Latest update of Important information.
We are reviewing all aspects of the services we provide, and have plans in place to ensure services can continue. Our plans are being adapted inline with the Government’s lockdown easing and using Public Health England (PHE) advice. On 31st May the Government issued a Coronavirus Frequently Asked Questions providing the latest up date on what you can and can’t do during the outbreak see here .
Contacting us
If you have a general enquiry you can email us on info@wmhaltd.org.uk or complete our online form here.If you would like to talk to a member of staff call 0151 647 5471 and follow the message options, you will hear.
Our services
Repairs
We have now resumed a number of repairs and maintenance services, in addition to the emergency and urgent repairs service we have been operating. All services are being carried out in a manner that is safe for both tenants, staff and contractors.
In addition to emergency and urgent repairs and maintenance services, we are carrying out:
• All gas, electric and other servicing, both in communal areas and in homes
• External works, including works to roofs, walls, paving and fencing
• Communal works, including works to electrical repairs, windows, doors, flooring and other works in communal areas
• All cleaning internal and external
• All gardening and grounds maintenance
We are making sure our staff and contractors have the right personal protective equipment and are able to maintain social distancing. For example, if we come into your home, the engineers and operatives may be wearing masks, gloves and overalls and may ask you to wait in another room while they carry out a repair or a service.
Emergency and urgent repairs and maintenance will continue to be prioritised. However, please do contact us by the details listed in the Contacting us section above to report issues and repairs. We are keeping detailed records of such requests and will ensure they are addressed when it is possible to do so.
If you are contacting us to request that we visit your property, please let us know if anyone in your household is currently unwell due to Covid-19, or self-isolating due to vulnerabilities, such as being pregnant or having underlying health issues. We will advise you in each case about how we are able to support you.
If you are concerned that you have symptoms or may been exposed to the virus, The latest information and facts about Coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Government website
We know these changes will have an impact on tenants and we are sorry for the inconvenience they may cause. We will continue to update you as the situation develops and thank you for your cooperation.
Rent and Service Charges
It is important that tenants continue to pay their rent and service charges.
However, we understand that many of you will have lost some or all of your income and we are available on the phone or by e-mail link in the Contacting us section if you think you are going to struggle to make payments.
If you have lost your job then you may be entitled to benefits and may qualify for assistance with paying your rent. Please contact us and a member of staff will discuss this with you.
We will follow all government guidance concerning suspension of eviction proceedings. We will not commence any new proceedings or evictions against anyone in arrears or financial hardship caused by Covid-19 and we will take decisions on a case by case basis.
General Support
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, have concerns about the wellbeing of yourself or your family, or if you are aware of a resident who is struggling to receive support whilst self-isolating, please get in touch and someone will call or e-mail you back to explain how we can help.
Please see the government’s regularly updated guidance on coronavirus.
The Department for Work and Pensions also has guidance on the support available for those receiving Universal Credit or other benefits and for those who may need to claim benefits in the future.
Lettings – Property Pool Plus
You can continue to bid on properties as normal. For more information, contact Property Pool Plus www.propertypoolplus.org.uk
Fire Safety
It’s important to be mindful of fire safety at home, particularly at a time when we’re all spending more time than usual there. You’ll find information about staying safe at home on your local fire service’s
website, but some common advice includes:
• Don’t use barbecues on balconies or indoors.
• Avoid smoking in the home, if you smoke do not drop cigarette butts from a balcony when discarding cigarettes.
• Place all rubbish in the bins provided
• Report any damage to lights or fire alarms promptly
• Do not store aerosols on window sills or near heat sources.
• Never leave food cooking on hobs unattended.
• Keep your cooker clean.
• Avoid using candles, as they are one of the main causes of fires in the home.
• Check electrical appliances and avoid leaving on a power supply to chargers.
• Avoid using chip pans or hot oil cooking.
• Use a thermostatically controlled electric deep-fat fryer, as they can’t overheat.
• Avoid using deep fat fryers or pan frying if possible and, if you do, please take extra care.
• Take extra care if using portable heaters and ensure there is a clear space around them.
• Don’t store items in communal areas or block fire escapes.
If you have any concerns about fire safety, please contact us.
Wirral Council Coronavirus Helpline
The Local Authority have also set up COVID-19 helpline which is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm on 0151 666 5050 or email covid19 enquiries@wirral.gov.uk
• Residents who need support with their day-to-day needs
• Residents or organisations wishing to volunteer
• Signposting for national health advice
• Support for local businesses and organisations (not just Wirral Chamber members)
• Advice about education arrangements
For more information visit www.wirral.gov.uk/coronavirus or follow twitter.com/wirralcouncil or facebook.com/wirralcouncil
Lifelong Learning Wirral
Lifelong Learning Service’s online course timetable for June-July 2020
All courses are now available online; learn and get ahead from the comfort of your home
Enrol today with Wirral’s Lifelong Learning Service and give your CV a boost for 2020.
If you’re unemployed, in receipt of benefits or earn less than £17,550 our courses are completely FREE.
More information, including details of other courses available, is online: wirral.gov.uk/lifelonglearning
To book a place please email lifelonglearning@wirral.gov.uk or call 07902 319 173 / 07789 922 542
You must be aged 19 or over to enrol.
General Support
If you are experiencing financial difficulty, have concerns about the wellbeing of yourself or your family, or if you are aware of a resident who is struggling to receive support whilst self-isolating, please get in touch and someone will call or e-mail you back to explain how we can help.
Please see the government’s regularly updated guidance on coronavirus.
The Department for Work and Pensions also has guidance on the support available for those receiving Universal Credit or other benefits and for those who may need to claim benefits in the future.
Tips for looking after your mental health and wellbeing during lockdown
The Covid-19 outbreak means that life is changing for all of us for a while. Faced with the sudden uncertainty of what will happen next and the relentless news about the pandemic, can take its toll on people’s mental health; particularly those already living with conditions like OCD, anxiety or depression.
You may be feeling anxious, stressed, worried, sad, bored, lonely or frustrated at the moment. It’s important to remember it is OK to feel this way and that everyone reacts differently.
Keeping active reduces stress, increases your energy levels and can make you more alert and also help us sleep better. Explore different ways of adding physical movement and activity to your day and find some that work best for you. Even at home, there will be lots of ways to exercise and keep your body moving.
Visit the NHS Every Mind Matters page for some ideas to get you started.
For practical advice on how to look after your wellbeing during lockdown, check out Mind’s website www.mind.org.uk/information-support/coronavirus/
Mind’s helpline can be reached on 0300 123 3393.
Older People
• Age UK’s advice line is a free, confidential national phone service for older people, their families, friends, carers and professionals. Their team will give you information that is reliable and up-to-date and help you to access the advice you need. Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602. Lines are open 8am-7pm, 365 days a year.
Younger People
• The Mix – www.themix.org.uk/ – The Mix is a UK-based charity that provides free, confidential support for young people under the age of 25. Information, support and advice is provided on a range of issues.
• The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) – www.nyas.net -is a rights based charity which operates across England and Wales for children, young people and adults. NYAS offers a variety of services including a national advocacy helpline (0808 808 1001).
Money/Debt
• StepChange (National Charity) – 0800 138 1111 – www.stepchange.org/how-we-help/debt-advice.aspx
Specific advice on money worries and coronavirus
• www.nationaldebtline.org/EW/factsheets/Pages/coronavirus-advice-and-support/help-and-advice.aspx
Drug and alcohol support
• Alcoholics Anonymous for help with a drink problem – www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/. Helpline 0800 917 7650
• Talk to Frank – www.talktofrank.com – Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. Helpline 0300 123 6600
Consumer Issues
• Citizens Advice consumer helpline: 0808 223 1133 (Mon-Fri 9am-5pm). An adviser will answer your call as soon as possible, usually within a few minutes. Once you’re speaking to an adviser your call should take an average of 8 to 10 minutes. Calls are free from mobiles and landlines.
Domestic Violence/Abuse
• The free National Helpline for domestic abuse is 0808 2000 247 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
• The National Centre for Domestic Violence provide access to free injunctions on 0844 8044 999 and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• National LGBT Domestic Abuse Helpline – www.galop.org.uk – Galop offer emotional and practical support for LGBT people experiencing domestic abuse. Helpline: 0800 999 5428
• Local support can be found here: www.womensaid.org.uk/domestic-abuse-directory/
Perpetrators of Abuse
• The Respect Helpline offering information and advice to people who are abusive towards their partners is 0808 802 4040 and is available Monday to Friday 10am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm. For further information – www.respectphoneline.org.uk
Sexual Abuse
• Safeline https://www.safeline.org.uk/# support if you are experiencing sexual abuse or rape. Helpline 0808 800 5008
• Rape Crisis https://rapecrisis.org.uk/ Get information, help and support after rape, sexual assault or sexual abuse. The national membership organisation for Rape Crisis Centres in England and Wales. Helpline 0808 802 999
Child Abuse
• Childline Free and Confidential Help for Young People in the UK https://www.childline.org.uk. Helpline 0800 1111
• NSPCC https://www.nspcc.org.uk/ Helpline 0808 800 5000
Good advice
We can all help control the virus if we all stay alert. This means you must:
- stay at home as much as possible
- work from home if you can
- limit contact with other people
- keep your distance from people not in your household (2 metres apart where possible)
- wash your hands regularly
Do not leave home if you or anyone in your household has symptoms.
- a high temperature
- a new, continuous cough