Most of us agree that improvements to the security of our homes bring increased peace of mind, lessen the fear of crime and reduce the incidence of burglary. For many though, the cost of security measures, combined with a lack of knowledge of available products prevents them from taking steps to upgrade their home security.
For this reason the Government's Single Regeneration Budget contributes to a project, run by Moat Care and Repair, based in Hastings Town Centre.
Part of the project, Home Security, provides home security equipment and advice to private residents, offering security solutions including fitting locks, bolts, door chains and bars, and door viewers. The project originally focused on deprived wards but because of its success it has now extended throughout Hastings and St Leonards. If you receive benefits, are over 65 or have a physical disability (and have less the £3000 in savings), the service is free, apart from a donation - normally £10. If this doesn't apply to you, you can still get the same service, but you would pay the cost price of materials and the labour is completely free of charge. The purchase of a new lock and its installation normally costs around £100. Through the Home Security project the same service would cost £17 for the lock plus a donation.
The other part of the project provides two Community Caretakers, to help residents of private housing with any kind of job from fencing, clearing drains, concreting paths, and clearing rubbish. The jobs they undertake can be as small as changing a light bulb. This apparently insignificant task presents many difficulties for the elderly and those with limited mobility, and the Community Caretakers offer a cost-effective solution. The same criteria as the Home Security project applies, although this service is only available in Central St Leonards, Castle and Gensing wards. The Community Caretakers will also carry out works to community centres.
Since early 2000, funds managed by the Partnership have been paying for the labour costs, ensuring that vulnerable people can benefit from security and environmental improvements. Other funders include Sussex Police and Hastings Borough Council. So far, £44,000 has been contributed to the project and nearly 9000 people have benefitted.
Here's just one local person enthusing about his new-found "...sense of confidence inspired by the staff member dealing with advice and fitting." He was so pleased with the service that he even found time to write to the police officer who put him in touch with the project.
If you would like to improve the security of your home or need help from the Community Caretakers, ring the Security Project Administrator on 01424 721992.
Above and below: The new station structure takes shape next door to the existing building. The Governments Single Regeneration Budget, managed by Hastings Regeneration , is contributing nearly £750k to Network Rails £4.5m. Completion is expected this autumn 
The manager of Ore Valley Residents Service Organisation, received a certificate of recognition for commitment to local labour initiatives, from the chief executive of Rother Homes. After the presentation he said: "The award recognises the achievement of the RSO team and I was very pleased to accept it on their behalf. The project has created over five full time jobs and 63 training places so far this financial year.
Last Autumn we reported that MACA, the Mental Aftercare Association, would be offering a day support service from their new location at Carisbrooke House in central St Leonards.
Although we helped MACA acquire the premises, there have been difficulties and delays in the refurbishment process.
However, works are now complete and the support service begins in March. At the moment, a limited service is offered from the Community Resource Centre in Silchester Mews, another community facility supported by the Single Regeneration Budget.
Day support services offer people with mental health needs the opportunity to meet others in a similar situation. Attendees can also take part in a range of activities such as arts and crafts, sports, education and training, and music and relaxation classes. The service enables people to gain access to local resources such as advocacy, guidance on benefits and advice on general good health.
To learn more about the services offered by MACA at Carisbrooke House telephone 01424 434556
Partners/Partnerships
Special structures that exist to deliver particular programmes. They bring together a number of formal organisations, e.g. statutory authorities, private companies and voluntary organisations.
Sustainability
Using resources wisely so they meet the needs of the present whilst still being around for the future.
Mainstreaming
The directing of main programmes of public services to meet the needs of people living in deprived neighbourhoods, without the need for supplementary programmes. In doing so, it is expected that mainstreaming will result in more effectively targeted, creative and innovative services delivery practices, which can in turn create better public services for all communities.
Hastings Regeneration Partnership brings together the voluntary, public and private sectors to spend £26 million Single Regeneration Budget money provided through South East England Development Agency. With matched funding, the 100 local projects pull in a total of £128 million for social, economic and physical regeneration.
The Partnership can be contacted on 01424 781781.
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This page last updated: 26/04/2004