With the festivities fast approaching and plans and preparations in full swing, it is of course an incredibly busy season.
However, with the temperatures dipping and wetter, windier weather guaranteed, it is well worth dedicating some time to getting your home winter-proof, so that you and your family can stay warm, comfortable, and safe during the holiday period and beyond.
Protect your home from the winter weather
We have compiled a handy winter home maintenance guide, which offers simple, practical tips for keeping everything - from heating and boilers to gutters and pipes - in check.
Please remember that during this time of year our homes are at a heightened risk of being affected by condensation, damp and mould.
We take this issue extremely seriously and are committed to preventing and resolving it together with you.The key is to manage the problem quickly when it arises, and I want to reassure you that we are here to help at every stage.
Our website offers an abundance of information on how to best prevent the build-up of condensation, damp and mould and tackle small areas yourself, however if you are concerned or need more support, please get in touch.
You are not alone
This time of year can also bring with it a lot of pressures, including spending money on gifts, treats and trimmings. This can be incredibly stressful when you are already feeling the pinch with the steep cost of living.
However, you are not alone and by heading over to our Help with money page you can check what benefits and financial support you may be entitled to that may help ease the squeeze.
Our dedicated Money Guidance team are here to help you keep your finances in shape and offer support whenever you need it.
Whether it is guidance on what you could be claiming and how to apply, or assistance with budgeting, getting better deals or debt advice, please do not suffer in silence - we can help you feel more in control of your finances and get back on track.
Take care of your wellbeing
The winter months can also be a challenging time of year when it comes to keeping warm, safe, and well. If you are struggling, we may be able to help. As a Clarion resident, we offer three services that are free and easy for you to access:
- Me in Mind: a 24/7 online service that can help with common wellbeing difficulties, like stress and low mood. It offers anonymous access to a supportive community alongside practical wellbeing tools and resources.
- Lend an Ear: is our telephone befriending service that helps reduce feelings of loneliness and social isolation by harnessing the power of conversation. It is available for any resident who would like a regular friendly chat on the phone or through a video call.
- Warm Spaces: we support many community centres dotted around the country that are opening their doors this winter. At a Warm Space, you can drop in without needing to book and take time out to relax with a hot drink in a comfortable and friendly environment.
Take a look at our wellbeing page or get in touch to find out more.
Tackling antisocial behaviour
Of course, antisocial behaviour can have a detrimental effect on your wellbeing and as a Clarion resident, I want you to feel safe and secure in your home and community.
When antisocial behaviour occurs, we are firmly committed to supporting you at this stressful time and take a proactive partnership approach to tackling it.
It can be difficult to know where to turn to, however we have lots of clear and helpful guidance on reporting issues if you are ever affected.
Manage your home over the holidays
Although our offices are closed over the upcoming bank holidays (please see the Contact Centre’s seasonal opening times), our Clarion Commitment to providing you with accessible services remains firm.
Your online account offers a 24/7, 365 days a year service, meaning you can still manage your home easily without being restricted by opening times. This includes booking repairs in under five minutes at a time you choose - now with the added option of reporting a repair related to leaks, condensation, damp, and mould.
However, please note that for emergency repairs you must contact our customer service team as normal.
Did you know that by booking a repair online, you can also change or cancel your appointment and select an alternative date in a few clicks?
Book your next repair online and enter our prize draw
Furthermore, if an appointment has been booked online and confirmed between 2 October 2023 and 30 September 2024, you will also have the opportunity to be entered into a prize draw to win a new tablet and 12 months free mobile data.
Registering is easy and you can find out more about the many benefits in our online guide. Here is what some of our residents have to say:
“I pay my rent online every month. It’s so easy and simple, just a few steps. I really couldn’t live without it.” Jade
“It’s 24 hours, so flexible to my needs, easy to use... perfect for me and my busy life, much improved.” Paul
“Very easy. Such a stress-free way of booking a repair without having to wait in a queue on the phone.” Lucy
If you need a hand getting started, our Digital Skills team offer a free workshop that walks you through how to register and get the best out of your online account.
It is just one of a wide range of digital courses to help you master skills and gain confidence, no matter where you are on your journey.
We wish you the very best for the festive period and the year ahead from us all at Clarion.
Michelle Reynolds
Chief Customer Officer