Welcome to your Summer Newsletter!
Early April we asked for your feedback and have taken your comments on board with a redesign that makes the information easier to access and read.
The updates remain relevant and seasonal, along with news articles.
We hope you love the new design as much as we do and as always, we are more than happy to continue receiving your feedback to ensure the news we send is in a format that’s suitable to you, our tenant.
Leaving feedback takes 2 minutes and can be accessed here:
Join Us for the 14th Annual Tenants Conference!
Following the incredible success of last year’s event, we are thrilled to invite you to our 14th Annual Tenants Conference!
Seamill Hydro
39 Ardrossan Road, KA23 9NB
Tuesday
June 24, 2025
Opens
10:00am – 4:00pm
Why Attend? This completely FREE event is designed with our tenants in mind. Here’s what you can look forward to:
- Free Transport – We provide free transport to and from the event.
- Information Village – Get answers to your questions along with some freebies!
- Informative Presentations – Gain insights on topics that matter to you.
- Money Advice – Get expert guidance on managing finances.
- Free Buffet Lunch – Enjoy a delicious meal on us!
- Bingo, Raffle & Prizes – Have fun and take home some great prizes.
Fill out the form below to confirm your attendance today!
Tenant Engagement
Over the last few months our tenant and residents groups have been busy planning, organising and participating within our communities.
Take a look at what they’ve been up to.
Ardrossan Easter Event
The Ardrossan tenants & residents group hosted their annual Easter event on 9th April 2025. The event took place at the Ardrossan Community Development Trust, Hub on the Prom and was attended by more than 75 families.
The children embarked on a scavenger hunt and a colouring competition. The children were given an Easter egg and a goodie bag. The feedback from the participants was very positive and they have asked about similar upcoming events which the group are currently working towards.
Congratulations to Harley, our Easter egg colouring competition winner!
Watch out for the next event on our website and social media:
Cunninghame Forum
The Largs tenants and residents group hosted the first Cunninghame Forum event of the year on 29 April 2025. Our registered groups attended the event and visited Garrison House in Millport as the chosen place of interest.
The groups took a tour of the Museum and were given an overview of the history of Garrison House by John Burtt, a Millport resident, who was part of the group who helped save Garrison House.
Estate Walkabouts
Residents in Annan took part in an organised estate walkabout which was arranged due to ongoing issues with access into their area. The walkaround visit was also attended by staff from CHA’s Housing and Development Teams to ensure the correct information was provided to the group.
Do you have any problems within your estate?
Estate walkabouts provide our residents a platform to work alongside our staff and highlight any issues within your local area.
Cunninghame Scrutiny Group
The Cunninghame Scrutiny Group have recently completed a survey of users of the Lemon Aid service as part of their current exercise. The group are beginning to formulate a recommendation paper for review and an action plan will follow soon after.
The Scrutiny Group will also be assisting in the tenant satisfaction survey which is scheduled to take place during July and August 2025.
Get Involved
Are you interested in helping your community? Our groups help provide a platform for you to make a difference.
Tenant & Residents groups continue to meet on a 4-weekly basis and are always looking for new faces to become involved. There are a number of ways in which you can participate in the groups. If you have any questions or ideas on ways which your area would benefit, please get in touch on:
Tenant Spotlight, Margaret Brown
Are you interested in helping your community? Our groups help provide a platform for you to make a difference.
Tenant & Residents groups continue to meet on a 4-weekly basis and are always looking for new faces to become involved. There are a number of ways in which you can participate. If you have any questions or ideas on ways which your area would benefit, please get in touch on:
How do you feel about CHA?
I have been part of the Largs group since the completion of my new home, which is now almost 8 years. I really enjoy the group meetings and events and I believe the group is a great platform to form new friendships.
What has been the most enjoyable tenant event?
The most enjoyable event that I have taken part in was the TIS awards conference which was held in the Central Hotel in Glasgow. The event was very well done and I particularly enjoyed the guest speakers, they were very interesting.
What would you like to see more of?
I would like to see more external members becoming involved with the group. A lot of the issues we face could be Police Scotland or North Ayrshire Council’s remit, and it would be great to see representatives from their organisations liaising with us.
Do you feel CHA are an effective landlord?
I feel that CHA are very effective as a Landlord, particularly in listening to their tenants. I believe the feedback given at our meetings are addressed and the communication is often prompt in between.
Garden Maintenance
There has been a change to our garden maintenance contract. The service is provided throughout the year with both a summer and winter service and ongoing estate services carried out as required to our stock.
Our contracted maintenance team carry out their duties over the course of each year. Within your area, the team carry out:
x12
Grass Cutting
x2
Weed removal
x12
Litter Picking
x4
Shrub Beds
Garden Competition
Our ever popular competition is open to all gardening enthusiasts – whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding gardener!
Do you have green fingers? Enter our Garden Competition 2025 and showcase your outdoor oasis!
Judging will take place in July/August 2025. Our judging panel are made up of two Board members and two members of our tenants and residents groups. Click the button below to enter today!
Financial Wellbeing
School Clothing Grant
The school clothing grant applications are now open. If you are in receipt of certain welfare benefits you may be entitled to this grant, £120.00 per child for primary school children and £150.00 per child for secondary.
To apply for a clothing grant online, follow these steps:
- Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria for the clothing grant.
- Visit Your Local Council’s Website: You need to apply for the grant through your local council. Check their website for specific application details and deadlines.
- Apply Online: If you do not receive your payment automatically, you can apply online through the local council’s application portal.
Free School Meals
All children in primary 1 to 5, at schools run by their local authority or funded by the Scottish Government, can get free school lunches during term-time. Your financial circumstances do not matter.
Local Authorities are encouraging families to take up the offer of free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils, if they are eligible to do so. Families who are not currently eligible for free school meals but are in receipt of the Scottish Child Payment will be eligible to access free school meals for primary 6 and 7 pupils.
Currently, the Scottish Government’s universal free school meal provision covers all primary 1 to primary 5 pupils. That provision is now expanding to include this wider group of children, meaning that even more children will be entitled to a free school meal during term.
Universal Credit Migration
Tenants continue to receive Migration Notice’s from Universal Credit advising that they must make a claim before a specific date (to prevent other benefits being stopped including housing benefit).
Paying Your Rent
We understand during the summer months there may be demands on your finances, and rent may not be a priority. Please contact us before you make the decision not to make rent your priority.
You can call us on 01294 607553.
Contact Leanne Morrison, Financial Wellbeing Officer for advice and assistance, who can discuss with you the best date to submit your claim, UC processing times, payment date and for help making your claim online.
Privacy Notice
We’ve updated our Privacy Notice to provide clearer information about how we collect, use, and protect your personal data. Key updates include:
- More detail on your data rights
- How we use your information
- How to contact us with questions
Wildfires
With dry weather pushing wildfire risk to extreme levels, we all need to do our part to prevent them. Although recent fires in Galloway Forest Park are under control, conditions remain dangerously dry.
Wildfires are a huge threat to people, wildlife and our natural environment. They have many causes and we’re asking you to do what YOU can to help prevent them by learning more and taking care. Click the button to find out more:
Radio Teleswitch Meter Change
Do you have a Radio Teleswitch (RTS) meter? If so, your home’s electricity supply could soon be at risk.
The RTS system will be switched off on 30 June, 2025. After this, your meter may stop working properly – risking loss of heating, hot water, or cheaper off-peak rates.
Click the button below to find out more:
Lemon Aid Fuel Poverty Advice Service
Why does summer help you save?
Summer is a great time to get ahead on your energy bills. With lower usage and potentially cheaper prices, it’s easier to reduce debt or build up credit before winter hits.
- Lower energy use: With heating off and longer daylight hours, bills are often lower—freeing up money to pay off debt.
- Cheaper prices: Energy costs may drop in summer if the price cap goes down, making bills more manageable.
- Build credit now: Paying a bit more during low-use months can help create a buffer for winter, avoiding future debt.
- Get support: The Lemon Aid team may be able to help you find funding to reduce your energy debt.
Summer Saving Tips
Looking to save on energy without spending a penny? Try these simple, no-cost tips:
With heating off and longer daylight hours, bills are often lower—freeing up money to pay off debt.
Air-dry your laundry – use a clothesline or indoor airer instead of a tumble dryer.
Check your indoor and outdoor taps – don’t let water run unnecessarily; every drop counts.
Use natural light – turn off lights during the day and make the most of the sunshine.
Being A Good Neighbour
Summer has finally arrived! As the days grow longer and the weather warmer (hopefully), the summer season is a good time to remind ourselves of the importance of being a responsible tenant and considerate neighbour.
Here’s a few gentle reminders for keeping our communities safe and pleasant places to live this summer:
Outdoor Gatherings
Summer often means more time spent in the garden. If you’re hosting this summer, please keep music and chatter to a neighbour friendly level, and wrap up garden gatherings at a reasonable hour.
If you’re planning something special, giving your neighbours a heads up is always appreciated – a little courtesy goes a long way!
Noise Awareness
With windows open and outdoor activities in full swing, sound tends to travel more easily. Keeping noise to a respectful level helps maintain good relationships with your neighbour. Whether it’s music, conversation, or DIY projects, remember, what’s fun for one person can be disruptive for another – especially late at night.
Pets
Pets enjoy the sunshine too, but it’s important to ensure they don’t become a nuisance. Make sure your pets are safe, secure, and you clear up any fouling that may occur.
Rubbish and Cleanliness
Warmer weather can make waste more noticeable. Making sure rubbish goes in the correct bins, BBQ waste is disposed of safely, and bottles or litter aren’t left lying around ensures shared areas are kept clean and tidy for everyone’s enjoyment.
Thank you for helping to make our neighbourhoods great places to live –
here’s to a safe, enjoyable summer for everyone.
If you experience anti-social behaviour this summer, please contact us on 01294 607553..
Cunninghame Furniture Recycling Company
Are you looking to furnish on a budget with affordable, quality reuse furniture?
Follow CFRC on Facebook where new products are posted everyday!
Visit our huge Irvine showroom for affordable reuse furniture, bed, and much more at Unit 68, Third Avenue, Irvine, KA12 8LT
We also offer FREE Ayrshire collections of your unwanted reusable furniture!