Longer days are here, school’s out soon and there’s plenty going on in your community.
Inside, you’ll find ideas to help you make the most of the warmer months without spending a lot. From free days out to keeping the kids busy, we’ve got you covered on page 3. There are also simple tips to help you stay cool and safe as the weather warms up on page 4.
To see how we’re doing and how your feedback is helping us improve services, turn to pages 8 to 11. You’ll find our latest Tenant Satisfaction Measures, what’s changed because of what you’ve told us and how you can get involved.
You can also hear from our Resident-Led Panel on page 10, where they share updates on their review of the repairs journey and how you can help get more residents involved.
You’ll find updates from your local team, what’s happening in your area and support available if you need it.
If there’s something you’d like to see next time, let us know.
Wishing you a great summer!
With best wishes,
Wells Chomutare Managing Director | South London
School’s out! Summer fun for less
Make the most of summer with free and low-cost activities, local days out and simple ideas to keep the kids busy.
See what’s on locally
Your local community centre regularly runs free and low-cost activities, like crafts workshops, yoga sessions and dance classes.
info.peabody.org.uk/community-spaces
Explore the outdoors
Short walks, picnics and days out are great ways to enjoy your local area without spending much.
Find your local park: bit.ly/local_parks
Eat for less
Many restaurants offer free or discounted meals for children during the school holidays. bit.ly/eating-for-less
Easy crafts for rainy days
Children can have fun at home with a few things you might already have. Make things like slime, pet rocks or even a fairy garden.
If things feel a bit difficult over the summer, support is available. You can get help with food, money, wellbeing and more.
Find support: peabody.org.uk/supporting-you
Food banks near you
Find your nearest food bank and support: peabody.org.uk/food-banks
Your space in bloom
Got a garden, balcony or windowsill in bloom? We’d love to see it.
Share your space for a chance to win a summer gardening bundle, including a pot and plant for indoors or outdoors.
To enter:
• Snap a photo of your space
• Submit it online
• Enter by Friday 31 July info.peabody.org.uk/competition
T&Cs apply
Hot weather tips for summer days
Sunny days are here, but hot weather can catch you off guard. Here are some simple ways to enjoy the sunshine and stay cool.
Drink more water
Keep water close by and sip throughout the day. If you’re feeling thirsty you may already be dehydrated.
Stay out of the heat
Try to stay in the shade or indoors during the hottest part of the day, from 11am to 3pm. If children are outside, try to keep them in the shade and wearing a sun hat.
Make a plan
Plan your day around the hottest hours. Buses, trains and even cars (without air con) can heat up quickly, so it helps to think ahead.
Keep your home cool
Close curtains or blinds when the sun is strongest to keep rooms cooler. Open windows early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cooler.
Keep heat to a minimum
Avoid using appliances that give off heat, like dryers, ovens or dishwashers.
Use fans
Fans can help if it’s below 35°C. Place them near windows to bring in cooler air in the evening or early morning.
Look out for each other
If you’re worried about a neighbour, a quick check-in, knock on the door or message can really help.
Visit a
cool space
On hot days, there are indoor spaces across London where you can cool down, rest and get out of the sun.
Visit apps.london.gov.uk/cool-spaces
Feeling unwell in the heat?
Look out for signs of heat exhaustion like headaches, sweating, a rapid weak pulse, feeling very thirsty or feeling sick.
If this happens, move somewhere cool, drink water and place a damp cloth on your neck or forehead.
If you’re worried, call your doctor or NHS 111 for advice.
When to get urgent help
If someone seems very unwell, has a high temperature, a rapid strong pulse, headaches, nausea or stops sweating, call 999 straight away. This could be heatstroke, which needs urgent medical help.
Find out more at info.peabody.org.uk/heatstroke
Bringing job opportunities closer to home
Finding the right job can feel tough, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s why we recently hosted a free jobs fair.
More than 500 people came along, including residents to meet over 40 employers and training providers, all in one place. It was a chance to see what's out there and speak directly to organisations that are hiring.
There were roles across lots of areas, including construction, retail, healthcare and office-based work.
Alongside job opportunities, people could get practical support to build their confidence and skills. This included CV advice, careers guidance, training information and a free professional LinkedIn headshot.
If you’re thinking about your next step, events like this can help you build confidence and see what’s out there.
Couldn’t make it this time? Keep an eye out for future events.
E-bike batteries can cause a deadly fire in minutes.
Reduce the risk by
Charging while you’re awake
Checking the battery before and while it’s charging. Stop charging if it looks, smells or sounds unusual
Using the charger supplied with your device
Avoiding cheap batteries, DIY conversions and unofficial parts
Keeping e-bikes, e-scooters and batteries away from doors, hallways and escape routes
If a fire starts:
• Get out
• Shut the door
• Call 999
Read our safety advice on our website peabody.org.uk/e-bike-safety
Visit the London Fire Brigade website london-fire.gov.uk/safety/e-bikes-and-e-scooters
Being a good neighbour this summer
Summer often means children playing outside and neighbours spending more time together, so you may notice more noise than usual.
Everyday activities like ball games or socialising outdoors are part of community life and aren’t usually antisocial behaviour (ASB).
ASB is things like regular late-night parties, loud music in the early hours, verbal abuse or graffiti.
If something’s bothering you
If you’re finding something difficult with a neighbour, a simple conversation can often help. Your neighbour may not realise they’re causing a problem.
When you speak to your neighbour, try to keep things calm and respectful. Explain how the issue is affecting you. If you’ve noticed a change in behaviour, it could be linked to something they’re going through.
If you feel unsafe or threatened, call the police first. In an emergency, call 999. If it’s not an emergency, call 101.
Being a good neighbour: peabody.org.uk/good-neighbour
If a chat doesn’t help, get in touch
What ASB is and how to report it info.peabody.org.uk/safe-community
Listen to our podcast info.peabody.org.uk/asb-podcast
Report anonymously via Crimestoppers crimestoppers-uk.org
If you’re worried about your own wellbeing or someone else’s, you can also contact Samaritans for free, confidential support.
Looking out for yourself and others
If you’re experiencing domestic abuse or something doesn’t feel right at home, it can be hard to know what to do or who to talk to.
Events like the World Cup can bring people together, but we know reports of domestic abuse can increase during this time. Support is here if you need it.
If you’re worried about your own situation or someone else’s, you can get help.
Contact the National Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 2000 247. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day.
Find more Safe Places safeplaces.org.uk Get support
info.peabody.org.uk/abuse-support
How we're doing
Tenant Satisfaction Measures
We’re committed to providing quality homes and services and listening and acting on your feedback. Our Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSMs) help us understand what’s working well and where we need to improve.
The latest measures:
67%
feel your home is safe 64% feel happy with the repairs service feel your home is well maintained feel kept informed 63% 65% feel listened to 47% are satisfied with how complaints are handled 24%
What do the results tell us?
We’ve made progress, but there’s still more to do. We’re acting on your feedback to improve homes, services and communication.
What we're doing to improve
Taking care of your home
We’re strengthening local repairs services by hiring more colleagues and improving how we manage contractors working in your home. Digital tools like My Peabody help us track appointments and sort repairs more quickly.
Keeping you safe
We’ve continued fire safety works and improved safety checks across our buildings, including fixing fire risks and carrying out electrical checks.
Clearer Service Standards
We worked with residents to introduce new Service Standards, setting out what you can expect from us.
Managing complaints better
We’ve improved how we handle complaints, focusing on resolving issues faster and learning from feedback.
Better communication
Our colleagues are completing better writing training, so our letters and updates are clearer and easier to understand.
Listening and acting on your feedback
More residents are shaping our services through panels, forums and local groups. This helps make sure resident feedback leads to action. You can read more about this in our Resident Engagement Strategy: info.peabody.org.uk/residentengagement-strategy
Supporting homeowners
We’ve reviewed service charges, management fees and billing processes to make things clearer and easier for homeowners.
Investing in homes and neighbourhoods
We’re continuing to improve homes with upgrades to kitchens, boilers and windows, while building new homes and working with residents and partners to improve neighbourhoods.
Better systems and support
We’re improving our technology and systems to make it easier for you to contact us and get support, including through Live Chat.
Our latest inspection result: what it means for you Service Standards
Safe
homes, reliable services and listening to residents are all part of what you should expect from us.
The Regulator of Social Housing recently inspected us to look at how well we’re delivering these services. We received the following ratings, where 1 is the highest and 4 the lowest:
• G1 for Governance
• V2 for Viability
• C2 for Consumer Standards
Our G1 and V2 ratings are unchanged, meaning we’re well run and financially stable. The C2 rating is the first time we’ve been assessed for the new consumer standards and shows we need to improve some services.
The regulator highlighted areas where we need to do better:
• Completing repairs on time and getting them right first time
• Responding faster to damp and mould
• Improving how we handle complaints
• Using feedback and data to improve services We’ve already made changes, including new Service Standards, improving repairs and how we handle complaints and feedback.
We know there’s more to do. Our focus is on more reliable services, faster repairs and clearer communication. We’ll keep you updated on our progress.
Our Service Standards explain what you can expect from us and help make our services more consistent.
You’ve told us you want faster replies and clearer updates. Since October, we’ve resolved over 117,000 queries on the same day and 66% of queries received a response within five working days.
If we’re not able to fix something straight away, we’ll get back to you within five working days. We’ll explain what’s happening and what happens next, so you’re not left chasing updates.
Our three-year plan – what it means for you
Last year, we launched our threeyear plan based on what you told us matters most.
You asked for better repairs, clearer communication, well-kept neighbourhoods and an easier way to raise issues.
A big focus is listening to your concerns and acting quickly.
What we’re focusing on:
• Faster repairs that work first time, with clearer updates
• Better communication and clearer Service Standards
• Improving how we deal with complaints and using feedback to fix issues sooner
• More local teams out in your neighbourhoods
• Making service charges clearer for homeowners We’ll keep listening and acting on what you tell us.
A note from your Resident-Led Panel
We’re your Resident-Led Panel (RLP), here to fully represent you and make sure your voices are heard at Peabody
We’re sharing regular updates in Home magazine about what we’re working on and how your homes are managed and, more importantly, cared for by Peabody.
To begin, we wanted to let you know about some of the things we’ve already achieved and what we’re working on at the moment.
You may know we’ve been recruiting new members to join the panel. Applications are in and following interviews we’ll let you know who the new members are in the next edition of Home.
We’ve formed a Scrutiny Bank to review issues raised by residents and look at how Peabody responds to fix those problems and ensure they don’t happen again.
Using your feedback, we’ve now started our third scrutiny project, focusing on repairs, one of the biggest priorities raised by residents. We’re mapping out the full repairs journey and speaking with teams across repairs, the Contact Centre and neighbourhoods to understand how everything works behind the scenes. We’ll also be looking at how resident feedback is listened to and acted on, helping inform our recommendations for what should happen next.
One project we’re very proud of is working with the North West London Repairs team to set up a Repairs Hub in North Kensington on the Portobello Road. We hope this makes it easier for residents to report repairs and get support locally, with similar hubs introduced in more areas in the future.
Lastly, but certainly not least, we’d love your suggestions on how we can encourage younger residents and teenagers to make their voices heard. Please send your thoughts to get.involved@peabody.org.uk .
Look out for regular updates.
The RLP
Denise (right), RLP member
Ingrid (right), RLP member
South London Regional Forum:
What you’ve told us and what’s happening next
Your South London Regional Forum gives you a say on services in your area. It’s your chance to share your views, hear updates and help improve things where you live.
In February, you met with Peabody colleagues to discuss how you experience our services day to day and what needs to improve:
Repairs and service reliability
You shared your experiences of repairs, including where things work well and where we need to improve. You discussed delays, missed appointments and the impact these issues can have.
Many repairs are carried out by our contractors, so we’re improving how we check this work is on track, with regular check ins from neighbourhood managers and surveyors. We also held a repairs-focused meeting in June to explore repair issues in more detail.
My Peabody
We discussed improving how repairs are tracked on My Peabody, including clearer information when repairs are cancelled. We’re also working to reduce repeat repairs and introduce new features to make managing appointments easier.
Digital tools shaped by residents
You saw plans for new neighbourhood website pages that will include local contacts, walkabout dates and local updates. You told us you’d like to see this information in one place, including contact details and dates for drop-in sessions and local inspections.
Residents also discussed how Peabody uses AI. There will be more opportunities for residents to help inform future priorities.
Over the coming months, we’ll focus on improving repairs, communication, damp and mould, community safety and digital tools, based on what you told us.
Want to get involved?
Join the next South London Regional Forum: Tuesday 8 September 6pm to 7pm
The Nest, 3 Cygnet Square, Thamesmead SE2 9FA
Find out more info.peabody.org.uk/regional-forums
How we're working with you to improve services
Our Resident Engagement Strategy sets out how, over the next three years, we'll keep listening and acting on what matters to you.
Read the strategy info.peabody.org.uk/ resident-engagement-strategy
Get involved info.peabody.org.uk/involvement
A fresh look for Southwark Street
If you’ve recently walked through Block A at Southwark Street, you may have noticed the floors look cleaner and brighter.
Over time, the concrete flooring had become heavily stained. Our caretaking team carried out a deep clean across all five levels, but this didn’t fully improve the appearance.
With no major works currently planned, we looked at other options. Painting the floors was the most practical way to improve the space. While this isn’t something we usually do, two experienced caretakers painted the stairwells and landings, working from the top floor down to create a consistent finish. Residents have already shared positive feedback about the difference it’s made. It’s a simple change that helps make shared spaces feel more welcoming for everyone.
Repairs day at Parkside
In March, our repairs teams and contractors spent the day at Parkside, fixing issues you told us about in a recent survey.
The visit was part of the repairs days we’ve been running across south London. Since February last year, we’ve held 18 sessions focused on fixing issues raised by residents, with more planned in the coming months.
Ahead of the day, around 20 residents reported repair issues. This meant the team could carry out over 20 repairs on the day, with follow-up appointments arranged for work that needed more time or specialist support.
The team also checked in with some residents who may need extra support to make sure they were safe and getting the help they need.
A member of the Resident-Led Panel joined the day and saw the work in action. They said it was good to see residents speaking directly with teams and getting issues sorted.
The day also gave us useful feedback, including that repairs need clearer planning and better follow-up. We’re already using this to improve future repairs days.
Thank you to everyone who came along and spoke to the team.
Rosendale Road: a place with a past
Rosendale Road in Lambeth has been home to generations of Londoners for more than a century.
Built between 1902 and 1908, the estate was designed to offer good-quality homes at a time of rapid change. With its red-brick blocks, traditional windows and rows of cottages, it stood out from other estates and still has a distinct character today.
From the start, this was a place built for community. Alongside 12 blocks of flats and 146 cottages, shared spaces brought people together. A community hall was added in 1913 and a year later residents gathered there to celebrate 50 years of Peabody.
The estate has also lived through difficult times. During the First World War, residents raised money to support those serving and to create the lych gate war memorial for 35 local men who lost their lives. In the Second World War, Rosendale Road suffered bomb damage and people sadly lost their lives.
Over the years, homes have been improved and updated to meet changing needs. From shared laundries and coal stores to modern kitchens and interiors, Rosendale Road has continued to evolve while keeping its original character.
Stronger Together food bank: here for you at Peabody Hill Community Centre
If you’re finding things difficult, support is available.
The Stronger Together food bank in Lambeth offers practical help, including emergency food and essential items. Whether you’re dealing with rising costs, unexpected bills or a change in circumstances, you can reach out.
More than food
When you visit, you’ll be welcomed in a friendly, supportive space.
You can also find support with things like your wellbeing, money and benefits or simply spend some time in a relaxed, welcoming space.
Come and visit
If you live in Lambeth and need support, the Stronger Together food bank is here for you.
Based at Peabody Hill Community Hall, Norwood, London, SE21 8LA
To find out more or get in touch, visit involve2evolvecic.co.uk
Get growing at Moorings Community Garden
Titmuss Avenue Community Garden at
The Moorings in Thamesmead is reopening and you can get involved.
It will be a place to grow food, share gardening skills and spend time together as a community.
Recent improvements have made the garden easier to use. New raised beds, a water supply on site and a smoother pathway mean more people can take part, whether you already enjoy gardening or want to try it for the first time.
Brighter Futures College, the team behind Camouflage Café at the Moorings Sociable Club, will run the space.
Students from Brighter Futures College will help care for the garden as part of their courses. This will give them a supportive place to build confidence, learn new skills and gain practical experience.
The garden will grow food that will be used at Camouflage Café, with extra fruit, vegetables and herbs shared with you to use at home.
There are also plans to use food grown in the garden for community meals, giving neighbours a chance to come together and enjoy something fresh and local.
The space will offer more than gardening. Future plans include an outdoor learning area, open-air cinema nights and evening events for residents.
We’ve recently invested in the garden to help make it more welcoming. Brighter Futures College will now bring the space to life, working with students and you to make it somewhere people can learn, grow and spend time together.
Find out more
To find out more about events, activities or getting involved, email info@camouflagecafe.co.uk
