As we approach the festive season and look forward to those gatherings with friends and family that have recently become more precious than ever, I wanted to take the opportunity to send you our very best wishes during this period. And although once again we are facing some uncertainty as the situation with Covid-19 develops, please be rest assured we will continue doing all we can to keep you safe and adapt the way we deliver our services in line with any government guidance if necessary.
With 2022 almost upon us, my latest update offers a perfect time to reflect on the past 12 months.
Making it easier to have your say
A significant highlight for me this year was the introduction of our refreshed Resident Involvement Strategy, which I presented at our virtual resident event in May.
This new and modernised approach has been shaped by resident feedback and offers a multitude of digital and face-to-face ways you can have your say and influence our services. We also introduced Clarion Voice Email, which provides a simpler, more direct way for you to get involved, share your views and answer surveys. Find out more and sign up. You can read about more of the ways we are continuing to invest in and improve services in our latest Residents’ Annual Report.
Enhancing services
This year, we have been continually making improvements to our online account, which offers you fast, simple and secure access to our services 24/7, 365 days a year, whether you are at home or on the move. Registering is easy and as a special promotion, we are offering a £5 Love2shop voucher to the first 1,000 people to register for an online account between now and 31 December. To read our terms and conditions please look at our online guide. If you need any support getting set up with an account, take a look at our online guide or get in touch with the Contact Centre.
Providing career opportunities for young people
I am incredibly proud of Clarion’s role delivering the government’s Kickstart scheme, which provides high-quality work placements for young people aged 16 to 24, who are claiming Universal Credit and at risk of long-term unemployment. We’re passionate about supporting our residents at all stages of life and recognise the value this initiative offers to young people, where they can maximise their potential and get their careers off to a flying start.
Since we launched the Kickstart Housing Partnership gateway this year, our partnership has employed 371 young people via the Kickstart scheme, with 52 having already progressed into either full time employment, an apprenticeship or further education and eight securing roles at Clarion. Building on this, we are looking to enhance the way we help support our young people in progressing within Clarion by offering and investing in apprenticeship opportunities across our business. Find out more about Kickstart and our current placements.
Apply for our new youth prize
At Clarion we champion fresh and innovative ideas that will help make improvements to our neighbourhoods and communities. Following three successful years of running The William Sutton Prize, we are excited to introduce a brand-new youth-focused award - The William Sutton Prize for Young Innovators.
We are seeking fresh and inventive ideas from young people aged 16-25 that will make a positive impact on our communities and offer creative ways to help tackle the issues or challenges under four key themes. With support from experts and a £5,000 prize pot dedicated to getting the project off the ground, the winning entrant will be able to bring their bright idea to life. So, if you, or someone you know, would be interested in applying, complete an application form before 12 noon on Tuesday 21 December 2021. Find out more.
Our Christmas opening hours
Finally, it is worth bearing in mind that we will be operating special opening hours during the Christmas period but we are always on hand if you need us and we will continue to respond to any emergency repairs within 24 hours, as normal.
Friday 24 December - 8.30am until 1pm
Saturday 25 December - Closed
Sunday 26 December - Closed
Monday 27 December - Closed
Tuesday 28 December - Closed
Wednesday 29 December - 10am until 5pm
Thursday 30 December - 8.30am until 5pm
Friday 31 December - 8.30am until 5pm
Saturday 1 January - Closed
Sunday 2 January - Closed
Monday 3 January - Closed
Tuesday 4 January - Back to normal hours
Once again, we wish you all the very best for the festive period and the year ahead from us all here at Clarion.
