Ley Hill transforming local communities

SPRING 2008 THE LATEST NEWS FROM MIDLAND HEART

Heart of the Matter

INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Award winning lesson on independent living
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Councillor Lines, Birmingham City Council

Ley Hill Housing Estate in Northfield, Birmingham, needed a major overhaul. Back in 2000, low housing demand and poor housing conditions made the former local-authority estate an unpleasant to live, and a key regeneration target. In autumn 2000, Birmingham Council began work with local residents and a number of partner agencies to address these core problems. Since then, Ley Hill Estate has undergone a 7 year, 45 million transformation, and is now home to a new sustainable mixed tenure neighbourhood with more than 450 new, affordable homes. Nearly 700 non-traditional homes (including many high and low rise flats) have been demolished and replaced with high quality family homes to meet the changing needs of the community. Key to the success of the scheme has been strong partnership working and involving local residents. Midland Heart was selected as the affordable housing developer for Ley Hill in 2001. Midland Heart is passionate about local communities, and we worked with them to ensure Ley Hill residents were involved throughout the whole redevelopment process. Our partnership with Midland Heart has resulted in a major transformation of the quality and types of affordable housing available to meet residents needs. It has also meant that weve been successful in securing several millions of pounds of Housing Corporation investment and private investment into the area. Ley Hill is now recognised as a flagship, mixed tenure, residential scheme and last month, it won the National Home Improvement Council Award 2007 for the best brownfield or recycled building project. It has been a pleasure to work with Midland Heart, and their professionalism and commitment to delivering housing solutions that put the local community at the very core has been vital to making Ley Hill such a success.

Housing Green Paper Bill Richard Clark Q&A

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Midlands at a glance
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Tackling homelessness
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Passion must drive the Housing Revolution

Lord Morris says Midlands can lead the way...
Former leader of the Transport and General Workers Union Lord Bill Morris took up his role as Chair of Midland Heart in September and immediately called for an injection of passion into social housing. Lord Morris, who lived in Handsworth in the 1950s and 1960s, said: Social housing providers must feel genuinely passionate about what they are doing, thats why at Midland Heart we try to go beyond the basics and work to tackle the issues that matter most to communities. We must keep focused on the bigger picture and continue to deliver housing solutions rather than just housing. This means channeling resources into extra-care, community initiatives, youth schemes and providing flexible housing options whilst responding to the ever-changing needs of residents. continues on page 2...

Midland Heart in the news

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Focus on... independent living

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For more information on Midland Heart, or any of the projects in this bulletin, contact the Midland Heart communications team on: 0121 666 5253 or communications@midlandheart.org.uk

Guest spot... Ley Hill

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PHOTO: HELEN STONE

Passion must drive the Housing Revolution continued from cover... He also said that the Midlands area reflects a range of issues pertaining to the government's housing agenda from the housing crisis and multi-ethnic communities through to tackling community investment issues and pioneering wider community engagement. As the largest housing and regeneration group in the Midlands, Midland Heart is ideally placed to share its experience of what works but also to be innovative in its approach to housing and housing services he said.

Housing Green Paper & Regeneration Bill Q&A with Richard Clark
There was a time when housing struggled to reach the political issues top ten but not any more. The Housing Green Paper & Regeneration Bill confirms what we have all known for some time. Housing, and particularly the shortage of affordable accommodation has become one of the top issues for government and indeed all the main political parties. But while voices such as Shelters and the Chartered Institute of Housing have welcomed the additional investment proposed, there are also concerns about the lack of focus on the need to create sustainable communities and as Richard Clark, Midland Heart's Chief Executive Officer explains, the absence of supported housing from the picture is a particular concern for Midland Heart. What would you say defines Midland Hearts approach to housing?
We believe that it is a basic right to have a roof over your head and that everyone should be able to afford the place they live in. But most of all were passionate about communities. At the heart of our approach is the desire to transforms lives and communities through housing, care and more. And by more we mean the added services whether it be vibrant community centres, youth programmes or innovative ways of tackling anti-social behaviour that help to change peoples lives in a fundamental way.

Where does Midland Heart intend to be in 5 years time?

We have an ambitious programme to build at least 6,000 new homes across the Midlands. We are piloting new eco-housing schemes that are not just good for the environment but save people money on heating and lighting. We are investing heavily in our communities with funds for everything from local facilities to football teams. In addition, we want to drive the housing debate and help shape the governments housing agenda. But most of all we are committed to delivering services and support that meet the need of a wider range of customers.

3 million new homes by 2020 including 240,000 new homes every year until 2016. 6.5 billion announced in Comprehensive Spending Review over 3 years for new social housing.

Award winning lesson in independent living

Providing choice and independence for older people is at the core of Midland Hearts agenda and increasingly it can be found at the heart of the Governments agenda too. As part of the recent Comprehensive Spending Review the Treasury has established a Public Service Agreement which focuses on promoting greater independence in later life, while the Department for Communities and Local Government is set to launch its National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society on 4th December. Demographic change is driving this shift in policy focus so Midland Hearts work at St Crispin is increasingly becoming a model for others to follow. The award-winning St Crispin Village represents one of Midland Hearts most innovative schemes, designed specifically to provide 350 people over the age of 55 with extra care housing. Situated on the edge of Duston near Northampton, the 6-acre site mixes community living with independence, and features a range of services; a restaurant, village hall, bars, lounges and shops. The square then opens into the east2

45,000 new social housing units per year by 2010 /11, with a goal of 50,000 per year. Zero carbon new homes within a decade.
How would you summarise Midland Hearts response to the Green Paper Bill?
We broadly welcome it building more new homes, developing more and more eco-homes, improving transport links around new builds and making greater use of brownfield sites. Its certainly ambitious, but were committed to making it work. But we are disappointed that there is no mention of building more supported housing, such as that for older people or people with learning difficulties. Extra care housing schemes are vital for the independence and choice of older people and increasing social housing must include supported housing as well as general needs property. But to achieve this we rely on closer working relationships between supporting people providers and government.

west village street, a naturally-lit galleried atrium with access to the fitness suite, lounges, launderette, workshops and craft rooms. The 258 self-contained one and two bedroom apartments and 12 two-bedroom bungalows, provide affordable accommodation, with the added benefit of 24-hour care and support for those residents who require it. NEWS BITE

NEWS BITE

Midland Heart scoops neighbourhood award

Midland Heart has won a NHF Neighbourhood award for its partnership with the Extra-Care Charitable Trust on the St Crispin Village project. Midland Heart also scooped a National Home Improvement Council Award with Birmingham City Council for the 45m regeneration of Ley Hill estate in Northfield.

Clearly building more houses is important in tackling the much-publicised housing shortage, but it should not only become a number-crunching exercise. Lord Bill Morris

Budget 2008 Response

It's crucial that young people are allowed a way into the housing market. So measures to increase the availability of long-term mortgages are welcome in giving people that first step onto the property ladder. But there are broader issues in housing that must be addressed not only the well-publicised need for housing provision, but also the quality of housing and making sure housing meets the needs of those who live in it. These are fundamental to providing long-term housing solutions, rather than quick-fixes. And we must make sure that this includes affordable homes. For many of our customers the costs of an average terraced home in Birmingham is 129,000 which is 10 times their annual income and makes a mortgage impossible for many of them.

The green paper bill emphasises building new homes and aims to build 50,000 new social houses every year. How is Midland Heart planning to meet the challenge?
In the last 12 months alone we have developed more than 600 new homes, enabling local people to start climbing the housing ladder. Were working hard to extend the number of homes available through shared ownership giving people the opportunity to get onto the property ladder when previously it looked impossible. Last year 284 homes were purchased through our shared ownership schemes.

Midland Heart manages more then 30,000 homes across the Midlands

Stoke-on-Trent
Queen Street Live-Work units encourage new and/or starter businesses in creative industries. The units offer a solution for people unable to afford to rent both somewhere to live and somewhere to work separately by combining the options. Dreamschemes sees 160 young people in Middleport actively contribute to their community. Midland Heart is the only organisation to have a dedicated Dreamschemes youth worker, which will allow us to expand this successful initiative.
Queen Street Live-Work units

Dreamschemes

Wolverhampton
2.5 million mixed use supported housing scheme for people with sensory and physical disabilities combining rented flats and a community centre. Vallord Court remodelled to provide 46 apartments, with half being set aside for residents over 40.

Leicester
Newly opened Heathfield house provides homes for young men and women recovering from drug abuse. Other housing to suit specific needs includes: Sutherland House, Corby for Young homeless (1625 year olds) High Street, Rushden for single homeless people, Shoemaker Court for homeless families and Brook View, Northampton for long term mental health service users.

Vallord Court

Birmingham
11854 homes managed by Midland Heart. 139 new units acquired in 2007. Ley Hill a six year project creating more than 200 homes for mixed-use tenure and helping to improve employment and training opportunities for local people.
Ley Hill

Coventry
714 units of supported housing and housing for older people. 4.5 million Broad Heath school redevelopment project completed, including pioneering enterprise centre, youth centre, live-work units and accommodation.

Broad Heath

Tackling homelessness

Focus on

Independent Living
Driven by the reality of our ageing population and a renewed focus on the rights of disabled people, earlier this year, the Government launched its National Strategy for Housing in an Ageing Society focusing on anticipating need, early prevention and empowering citizens.

Stephanie Browne...
Back in September I volunteered to take part in a project run by Midland Heart and Black Country Connexions. The project involves young people from two of Midland Hearts homeless schemes (including Rolfe House Foyer where I live,) coming together to develop a work-book and DVD for local schools in the fight against homelessness. The initiative is driven by us young people who have all had first hand experience of homelessness and of accessing services within the community. Working with a professional graphic designer, weve been able to develop communication and team-work skills and produce a resource that will be used throughout local schools. As well as helping us to look more closely at the issue of homelessness who makes up homeless statistics, what options are open to young people and the causes of homelessness its great that we get the opportunity to go into schools, meet other young people and tell them about the impact that being homeless could have on their lives. Me and the other people involved in the project will have the opportunity to become Peer Educators giving us the chance to teach fellow young people about homelessness issues. Its great to think were able to make a real difference and challenge a lot of the stigma associated with homelessness.

Vulnerable people living independently

Whether disabled tenants, tenants with learning disabilities or single parents, Midland Heart supports a range of people who have specific needs. In Roxburgh Care Home, Coventry Learning Disabilities Service and Midland Heart supports tenants with learning disabilities, helping them regain their independence. The home service currently accommodates 34 residents, ranging in age from 2570 all of whom get support and training so that they can ultimately move into independent living, if they wish to do so.

Older families will constitute 48% of all new households by 2026. The number of older disabled people is expected to double by 2041. The number with dementia is set to rise by 150% by 2051.
The Disability Rights Commission define independent living as: all disabled people having the same choice, control and freedom as any other citizen at home, at work, and as members of the community. This does not necessarily mean disabled people 'doing everything for themselves', but it does mean that any practical assistance people need should be based on their own choices and aspirations. Midland heart puts this vision for independent living at the centre of its approach. Dedicated schemes for older people, many of whom have physical disabilities and also for those with learning disabilities make Midland Heart a leader in its field.

I can look after my own money now. I spend it on trains and trips its much better JB

Sport goes to Coventry

An innovative new pilot scheme, launched earlier this year in Coventry encourages and supports elderly residents to lead more active, healthy lives. Residents have the opportunity to make use of sports facilities and attend gym classes. Those who really get the fitness bug and attend 4 classes are provided with individual training programmes courtesy of Coventry Sports Foundation. The scheme is now being rolled out across the Midlands.

Fact
Midland Hearts homelessness prevention schools programme was launched in September 2007 and now involves more than 4 secondary schools in Sandwell, Birmingham.

Well, well, well

Midland Hearts long-established Well-being scheme involves 90+ older residents and has been running since 2005. Located in Staffordshire members receive: Individual Personal Well-Being Assessments by a Well-Being nurse in an individuals own home (including blood pressure, height and weight monitoring, blood sugar and cholesterol checks). Follow up visits and assistance. Individual action plans addressing specific issues raised in the well being assessment. Access to local interest groups to discuss issues and gain health advice. Access to Well-Being Days/Events organised locally exercise classes, advice on nutrition and healthy eating, pampering sessions and alternative therapies. Events are planned and organised to link in with the NHS health calendar.

NEWS BITE

Midland Heart in the news...

Great Expectations New Midland Heart Chair Lord Bill Morris interviewed in Guardian Society. Development of the week Queen Street Live/work unities, Stoke on Trent featured in Inside Housing. Molineux Alley 1m revamp Express & Star Project notes Dreamschemes project featured in Young People Now. Dreamschemes praise for community action The Sentinel Housing push must look at affordability comment piece from Richard Clark. Regeneration & Renewal. Close to home Bill Morris interviewed in Regeneration & Renewal. Future proof housing for an ageing society feature in Inside Housing. 6 Getting the personal into social housing Birmingham post feature by Richard Clark

Magic Moments
Midland Heart want their older residents to get the most out of life hence the Magic Moments projects. Magic Moments gives them the opportunity to take part in a broad range of activities using a Jimll Fix-It style approach. Residents write in to Midland Hearts Alan Jephcott who makes it happen: Weve had a 92 year old perform an aeroplane loop-the-loop, an 83 year old abseiling, a group trip on the Orient Express and a visit to this years snooker world cup final to name but a few.... Participation has doubled since the project was first launched in 2003, from 500 to more than 1000 and is set to grow further.