A note from Caroline Kaiser 

I hope that everyone enjoyed the summer months, and as we get into October, we enter the last quarter of 2024 and look forward to the beautiful autumnal colours springing up around us.

Last month, we launched this year’s Resident Survey. However, there have been some challenges with the process especially as we are reliant on an independent external provider to conduct the survey. In acknowledging this disruption and inconvenience to you, the survey period has been extended by a couple of weeks and this now closes in October 2024. Please ensure that your completed survey is returned to your local manager by the closing date. There is also support available for those residents requiring support with completing the survey and this is with someone independent to the court you live in. Please request for this through your local manager.

The next few months are also where we begin to look at the contractors you have providing services in your courts which affect your Service Charges, like:

• Communal cleaning
• Window cleaning
• Gutter cleaning
• Gardening
• Gritting & Snow Clearing

Your managers will share with you the quotes that have been received and you will then agree on which contractors provide you the best value for money services. The managers are supported by the Service Charges and Procurement Teams to ensure that you have the most appropriate information for your decision making process.

As I said earlier, we are entering the colder seasons of the year, and following recent government changes to eligibility for the Winter Fuel Payment, Housing 21 have created a specific newsletter for residents about Pension Credit, a copy of which every resident should receive. I would like to encourage everyone to take advantage of support by your local manager with a benefits entitlement check to ensure that you do not miss out on the opportunity to submit a Winter Fuel Payment application by the government deadline of 21 December 2024.

Finally, I would like to introduce Martin Mayega, who joined Extra Care London as Deputy Head of Extra Care, and below is a brief introduction. I am sure you will see him around the courts when he visits.

Introducing Martin Mayega as the new Deputy Head of Extra Care – London

My name is Martin Mayega, and I am excited to be joining the Housing 21 family.

I began my career in Customer Service for the largest telecom company in sub–Saharan Africa, whilst pursuing my undergraduate studies.

In the early 2000’s, I embarked on a journey towards accounting and finance, attaining a postgraduate degree in Financial Management; thereafter, working with various organisations for five years as an Internal Auditor and Finance Analyst.

15 years ago, I made a career leap into Health and Safety training and Healthcare Operations Management. I have been involved in mobilising lead provider contracts, private care, complex nurse-led care, paediatric care, supported living, tech-enabled start-ups, multi-site management including turnaround projects and there has not been a dull moment.

I am also passionate about mentoring young people, and currently a parent Governor in a secondary school in Norfolk.

During my free time, I enjoy watching my sons play sports (football and basketball), travel and adventure, family time, singing and playing the piano.

I always believe that the day one stops learning, is the day they start dying. I enjoy a challenge as it always presents an opportunity to learn. Once again, I am excited to be joining Housing 21, and looking forward to working with the residents and the team in making this organisation an even better place to live and work.