Choice is implementing 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’re 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, please note that staff will not be undertaking home visits, except for emergency situations, until further notice.
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
We continue to prioritise critical service delivery including works of a health and safety nature and essential servicing. Our contractors are now also undertaking urgent and routine repairs where possible and are endeavoring to attend within agreed timescales. To minimise the 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;
• Ventilate any room we need access to by opening windows;
• Keep all family members and pets out of affected rooms;
• If requested, please allow our contractors and staff to wash their hands.
Please advise our contractor or staff member if you prefer them to wear a mask.
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
Until further notice sheltered housing scheme communal gatherings have been suspended. This includes lunch clubs, coffee mornings, use of the hairdressing facilities etc. We ask that all visits to sheltered schemes take place in accordance with Government advice and that social distancing requirements are maintained.
We will continue to keep you updated and very much appreciate your assistance and co-operation.
