Welcome to the first edition of your local newsletter. You’ve asked us to bring you relevant community news about the local area, and we hope you’ll enjoy this and find it useful.
A note from your Neighbourhood Manager
Hi!
I’m Efosa Eweka-Okera, the Neighbourhood Manager for Whitecross.
I’ve been working here since 2024, having previously spent some time working with residents at Peabody’s head office.
I’m here to help you with all of your housing needs and questions. The fastest and easiest way to report your repairs needs is by using our My Peabody portal, or by calling our contact centre on 0300 123 3456.
If you’d like to talk about other issues to do with your tenancy, you can make an appointment with me to speak privately. The details are on the right. I may not be able to help immediately, but I will listen, and I will do my best to help you get whatever help or support you may need in your home.
I look forward to seeing you all on my regular visits to Peabody homes in the area.
How to contact Efosa
You can now book an appointment to speak with Efosa either in person or online.
You can book either a 15 or 30 minute meeting with Efosa by visiting her booking page below.
Appointments are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
bit.ly/EfosaWhitecross
You told us, we acted
A brighter look for Whitecross
If you’ve recently walked through the entrances of some of the Whitecross buildings, you may have noticed things looking a little brighter.
A comment from a resident about how the boards had old and irrelevant information led to our Project Place Manager Sarah visiting notice boards across the estate.
The boards have been refreshed with new, useful information, including introductions to our Neighbourhoods and Repairs teams.
Managing loose wiring
You also told us about an ongoing issue with wires hanging in the central courtyard.
These wires were starting to creep towards head high, and residents were concerned about safety.
We worked with East West Connect, our electrical contractor to bring them out to Whitecross to secure the wires. They looked at all of the affected areas, and made sure that everything was working correctly, and that all the wires were made safe with appropriate equipment.
We’re hopeful that this will stop the issues and make things neater, but please let us know if you spot a problem.
Could a housing career be in your future?
Thinking about going to university, but worried about the costs? The Social Housing Scholarships Programme could help.
If you or someone in your household:
• live in social housing
• want to go to university
• plan to study a course that will positively impact your community
We’re offering:
• up to £18,000 you won’t have to repay
• mentoring and career support
• connections with employers across the housing sector
Whether you’re planning your own next step or supporting someone else, this could help open up new opportunities.
Find out more and apply:
pp y
Taking care of eachother this summer
As excitement builds for the football World Cup, many residents will be looking forward to supporting their teams and enjoying the shared atmosphere. While these events can bring communities together, they can also present challenges.
During tournaments, there may be an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour, particularly around match times. Celebrating is part of the fun, but please be mindful of neighbours, especially later in the evening. With more children inspired to play outside, we encourage safe, considerate play that avoids disruption or damage.
It’s also important to recognise that incidents of domestic abuse can rise during major sporting events, often linked to alcohol use and heightened emotions. Support is available, and no one should feel they have to cope alone.
Reporting concerns
Report Anti-Social Behaviour
Raise a concern about Domestic Abuse
In an emergency, or if someone is in danger, call 999.
Reporting repairs at Whitecross
Wates, who look after repairs in homes and in some shared areas of Whitecross are based in the Community Centre every Thursday until 9 July.
Residents are welcome to drop into the Centre and speak with Maciej (pronounced Magic) and Donovan about any repairs needs that you may have.
We also hold a monthly repairs surgery at St Luke’s Community Centre.
Thursday 9 July 10.30am-2pm Thursday 13 August 3pm-6.30pm
Staying safe
As the weather gets nicer, it’s important that we all follow some important safety guidance to keep everyone safe:
Do:
Keep all outdoor areas free of belongings. This includes bikes, toys, pushchairs, and furniture.
Charge your e‐bike or e‐scooter indoors where you can keep an eye on it.
Use the original charger that meets safety standards.
Test your smoke alarm regularly.
Don’t:
Leave belongings outside your home. Items left in hallways and entrance areas can be removed without warning as they block emergency exits.
Have barbeques on your balcony or outside walkway
Leave your e‐bike or e‐scooter charging overnight or while you’re out.
You can find more fire‐safety guidance on our website.
peabody.org.uk/fire-safety
Advice & Wellbeing hubs
Residents at Whitecross are invited to come along to the monthly Advice and Wellbeing Hub that takes place every second Thursday of the month.
Held at St Luke’s Community Centre on Central Street, these drop-in sessions give residents the chance to access free, confidential and practical advice around mental, emotional and physical wellbeing from our advice and wellbeing team and specialist local partners.
The next session is being held on Thursday 11 June from 10.30am-2pm. Everyone is welcome to come along, have a hot drink, and chat about anything that is on your mind. https://www.peabody.org.uk/suppo rting-you/advice-and-wellbeing/
Contact us
Phone 0300 123 3456
Website peabody.org.uk/contact-us Post 45 Westminster Bridge Road, London, SE1 7JB
