Consumerism has given rise to a massive problem of waste. Single use plastic, food wrappers, packaging, paper wipes, empty bottles and everything else we throw away ends up in landfills and keep piling up. At the rate humans are producing waste, it is not long before the planet runs out
Significant progress is being made at Panattoni’s Wakefield515 site, where steel is already up on the largest speculative development in the north for 10 years. Caddick Construction, Panattoni’s build partner for the landmark Yorkshire project, is on site to progress the 515,820 sq ft warehouse. The steel framework is now
Major engineering milestone completed this weekend (24-25 October), as a 45 metre, 914 tonne modular bridge was driven into place over the A446 in Solihull. Designed in a virtual world, the bridge took only 45 minutes to be driven into place. The A446 has been reopened 24 hours earlier than
Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for
With greater societal focus on the issue of climate change, the pressure is on governments, businesses and other key decision makers to react and introduce initiatives that will contribute towards a greener planet. The UK government, for its part, has taken steps to address the impact our lifestyles have on
Toughened glass is a great material to incorporate into your home interior. It provides any living space with the same visual appeal and elegance as standard glass, plus the added safety benefits. In addition to that, it’s incredibly versatile and suits a large range of uses, from home furniture to
A fixer-upper can be an excellent compromise for people who want control over their home design but lack time to build from scratch. An added benefit is that it gives you the option of moving into a neighborhood you prefer. Additionally, a fixer-upper sells for a much lower price than
Sales of £1m-plus homes have surged since lockdown as affluent buyers look for more space and lifestyle change, with two-thirds more deals agreed in the past four months than in the same period last year. An average of 868 £1m-plus sales have been agreed each week since the beginning of
What do you do when you want to improve your inner self? Visiting a psychologist is a great way to help you deal with some of the problems that you are facing in life. Life is never a straight line. Every single day you will have to face challenges, some
One of London’s largest housing associations is to undertake a comprehensive safety review across a six-block residential development following expert advice that the construction of the buildings may be putting around 1,000 residents at risk. Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) asked all residents living in the Paragon Estate to leave immediately
Consumerism has given rise to a massive problem of waste. Single use plastic, food wrappers, packaging, paper wipes, empty bottles and everything else we throw away ends up in landfills and keep piling up. At the rate humans are producing waste, it is not long before the planet runs out of space and thus, reducing waste production is the only way to go. If you are someone who goes around picking up thrown away furniture, wooden custom boxes, bottles etc, here are some fun upcycling ideas to transform trash to treasure. Bags Out Of Plastic However much you take the conscious decision of reducing packaging, there will be times when you simply can’t avoid a plastic packet. But instead of throwing them away, you can easily upcycle them and put them to good use. Collect and clean all your polythene bags, wrappers and other forms of plastic, even torn ones work. Lay them out flat and using a hot iron melt and mould them into a sheet of plastic. If needed layer up sheets for better reinforcement. This can be shaped into a sturdy shopping bag, waterproofing linings, packing etc. Crates For Storage, Display And Seating Discarded wooden crates are practically treasures as they can be put to many different kinds of uses. You can make the best of odd spaces such as under the bed and random nook by simply sticking a crate and storing things in it. It can keep your things sorted and thus, make it easier to find when needed. With a little basic carpentering skills you can convert multiple crates into a nice wardrobe for storage, a display unit for plants and such or even an affordable couch. If you do not want to put in the work, simply throw a cushion over it and use as a single-seater. Simply by adding some old fabric, these can be converted into pet beds for stray animals to take refuge in. Bottles As Décor While used bottles can be used to store drinking water, not all discarded bottles might be the safest for storing consumables. However you can put them to use in several ways. You can easily cut plastic bottles up, poke little holes and use them as planters or propagating pots for your garden. Smaller bottles, be it plastic or glass can be used to decorate. Throw in some pretty string lights o a candle and you have a beautiful light. These can also be painted, cut or decorated and made into pretty pieces to make your place look nicer and they also serve as great handmade gifts. Scraps for art Scraps of clothes, metals, single use cutlery and even electronic wastes such as chips and circuits, cables, wires etc can be repurposed into Halloween or Christmas decorations, stunning art pieces around your home, quirky gifts or even as art installations left outside for passers by to admire. You can use your old clothes to create fascinating patchwork rugs, bags, scarves and other pieces of clothing or décor. With a little imagination and work you can put every bit of non-biodegradable item into use and thus, effectively reduce the amount of waste that we leave out. Every little bit of effort goes a long way in better waste management and a cleaner planet
Significant progress is being made at Panattoni’s Wakefield515 site, where steel is already up on the largest speculative development in the north for 10 years. Caddick Construction, Panattoni’s build partner for the landmark Yorkshire project, is on site to progress the 515,820 sq ft warehouse. The steel framework is now fully formed and cladding being added. The warehouse facility located at the M62 and A1(M) junction will serve as a key strategic hub for future occupiers, offering access to major cities and ports across the north of England. Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and the port of Immingham are all within a 90-minute drive of the facility. Up to 500 full-time jobs and £5.5 million will be brought into the local economy as an immediate result of Wakefield515’s construction, due to be completed by the end of Q2 2021. Wakefield515 is designed to offer maximum flexibility for logistics and distribution businesses. The cross-docked warehouse will provide occupiers with generous yards of up to 100m and will incorporate sustainable features, such as rainwater harvesting systems, a PV ready roof and LED motion sensor lighting. The building will be built to a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’ and EPC rating of ‘A’. Andy Preston, Development Manager for the project, said: “We are pleased to see such good progress on this important development. Wakefield515 will not only meet demand for large warehouse facilities along the M62 corridor but also contribute to economic development in the north. Construction work will provide an immediate boost for the area but the building’s benefits will be felt long after this phase is complete. We look forward to seeing it take shape.” Chris Wilson, Commercial Development Director at Caddick Construction, said: “It’s exciting to see construction now well underway in Wakefield in such challenging circumstances. Caddick is proud to be working with Panattoni on this landmark project that brings immediate job opportunities and real economic benefits to the region.” To view progress at the site or to find out more information please visit www.wakefield515.com
Major engineering milestone completed this weekend (24-25 October), as a 45 metre, 914 tonne modular bridge was driven into place over the A446 in Solihull. Designed in a virtual world, the bridge took only 45 minutes to be driven into place. The A446 has been reopened 24 hours earlier than planned. Durham-based Cleveland Bridge manufactured and supplied 220 tonnes of steel girders for the bridge, while Expanded’s off-site manufacturing factory in Nottinghamshire provided 80 precast concrete modular abutment blocks. Video, time lapse and photos available here: The second of four bridges to be completed on the site of HS2’s new Interchange Station at the heart of the new high-speed network, this new bridge will carry the A452 and form part of a major remodelling of the local road network. This will improve the circulation of traffic around the UK’s new high-speed railway, integrating the existing network with the new Interchange Station. Prime Minister Boris Johnson visited the Midlands site in September to mark the official start of construction for the HS2 project, and a further two bridges are nearing completion. Over 200 people are involved in this construction site, contributing to supporting jobs in the region. The bridge move was led by specialist engineering contractor Expanded and HS2 enabling works contractor, LMJV (Laing O’Rourke and J. Murphy & Sons Joint Venture). Also supporting the hi-tech process, a design joint venture involving WSP and Ramboll provided engineering and environmental services. By applying advanced digital capabilities to design all elements of the structure in a virtual world, they determined that the A446 road bridge would be built using a Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) strategy. After building the bridge in modular sections, the final part of this process was the 128-wheel hydraulic platform taking just 45 minutes to move the bridge span 150 metres, where it was lowered onto the DfMA abutment shells to complete the overall bridge structure. Traditional construction methods would have required several weeks of lane closures on both carriageways, followed by additional weekend and overnight closures. HS2’s Delivery Director David Bennett said: “As work ramps up at one of HS2’s largest construction sites, it was fantastic to see this next milestone achieved so quickly. It was finished 24 hours ahead of schedule and follows hot on the heels of the installation of the bridge over the M42 in August, which was also completed early. We’re pleased to see innovations like this on the project dramatically reducing environmental impacts and disruption for road users. “With construction of the railway now well underway, 22,000 jobs being created and an estimated 400,000 supply chain contracts available, HS2 is playing a pivotal role in helping Britain’s economic recovery.” Jon England, DJV Project Director said: “Our successful partnership approach has led to the design and construction of HS2’s first permanent bridges including one over the M42, the A452 bridge over the A446, as well as two other bridges over what will be the main HS2 railway line adjacent to the new HS2 Interchange Station. “We are proud that through collaboration with LM JV, Highways England and local authorities, the application of 3D modelling techniques to align highways, earthworks, structures and utilities with the existing infrastructure and the innovative use of offsite manufacturing and Design for Manufacturing and Assembly techniques, we were able to safely deliver on this ground-breaking project.” LM Senior Project Manager Richard Fairhurst said: “Digital design, offsite manufacturing and modular components are the enablers of innovative construction methodology – they bring greater efficiency and safety to major infrastructure projects like this, and importantly, can save months on delivery schedules. That’s great news for clients, stakeholders and local communities alike. This is the future of bridge design and delivery.”
Story Homes and Story Contracting have joined forces to raise more than £28,000 for mental health charity Mind. Over the past two years, the companies selected Mind as their charity partner, with all staff and business fundraising going to this worthwhile organisation. Staff across the two businesses carried out various fundraising activities to raise money for the charity – from sporting challenges and bake sales, to raffles and pub quizzes. Following the sizable monetary donation, the businesses – which were both founded by Fred Story – are delighted to announce that they will extend their charity partnership with Mind, dedicating colleague and company fundraising to the mental health organisation. Mind provides advice and support to anyone experiencing a mental health problem, and the funds raised by Homes and Contracting will be divided between the local Mind branches in each of the companies’ operational regions – including Carlisle, Newcastle, Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Scotland. Fred Story, founder of both businesses, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Mind. Working within construction, we understand the importance of improving mental health and we are dedicated to ensuring that nobody suffers in silence. There can be a certain stigma associated with mental health and wellbeing, especially in young men, but it is a subject that we need to continue to talk about and ensure that we have the right support networks in place across our two businesses.” Tara Quinn, CEO of Carlisle Eden Mind, said: “Once again, Carlisle Eden Mind are excited to have the support of Story Homes and Story Contracting particularly in a time of great uncertainty. We would like to thank both organisations for their much-needed contributions and every penny, as always, will go towards those we are here to help and support.” Tommy McIlravey, CEO of Lancashire Mind, said: “On behalf of everyone at Lancashire Mind, and those who access our services, I would like to thank Story Homes and Story Contracting for this generous donation and their ongoing support. Given the times we find ourselves in donations such as this mean more than ever to Lancashire Mind and enable us to continue to work with individuals and communities across the county.” These are just a few of the worrying statistics about mental health within the construction industry: A construction worker is more likely to die of suicide than a fall from height Males working in skilled trades have a 35% higher risk of suicide than the male national average Every year over 400 construction workers commit suicide The risk of suicide among male labourers is three times higher than the male national average 55% of workers have experienced mental health issues in their lives Almost half of women working in the sector are dealing with poor mental health
With greater societal focus on the issue of climate change, the pressure is on governments, businesses and other key decision makers to react and introduce initiatives that will contribute towards a greener planet. The UK government, for its part, has taken steps to address the impact our lifestyles have on the environment. In June 2019, it passed a law targeting zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. That means businesses across all sectors will have to come up with pioneering ideas that promote a more eco-friendly world. There are already several examples of innovations that have proved a success – such as the BedZED development in London – and there are plenty more plans in the pipeline when it comes to housing. These range from revolutionary, eco-friendly home designs to further government initiatives, such as the one launched by the Housing Secretary in October 2019. So, what does the future of green homes look like in this country? Stronger regulations When it comes to new-build properties, there will be changes introduced to the regulations that encourage a reduced level of carbon emissions and lower bills. The idea is that new technologies utilise renewable and sustainable energy sources while improving heating efficiency and reducing waste. That’s good news both for our planet and the millions now working remotely from home offices, living rooms and kitchens due to the coronavirus pandemic. Heat pumps Heat pumps are one of the new technologies being introduced as a more eco-friendly way to warm our homes. Rather than burning fossil fuels and emitting harmful greenhouse gases, they work by extracting latent heat from the air, ground or natural sources of water. That is then used to heat an element, which transfers it to a coolant which is compressed until it gains sufficient temperature to heat water in our homes. Underfloor heating There are also new methods of underfloor and wall heating being developed which use the energy from solar panels. The system works by laying conductive copper strips. These strips are then coated in conductive and magnetically dielectric paint before being connected, providing heat to the floor and walls in lieu of radiators. And, with further technological advances sure to come, Housing Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick has called on everybody to do their part to ensure a greener future for all: “Building new homes isn’t just about bricks and mortar, I want to ensure everyone – including developers – do their bit to protect the environment and give the next generation beautiful, environmentally friendly homes that local communities can support.”
Toughened glass is a great material to incorporate into your home interior. It provides any living space with the same visual appeal and elegance as standard glass, plus the added safety benefits. In addition to that, it’s incredibly versatile and suits a large range of uses, from home furniture to household appliances. So, here are the top 5 applications of tempered glass that homeowners love most. Overview of Tempered Glass Tempering process Tempered or toughened glass is an incredibly strong type of glass that undergoes a process of chemical and thermal treatments. This process is called tempering and it’s what gives this type of glass its unique composition. So, in the tempering furnace, glass is heated until it reaches a uniform temperature of 700 degrees Celsius. Then, the glass is subjected to rapid cooling, exiting the furnace. The cooling part usually consists of a blast of cold air on both sides of the glass at the same time. This treatment leaves the center of the glass in a state of tension while the surface remains in compression. In this regard, the core tension is what determines the pattern the glass will break-in. On the other hand, the compression on the surface is what gives the glass its strength. Characteristics of tempered/toughened glass It’s four to five times stronger than standard glass. Due to the process of tempering, the glass has much higher thermal strength. This means that it can withstand temperatures as high as 250 degrees Celsius. It’s a safety-approved type of glass since it doesn’t break and shatter into sharp fragments. Toughened glass is highly impact-resistant. It has the same properties as standard glass in terms of light and heat transmission. It also cannot be cut or altered after tempering otherwise that will cause a fracture. So, any resizing or cutting should occur before the glass undergoes these treatments. Key benefits Tempered glass cut to size is largely popular in use because it provides cutting edge benefits compared to other traditional types of glass. Strength: the tempering process renders the glass five times tougher than the standard. This means that the glass is less likely to break or shatter due to any low to medium impact incidents. The robust composition of toughened glass also entails that it withstands extreme temperature fluctuations really well. Not only that but it makes it much more durable so it has a longer lifespan. Safety: if your household includes pets or children, then toughened glass is the ideal option to use. Its enhanced safety features will help prevent the risk of being injured in case of breakage. If toughened glass cracks and breaks, it will do so in small round pebbles. So, it will be harmless to the touch, and the subsequent cleanup won’t be dangerous. Impact resistance: the high reliability of this material makes it incredibly impact resistant. So not only is it less likely to fracture into big shards with sharp edges, but it’s also more scratch-resistant. Besides regular cleaning, there will be no additional maintenance to get rid of flaws and blemishes that scratches can cause. Tempered Glass railing System Toughened glass is the ideal material to use in railing systems. Whether it be in balconies, decks, porches, indoors, or in public settings such as schools, shopping malls, and hospitals. Its commendable safety features combined with the strength and durability it provides offer a much-needed level of protection. Such properties ensure that the glass can withstand a lot of wear and tear as well as any potential impacts. Not just that, but the transparency of glass also provides the luxury of an unobstructed view. A perk that other traditional railing systems simply cannot compete with. Tempered Glass Tabletops Toughened glass is widely popular in furniture, particularly tabletops. Whether it’s a patio table, a dining table, or a conference room table, this material is both functional and elegant. It’s thick and durable enough to withstand the weathering that comes with daily use. In addition to that, it’s customizable and comes in a large range of designs and colors. So, you get plenty of options to choose from. Not to mention how versatile glass is as a material since it will flawlessly blend into any interior decor. Large tempered glass windows Windows are the second most common entry points in your home. So, you want to make sure you take all safety precautions to protect your house from burglars. Toughened glass windows can do just that. It comes in handy and it will provide you with safety, enhanced home security, all with a beautiful design. It’s four to five times stronger than other traditional types of glass and it’s meticulously designed to withstand impact. So, you can have full confidence in the protective barrier they provide. In addition to that, the difficulty of fracturing this type of glass will most definitely deter intruders from breaking in. Toughened glass can be a great base material to your windows, especially if you live in high traffic areas. That and if you have really large windows. Tempered Glass Frameless Shower doors Shower rooms and bathrooms can look cramped and cluttered very easily. This is why interior designers and architects mostly rely on glass in furnishing a lot of contemporary homes. And that includes bathrooms. With that said, you can’t get away with using any type of glass. Particularly when you stop to consider how hot and steamy showers tend to get. For that reason, you need to get thick and strong glass shower doors that can withstand those temperature fluctuations. Toughened glass is not only the ideal option for that but it also offers the added benefit of safety. Since frameless shower doors don’t have the kind of support that framed ones do, the glass panes need to be much thicker. So, in the event that your shower door cracks and breaks, there will be no sharp edges or hazardous shards. Tempered Glass Shelves Glass shelves are a common commodity amongst homes and public settings
A fixer-upper can be an excellent compromise for people who want control over their home design but lack time to build from scratch. An added benefit is that it gives you the option of moving into a neighborhood you prefer. Additionally, a fixer-upper sells for a much lower price than a new or updated home. Yet, even with all these benefits, choosing one can be tricky if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s what you should know. Calculate the Pricing The real hurdle with buying a fixer-upper is determining the hidden costs that it will carry. Though the initial offer price may be deceptive, you may find yourself saddled with unexpected costs as the process continues. Start by checking the pricing of houses available on the market. As you already have a style and aesthetic in mind, you can focus on homes that fit your specs. There is a variety of new home designs Perth offers that you can look into. A fixer-upper tends to cost much less than a ready home. For instance, for a $210,000 new home, you can find a $150,000 fixer-upper in the same neighborhood. If the cost of renovations will significantly surpass the cost of buying a new home, it might be wise to rethink settling on a fixer-upper. Home Inspections If you’ve spotted a fixer-upper you’d consider buying, be sure to get all the necessary home inspections done. The last thing you want is to discover structural issues after you’ve started renovations. There are several essential inspections you need to do, but that will save you future headaches. You can obtain a home warranty at the seller’s cost. It protects you if things start breaking right after the purchase. Pest inspection checks for damage from termites, ants, or other insects. Sewer lines tend to age with the property, so it’s vital to get them and the septic tanks checked. Roof certifications provide the age and condition of the roof. Finally, the engineering report helps you understand any natural hazards that relate to the property. Drawing the Line Ultimately, you’ll need to be honest with yourself and understand where to draw the line. An excellent pointer to determine whether a fixer-upper is worth it is the nature of renovations. You can differentiate easy fixes from more complicated and expensive ones. Easy fixes are usually cosmetic: fixing broken windows, replacing doors, laying tiles, painting, and the like. Expensive fixes involve construction: remodeling bathrooms, replacing plumbing, and reroofing. If the fixer-upper you’ve found has more structural fixes than cosmetic ones, it might be wiser to let it go. Additionally, know how far to go with the renovations in case you plan to sell. Going overboard in a neighborhood with low property value may mean that you never recover the cost of your investment. Using a Buyer’s Agent Using a buyers agent when purchasing a fixer-upper can make a world of difference. Buyers agents have extensive knowledge of the local market and can help you find undervalued properties with renovation potential. They’ll also guide you through the negotiation process, ensuring you pay a fair price by factoring in renovation costs. In addition, they have connections to trusted contractors, inspectors, and architects who can provide estimates and advice, making it easier to assess the true cost of repairs. A buyers agent is your advocate, helping you avoid hidden pitfalls and make informed decisions throughout the process. Fixer-Upper or New? Deciding whether to settle on a fixer-upper comes down to weighing the scales. If all the factors make sense, then go right ahead and turn that fixer-upper into the house of your dreams. If not, take your time, save a bit more and buy yourself a new home, or even build one that meets your lifestyle needs.
Sales of £1m-plus homes have surged since lockdown as affluent buyers look for more space and lifestyle change, with two-thirds more deals agreed in the past four months than in the same period last year. An average of 868 £1m-plus sales have been agreed each week since the beginning of June, 66% higher than the weekly average of 522 over the same period in 2019, new data from Savills and TwentyCi show. Despite the key spring market weeks being all but lost to the lockdown, when sales fell to just 69 in the week ending 19 April, a total of 23,000 sales were agreed in the first three quarters of 2020, 16% higher than in 2019. Lucian Cook, Savills head of residential research, who ran the analysis, says, “This points to a rebalancing of the market between London and the rest of the country. Whereas sales in London rose by 4% in the first nine months of the year, they are up 27% across the rest of the UK, albeit London still accounts for over four in 10 sales with a £1m-plus price tag. The South East has seen the biggest surge in absolute numbers, with sales rising 28% to 6,560. The South West saw sales rise 38% to 2,022, while in Yorkshire and The Humber volumes were up 44% to 341 agreed sales, albeit absolute numbers of millionaire house sales remain much lower. £1m+ agreed sales year to end Sept 2019 2020 Increase 2020 v 2019 London 9066 9403 4% South East 5128 6560 28% East of England 1997 2469 24% South West 1466 2022 38% West Midlands 416 560 35% North West 480 538 12% Yorkshire and The Humber 236 341 44% East Midlands 269 341 27% Scotland 177 152 -14%* Wales 89 106 19% North East 63 72 14% Northern Ireland 21 22 5% Total 19,408 22,586 16% Source: Savills research using TwentyCi (*The Scottish housing market reopened 4 weeks later, hence the lower figure) “Lifestyle relocation has been a big theme in the market since lockdown began to ease, and this is very clearly reflected in the numbers,” says Cook. “Relocation and staycation locations such as the Cotswolds (+94%), South Oxfordshire (+78%), Dorset (+69%), Cornwall (+66%) and Wiltshire (+66%) have been standout performers. And for London leavers looking for a less dramatic lifestyle shift, and a more accessible commute, uber-towns such as Tunbridge Wells (+58%), Guildford (+42%) and Winchester (+40%) have proved popular.” In the UK capital, travel restrictions have limited overseas demand in the most central boroughs of Kensington & Chelsea, the city of Westminster and Camden, where £1m-plus volumes were down 10% year on year, but leafier outer London boroughs benefitted from the search for more space both inside and out. As a clear illustration of this, the mantle for the highest number of £1m-plus sales for a single local authority has passed to Wandsworth, where over 1,000 sales were agreed to primarily domestic buyers in the first nine months of the year, up 17% on 2019. “By the year end we now expect the number of £1m-plus sales agreed to exceed 2019 volumes – a performance nobody could have anticipated in the depths of lockdown,” says Cook. “That said, recent evidence suggests fewer high value homes are now coming to the market, suggesting we may be hitting a high plateau. “For many the challenge is now in getting deals through to completion by Christmas, after which point eyes will be on beating the March 31 stamp duty holiday deadline in order to benefit from the maximum £15,000 saving for those buying at this end of the market.”
What do you do when you want to improve your inner self? Visiting a psychologist is a great way to help you deal with some of the problems that you are facing in life. Life is never a straight line. Every single day you will have to face challenges, some of which might overwhelm you. You might be dealing with relationship issues, family issues, or other social issues. Having someone to talk to is a great way to help you share your experiences and find solutions. When you lack someone you can share your problems with, the weight of the issues might overwhelm you, causing you to get anxiety and depression. Since you will be trusting a stranger with your deep secrets, it is always advisable to find a psychologist that can be trusted. You don’t want to share your life experiences with someone who isn’t professional. Knowing how to choose a psychologist will help you get a reliable confidant. Choosing to find some help is hard enough. You shouldn’t have a tough time getting the right therapist. Below are tips for finding the right psychologist. Experience. One thing that should be on top of your list is the level of experience that the psychologist has. You want to work with someone that has been in the industry for some time. An experienced psychologist will have more knowledge and skills on how to handle your issues. It would be best if you looked for a psychologist that has experience in handling your case. Note that psychologists specialize in different areas, such as addiction, anxiety, and eating disorders. If you have an anxiety issue, you need to look for psychologists who handle anxiety. Asking about the psychologist’s specialization areas and their experience will enable you to make the right choice. When you hire one with years of experience, you are guaranteed quality services because they won’t waste your time trying to find treatment options for you. They already know what the diagnosis is and will find a way to tweak it to suit you better. Ask For Referrals. Another easy way to find a reputable psychologist is by asking for referrals. When you ask for recommendations, it will be easier because you won’t have to do a lot of research. You can start by asking your primary care doctor for a referral. Usually, doctors will know of reputable psychologists that they can recommend. With this, you are sure to receive excellent services. When you get a list of referrals, take some time to research the psychologist’s credentials online. If they have a website, check to see what they have published online. Do they have a review section? If they do, go through to see what some of the previous and current clients have to say about their services. If you notice that many clients have given positive reviews, you should consider them. Avoid psychologists with negative reviews since clients cannot give negative reviews without any reason. After researching about the psychologists online, narrow down your list to remain with the potential ones. Proceed to call them to make a physical appointment. Consider Gender. It is crucial to consider the gender of the psychologist before making your final decision. It would help if you felt comfortable with the gender of the psychologist because, at some point, you will have to open up and discuss your personal information. If, for any reason, you have a problem with a particular gender, opt for the opposite gender. The issue of gender is crucial; a reason you cannot afford to dismiss it. Ask the psychologist about their training and experience related to your issue and your gender. If they are well conversant with dealing with your gender, you should hire them. It is also essential to listen to your instincts. If you don’t feel safe around the therapist for some reason, you should not hire them. It doesn’t matter whether the psychologist looks good on paper. Your instincts will always direct you on what is right. Here is how you can find highly skilled psychologists team in Newcastle who uses tried and tested strategies and interventions to help children and families live a brighter life. Always remember that your comfort should be your priority in any psychology session. Trust your gut before making the final decision. Psychologists are essential people in the community because they help individuals deal with their problems and approach life positively. If you want to find a reputable one, consider the factors above. You won’t regret it…
One of London’s largest housing associations is to undertake a comprehensive safety review across a six-block residential development following expert advice that the construction of the buildings may be putting around 1,000 residents at risk. Notting Hill Genesis (NHG) asked all residents living in the Paragon Estate to leave immediately in order to protect their health and safety while further investigative work is undertaken. NHG said that it would ensure that all residents living in the Paragon Estate were able to access safe alternative accommodation this week. It will also work with residents to find a longer-term solution to their housing needs where necessary. The further investigations will establish the full extent of the structural and fire safety issues that have been uncovered at the development and identify next steps. Earlier building performance issues, together with fire safety issues related to the cladding and the subsequent new government guidance since the fire at Grenfell Tower, triggered a series of safety checks at Paragon, undertaken by technical consultants, which have each revealed further problems with this development. Notting Hill Genesis said the action it has taken to address these risks as they have arisen, include establishing waking watches and temporary alarms, and introducing simultaneous evacuation procedures, but the latest advice has prompted the group to act in order to protect its residents. Kate Davies, group chief executive of Notting Hill Genesis, said: “First, I want to say how sorry we are to residents that we have had to take this action and disrupt their lives. But, as a not-for-profit housing association, our priority is to provide safe, affordable housing. We always ensure the wellbeing of our residents, so while we are incredibly disappointed to have to make this decision, we believe that we have no choice but to ask people to leave their homes on the Paragon estate. “I understand that Paragon residents may feel angry or alarmed by this news, as they have every right to be. This is a very distressing time and we are genuinely sorry for the huge amount of disruption and uncertainty that this situation will cause. “This is a complex situation and we don’t yet have all the answers. We are working to uncover the full extent of the issues at Paragon so that we can provide residents with clarity about timescales, next steps and options as quickly as possible. “We are doing all we can to support people who live in Paragon through this difficult situation. We have identified safe accommodation for everyone to move into this week and are providing financial as well as mental health and wellbeing support to help them do that. We are also giving everyone a dedicated caseworker to discuss their specific needs both now and for the longer-term where necessary.” Paragon is a development of six blocks containing a total of 1,059 homes in Brentford, Hounslow. It was developed by Berkeley First, part of The Berkeley Group plc. The estate was owned initially by the former Presentation Housing Association, which became part of Notting Hill Housing – now Notting Hill Genesis – in 2009. Notting Hill Housing group, which became part of Notting Hill Genesis group in 2018, acquired Paragon in 2009. The six blocks consist of the following: Block A – a five-storey building consisting of 41 units of intermediate market rent. Block B – three interconnected buildings of four, five and nine storeys with 107 shared ownership leasehold units and 72 intermediate rent. Blocks C, D, E and F – 17, 12, 12 and five-storeys respectively, hold a combined 839 units of student accommodation which is occupied by students nominated by the University of West London. There is no suggestion that any other buildings in the Notting Hill Genesis portfolio will require a similar approach to the one being taken at Paragon. Buildings are being investigated and prioritised based on factors such as height, external materials used and evacuation procedure, and residents informed if further investigation or remedial work is required. Where necessary, and in consultation with fire safety assessors, interim safety measures such as simultaneous evacuation procedures, supported by 24-hour patrols and temporary alarms are in place.