Havering Green Homes Grant – Do you qualify for a grant to bring healthier, warmer and more comfortable homes to you – Apply before 30th September 2021

Green Homes Grant

 

The Havering Council Green Homes programme is funded by national Government and other sources, as part of the national drive to reduce carbon emissions.

We are working in partnership with Happy Energy ltd to bring healthier, warmer and more comfortable homes to you and have written to several household we have identified as possibly being eligible for the grant

If your home has an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of D, E, F or G, which often results in high energy bills, you may be eligible for a significant grant of up to £10,000, to install renewable energy or insulation upgrades, to help keep you warmer whilst reducing your energy bills and carbon emissions.

In order to be eligible for the grant, your total gross household income must be below £30,000 per annum.

Or alternatively, after deducting tax, national insurance your mortgage (or rent) payments and council tax, your income is below £20,000 per year.

The energy and CO2 upgrades that you may be able to receive in your house include:

  • an upgrade to a renewable energy heat pump heating system
  • solid or cavity wall insulation
  • solar PV (to generate free electricity)
  • loft or roof insulation

Please note, these grants may not be suitable, or available for flats, maisonettes, or other properties which are leasehold, rather than freehold and all works and grants are subject to survey, eligibility and terms and conditions.

The upgrades offered will be based on the results of our free whole house survey.

All grant applications and works are made and managed seamlessly on your behalf by our managing agent Happy Energy Solutions Ltd, who also manage all of the installation works.

After the whole house survey you will be given a choice of upgrades that are suitable for your property and you can choose if you want to go ahead.

If you own your property you will pay nothing.

If you rent, get into contact with your landlord and tell them about this programme as providing you qualify they could be entitled to grants up to £5000 and it will only cost them one third of any upgrades installed.

Apply for the grant online

If you have any questions you can email the Green Homes Team at greenhomes@havering.gov.uk.

Help “Transport for All ” improve and protect “Dial-A-Ride” in London

Transport for All are looking to interview people who use “Dial-A-Ride” in London  about their experiences (good or bad).  The interview can be arranged over the phone, video call or email.

If you are willing to assist please contact T.F.A. direct at emma@transportforall.org.uk.

Please help to protect this valuable service for older people.  Thank You.

Introducing Havering Cycle Buddies

Are you a new cyclist, nervous about riding on Havering’s roads?  Or are you getting back on the bike after some time off?  Perhaps you want help riding to work for the first time, planning the route to local shops or trying out the route for your children to get to school?

Cycle Buddies puts new riders in touch with experienced riders in their local area.  Buddies can meet up and ride together – to work, to the shops or just to the park for some practice!

Find out more and sign up to Havering Cycle Buddies at:  https://www.haveringcyclists.org/cycle-buddies/

Request a Paper Questionnaire – Census 2021

It’s now less than two weeks until Census 2021 takes place on Sunday 21 March.

By filling in your census, you will help shape Havering for the next 10 years. It’s a legal requirement to fill it in, and failure to do so could result in a fine of up to £1,000.

If you’d prefer to complete your questionnaire on paper you can request one to be sent to you.

If you need help you can call our local helpline on 01708 432144 (Monday and Thursdays 1 – 7pm, Tuesday and Wednesdays 10am – 4pm, Saturdays 10am – 2pm) or send us an email.

There is a special number that you can call if you are from the Polish or other East European communities: 07869 558880. Alternatively, you can email for help.

If you need help understanding the Census form, help is available in 49 different languages.

Domestic Abuse: What it is and where to get support in Havering

  © Laura Dodsworth

You may have heard on the news that domestic abuse has increased during the pandemic. Police forces have reported an increase in offences related to domestic abuse and charities are receiving more calls from people seeking help.

It can be easy to think that domestic abuse only involves physical violence, but that isn’t the case. Domestic abuse can involve a wide range of behaviours that are designed to control the victim. Here are some examples:

  • Destroying objects, such as the TV,
  • Making accusations of flirting or having affairs,
  • Restricting access to money,
  • Threatening to leave or get a divorce,
  • Reading private emails, text messages, or letters,
  • Tampering with medication,
  • Making fun of personal values, including spiritual beliefs,
  • Excluding family members.

Although domestic abuse is most commonly perpetrated by men against women, anyone can be a victim of domestic abuse and anyone can be an abuser.

Older people may experience abuse from their spouse or family members. It can be difficult for older people to realise that they are experiencing abuse. They may have lived with their abusive partner or family members for a very long time and may see abusive behaviours as normal. It can be difficult to imagine a life free from abuse.

If a partner or family member makes you feel frightened or hurts you, there is help available.

Always call 999 if you are in danger. You can access silent help by calling 999 and if you can’t talk press 55 and the operator will respond.

Women in Havering who are not in immediate danger can call Solace Women’s Aid on 0808 802 5565 or email advice@solacewomensaid.org. You can talk about what you’ve been experiencing with a trained advisor who can support you and, if you would like, help you to access further support, such as counselling. Visit website Solace Women’s Aid

Men can get support by calling the Men’s Advice Line on 0808 8010327 or emailing info@mensadviceline.org.uk. Visit website Domestic Abuse Helpline for Men

If you are worried about your own behaviour, you can call the Respect Phoneline on 0808 8024040 or email info@respectphoneline.org.uk. Visit website Help For Domestic Violence Perpetrators

Cara Atkinson is the Project Manager for Ascent at Solace Women’s Aid. The charity offers free advice and support to women and children in London to build safe and strong lives. Futures free from abuse and violence. www.solacewomensaid.org