Summer 2010


Are you struggling financially? Would you like some advice and support but don’t know where to go? Helena can help.


Helena Homes has a dedicated Money Matters team who are able to help you with advice on a range of financial issues, including:


• Housing and welfare benefits • Help with fuel debts and utility bills • Access to affordable credit and secure saving accounts • Help with household budgeting • Help opening a basic bank account • Access to affordable home contents insurance • Debt problems.


The Money Matters officers can speak to you in confidence to help you get back on track. Call 01744 637383 or email onecall@helenapartnerships.co.uk to get in touch or make an appointment.


Get peace of mind with home contents


insurance How much furniture, clothes and personal items do you have in your home? Do you protect them with insurance?


As a tenant of Helena your home is insured but your home contents are not. To protect your belongings you must take out Home Contents Insurance either through us or another insurance company.


Our Helena scheme is arranged through Aviva and has been especially designed for our tenants, with low rates and no excess to pay on any claims made. Better still, your monthly payment is guaranteed to stay the same for the next two years, even if a claim is made.


You will be covered for fire, theft, water damage, accidental damage and other risks.


A booklet is available upon request, which will give further details of the scheme.


For more details, or to request an information booklet, call 01744 637383 or email onecall@helenapartnerships.co.uk


Are You Having Trouble Paying Your Gas & Electric Bills?


If you are struggling to pay your gas and electricity bills, you may be eligible for an interest-free loan from our Fuel Debt Relief Fund, which is held at St Helens Credit Union.


The loan repayments are set at low rate manageable amounts. Even better, is that when the loan is fully paid back we will put 10% of the amount you borrowed into a savings account with St Helens Credit Union. So if you borrow £300, repayments would be less than £3 per week and when you’ve paid it back you’ll have £30 in a savings account.


If you would like to talk about a loan, contact: Liz Howse, Affordable Warmth Officer, on 01744 637383 or email onecall@helenapartnerships.co.uk


Spread some warmth


Residents can help spread some warmth by becoming volunteers with Helena’s Affordable Warmth Team.


The team is looking for volunteers with a few hours to spare each week to help carry out Home Heating Checks for tenants.


No experience is necessary as full training and support will be given and travelling expenses will be paid. You don’t have to be a Helena tenant, we’re looking for people who want to learn new skills and who are willing to help others.


Out team visit tenants in their own homes and give advice and information about using central heating systems effectively, how we lose heat from our homes, as well as help and advice with fuel tariffs, fuel bills and fuel debts.


If you are interested in joining the team, or would like to find out more, contact Liz Howse, Affordable Warmth Officer, on 01744 637383 or email onecall@helenapartnerships.co.uk


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