www.spitalfieldsha.co.uk
Issue 41 | APR 2025
Inside SHA Updates, news and information from your housing provider
REFRESH & REVITALISE WITH A DEEP CLEAN Page 4
FIRE SAFETY FOLLOWING A LOCAL TRAGEDY Page 6
SET UP A COMMUNITY GARDEN GROUP Page 7
KEEPING COMMUNAL AREAS CLEAR Page 7
SHA IS LEARNING AND IMPROVING Page 5
Intergenerational creative workshop at Hason Raja Centre Eid Mubarak to those who have completed a month of fasting. Thank you to Tamarind Theatre
Our Ramadan Lights creative session was a resounding success, led by storyteller Rez and Delara, a youth arts facilitator. Designed to foster intergenerational dialogue, the session brought together children aged 5–10 and their guardians. Participants warmed up with group activities and decorated moons and stars. The lantern-making workshop was facilitated by the centre’s volunteers, who captivated the audience with stories about the significance of light across cultural and religious traditions. Guided by local creatives, the volunteer-led session introduced Ramadan and marked the start of fasting for many families in our community.
Company for the resources, the Hason Raja Centre and volunteers for facilitating, Tower Hamlets Parents Forum for their support, and the participants for joining. To sign up for future workshops, email: hello@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
To find out more about the Hason Raja Centre, visit: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/ community/hall-hire- information/
A successful residents training programme This year Spitalfields Housing Association (SHA) teamed up with a consortium of local organisations to offer our residents an excellent training programme designed to enhance knowledge and skills. Participants were able to develop new skills and boost their confidence. Our Resident Training Programme for 2024-25 featured a wide range of topics tailored to diverse interests —from strengthening community involvement and enhancing home knowledge, to food growing and health and safety. Courses were available for residents involved in resident associations, offering guidance on chairing meetings, organising community events, and with accreditation and nationally recognised qualifications. All courses were free for SHA tenants, leaseholders, and participants from partner landlords.
Keep an eye out for future training programmes, or email hello@spitalfieldsha.co.uk to be put on the mailing list.
To read online, scan the QR code or visit: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/ resident-training- programme-2024-25/
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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Home adaptations for disabled residents
See information about grants here: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/ housing/Private-tenants-landlords-and- homeowners/Housing-Grants/disabled_ facilities_grant.aspx Funding responsibility depends on property ownership. For private tenants, the council helps apply for means-tested grants. Support is also available for visually impaired or disabled residents needing special equipment. Eligibility is determined through a personal needs assessment. If you are thinking of making an application, please contact an SHA officer for assistance as certain sections have to be completed by SHA.
Tower Hamlets Council supports residents needing home adaptations for independent living with a disability. This includes safety features like grab rails, accessibility improvements such as ramps and stairlifts, and kitchen or bathroom modifications. During the assessment, the Council’s Occupational Therapy (OT) team will consult with SHA to determine the scope of need. Learn more about OT assessments here: https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/ health__social_care/Health-and-adult-social- care/ASC/Occupational-Therapy/Occupational- therapy-assessment.aspx Financial assistance for essential home adaptations is available through the Disabled Facilities Grant scheme, which helps make homes more suitable for disabled individuals.
Read the story online: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/home- adaptations-for-disabled-residents/
Our Tenants Satisfaction Measures Survey winners
From summer to autumn last year, we invited residents to take part in our Tenant Satisfaction Survey for a chance to win one of 13 exciting prizes. Patrick McNulty (pictured) was the lucky winner of the Honor Pad. Although our prize draw has now ended, you can still have your say! Fill out the Tenant Satisfaction Survey today and help us continue improving your home and community: www.spitalfieldsha.co.uk/about-sha/tenant- satisfaction-measures/
Read more online. Scan the QR code or visit: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/ congratulations-to-our- tenant-satisfaction- survey-prize-draw- winners/
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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Spring is upon us, and we can hopefully expect some more warmer weather. This is also a time when our tenants may be looking to give their houses a good spring cleaning. This will provide opportunities to investigate the homes you live in, in which you can proactively address or report any other issues to us. To get you started and make it easier for you to plan your cleaning and include often-overlooked areas, we’ve put together a checklist of the recommended actions. Refresh & revitalise with a deep clean
Spring cleaning checklist
Living Room & common areas • Clean sofas, cushions, and rugs • Dust and wipe down electronics • Organise books, magazines, and decorative items • Clean air vents and fans Entryway & hallways • Wipe down door frames, shoe racks, and coat hooks • Sweep and mop entryway floors • Check and clean doormats Outdoor & shared spaces • Sweep balconies, patios, or shared corridors • Wipe down outdoor furniture • Remove clutter from communal areas • Participate in community clean-up initiatives Garden • Rake up leaves, twigs, and debris • Sweep patios, pathways, and decking • Remove weeds from flower beds and pathways • Wash and clean garden furniture • Ensure all walkways and any obstructions are cleared out of the way • Check and repair fences, gates, and trellises
General cleaning (for all rooms) • Dust all surfaces (shelves, tables, light fixtures, baseboards) • Vacuum and mop floors, including under furniture • Wash windows, mirrors, and window sills • Declutter and organise storage spaces • Wipe down doors, handles, and light switches • Check smoke alarms and replace batteries if needed Bedrooms • Rotate and flip mattresses, wash bedding and pillows • Organise closets, donate or recycle unwanted clothes • Dust and clean headboards, nightstands, and under the bed Bathrooms • Scrub sinks, toilets, showers, and bathtubs • Wash shower curtains and bath mats • Check for mould and mildew, clean grout • Dispose of expired toiletries and medicine Kitchen • Deep clean fridge, freezer, and pantry (throw out expired food) • Wipe down cabinets, countertops, and backsplash • Clean oven, stovetop, and microwave
• Descale kettle and coffee maker • Empty and sanitise trash bins
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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Community & private hire booking at the Hason Raja Centre
It has been great to see an increased number of community-led bookings at the Hason Raja Centre throughout the past year. SHA have and continues to support startup groups and organisations with a strong social impact that benefits the local area. We are now accepting bookings for private events such as birthdays, ceremonies, and weddings, with discounted rates for SHA residents.
More information, including making a reservation, can be found in the link below or by
scanning the QR code: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/ community/hall-hire- information/
SHA is continually learning & improving
We are currently updating all of our policies with input from residents and will continue to make positive changes that benefit both staff and residents. In addition to the wider TSM survey, our website features many feedback areas where you can engage with us directly and share your thoughts on these changes.
Realigning ourselves to our original mission and values, SHA has undergone significant changes over the past year, much of which is driven by your feedback. We sincerely thank you for your patience whilst we implement these changes. In addition to launching a more accessible website, we've started upgrading our IT systems to improve speed, user interface, and security. Our complaints handling process has also been improved to address your concerns more effectively.
Read more about our mission statement: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/about-sha/ mission-vision-and-values/
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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Fire safety importance following a recent local tragedy
Home safety is a top priority for us, and we expect SHA residents to stay alert to any potential hazards within their homes. Residents must follow fire safety guidelines to protect themselves and others. Key considerations include: • Know your building’s fire safety plan - speak with your SHA housing officer if you are unsure • Check that fire doors and escape routes are clear • Ensure smoke alarms and fire detection are working • Follow safe cooking practices • Remove fire risks • Be careful when smoking or using candles • Report any hazards to SHA
To read the Fire Safety article, please scan the QR code or visit: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/ fire-safety-tips
Residents can sometimes be at the receiving end of anti-social behaviour (ASB), which can detrimentally affect their quality of life. Harassment, alarm or distress in any shape or form is unacceptable, and SHA treat such cases seriously. Read our ASB policy on our website or scan the QR code: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/community/ anti-social-behaviour-policy/ Dealing with anti-social behaviour
Here are the summarised steps you can take to address ASB:
Report it to SHA during working hours; you can do this over the phone, online or via email.
Contact the Council outside of working hours: https://forms. towerhamlets.gov.uk/ service/report_anti_ social_behaviour
Keep records for evidence, including times of occurrence, photos and videos.
In emergencies, report to the Metropolitan Police by calling 999 (or 101 for non- emergencies).
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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Report repairs promptly
It is the duty of all residents to report repairs as early as possible as in line with your tenancy agreement. Do not wait for multiple issues to pile up, as some will need further investigation. It’s best to report repairs through our the M3 Central portal, SHA’s website, by email or phone. Please note that SHA contractors might be on multiple job runs. We expect them to deliver a good service, but if you feel that SHA or contractors can improve on any aspect of the service, leave us feedback through our website so that we can improve our services.
Leave estate cleaning feedback: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/supporting- you/estate-cleaning/ Leave repair feedback: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/supporting- you/repair-feedback-form/
Keeping communal hallways clear
Storing items in communal hallways can present several risks, including: • Fire hazards and obstructed exits: Items placed in hallways can block emergency exits, which are critical for safe evacuation during fires. • Impaired emergency access: First responders such as firefighters or paramedics might face delays if hallways are obstructed. • Tripping and injury hazards: Items left in shared areas raise the risk of trips or falls, especially in low light or wet conditions. • Reduced airflow and increased dust: Cluttered hallways reduce ventilation and collect dust, affecting air quality, health, and maintenance. • Security concerns: Storing personal items in shared spaces may increase the risk of theft or vandalism. Blocking communal areas violates building regulations and safety codes, creating liability for both residents and housing providers.
SHA typically issues a warning to residents responsible and asks them to remove any items. If not addressed, we may remove and dispose of items, with costs added to your service charge. Please follow communal space guidelines to help ensure safety and peace of mind for everyone.
If you have any questions, email admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
Read the full article online. Scan the QR code or visit: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/keeping- communal-hallways-clear/
Setting up a community garden group in one of SHA’s communal areas can be a rewarding project and we are encouraging our tenants to participate. We’ve provided a helpful step-by-step guide on our website with links to resources. Set up a community garden group To read the full article please scan the QR code or visit: spitalfieldsha.co.uk/setting- up-a-community-garden-group
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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Staying connected
At Spitalfields Housing Association, your comfort and well- being are our top priorities. We’ve made it easier for you to reach out to us, whether you need help with your tenancy, rent, or have any housing-related queries.
Ways to get in touch: • Online forms: Easily report repairs or make enquiries via the SHA website. • By phone: Speak directly with our customer service team during office hours (9.30am–5.30pm) on 020 7392 5400. • In-person: Visit us for face-to-face conversations or arrange an online meeting. • Callback requests: Short on time? Request a callback from one of our housing officers at your convenience.
Stay updated with SMS (text message):
We’re enhancing our communication through SMS for important updates and notifications. Please ensure your contact details are up to date by logging into the MyTenancy portal or contacting us directly. If you’ve forgotten your MyTenancy password, you can reset it via our website. For any assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out – we’re here to help.
Local services available to you
Adult social care (Tower Hamlets Connect) T: 0300 303 6070 E: enquiry@ towerhamletsconnect.org Children’s services (Multi-Agency Safeguarding Team) T: 020 7364 5006 E: mast@towerhamlets.gov.uk Council tax T: 020 7364 5002
Bulky waste collection (A free service for those on housing benefits) T: 020 7364 5004 For full services, visit: www.towerhamlets.gov.uk
Housing benefits T: 020 7364 5000 Housing options T: 020 7364 7474
Noise nuisance T: 020 7364 5000 E: environmental.protection @towerhamlets.gov.uk Pest control T: 020 7364 5007 E: pest.control@towerhamlets. gov.uk
Cost of living guide for local residents Tower Hamlets Council have recently released the Cost of Living Help booklet to include all the latest schemes the council is working on to support residents through the cost of living crisis.
Download the cost of living handbook: towerhamlets.gov.uk/Documents/ Community_living/Cost-of-Living- Handbook.pdf
Spitalfields Housing Association Ltd | One Canada Square, London, E14 5AA | 020 7392 5400 | admin@spitalfieldsha.co.uk
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