Welcome to our October Calico Homes newsletter
Inside, you’ll find loads of inspirational stories and updates about what we’ve been getting up to over the last few months. From opening our doors as a hate crime reporting centre to working on our new customer app, we’ve been busy working with you to make a real difference to people’s lives.
If you have any questions or queries, please email cen@calico.org.uk
We're now a hate crime reporting centre
Have you ever experienced or witnessed a hate crime? We understand how daunting it can be to report…
That’s why Calico Homes has become a ‘Third-Party Reporting Centre’ for Burnley. By doing this, we can provide everyone – not just our tenants – with more options to report hate crime, without having to go directly to the police.
Learn moreKnow a community project that needs funding?
We’ve got some exciting news… It’s time for round 3 of the ‘Calico Community Choice: Your Voice, Your Budget’.
If you have a project idea or know a group who want support, bids are now OPEN.
From coffee mornings to free dance lessons for kids, we have helped all types of groups working to make our communities better. Could your project be next?
To learn more about our eligibility requirements and how to apply, please visit the link below.
Find out more
Have you seen our new look reception space?
We’re thrilled to announce that we have updated our reception space to make it more welcoming and comfortable for you.
Our new features include cosy sofas, children’s play toys, sensory toys, a charging station for your devices, and clear signage to help you navigate our services easily.
We also have a private meeting booth, a water cooler, and public access PCs for you to use essential online services such as Universal Credit, B With Us, Home Swapper, Burnley Borough Council, and many more.
We have already received a lot of positive feedback from customers about these changes!
Coffee morning group at Valley Street brews up boxing fun
A ladies coffee morning group at Valley Street Community Centre is taking to the boxing ring every Friday in a fight to stay fit.
Launched a year ago with funding from Calico Homes’ Community Choice, the Warm Hearts’ Coffee Morning provides breakfast, lunch and a safe space for people in the community every Friday at Valley Street Community Centre.
Learn more
Community investment team gives Padiham Litter Pickers a helping hand
Andrea and Emmy from our Community Investment team had the pleasure of joining the amazing Padiham Litter Pickers for a clean-up around Padiham town centre.
This fantastic group of volunteers lead by David, is made up of people from all walks of life who come together to make a real difference. It was great to see volunteers of all ages pitching in—plus a special guest appearance from Oliver Ryan MP, the honorary litter picker from the council.
Community Engagement Officer Emmy, said: “It was a lovely afternoon, and so nice to meet some local heroes! We even re-homed some of the seeds from Turf Moor to the group so the community can continue to grow”.
Supporting you with income management
Managed migration of Universal Credit is now picking up pace, with many customers moving onto the benefit for the first time. We’re working you to ensure this journey is as smooth as possible.
There are now 53.27% potential claimants claiming the benefit. We have also been working with existing claimants of the benefit to ensure that they are receiving correct and full entitlement.
The team have been out and about visiting all our estates offering support to those with large rent arrears balance to enable them to sustain their homes.
Helping you get winter ready
This winter is set to be a challenge, so our Tenancy Sustainment Team are here to help support you to hopefully make things a little easier.
Firstly, starting at the beginning of October, bills are expected to rise by approximately 10%. If you haven’t already, now is a good time to fix your energy tariff to avoid these price hikes.
Secondly, we are also promoting uptake of pension credit. This is due to the removal of the winter fuel payment, which is now only applicable to pensioners claiming certain benefits.
What new projects are coming up?
Making our sign-up process more digital
In a big move towards going more digital, we’re in the final stages of introducing a digital sign-up process for new tenants.Before, new customers had to attend an hour-long appointment at our office to understand their tenancy agreement and complete paperwork.
Now, we’re looking at introducing digital paperwork and an engaging new tenancy video to help new tenants get started.
Learn moreComing soon… our new app, Calico Connect.
In last year’s ‘Make it Happen’ survey, you said you’d like an online account that’s easier to use with more features – so we’ve made a brand-new app that does just that.
We’ve packed the app full of great features, including booking repairs. Instead of having to call us on the phone, you will be able to easily report your repair issue and make an appointment that works for you using the app (starting with simple non-emergency repairs such as leaking/broken taps, broken door handles etc).
Learn more