Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire | Autumn 2026
Get ready for autumn Support, advice and things to know this autumn Is your home ready for winter?
Get outdoors and be creative this autumn
How your feedback is improving repairs
Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire | Autumn 2026
Contents
Welcome... ...to the autumn edition of your Home magazine As the seasons change, this edition is packed with ideas and practical tips for autumn and updates on the services you use. On pages 3 and 4, you'll find simple ways to prepare your home for the colder weather. From looking after your boiler and managing damp and mould to finding help with energy bills, there's advice to keep your home warm and comfortable.
2
There are also plenty of ways to enjoy the season on page 5, including autumn activities and the chance to win a prize in our pumpkin competition. Turn to pages 8 to 11 for updates on how we're improving our services. You'll find our latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures, progress on repairs and how residents are helping improve services through our Resident-Led Panel and Regional Forums. As always, you'll also find updates from your local area and information about support available if you need it. We hope you enjoy this edition. If there's something you'd like to see in a future issue, we'd love to hear from you. With best wishes, Kirsty Pepper Managing Director | North Counties
Contact us Phone 0300 123 3456 Website peabody.org.uk/contact-us Post 45 Westminster Bridge Road London, SE1 7JB Facebook and Instagram @PeabodyLDN
Home magazine aims to keep you up to date with news, events and other useful information and support. We hope you enjoy reading the magazine, but if you decide you don’t want to receive it any more, just let us know: Email communications@peabody.org.uk stating ‘Magazine opt-out’ in the subject line. Please include in the email either your tenancy reference number or your full name and address. We need this information so we can find you in our database to unsubscribe you. You can sign up to receive Home directly to your inbox at peabody.org.uk/peabody-magazine
3
Is your home ready for winter?
4
What to do about damp and mould
5
Get creative this autumn
6
Stay safe with e-bikes and e-scooters
7
Support available
8
How we're doing
9
How your feedback is improving repairs
10
Update from our Resident-Led Panel
11
An update from your North Counties Regional Forum
12
Feel healthier
13
Family fun at The Barn
14
Hire Dee Space Community Centre
15
Borrow a book at Dee Space
16
Getting in touch
Is your home ready for winter? A few simple checks now can help keep your home warm, avoid problems and save money when colder weather arrives. Check your boiler Before the temperature drops, turn your heating on and your thermostat up to make sure your boiler is working properly. Check that your radiators are warming up and your hot water is working as expected. If something's not right, try resetting your boiler and checking the pressure gauge. Most boilers work best at around 1 to 1.5 bar. If it's still not working, get in touch.
Check for damp and mould Damp and mould can cause problems at home, especially in the colder months. If you've got an issue with damp and mould, we're here to help. There are also simple things you can do to help prevent damp and mould and information on how to report it on the next page.
Prepare outside too If you have your own garden or outdoor space, clear leaves from paths, drains and gutters where you can and put away any garden furniture or loose items before winter weather arrives. Taking a few minutes now can help prevent slips, trips and damage later.
Lower your household bills Our money-saving specialists at LEAP and Pocket Power can help you find better energy, broadband and phone deals. They can also check you're receiving all the support you're entitled to. You could save around £200 a year. info.peabody.org.uk/household-bills
Keep your home safe Take a few minutes to check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working. Replace the batteries if needed and make sure hallways are clear.
Get advice If you're worried about money, our Financial Support team is here to help. They can explain what support is available, check to see if you qualify for any benefits and help with applications. Visit info.peabody.org.uk/advice or call 0207 021 4085, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Pop into your local community centre If you need a warm space, a friendly face or a little extra support this winter, you're always welcome at one of our community centres. Many offer free or low-cost activities and advice services and some provide food banks. Find your nearest centre at info.peabody.org.uk/nearest-centre
3
Damp and mould What Awaab's Law means for you Everyone deserves to live in a safe, healthy home. The next phase of Awaab's Law introduces new legal timeframes for social landlords to respond to serious problems in residents' homes, including damp and mould. When you report a repair, we'll look at how urgent it is and whether anyone in your home may be at greater risk, such as young children, older people, pregnant residents or someone with a disability or long-term health condition. If we find it’s an emergency, we'll make things safe within 24 hours. Other serious issues will be inspected if possible within 10 working days. If you notice damp or mould, report it as soon as possible so we can help. Tell us how it's affecting you and anyone else living in your home.
Could you get extra support this winter? Some residents may be able to get extra financial support this winter. Here are a few things that could help.
Winter Fuel Payments
Some pensioners could receive between £100 and £300 towards heating costs.
Pension Credit
If you're over State Pension age, you could get extra weekly income and other support, including help with NHS costs.
Household Support Fund
Your local council may be able to help with food, energy bills and other essential household costs.
Warm Home Discount
Some households could receive £150 off their electricity bill. Check if you can get it by visiting gov.uk or get in touch with our Financial Support team. They'll help you understand what's available and apply.
4
Report damp and mould info.peabody.org.uk/report-damp-and-mould
Visit info.peabody.org.uk/advice or call 0207 021 4085, Monday to Friday, 10am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm.
Did you know? There are a few simple things you can do to help reduce condensation and damp in your home: Open windows for around 10 minutes each day and keep the vents around them open.
Opening a window while cooking or showering helps warm, damp air escape before it turns into condensation. Put lids on pans while cooking to help reduce moisture in the air.
Extractor fans work best if you leave them running for around 15 to 20 minutes after showering or cooking.
Try not to dry clothes on radiators. If you're drying clothes indoors, keep them in one room, close the door and open a window slightly.
Leaving a gap of around 10cm between furniture and outside walls helps air circulate and reduces the chance of mould forming behind furniture.
Keeping rooms at a steady temperature can help reduce condensation, rather than letting them get very cold and then warming them up again.
Get creative this autumn
£50
Looking for something to do with the kids this autumn? Make your own harvest wreath using treasures from outdoors and a few things you might already have at home.
Show off your spooky creation for the chance to win a £50 supermarket voucher
You'll need: • A paper plate, with the centre cut out (take care when using scissors) • Tissue paper or old fabric • Natural treasures such as dried fallen leaves, acorns, pinecones, conkers and sticks • PVA glue • Ribbon or string to hang your wreath Carefully cut out the centre of the paper plate to make a ring. Cover it with torn pieces of tissue paper to create a colourful base, then decorate it with your natural treasures and craft materials however you like.
• Take a photo of your finished creation • Share it on your Instagram feed or story and follow and tag @PeabodyLDN • Post your creation by midnight on Sunday 8 November The best design will win a £50 supermarket voucher. Happy decorating!
i nfo.peabody.org.uk/nearest-centre
Celebrate safely this autumn
The safest way to enjoy fireworks is at a public display. Check your local council website to find an event near you. www.gov.uk/find-local-council
WON!
• Decorate a Halloween or autumn-inspired pumpkin or gourd
Visit your local community centre for more family activities
info.peabody.org.uk/celebrate-safely
TO BE
How to enter:
T&Cs apply. Find out more at peabody.org.uk/halloween
Bonfire Night and Diwali are a time for celebration. Whether you're lighting candles and diyas or enjoying sparklers and fireworks, here are a few tips to help you celebrate safely.
PRIZE
Stay safe at home As the weather gets colder, we often use things like candles, heaters and fireplaces. Remember: • Blow out candles before leaving a room or going to bed • Keep candles and portable heaters well away from curtains, furniture and anything else that could catch fire • Don’t dry clothes on or too close to portable heaters
5
One of the biggest fire risks could be charging in your hallway
6
E-bikes and e-scooters might be part of your daily life.
Charge while you're awake, use the charger supplied with your device and keep it away from hallways and doorways.
But their batteries can start a serious fire, even if they look fine.
Check the battery before and while it's charging. Stop charging if it gets very hot, leaks, swells, smells unusual or makes hissing or crackling sounds.
Find out more about the fire risks and how to stay safe
Avoid cheap batteries, DIY conversion kits and unofficial parts.
info.peabody.org.uk/e-bike-safety london-fire.gov.uk/ safety/e-bikes-and-e-scooters
f a fire starts, get out, shut I the door if you can and call 999. Ask for the fire brigade.
Concerned about tenancy fraud? Let us know Tenancy fraud happens when someone lives in a social home they shouldn't be in. This could include subletting it to someone else or no longer living there themselves. Every social home should go to someone who needs it. But tenancy fraud can mean homes aren't available for those waiting for a home. It's more common than you might think. Around 148,000 social homes in England are affected, including around 1 in 20 in London. At the same time, 1.33 million households are on the social housing waiting list. If you notice something that doesn't seem right, please let us know. You can report it anonymously if you'd prefer. 0300 123 3456 illegalsubletting@peabody.org.uk
7
Learn more about tenancy fraud info.peabody.org.uk/tenancy-fraud
Safe Spaces for domestic abuse support If you're experiencing domestic abuse or feel unsafe at home, you don't have to face it alone. We can help you plan your next steps and connect you with specialist support. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic abuse, visit info.peabody.org.uk/domestic-abuse or call 0300 123 3456. You can also visit a Safe Space. These are quiet, confidential places where you can contact a helpline or speak to someone you trust. uksaysnomore.org/safespaces If you're in immediate danger, call 999.
Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs): repairs This year’s results You told us repairs are one of the areas where we need to do better. This year, 64% of residents living in rented homes were satisfied with our repairs service and 60.5% were satisfied with the time it took to complete their most recent repair. We know there's more to do, particularly when it comes to repair times and keeping you updated. That's why we’ve:
8
Introduced new Service Standards so you know what to expect from us
Introduced more local repairs teams in some areas
Made it easier to track your repair online
Recruited more colleagues and repairs inspectors to check the quality of completed work
Improved the way we keep you updated on the progress of your repair
Improved how we manage contractors
Improved the information our Contact Centre colleagues can share when booking repairs, helping contractors arrive with the right information
Service Standards Our Service Standards set out what you can expect from us. One of those standards is keeping you updated, because we know that waiting for information can be just as frustrating as waiting for a repair. Recently, a resident told us how regular updates, prompt responses and clear explanations from one of our colleagues transformed their experience of a complex repair. That's the standard we're working towards for every resident. If we can't resolve an issue straight away, we'll keep you updated, explain any delays and let you know what happens next. Since October, we’ve resolved more than 32,000 queries on the same day and 66% of queries received a response within five working days. We're continuing to improve so you receive clear, timely communication whenever you get in touch.
We'll continue to use your feedback to improve your repairs service.
New standard for better services From October, a new government Competence and Conduct Standard will help make sure you receive a professional, consistent service. As part of this, our senior leaders will need to have, or work towards, housing qualifications. We'll also introduce an updated Code of Conduct for colleagues, setting out the standards you can expect from us and how you should be more involved. Residents have helped shape the code and the new standard means you'll continue to have a stronger voice in how our services are reviewed and improved.
Read more on our website info.peabody.org.uk/competence-and conduct-standard
How your feedback is improving repairs Repairs come through as residents' biggest priority in our Tenant Satisfaction Measures, resident surveys and complaints. A group of residents have reviewed our repairs service from start to finish. They looked at every stage of the process, spoke with colleagues and contractors and identified what works well and where we can improve.
9
Their recommendations focused on the issues residents tell us matter most: • Improving communication throughout a repair, from reporting it to the work being completed • Making it easier to track progress through My Peabody • Reducing cancelled appointments and repeat visits • Creating a more consistent experience across different repair services • Using resident feedback and repairs data to identify recurring issues sooner We're now reviewing each recommendation and using them to inform the next phase of improvements. We'll continue to update you on what we’re changing and how it’s improving the repairs service. Thank you to everyone who has shared their feedback, completed a survey or taken part in resident groups. Your feedback is helping us improve our repairs service.
An update from our Resident-Led Panel
10
Welcome to our new Resident-Led Panel members We’ve welcomed six new members to the Resident-Led Panel (RLP). They are Abiola, Kevin, Melody, Rea-Renea, Troy and Vanessa. They join us alongside existing members Danny, Denise, Ingrid, John and Lisa. We work with Peabody to improve how residents are involved in decisions and to make sure residents’ voices help inform services. With new members on board, we’re looking forward to building on what we’ve already achieved. The new members represent communities across Peabody, including North Counties, North East London, North West London and South London. Having members from across our regions is really important and the new members bring this representation.
As they settle in, we’ll be using all our various skills in different areas to get to work. Over the next few months, we’ll be meeting more residents at local events, focus groups and through feedback projects. If you have the chance to get involved, we’d encourage you to take part. Peabody wants to work with residents and we’d urge you to take them up on that mission! Meanwhile, one of the RLP’s first priorities is sustainability. This includes environmental, financial and cost-of-living sustainability issues. If you’d like to be involved or find out more, please email get.involved@peabody.org.uk
An update from your North Counties Regional Forum What you've told us and what's happening next Your North Counties Regional Forum gives you a say on services where you live. At our latest meeting, residents and colleagues discussed service performance, neighbourhood priorities and how we can improve communication and residents getting involved.
Better neighbourhoods and stronger communication You told us that flexibility is important when it comes to getting involved. Following positive feedback from recent evening drop-in sessions in Hitchin, where residents met directly with Neighbourhood, Repairs, Wellbeing and Community Safety teams, we're continuing to trial a mix of evening and online engagement opportunities. You told us these sessions made it easier to speak with colleagues and raise issues at times that fit around work and other commitments. We'll continue building on this to give more residents the opportunity to have their say. You also heard about our Better Neighbourhoods programme, which includes estate walkabouts, drop-in sessions, improved noticeboards and new neighbourhood webpages. You told us that you welcomed improvements to local noticeboards. You also suggested including more local information, such as details of nearby community services. We've designed new neighbourhood webpages with resident feedback. These will include key local information, contacts, community updates, contractor details and guidance on getting help when issues arise.
11
Improving repairs You heard about a local repairs pilot in Essex that grouped repairs by area, helping contractors resolve multiple issues in one visit. The approach reduced delays, improved efficiency and received positive feedback from residents. We're now exploring how the learning could be used more widely. We'll keep updating you on the progress we've made and the changes you've asked us to make.
Working together to solve local issues You raised concerns about how we and other organisations keep you updated when we're working together to resolve issues, such as Universal Credit rent payments and parking. We're looking at how we work with organisations you rely on and how we can keep you better informed. You also heard about future opportunities to get involved, including reviewing anonymised complaints to identify common themes and taking part in work around damp and mould later this year.
Want to get involved? Come along to a Regional Forum to share your views and help improve services in your area. Find out when the next meeting is or join Peabody Voice. info.peabody.org.uk/forum-voice
Want to feel healthier but don't know where to start? Choose You is a free service for people who live or work in Bedford, Central Bedfordshire or Milton Keynes. Whether you want to stop smoking, lose weight or build healthier habits, you can get expert support through one-to-one coaching, group sessions and self-help tools. You can refer yourself directly, so there's no need to go through your GP. chooseyou.co.uk Choose You is part of The Healthy Places and Communities Partnership, made up of housing providers Peabody, Amplius and bpha alongside Public Health, BeActive Bedfordshire and the Chartered Institute of Housing. 12
Come and have a BLAST at The Barn in Blackbird Leys Interested in science and technology? Join us for a day of family fun at this year's BLAST event on Tuesday 27 October. Blackbird Leys Awesome Science and Technology (BLAST) is a chance to meet scientists and engineers working on solutions to some of our biggest challenges, from life on Earth to our own bodies and beyond. Get hands-on with experiments, watch exciting demonstrations and meet the experts. No need to book, just come along between 11am and 5pm. Find out more about this and other events: if-oxford.com/event/blast-2
Find out what else is on at The Barn or how to hire the space thebarn@peabody.org.uk 0300 123 3456 info.peabody.org.uk/the-barn
BLAST is part of IF Oxford (Oxford Science and Ideas Festival). Details correct at the time of going to print.
13
Hire Dee Space Community Centre
Thurso Close, Reading RG30 4YH Looking for a space to hire in Reading? Dee Space Community Centre has rooms available to hire for events, celebrations and activities. It’s available seven days a week from 9am to 10pm.
What you’ll find: • Fully equipped kitchen • Accessible building and toilets
Main hall
• Free parking and café with Wi-Fi
Space for 80 people standing and 60 seated
14
Meeting room Space for 10 people seated
What’s on? Free and low-cost classes, workshops and groups throughout the day for families, young people and all ages, including arts and crafts, music, computing, cooking, science classes, board games and Joy’s café.
Contact us Get in touch for prices, availability and details on what’s on. info.peabody.org.uk/community-spaces DeeSpaceCommunityCentre@ peabody.org.uk
Borrow a book at Dee Space Community Centre We’re installing a permanent vending library at Dee Space, working with Reading Borough Council. From this month, you can borrow books for all ages and interests. All you need is a Reading Borough Council library card. You can sign up online or at the centre, where the library team will be on hand to help. You can also contact Sophie Hawley, Community Investment Lead, at sophie.hawley@peabody.org.uk for more information.
15
My Peabody, your home Tap, track, tick Got a repair? Skip the hold music. My Peabody is the quickest and easiest way to manage your home, whenever it suits you. You can use My Peabody to: • Raise and track repairs • Pay your rent • Update your details • Find information about your home
Manage your home in minutes: info.peabody.org.uk/online-account
16
Did you enjoy this edition of Home? We’d love your feedback. Tell us what you liked, what could be better and what you’d like to see next. Share your thoughts: info.peabody.org.uk/magazine-survey
Here to help, Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm Call us
Online
0300 123 3456 Calling when our phone lines open at 8am is often the quickest time to get through. If you can't call then, 11.30am to 3.30pm is usually quieter. Mondays and Tuesdays are our busiest days, so if you can, try to call at another time.
Write to us P eabody
45 Westminster Bridge Road London SE1 7JB
Find information or get in touch online. We usually reply within 48 hours. peabody.org.uk/contact-us
Live Chat NEED A QUICK ? R ANSWE
Our Live Chat team usually replies in under 30 seconds. Start a chat on our website without waiting on the phone.
Facebook Message us at @PeabodyLDN
Please recycle this magazine.