Get so much more with Sentinel

We value your comments and, as a result, we've introduced a series of improvements so you can get more from us

Can we fix it? Yes we can!

Getting repairs done right first time and with minimum disruption is a top priority, which is why a group of residents and staff have been working hard to introduce a while-you-wait appointment system, with evening and weekend appointments available.

We'll now also compensate you if our contractor MITIE misses an appointment and offer you text message reminders for your free, annual gas safety check.

Increased spending

We're also increasing spending in improving your living standards. Nearly 1,000 homes will have had a new kitchen - with 200 combinations to choose from - by the end of next March, 600 households will have new heating systems, and more than 500 homes will have new windows or doors.

Supporting you in old age

We've also doubled our budget so that we can install special equipment for those with a disability as well as launching our 'extra care homes' which combine high quality accommodation for the over-55s with round-the-clock help in your home if you want it.

Doing it for the kids

We're offering more ways for young people to play a greater role in their communities from sponsoring youth football teams to co-ordinating our increasingly popular 'Get With' summer activity project.

In areas where you told us we need to do more, such as Bishops Green, we pay towards an extra youth worker. And we've currently surveying under-16s to give us a better idea of what else we can do to improve your neighbourhood.

Cutting your energy bills

The cost of running a home fluctuates hugely depending on where you live, what heating system you have, and how you live your life. More than 300 of you have electric storage heaters - and we know just how expensive these can be to run.

So we're piloting renewable energy equipment in a number of homes, through the use of air source heat pumps. These work like a fridge in reverse to produce heat inexpensively for the home. We started in October 2009 and we'll keep you posted as things develop.

Already, all new boilers are among the most energy efficient on the market and our Climate Change Officer is advising us on other ways we can reduce our carbon footprint, and save you money.

Making your views count

We're developing new ways for you to get involved in the way we're run and the decisions taken. Our website has been redesigned so you can do this from the comfort of your home, and we're setting up teams of resident inspectors from across Hampshire to compare services with different housing associations.

Supporting you through the hard times

We've introduced more services to help people suffering from the recession. Whether it's our debt and benefits advisor, our DVD and booklet or our hardship fund to help people with immediate short-term difficulties, we're doing all we can to help you survive the tough conditions.

Did you know?

Our customers can get special discount rates from building materials suppliers, Travis Perkins Keyline and City Plumbing, thanks to our repairs contractor MITIE. Simply take some proof to the Basingstoke outlets.