbourhood_participation@hardinghousing.org.uk

Video club brings light entertainment to youngsters (new at at March 2002)

A new video club for children up to the age of 12 started on Friday 8 March.  15 children turned out to see Shrek providing the entertainment at Church Manor.  It is hoped that the successful running of this group will be followed up by other groups running similar clubs in other locations.

Bid made for Volunteer Co-ordinator (new as at March 2002)

We have submitted a bid to the Active Communities Unit, at the Home Office, to fund a volunteer co-ordinator.  If we secure funding we will be able to offer an even wider range of volunteer vacancies and provide better training and support.

New formula means rent changes (new as at February 2002)

How much is a flat in Putney worth do you think? What about a similar flat in Lambeth? Should a council tenant pay the same as a housing association tenant for a broadly similar property? These are some of the issues that led to a new way of setting rents that the government is imposing on all housing associations and local authorities.

From April this year all LA and HA properties will have a target rent which is calculated according to size and location. The aim is to make rents for similar properties broadly the same whether they are council or HA and to make the rent reflect the quality of the property (as measured by the value). The method for calculation of the target rent is too complex to set out here.

The effect of this nationally will be to reduce rents in areas with low property values and to increase rents in areas with high values. Some of the changes will be quite large and so the government has allowed landlords to phase in the changes over a 10 year period and has also said that no rent can be increased by more than inflation + 0.5% + £2 per week in any one year. They have also belatedly introduced a cap on rents according to property size.  All tenants were written to in January explaining the new rents and open meetings have been held at CM and Wandsworth for tenants to express their views.

Housing Management restructure (new as at January 2002)

The Housing Management team have a new structure in place which sees the introduction of Income Officers and Tenancy Management Officers.  We hope this new structure will mean we are better able to collect rents whilst supporting tenants to maintain their tenancies.  To see the new structure click here.

Harding's elderly tenants get early Christmas present (new as at December 2001)

£15 gift vouchers have been sent out to each of Harding's 225 tenants over the age of 60.  The Sainsbury's vouchers will hopefully provide a little luxury at what can sometimes be a stressful time.  If you are tenant who has received your vouchers and bought something a little unusual with them, we'd love to hear from you.  E-mail us on neighbourhood_participation@hardinghousing.org.uk

Old group gets new name (new as at December 2001)

The Church Manor Community Activities Group has shortened its name to simply the Community Group.  Their aims remain the same: to provide friendship, support and an interesting and varied range of activities of the estate.

Free smoke alarms and security chains (new as at December 2001)
Elderly tenants living in Harding properties can take advantage of free smoke detectors and security chains.  Fitting is also free, so their is no reason not to feel safe and secure in your home next year.  Call the Neighbourhood Participation team on 020 7735 4464 extns. 102, 103 or 104 to put your name down for a free fitting or e-mail them at: on:neighbourhood_participation@hardinghousing.org.uk

Harding says thank you to its volunteers (new as at December 2001)

Harding's many volunteers will be recognised on December 18th when they will receive their Recognition of Contribution certificates from Helena Deacons, Neighbourhood Participation Officer.  Says Helena, "This is one very small way to say thank you to all the volunteers who play a significant part in helping us and others to build stronger communities.  The certificates can be used to support job applications, however, many of our volunteers are not seeking work and have now been with us for a couple of years, yet they still like their certificates.  It shows we do appreciate them."

If you would like to find out more about volunteering with Harding please see our Volunteering page.

Outings Project set to reduce isolation for elderly tenants and new mums and dads (new as at November 2001)

This month sees the launch of a new scheme designed to get tenants out of the house, while getting a chance to meet new people.  The scheme will organise outings fortnightly for elderly or disabled tenants and monthly for parents and toddlers.   The trips will be to places chosen by the tenants but are likely to include shopping centres, parks and other areas of interest.

Membership is free, and further details can be obtained from Helena Deacons, Neighbourhood Participation Officer, on 020 7735 4464 ext. 102.

Harding Volunteer Receives Top Award (new as at November 2001)

Vivienne Nethercott, one of Harding's stalwart supporters and volunteers received recognition of her sterling work by Wandsworth Councillor Jan Leigh on Tuesday 6th November at the Civic Suite, Wandsworth Town Hall.  The awards ceremony and reception was organised by Wandsworth Volunteer Bureau to honour 14 nominated volunteers who work tirelessly for their organisations.  Vivienne was chosen for her work in setting up the Community Group at Church Manor, where she holds the post of secretary.    She also sits as a member on the Tenants Forum, the Complaints Panel and the Board of management.

Funding for football (new as at October 2001)

Young people on the Church Manor Estate, in Lambeth, can now take part in football sessions funded by the National Lottery's Awards for All scheme.  £5,000 was awarded to the Community Activities Group to arrange weekly sessions for the kids on the estate.

Free Debt Advice (new as at September 2001)

We have employed the services of Credit Action, a debt advice company who specialise in helping people get out of debt.  If you would like to speak to a advisor please telephone 0800 591 084.  Your call will be confidential, but please mention Harding when calling. 

Funding for Community Learning Centre secured for Church Manor Estate. (new as at August 2001)

A Community Learning Centre and police pop-in is to be developed at the front of the Church Manor.  When built, it will become home to the newly formed Homework Club and will also available for tenants and local residents to use internet ready computers and job search facilities.  An IT trainer will be available to help develop skills and increase employment chances.  The police pop-in means that children, youth and adults on the estate will have a greater opportunity to meet and work with the police to reduce crime and foster better relations.

The Community Learning Centre is a stepping stone to greater things for the Vassal area of Lambeth. It is the first sign of the impact that VARG (Vasall Area Regeneration Group) has had in the area. Residents on neighbouring estates will have full use of the centre and facilities.

The Community Activities Group have planned a trip to the pantomime in December. This is for the tenants who attend the weekly Tuesday Social. A mini-bus with wheel-chair access has been booked. Further expeditions are being arranged.

Each week the Community Activities Group have a Tuesday Social at 2.00pm. Everyone is welcome. Activities include: Coffee and Cake, Bingo and a sing-a-long, "Down Memory Lane".

The Town Crier and Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Claudette Hewitt officially declared the works to Church Manor over, at a special street party for residents on Saturday 11 August. Apart from food, there was a rollercoaster, a bouncy castle for the kids, a band and a "10 foot-tall" clown.