Existing Tenants
This section is designed to provide useful information and resources to our existing tenants. We will be adding to this over the coming months.
Out of Hours Emergency Repair Cover
For emergency plumbing, electrical and general building repairs call Just 24/7 – 020 8979 2220
Just 24/7 will also carry out emergency boarding up and act as an emergency locksmith. (Please remember though that if you lock yourself out or lose your keys, you rather than the association will be responsible for the costs of the callout.)
For repairs to communal heating and hot water plant call S and S Burners – 020 8330 7992
For repairs to individual gas fires and boilers which we provide and maintain call Daynight – 01425 623954
For repairs to lifts call PDERS – 0207 919 9800
For emergency call outs to fire alarms provided to common parts call Chameleon – 0844 822 2888 and leave a message quoting ID number 847497 and your name address and telephone number. The duty engineer will call you back straight away.
If you smell gas or suspect a gas leak call National Grid – 0800 111 999
If there is a power cut affecting the whole house call EDF – 0800 028 0247
Repairs to TV Aerials and Door Entry Systems are not considered as emergencies and repairs to these items should be reported to the office when it re-opens on 0208 743 4422.
As out of hours callouts can cost significantly more that works carried out during normal working hours, we would ask you only to call out contractors out of hours in case of genuine emergencies. An emergency is a situation posing a health hazard, a risk of personal injury or where serious damage may be caused to your property or ours.
For the same reason the works done out of hours will be restricted to making safe only. Any further works will be organised once the office re-opens.
Who is my Housing Officer ?
Click below to view which properties each housing officer covers :-
Your Housing Officers.doc
How to Pay Your Rent Online Using Allpay
If you wish to pay your rent online, please click here
Alternatively you can use the Interactive Voice Response system. The automated telephone number for payments is:
Debit & Credit Card – 0844 557 8321
Debit Card – 0870 770 0472
The script will guide you through the process to fruition, unless direct intervention is required by an operator, which will be automatic.
How to make a Complaint
Click below to see our complaints policy and procedure:-
Complaints Policy.docx
Getting a Transfer
If you have lived in your home for two years, you can apply for a transfer to another of our properties. An application form is available upon request, or you can download one here :-
WPH transfer form 0609 web.pdf
If you have any health reasons for needing to move, you can also complete a health and disability assessment form. Click below to download one :-
WPH 8pp disability application v2.pdf
To accompany the transfer application form, we have produced an informative brochure ‘Transfers – What every tenant should know’. We recommend reading this before filling in the form.
Mutual Exchange
A mutual exchange involves two tenants swapping properties with one another. An exchange can take place between any Registered Social Landlord or Local Authority tenants. Please note you may only exchange with another female tenant. In 2011 3 of our tenants moved in this way.
We have a Mutual Exchange board in the reception area of our offices at 227 Wood Lane. Click below to see details of what is currently displayed :-
Mutual Exchange List 4.11.11.pdf
If you would like to have your flat added, you can download the following form and email it to john.palmer@womenspioneer.co.uk
Blank Mutual Exchange Form.doc
We can also help by trying to identify possible exchange partners. Upon receiving your details, we will run them through our computer and try to match you up with anyone who has applied for a transfer and wants the type of flat you have. We can only do this for people needing the same size property, ie if you have a one bedroom flat and want a similar flat but on a different floor or in a different area.
We will write to any potential exchanges, asking if they are interested. If they are, we will pass their details on to you and you can then see if an exchange of flats can be agreed. If we don’t find a match, we will let you know.
Some councils operate their own Mutual Exchange schemes. For example – RBKC’s Mutual Exchange website Their website gives good advice and information on eligibility and clearly explains the mutual exchange process.
HomeSwapper helps around 17,000 tenants to swap every year. Women’s Pioneer is now partnered with them, so there is no fee to join.
Antisocial Behaviour
Click below to download our Antisocial Behaviour leaflet :-
ASB leaflet for web.pdf
FAQs
Click below to view a collection of FAQs. This is gradually being added to.
FAQs 11.11.11.pdf
Repairs
Below are some useful information brochures that we have recently put together :-
Decorating And Repairs.pdf
DIY Handy Hints.pdf
Controlling Condensation.pdf
Forthcoming Events
Click here to find free events going on in London.
Employment and Training Opportunities
Women and Manual Trades WAMT work in partnership with training bodies, employers and public sector organisations with the aim of continually assisting women wishing to explore a career in the manual trade sector. They provide training support in skilled manual and craft occupations within construction industries.
Kensington and Chelsea College has teamed up with Jobcentre Plus to offer a free training programme that could lead to jobs for the unemployed. Under the partnership project anyone registered for Jobseekers or Employment Support Allowance will have the chance to access free training for a range of popular jobs. Potential clients have the opportunity to sign up to one of five courses aimed at developing skills for roles in Carpentry, Health and Social Care, Business Administration, Customer Service or Information Communication Technology. The courses last between two and four weeks and include a weekly ‘Work Club’ session which offers support with job searches, applications, and interview preparation. On course completion the college also sources potential job opportunities for clients through its links with several employers including Chelsea & Westminster Hospital, The Royal borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Alandale Construction and Kensington Housing Trust.
TRAIN TO BE PART OF THE GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!
Kensington and Chelsea College is offering people the chance to be part of “the greatest show on earth” by landing a role at the London 2012 Olympics.
Through Bridging the Gap – a national training project inspired by the Olympics – the college is running a series of courses that will give people the skills and qualifications needed to apply for stewarding and security roles at the London 2012 games.
Once students have completed their course they are automatically entered on to the database used by LOCOG – the organisers of the London Olympics- to find candidates for stewarding and security roles at the games.
The nationally recognised qualifications also act as a springboard for future careers in the uniformed services, armed forces and the security industry which on average recruits 60,000 people a year. It can also be used to gain stewarding and security positions at other major events including Wimbledon, football matches, Glastonbury and the London Marathon.
Topics covered through the LOCOG backed courses include door supervision, how to control entry and exit flow and safeguarding spectators.
Verna Lyus, Head of Department for Technologies and Service Industries at Kensington and Chelsea College said: “This is a fantastic and once in a life time opportunity to be at the heart of the London Olympics whilst gaining a highly-valued qualification for a career in the lucrative security sector.”
Anyone interested in enrolling, can sign up to the following courses:
• Level 2 BTEC Award in Understanding Stewarding at Spectator Events
• Level 2 NVQ Certificate in Spectator Safety
• Level 3 NVQ Certificate in Spectator Safety
• Level 2 Award in Door Supervision
The courses are free for 16-18 year-olds. For more information please call 0207 573 5333 or visit: www.kcc.ac.uk/stewarding_and_security/
The college is also offering 5% off the full course fee for courses starting from September 2011 when you enrol online, by post, or in person at one of our sites. Terms and Conditions apply. Visit www.kcc.ac.uk for more information.
Kenya Women Association are running a free business start up programme, commencing towards the end of June 2011 Business Start Up Programme – Final.pdf
Useful Services
Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) – tel : 0800 138 1111
If you are struggling to make your monthly repayments and want to become debt free , the Consumer Credit Counselling Service (CCCS) can help. CCCS is a registered charity who have been providing confidential and impartial debt advice for more than 15 years. Their online tool, CCCS Debt Remedy, can provide you with an instant assessment of your debt situation and give you free advice to help you get started today.
One Space
One Space is the new parenting website for single parents. It’s the place to find information and ideas to help with the best, yet most challenging job- being a single parent!
Lone parents can join discussion groups, chat, watch video clips and share the ups and downs of life. By offering mutual support and friendship to each other, single parents become part of a lively national online community.
One Space is for all lone parents,whether they are pregnant, have toddlers or teenagers, are separated, divorced or widowed. There’s something for everyone.
For the first time online, lone parents get support from experienced parenting professionals encouraging them to take part, share their views and build confidence in parenting alone successfully.
The Homeless Prevention Service
The Homeless Prevention Service is a free, independent and confidential housing advice service for people living in LBHF with the aim being to prevent homelessness, provided by Staying Put Services (part of Shepherds Bush Housing Group)
Advice areas covered:
Housing Benefit (including back-dating payments)
Homelessness Prevention
Improving residents’ knowledge of available housing options
Security of tenure
Tenancy sustainment
Rent Arrears
Relationship breakdown
Possession proceedings
Disrepair
Advocacy and representation if required for County Court Hearings
Appointments and premises:
Clients will be seen by appointment Wednesdays at White City Health Centre, Australia Road, London, W12 7PH. Home visits can also be arranged.
Please phone the Homeless Prevention Caseworker, on 020 8996 8908 to make an appointment.
Click here for more info on Staying Put Services
InSTEP information service for tenants
InSTEP provides information and training services to tenants in social housing. InSTEP is a national service which offers a number of services to help tenants and landlords to work together, to inform and empower residents and to encourage tenant participation.
Services offered include:
- a free telephone helpline service 0500 844 111
- free information on tenant participation and housing
- training for tenants
- conferences to promote participation
- Up to date housing news
- BIG CHANGES – get the latest information on exciting developments for tenants
Click here to visit the InSTEP website
St Mungo’s Wellbeing Centre
The Wellbeing Centre is open to anyone who lives in the borough of Kensington & Chelsea who may be isolated or find it difficult to access wellbeing related services.
You can choose from:
- Yoga classes
- Cook & Taste sessions
- Complementary therapies
- Counselling
- Drug & alcohol support
- Breakfast club
- Women’s group
- Men’s group
- Housing options clinic
- Education, training and employment advice
Wellbeing Centre
94 Redcliffe Gardens
Earls Court
SW10 9HH
Tel: 0207 8352979
The Camden Society
The Camden Society is a London-wide organisation that supports people with disabilites in the key areas of supported living, training, employment and leisure. Click below for information on The Central Station Programme :-
CentralStat Leaf.pdf
Wise Owls
Wise Owls provide employment and training opportunites for people between the ages of 45 and 65.
Eaves Women’s Centre
In July 2009 Eaves Housing For Women will be launching an advice and support drop in women’s centre, for women affected by domestic violence, rape, sexual abuse, women at risk of homelessness and women who have additional needs such as mental health and substance misuse. To arrange a visit, call 0207-840-7122 or email patricia.blackford@eaveshousing.co.uk
Camden Charities
Campden Charities is a local, independent, grant giving trust. The aim of the grants is to alleviate need arising from financial disadvantage exclusively within the area of Kensington. If you’ve been a continuous resident in Kensington for 2 years and in receipt of benefits, you may qualify. Grants are available for tenants of pensionable age having to manage on low incomes. Education and training grants are also available to assist in removing financial barriers to getting employment. Leaflets are available from your Housing Officer upon request.
Du-It
Du-It can carry out works directly for tenants, such as odd jobs, assembly of flat packs, re-glazing windows, hanging pictures and mirrors, small gardening jobs, laying paving, small electrical repairs, decorating, tiling, small carpentry works, small plumbing works including unblocking sinks, bath wastes and wc’s. Tel : 0800 612 9539
Please remember that if you are planning to carry out improvements to your flat, you need to get our permission first.
Staying First
Also for small repairs, Staying first charges WPH tenants a reduced rate of £20 per hour + VAT + Materials and Parking over the hour . If the client is in receipt of a means tested benefit (and they may be asked to show a statement), then they would charge labour at the reduced rate of £12 per hour (inc VAT), as well as material cost, and parking over 1 hour. (applies to only those living in RBKC, over 60 or registered disabled)
New Tel: 020 8996 8890
New name & address: Staying First
Mulliner House
Flanders Road
London
W4 1NN
Useful Links
The Tenant Services Authority
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea
Advice Hub KC
London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham
Camden Council
London Borough of Hillingdon
Wandsworth Council
Ealing Council
Harrow Council
Westminster City Council
DIY Doctor and DIY Data (useful DIY sites)
mySociety includes links to FixMyStreet and FixMyTransport
stickyboard an online neighbourhood noticeboard