News 7 MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE TO TENANTS’ LIVES save money


‘Hero’ concierge is the cat’s whiskers


CASH BOOST: Tenant Mark Johnstone with fuel advisor Maureen McMahon


e than £10,000


in addition to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) I am receiving the extra Severe Disability Premium in my weekly benefit Now I can put my heating on. Now I


can buy furniture, a new bed, and a new cooker, things I couldn’t afford previously. I can start cooking now. I love cooking, especially curries. Now I can buy a new suite, a new bed, a new wardrobe, everything. And that’s all down to Kathleen. She’s


my guardian angel. I can’t thank her enough. I would never have known about the help otherwise. Tenants should speak to someone. Make


sure you get help. I know just what it’s like. You don’t want to answer the door or let anyone in. Don’t be like me and just sit there. Talk


to your housing officer. Find out about the help that’s out there.


Let us know...


IF YOU’RE claiming Universal Credit, make sure your benefit reflects the recent change in GHA rent levels.


GHA is notifying the DWP about the new rent levels for all tenants on Universal Credit. But we’d ask everyone to double check that the money they receive in April reflects the new amount you’re paying for rent.


If not, talk to your housing officer or call 0800 479 7979.


Your entitlement


THE Scottish Government wants people to make sure they’re claiming all the benefits they’re entitled to. You can find out what you can claim and get advice on how to apply at www.citizensadvice. org.uk/scotland/benefits or by phoning 0800 085 7145.


A GHA concierge has been hailed a hero for rescuing a furry customer. Intrepid kitten Tally became trapped in the air conditioning duct of a multi-storey block in the south of Glasgow. Her worried family – Morag McLaren and daughters Rebecca and Cara – raised the alarm after she vanished. After three days of trying, concierge Gavin Smith finally located the tiny moggy at the bottom of a disused pipe, and managed to pull her out. Hero Gavin was helped by colleagues Martin Mellon, Ritchie Kerr and Jimmy Gold. Morag said: “We were worried sick and didn’t sleep for two nights, but luckily Tally wasn’t too distressed. “My daughters say Gavin is their hero. He and his colleagues didn’t give up and they were so kind and patient.” Gavin, pictured above with Rebecca, added: “The children were overjoyed when we returned Tally. It’s all in a day’s work for us – but I think we now have a new best friend!”


Community day in Barmulloch


TENANTS in Barmulloch took part in a community open day recently. They were joined by GHA staff, partners from Scottish Fire and Rescue, Police Scotland and FARE at the event in Barmulloch Community Development Company’s hall in Quarrywood Avenue. Tenant Susan McNab, pictured with housing officer Jamie-Lee Robertson, said: “It’s great to see events like this bringing the community together.”


Linkwood is coming down


TENANTS in Drumchapel are seeing a difference in their community.


The high-rise block at 15


Linkwood Crescent is being brought down with a 67m high-reach demolition machine.


The demolition is just about complete and the site should be cleared by early summer.


theKEY - www.gha.org.uk


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