Choice has implemented the following measures in response to the spread of Covid-19 in Northern Ireland and in keeping with the Northern Ireland Executive pathway to recovery.
Access to Offices
In order to ensure the safety of our customers and staff during the Covid-19 outbreak, our offices remain closed to the public however, we are available by phone and email.
You can contact us on 0300 111 2211 or email enquiries@choice-housing.org
Service Delivery
We are working hard to maintain our essential services and help keep you safe. The Association will strive to continue to deliver services with reduced face-to-face contact. However, in urgent cases home visits will take place following suitable risk assessments.
Rent Payments
We will have a sensitive approach to those in financial difficulty. If you are worried about money, our Financial Inclusion Team are available to help with benefits, debt and budgeting issues. You can contact our Financial Inclusion Team on 0300 111 2211 for advice and support.
Repairs and servicing
All repairs and servicing are fully operational. To minimise the potential spread of the virus and in keeping with the Government’s advice on social distancing, when reporting repairs, staff will be asking all customers if they are self-isolating or shielding, and if so, our contractors will be advised. Our contractors will carry out a risk assessment when attending to the works and will contact you to advise on what to do next. Repairs can be reported by calling us on 0300 111 2211 or by email to repairs@choice-housing.org
To minimise the risk of virus transmission, please advise us immediately if anyone in your household has Covid-19 symptoms.
When our contractor attends, please adhere to the following where possible:
• Maintain minimum 2 metre social distancing from any contractor or Choice staff member visiting your home;
• Wear a mask or mouth covering such as a scarf;
• Clean contact points such as door handles before and after the visit;
• Wedge open doors to any room we need access to, where possible remain in a separate room to the work area and keep all family members and pets out of affected rooms;
• Ventilate any room we need access to by opening windows;
• If requested, please allow our contractors and staff to wash their hands.
Allocations
For the protection of staff and applicants, additional safety measures have been put in place to allow viewing and signing of tenancy agreements to take place.
Sheltered Schemes
We are currently planning to introduce a gradual reopening of communal lounges within our sheltered housing schemes to facilitate organised events. . Tenants will be notified when these facilities become available.
We ask that all visits to sheltered schemes take place in accordance with Government advice and that social distancing requirements are maintained.
We are working hard to maintain our essential services and help keep you safe. The Association will strive to continue to deliver services with reduced face-to-face contact. However, where these are necessary, visits will be carried out following a suitable risk assessment being completed
We will continue to keep you updated and very much appreciate your assistance and co-operation.
