http://www.optima.org.uk/ Optima Latest News Mon, 06 Feb 2012 03:25:43 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2969 The restrictions are now in force: ·         Double yellow lines indicating no waiting at any time.  ·         Parking will be restricted to permit holders only Monday to Friday between 11.00 am and 12.00 noon.  The purpose of this restriction is to stop all day car parking by people working nearby. ·         On Rickman Drive parking for resident permit holders only will be between 7.00 am and 11.00 pm. Parking permits are issued by Birmingham City Council. For more details visit  http://www.birmingham.gov.uk/parkingpermits       Mon, 30 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2969/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2972 The Electoral Reform Society (ETS) posted election papers to all our tenants yesterday, Thursday 26th January,  so that they can vote one of their peers onto our Board of Management.  The ballot papers need to be returned to the ERS by February 17th.  Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2972/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2970 In February, MPs have a chance to vote to stop the Government's plans to slash the housing benefit of social tenants deemed to be 'under-occupying' their homes. This proposal is effectively a bedroom tax and will have disastrous implications for a huge number of people already struggling to make ends meet. Please email your MP and ask him/her to vote against the bedroom tax! Follow the link to the National Housing Federation's website and an easy to fill in form that automatically generates an email which you can amend if you wish.  http://e-activist.com/ea-action/action?ea.client.id=115&ea.campaign.id=13334    Wed, 25 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2970/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2968  We have just evicted a tenant from Audleigh House, Lee Bank who was convicted for growing cannabis in his property and for tampering with the electricity supply. The eviction was a direct result of our close working relationship with the police and shows that although the court process can sometimes take a few months, effective action can be taken where someone does not keep to the terms of their tenancy with Optima.  If you see any anti-social behaviour in your area please ring the Estate Services team on 0121 687 3133. Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2968/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2967  They'll be outside The Colwyn pub on Great Colmore Street, today from 1 pm until 4 pm.  If you can't make it, you can call West Midlands Police on 0345 113 5000 and ask to speak to your neighbourhood team. Join a local Neighbourhood Watch scheme: visit www.neighbourhoodwatch.net for more information and to find a local scheme. Give information about crime anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org. Crimestoppers are not the police, but an independent charity working to fight crime Thu, 19 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2967/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2966  Birmingham Astronomical Society are hosting a free star gazing event at the Mailbox this evening, just 10 minutes walk from the heart of Attwood Green.  Two telescopes will be located on the walkways at the back of the mall overlooking the canal and the Cube building from 5.30 pm - 7.30 pm. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2966/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2965 Our existing Resident Involvement and Regeneration teams have merged to become a new Community Involvement Team headed by Liz Heafield, Optima's Housing Services Manager.  The team will be responsible for community projects including supporting vulnerable residents and resident involvement.  The members are: Jo Lea, Community Projects Manager James Hobbs, Community and Play Worker Sue Yates, Community Warden Paul Kennedy, Community Warden Jess Allan, Community Involvement Manager Karen El Shanti, Resident Involvement Officer  Liz Ketland, Resident Involvement Officer (from April) Fri, 13 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2965/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2964  Or choir for those not fans of the show! We're looking for people who can hold a tune and are willing to have a go at any genre of music, in fact we'd be delighted to have your ideas about what songs we could tackle.  Attwood Green resident Bryn Bowen will be orchestrating events and it promises to be a relaxed and fun evening. The first sing-a-long is this Thursday - which gives you plenty of time to get your pipes in order - 12th Jan, 7.30pm at St Luke's Church, Great Colmore Street, Lee Bank. If all goes well, there'll be an encore a fortnight later.  Joining our glee club is free and open to anyone over 10 years old. If you want to find out more or would like to recommend some songs for the sessions contact Bryn on 07792 126 007 (brownie points if you do it in song) or email bryn.bowen@mail.com. Wed, 11 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2964/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2963 Zumba with Sharon at the Budokan Martial Arts and Fitness  Centre.   Monday 12.30 pm – 1.15 pm  Tuesday 5.15 pm – 6.15 pm  Saturday  10.45 am – 11.30 am  Budokan Martial Arts and Fitness  Centre, 31 – 33 Sutton Street, Birmingham B1 1PE   Fri, 06 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2963/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2955 Optima Community Association was short listed in the National Home Improvement Council awards. The awards are now in their 36th year and aims to showcase the best initiatives and achievements in housing modernisation projects, as well as associated activities such as energy efficiency, renewable technologies, safety and design quality. Optima reached the final two in the Best Brownfield or Recycled Building Project category for its redevelopment of a derelict pub site, The Firebird, on the Benmore estate in Edgbaston, Birmingham.   The scheme of 30 homes, made up of 16 apartments and nine houses for social rent and five houses for shared ownership are the first that Optima has built with photovoltaic panels to generate electricity.  The homes reach Level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) and other eco friendly features include increased levels of insulation, mechanical ventilation which recycles waste heat and eco-efficient boilers.  A sustainable travel plan was developed so that residents can make the most of opportunities to use public transport and safe walking routes.  Simon Kimberley, Optima Chief Executive said: “We are delighted that Optima is shortlisted. The pub had been empty and derelict for a number of years becoming a magnet for anti-social behaviour and squatters.  Our scheme has delivered energy efficient homes which is a high priority for our residents and given five local couples the opportunity to get onto the housing ladder through shared ownership. “Four of the five shared ownership homes were sold off plan which given the current economic conditions was a major achievement and indicates the level of popularity of this development.” The scheme, designed by Walker Troup Architects and built by Bullock Construction was officially opened in July by Cllr John Lines, Cabinet Member for Housing and 10-year-old resident, Rafia Hussain. The development is part of the wider regeneration of five former council estates that has been ongoing since 1999.  Over 1,600 homes have been built in the area together with a hotel, shop, parks and community facilities, completely transforming the estates with an investment of over £200m to date. The winners, Luminus Group, were announced at an awards ceremony in London on November 24th. The ceremony was hosted by the Rt Hon Nick Raynsford MP, NHIC President, and the awards will be presented by the guest speaker Andrew Srunnell, MP Parliamentary Under Secretary, Department for Communities and Local Government. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2955/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2959  We know that during Christmas and the New Year, residents get behind with their rent payments as budgets are put under extra strain, but you can avoid the pain of debt if you seek help and plan ahead.  If you would like some independent advice, speak to Attwood Green's Money Advisor, Margaret Weekes, who can go through your finances and make sure you're claiming all the money you are entitled to .  Call the Income Recovery Team on 0121 687 3132 or Margaret Weekes on 0121 687 3144. You may also want to consider becoming a member of your local credit union Circul-8 who can help with savings and budgeting. Call them on 0121 454 0534. Tue, 03 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2959/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=329 Boot Christmas shopping crime into touch this month with simple but effective tips from West Midlands Police. Busy shoppers keen to maximise retail opportunities often leave bags of goodies on show in their cars while they continue with their seasonal spree. But the sight of bags of new purchases is a Christmas bonus for opportunistic thieves. So police are advising shoppers to hide all purchases out of sight in the boot of the car – and don't forget to lock up. Chief Inspector Mark Payne said: "The Christmas spirit doesn't extend to opportunistic thieves. Returning to your car to find that it has been broken into and all your carefully chosen gifts stolen will really put a damper on your own festivities. "Ensuring that all bags are locked out of sight in the boot is just one way we can crack down on Christmas crime." Other tips include: Don't leave anything on display in your car – even an old coat on the back seat can be a temptation. Thieves steal first and think about value later Lock all windows and doors whenever leaving the vehicle – and activate your car alarm if you have one Buy and use a steering lock. And when you're out shopping for festive treats, remember: thieves love handbags because they contain a range of valuables – cash, credit cards, mobile phones and official documents containing personal details which can be used to commit fraud. Chief Insp Payne added: "Shoppers aren't the only ones getting ready for Christmas. Thieves are on the lookout for easy opportunities to steal, so it is important we all take on board a few tips to protect our valuables."   Wed, 14 Dec 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=329/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2958  Karis Neighbour Scheme is an established charity based in Ladywood. They offer practical support services from gardening to DIY, advice and advocacy services, courses, counselling, befriending and English classes. The charity is in need of volunteers to help with its fundraising efforts. They are looking for people who are creative, enthusiastic and can put ideas into action.    Interested? Contact Harry on 0121 456 3212 or admin@karisneighbourscheme.org.    Thu, 17 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2958/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2696 Be the first to read the November / December edition of our magazine for residents.  In this edition we take a quick look at the highlights of the last year and welcome the youngest member of our editorial team, 15 year old Josh Williams.  The magazine will be distributed to all householders in the next few weeks. Mon, 14 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2696/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2953 Our scheme to install solar PV panels on suitable properties across the Attwood Green estate is on hold following proposals by government to reduce feed in tariffs (FITs) by half. The project was to be funded through the government's feed-in tariff which has been featured heavily in the media over the last 6 months.  By fitting solar panels and generating renewable electricity Optima is paid a FIT for every kilowatt of electricity produced and for the excess energy generated by the panels.  This in turn provides sufficient funding to repay the loan to buy and fit the panels and pay for long term maintenance costs over a 25 year period, enabling Optima to complete the installations without charge. The rate of FITs was fixed to March 31st 2011, however, on 31st October, the government launched a review of the scheme and is proposing a reduction of over 50% in the amount paid for large scale PV retrofit schemes which applies to Optima's proposals.  Although the review is a consultation process that ends on December 23rd 2011, the lower rate will apply to any PV installations after December 12th 2011.  The reduction in the tariff makes fitting the panels uneconomical and we have had no option but  to place the project on hold pending the outcome of the government's consultation process. David Stevenson, Director of Property Services said: ‘We are hugely disappointed that we are unable to take this project forward at the present time.  Installing solar panels on our homes will reduce the energy bills of individual tenant's households by around £150 per year and there has been a lot of interest from Optima's tenants who would like the option of generating renewable electricity.  Given the sharp rise in energy prices over recent years and those predicted in the future, our tenants would have seen real benefits in their household income from the installation of solar PV panels.  This is a national issue and we will be working with the National Housing Federation and Chartered Institute of Housing in an attempt to persuade the government to change its mind.' We will keep you informed of progress through Say Optima! but if you  have any questions please contact Bernie McCullagh, Sustainability Officer on 0121 687 3119. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2953/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2952 City Youth is a young people's club run by City Church. Kids from a wide range of ages can come and learn about God from the bible, build friendships and play together. They have a selection of activities including pool, table tennis and board games. The club is run every Friday evening during term time and there are three groups: school years 2-6 from 5:15pm - 6:15pm, schools years 6-9 from 6:30pm - 7:30pm and school years 10-13 7:00pm - 8:00pm. Venue: Woodview Community Centre, Woodview Drive. Tel: 0121 454 9444  www.city-church.org.uk Mon, 17 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2952/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2950 #WelfareActionWeek  It covers the key changes and how they will affect you and includes the contact details of your MP if you have concerns about the impact of these proposals.  We'll be sending this leaflet to all our residents. You can read it first online. If you have any questions, there is an opportunity to talk to staff about this and WM Housing Group proposals this Wednesday, 6pm at Optima's offices on Bell Barn Road. Please let us know if you would like to attend. Call Georgette Wright on 0121 687 3163  or  email gw@optima.org.uk.  Mon, 10 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2950/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2949 The Government has proposed a number of changes to housing benefit which will push thousands of people living in social housing into hardship or out of their homes. The National Housing Federation is urging the Government to reconsider these punitive measures and look again at what the true costs of pushing ahead with them would be. Please join the campaign by filling the form on this page and asking the Minister for Welfare Reform to rethink the proposals.  Visit the National Housing Federation's website for more information about the campaign and to register for an action pack. Sun, 09 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2949/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2947 There's a £6,000 award at stake for this great local charity but it all depends on a public vote. Visit http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/1905. There is a quick registration process after which, you can cast your vote. www.karisneighbourscheme.org for more about the organisation. Sun, 02 Oct 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2947/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2946 Taught by academic and broadcaster Robert Beckford, some of the areas you'll be looking at in the autumn term include: *The place of hip hop in global youth cultures * Examination of various theories of origins of hip hop including the, conflict, social and radical perspectives * Breaking * Rapping * Sampling * Graffiti art The course lasts a year and is held on Saturdays 10am to 12 noon at The Drum in Birmingham.  Costs are £360 (full fee) £240 (concession) For more information call 024 7657 3739 or visit http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/study/cll/open_courses/certs-2011-12/hiphop/ Wed, 21 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2946/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2943  If you've ever wondered what being a Board member would involve, you can find out at our Getting on Board evening on Wednesday 2nd November at 6pm. Please note that the date has changed since the September edition of Say Optima was published. You can meet other Tenant Board members and senior members of staff who'll be happy to answer any questions you have. What does the Board do? Who does the Board answer to? What is expected of a Tenant Board director? What might I get out of being a Board member?  If you are just a little bit curious and still not sure - just come along and meet us. You never know until you try.  Please contact Jess Allan on 687 3131 for more information and to book your place at this important evening.   Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2943/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2944 Persimmon Homes will begin resurfacing roads and pavements on Woodview this week, starting with Stone Road. Persimmon will be sending a mailing to all residents effected by the work which is due to finish by the end of February 2012. Sun, 18 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2944/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2942 If you are unemployed and looking for a job, come and see Selina who will be based at St Thomas Children's Centre alternate Thursday mornings. Or you can call Jo at Optima who can also help you with looking for a job, filling in an application form and interview technique. For more information ring Jo on 687 3127. Venue St Thomas Children's Centre, Bell Barn Road, Birmingham B15 Upcoming dates: Thursday 22nd September, 6th October, 20th October, 3rd November Tue, 13 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2942/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2941 If you experience financial difficulties and getting into debt, Margaret Weekes our independent money advisor can help you. She can also run a benefit check to make sure you are claiming the right benefits. Book an appointment on 687 3144 or drop into St Luke's on Great Colmore St on Thursday mornings. Don't forget Circle8 Credit Union. The Credit Union can offer you a cheap loan, so you don't have to use doorstep lenders, help you save for Christmas, holidays or that special treat. The Credit Union can also help you in lots of other ways including a prepaid debit card and having your wages or benefits paid directly into your account. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2941/ http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2940 You can bid for funds between £50 - £1,000 through our Community Treasure Chest initiative. Residents will decide which bids will win at Decision Day.  For more information visit our Getting Involved pages. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 23:00:00 GMT http://www.optima.org.uk/main.cfm?type=NI&object=2940/