Coronavirus update - June 2020
Posted on: 12 Jun 20
We understand that we remain in uncertain and worrying times and Trident Group continues to follow Government advice and guidance from Public Health England regarding Covid-19 (coronavirus).
Trident Group are committed to ensuring that we keep all our residents, customers and staff as safe as possible and our Business Continuity Team is meeting regularly and updating our plans.
Our central office at Holliday Street, Birmingham, remains open, but we have reduced the level of staff by implementing a rota and installed infection control measures and procedures. This will help to safeguard the services we offer to residents and core business functions. However to maintain your health and safety and minimise your risk of catching the virus we ask that if you want to contact us you do so either by calling us on 0121 633 4633 or by emailing reception@tridentgroup.org.uk
The latest information and facts about Coronavirus (COVID-19) is available on the Government website
The latest information from Government for guidance to residents can be accessed using the link below. There is really useful advice about paying your rent and also reminds you how important it is to contact your Landlord as soon as you can to discuss any financial worries or loss of income, so we can help you access benefit advice. There is lots of information on this site, is easy to navigate and has the answers to many of the questions you may have.
On 18 May 2020 the Minister for Housing issued a letter setting out the measures to support social housing residents during the next phase towards re-opening society. To read this letter, click the link below:
Letter to social housing residents
The Government has said that vulnerable people at a higher risk of illness have been receiving letters from the NHS. If you receive one of these letters, please let your Locality Officer know. You can contact your Locality Officer by emailing them at LocalityTeam@tridentgroup.org.uk or by calling 0121 633 4633.
We want to make sure that we are providing as much support to our residents as possible, and it is important that we know who is most vulnerable so we can ensure we support you in the most effective way.
It is important that we look after each other during this difficult time. If your neighbours are vulnerable or elderly and are also Trident Group residents then please let your Locality Officer know if you are worried about them or think they may need additional help or support.
Locality Team
Following Government guidelines, our Locality Officers will be undertaking emergency and essential visits ONLY. All non-essential contact will be by phone or email so please ensure that we have your most up-to-date contact details – phone number, email address and an alternative emergency contact – on our system. You can do this by contacting the team on 0121 633 4633 or emailing LocalityTeam@tridentgroup.org.uk
Moving Home
The Government has made changes to legislation to make clear that people who wish to move home can now do so. This change will apply to tenants who are seeking to transfer, move into alternative accommodation in the private rented sector, or mutually exchange. You are strongly advised to read the Government Guidance (click link below) if you are considering moving home during this time.
Advice on moving home during pandemic
If you have any questions about the guidance or how it applies to you, you are encouraged to speak with your Locality Officer.
Paying Rent
During this period, you should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of your tenancy agreement to the best of your ability.
If you are worried or having trouble paying your rent you should speak to your Locality Officer or Intensive Housing Management Officer who will offer support and be able to give you further advice based on your circumstances and also link you to our specialist Welfare Support Officer, who will assist you in accessing financial support from the Government via Housing Benefit or the rent element of Universal Credit. If you are unsure about how to claim, then we will be able to help. The sooner you let us know the sooner we can start to help and support you.
We still need to collect our rent in order to be able to provide services to you but we won’t evict anyone to recover arrears during this crisis. However, it is important that you tell us and we can work with you to find an affordable solution.
Wellbeing
The coronavirus outbreak has had an effect on everyone’s daily lives. The Government has produced a number of guides (click the link below) that provide advice on how to look after your mental health and wellbeing.
Looking after your mental health and wellbeing
Staying at home to stay safe should not lead to you becoming lonely. If you are feeling isolated or lonely there are a number of organisations you can talk to. You can find more information by clicking HERE.
Anti-Social Behaviour
With most people spending their time at home to comply with the Government guidance, we ask residents and customers to please be considerate towards your neighbours. We realise that it will be a difficult time for families who are confined to their homes, but be aware of levels of noise and the impact that this may have on others.
If you do need to report instances of anti-social behaviour or need advice on how to deal with it then please contact our Community Safety Team on 0121 633 4633 or email the team via ASBGroup@tridentgroup.org.uk
Domestic Abuse
Our care and support charity, Trident Reach, runs a number of domestic violence services in Birmingham and Derbyshire.
If you need help or support in Birmingham, please contact our helpline 0800 111 4223
If you need help and support in Derbyshire, please contact our helpline 0800 008 6630
Always call 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger, or if a crime is in progress.
You can find details of other organisations that can provide help and support below:
Home Office advice
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/domestic-abuse-how-to-get-help
West Midlands Police Domestic Abuse support
https://www.west-midlands.police.uk/your-options/domestic-abuse
Refuge – supports women, children and men experiencing domestic violence with a range of services.
https://www.refuge.org.uk/
National Domestic Violence Helpline
0808 2000 247
www.nationaldomesticviolencehelpline.org.uk
For Help Text ‘NCDV’ to 60777
Galop (for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people)
0800 999 5428
www.galop.org.uk
Men’s Advice Line
0808 801 0327
www.mensadviceline.org.uk
We at Trident Group would like to thank you for your patience as we continue working to maintain and deliver our services and keep you safe in your home during this unprecedented situation.
Stay safe and look after each other.
Helen Litherland
Executive Lead for Housing, Care and Support