Inhouse spring 2015

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r / SPRING

Spring signals new growth and change both of which are evident throughout this issue, including...

information and advice on universal credit on page 8 Also In this issue p4-5

| Development and lettings

p5-7

| Anti-social behaviour

p9

| Fire safety

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p12-20 | Neighbourhood Fund and regional pages inhouse | 1

welcome

Welcome to this Winter/Spring 2015 edition of Inhouse.

This year, the spring equinox fell on 20th March. This season brings many changes - these include, increasing daylight, warming temperatures and the rebirth of flora and fauna (hence the beautiful daffodil that graces the front cover).

You will read about change and growth throughout this edition of Inhouse, including - changes in the benefit system (specifically universal credit), our new developments and the growth of our housing stock, the new round of funding from the neighbourhood fund to promote growth in local communities and last but not least, our work programmes promoting individual development and employment opportunities. We think there really is something for everyone, and we hope you enjoy reading it as much as we have enjoyed bringing the stories together.

Kevin Dempsey (Chair, tenant editorial panel)

Are you interested in writing articles for our newsletter? Or would you like to be a member of our editorial panel where you can help choose the articles we publish? If so please contact newsletter editor, Sam Ryan on 01942 267 747 or email sam.ryan@adactushousing.co.uk

Focus on: automated surveys In 2012/13 we introduced a new method of measuring customer satisfaction by generating automated outgoing calls to tenants using a service supplied by the ‘Housing Contact Company’.

To begin with, we just used this for repairs – the number one priority service for tenants. However, it soon became clear that this was an efficient, accurate and well received method of surveying tenants, and to test the service further it was rolled out to gas servicing, the contact centre and planned maintenance.

After a tenant has used any of these services, they may receive an automated call asking them to use their telephone keypad to report if they are completely satisfied. Calls to mobile phones that are unanswered generate a text that asks the same question. We attempt to make follow-up calls to all tenants who report dissatisfaction, to try to understand and resolve the issue. Calls are made between 10am and 5.40pm.

Tenants who do not wish to receive the calls or texts can let the contact centre know and they will be excluded from future satisfaction survey calls.

Since the end of last year this method has also been rolled out to include: lettings, anti-social behaviour, general customer satisfaction, and other short surveys.

Satisfaction levels have remained high and we have been able to look in detail at cases where tenants report dissatisfaction.

At the end of Quarter three, satisfaction with both repairs and lettings was around 90%, and anti-social behavior was at 71%. Satisfaction with Connect has remained above 90%, despite the slower call response in this period.

Damp and condensation leaflet Keep your eye out on our website for our new-improved damp and condensation leaflet. The clear information and up-dated illustrations show how a few simple changes can keep your family healthy, and your home damp and condensation free.

2 | inhouse

Inhouse enters the digital era We introduced an electronic version of Inhouse which can be accessed through our website. In this digital age, if you would prefer to access Inhouse online, rather than receive a hard copy version, please contact Sam Ryan on 01942 267747.

Adactus500 Scrutiny Panel Take part. Collect points. Be rewarded

Adactus500 Scrutiny Panel update!

Since the last edition of Inhouse, we’ve completed two more scrutiny panels and are now hard at work on the seventh scrutiny panel on energy efficiency.

Value for Money in Lettings

Want to find out more?

24 volunteers from the Adactus500 8 members formed the panel 3 meetings 22 contributions from other residents 10 recommendations from Internal Affairs 11 additional recommendations from the scrutiny panel

You can follow the work of all scrutiny panels online as we publish all reports and notes from our meetings. Just visit www. adactushousing.co.uk and search “scrutiny” or scan the QR code. If you want the chance to join a future scrutiny panel you’ll need to sign up to the Adactus500 by visiting our website or by calling us on 0300 111 1133.

All 21 recommendations were agreed by our board and are now being implemented including: • We will introduce a satisfaction survey for all new tenants • We will ensure support plans identified at sign-up are recorded on our database • We will ensure gardens have had their grass cut and weeds strimmed before letting the property.

DLO productivity (repairs) 29 volunteers from the Adactus500 10 members formed the panel 3 meetings 26 contributions from other residents 10 recommendations from Internal Affairs 8 additional recommendations from the scrutiny panel 14 recommendations were agreed by our board and are now being implemented including: • We will review the details of tenant responsible repairs • We will ensure that all operatives attend mandatory training courses • We will aim to call back tenants within 48 hours if they are unsatisfied with a repair.

What’s new for 2015?

We’ll be working hard with four new scrutiny panels on topics chosen by Adactus500 members: • Gas Safety • Callbacks • Staff retention • Fire safety.

The Adactus500 goes mobile!

We’re also putting the finishing touches to our new mobile version of the Adactus500 which will let you take part on the go! You’ll be able to access all of the current features of the Adactus500 website on your smartphone, including answering questions, volunteering for panels and even choosing your voucher rewards.

You’ll even be able to take a picture as part of an activity and send it in to us!

inhouse | 3

DEVE LOPM E NT

Strong steps forward In June 2013, the Government underlined its long term commitment to affordable housing by providing £3.3bn of public money via the Affordable Home Programme (AHP) - alongside around £20bn of private investment. The AHP aims to Increase the supply of new affordable housing; for affordable rent and affordable home ownership (shared ownership).

After the recent bids round, the Adactus Group Development Team successfully secured funding from the Homes & Communities Agency and their hard work has paid off again – they have secured grant to build approximately 1,137 properties worth £22m in grant funding. The AHP 2015-18 programme, plus our existing programme, means the Group will be developing around 500 properties per annum.

Adactus obtained the tenth largest AHP grant allocation in the country - this is a great achievement made possible by the dedication of the Development Team and, savings made across the Group as a whole.

The funding obtained - in addition to the Group’s approach to saving, has put Adactus in a very strong position going forward. Adactus will strive to deliver even more brand new homes for our residents and buyers to enjoy.

Douglas House, Chorley Douglas House is in the centre of Chorley - we have developed a total of 24 properties split over three blocks that face onto Moor Road, Hodder Avenue and Douglas Close. There are two - two bed, three person bungalows, eight two bed, four person houses, four – two bed, three person flats and ten - one bed, two person flats. This development offers a real mixture of properties to satisfy different local housing needs. The total cost of the properties, which have been built to adhere with Code three for Sustainable Homes level three, is approximately £1.8m.

Ribble Meadows, Clitheroe The Ribble Meadows new build in Clitheroe comprises of 22 rented units and seven shared ownership homes. The development is a mixture of one bedroom flats and, two, three and four bedroom houses. The total cost for the build, which was completed and handed over at the end of November 2014, was just over £2.6m for all 29 homes.

Roman’s Crossing, Clitheroe Roman’s Crossing in Clitheroe is a development by Miller Homes – Adactus have 10 rented, and eight shared ownership homes. The development is a mixture of two bedroom bungalows, and two and three bedroom houses, that were completed and handed over at the end of November 2014. The total cost for the build was £1.7m for all 18 units.

Kings Meadow, Farndon Kings Meadow in Farndon, Cheshire is a development that consists of nine rental, and nine shared ownership homes – they are a mix of two and three bedroom houses. The total cost for the build stands at £1.47m for all 18 units.

Inveresk Road, Tilston Inveresk Road in Tilston has been built by Jones Homes – the development consists of eight, two bedroom houses all for rent. The total cost of the build stands at £790,000.

If you are interested in any of the shared ownership opportunities, please contact Emily Patterson on 0300 111 1133.

4 | inhouse

LETTI NGS

Driving development forward Driving Adactus’s ever growing development programme is the severe shortages of affordable housing across many parts of the North West. Through the creation of good quality, well maintained, affordable housing, Adactus can address this need and provide secure homes for many deserving individuals and families.

New build properties are being developed in areas such as Lancaster, Yorkshire, Chorley, Manchester, Trafford, Sefton, Wigan, Ellesmere Port and in more rural parts of Cheshire, Staffordshire and the Ribble Valley. As you may know, some of these areas are where Adactus already own a large number of properties, whilst other areas are relatively new to the company.

All these new properties are keeping the Adactus Lettings Team very busy! In fact, in the coming years we hope that the Lettings Team will have more new build properties to let than the re-letting of our existing homes. The increase of new properties and existing tenants staying longer in their homes, both contribute to this.

Applicants for new build properties must come from the waiting list or the choice based lettings system of the local authority. The Lettings Officer will then conduct an interview and carry out credit and reference checks with these applicants, before hopefully offering them a tenancy with Adactus.

In recent months, the team have been able to utilise new technology to automate the paperwork used in lettings, this has enabled us to streamline the process, for new builds and existing stock. This has saved Lettings Officers a lot of time; time which can be spent helping more people rent their ideal home!

To help further improve the process for the tenant, we now use automated satisfaction surveys (detailed on page two) - new tenants are asked about their satisfaction with both the property and the service they have received. This information is then used to improve the work that we do.

When letting both new build and existing properties, it is important that Adactus, as a responsible landlord, get the most suitable tenants – and that these tenants, are able to move in promptly. In the case of new build properties, once they are handed over by the Development Team, the Lettings Team already has new tenants ready to move in - usually on the same day. For this process to work smoothly, both the Development and Lettings Teams work closely together.

Sam Elliot, Senior Lettings Officer said, “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is handing over the keys for a brand new home to really appreciative tenants.”

anti-social be haviou r

New officer for Miles Platting We have recently changed the way we deal with antisocial behaviour in Miles Platting. There is now one dedicated Tenancy Enforcement and Support Officer, Mike Colvin, who will deal with all aspects of anti-social behaviour, meaning that you will no longer speak to your Housing Officer about these issues. Mike is an anti-social behaviour specialist with over five years experience and has resolved countless cases both informally and formally through the legal process. Mike said, “I want to help anyone who may be adversely affected by their neighbour’s

behaviour and would urge residents to let us know if they are suffering. It is all too easy to hope problems will go away themselves but all too often this doesn’t happen. Residents can speak to me in confidence and I’ll do my best to help sort their problem out”.

You can either contact Mike by telephone on 0800 234 6826 or via email on Michael.Colvin@ adactushousing.co.uk.

Local addict banned from the blocks A local man was recently banned from entering three housing blocks in Miles Platting – he was using the quiet areas in their communal landings to inject drugs.

The caretakers frequently found hypodermic needles and silver foil, and were repeatedly having to clean up spots of blood. Not only was this deeply unpleasant for the Adactus employees, but also put their health at risk. Furthermore, it was distressing for tenants to see as they were entering or leaving their flats.

The man, who is a known local heroin addict, had no reason to visit the blocks - he didn’t live there himself, and he didn’t have any friends living there. He was asked to leave on a number of occasions, and warned that if he returned, legal action would be taken against him. Unfortunately, this did not deter him and he was caught injecting himself.

The injunction order granted at Manchester Civil Justice Centre not only bans the man from entering the block, but also from entering the car parks around them; the order will last for 18 months.

Patrice Campbell, Housing Officer, said: “I tried to explain to this man that the stairwells and corridors in the multi-storey blocks are not public highways and that they are an extension of our tenant’s homes but my warnings fell on deaf ears. Adactus will not tolerate this type of behaviour in our blocks and we will always take action when we can.” inhouse | 5

anti-social be haviou r

Eviction for sub-letting tenant A tenant of Seedley Street, Moss Side, was recently evicted following a lengthy investigation by the Tenancy Enforcement and Support Team.

A notice to quit was served when the tenant repeatedly failed to meet with officers who were investigating allegations of sub-letting.

Tia Mantack, Tenancy Enforcement and Support Assistant, who was investigating this case alongside her colleague Mike Colvin said, “It took three years to get enough evidence that the tenant was sub-letting.

The tenant would often meet us at the property and pretend to still be living there, and so it was initially difficult to prove that he wasn’t. But Mike and I continued to investigate and persistence paid off when we were able to speak to one of the sub-tenants during an unannounced visit. He told us that he was one of three sub tenants paying rent to their ‘landlord’ whose name was not the name of our tenant. We now believe that our tenant had left, possibly years ago, and had sold his keys to this third person. This is unacceptable and we will always thoroughly investigate any tenancy fraud suspicions we have.”

Kate Sullivan, Tenancy Enforcement and Support Manager, added, “Social housing is a valuable resource and I am delighted that we have been able to recover this property on Seedley St. - it can now be re-let to someone in genuine housing need.”

The team work closely with Manchester City Council’s benefit fraud team, who have helped them track down fraudsters sub-letting Adactus properties. In the future, where there is evidence of tenancy fraud in our properties, Adactus will prosecute and claim from the tenants who have profited from the fraud.

If you are suspicious that your neighbours are committing tenancy fraud, please contact us so that we can crack down on this practice and make sure that our properties are occupied by people who need them most.

6 | inhouse

Noisy neighbours In February, a Chorley tenant handed in his keys following numerous complaints about loud, late night, drunken arguing between him and his wife.

Although compelled by the level and frequency of the noise to complain, the 34 year old man’s neighbours were very understanding and wanted to give the man and his wife a chance to sort their lives out.

The couple promised to get help for their alcohol problems and were referred to Discover Drugs and Alcohol Recovery Service. Unfortunately, their engagement with the service was patchy and the problems of noise at the property continued. We applied for injunctions against both parties in March 2013 and court undertakings were agreed. The wife moved out and as a result, neighbours experienced a period of quiet for over a year after the injunctions were granted. However, when they expired in May 2014 the problems slowly started again.

We decided to apply for further injunctions, which were obtained in August 2014. These helped, however, because this was the second time we’d had to take legal action due to noise nuisance, we also felt that it was a proportionate response to apply for possession of the tenant’s property.

We were given a trial date in March 2015 for the possession hearing, but the tenant decided to hand his keys in and move out rather than fight the case in court.

domestic abuse One of our tenants contacted us recently because she was having problems with her ex-partner. The woman had been in a relationship with the man who was emotionally, verbally and physically abusive.

She’d managed to break things off, but had still maintained some contact, during which time the man displayed a “Jekyll and Hyde personality” sometimes he’d be pleasant and helpful, but on other occasions he’d fly into a rage, swearing and screaming at the woman.

In January this year, the man assaulted the woman and her daughter, in front of her other children; she desperately needed help. She contacted our Tenancy Enforcement and Support Team and we offered her our immediate support and assistance.

Within two days of the report being made, we had gone to the courts and obtained an injunction to protect the woman and her family. The injunction excludes her ex-partner from entering the street where the family live, and bans him from using or threatening violence towards them. He is also forbidden from contacting her.

The man did not contest the injunction order, so we were able to obtain this protection without her having to come to court; she simply provided a statement relating to the problems and we did the rest. Since the order was obtained, the ex-partner has left our tenant alone, and she now feels able to make a fresh start – and although she and is considering a move, she has made it clear she wants to remain an Adactus tenant because of the action and support she received.

If you, or someone you know is suffering from an abusive partner, ex-partner or family member, please contact us for a confidential chat, we really can help.

anti-social be haviou r

Hate crime

Don’t suffer in silence We are lucky to live in a just and tolerant country, where people can rely on law enforcement, the justice system and increasingly, housing providers, to help keep it that way – but hate crime is a presence within our communities, and tackling hate crime is becoming a fundamental part of our Tenancy Enforcement and Support (TEAS) role.

The definition of hate crime is - any criminal offence which is perceived, by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice towards someone based on a personal characteristic, these personal characteristics are, race or ethnicity, religion or beliefs, sexual orientation, disability and transgender identity.

Hate crimes are destructive; they ruin lives, create fear and undermine people’s trust in society and its institutions.

Nearly 45,000 hate crimes were reported to police in England and Wales in 2013-14, an increase of five per cent on the previous year, and incredibly, 84% of these crimes were motivated by race or ethnicity.

Working with the police, Adactus has zero tolerance for hate crimes within our communities, and will treat any reports of such crimes incidents seriously, using legal tools where appropriate.

We will work tirelessly to ensure that our tenants live free from intolerance, discrimination and hatred.

If you experience, or witness any incident which you believe constitutes a hate crime, contact us and speak to our TEAS Team in confidence, they will discuss the best response and support for you and anyone else affected by this behaviour.

Raising awareness to erase hate crime Working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police, Adactus Housing delivered a range of activities and events across Manchester to raise awareness of hate crime.

North Manchester There were three hate crime awareness events held in Miles Platting - to coincide with Hate Crime Awareness Week, which was in January. These included a quiz at the Miles Platting Outreach Library, an information stall at the Adactus Housing office and a hate crime awareness presentation, held over breakfast at Butler Court, an extra care retirement scheme.

Manchester City Council, who funded the events, also provided information about hate crime and how to report it. Each session was well attended, and residents left with a greater understanding of hate crime and valuable advice on how to report it.

South Manchester During the same week, more than 100 residents attended an event at Longsight library hosted by Adactus, Great Places and Greater Manchester Police. The event, which was opened by Chief Inspector Helen Caldbeck, explained what hate crime is, and how Greater Manchester Police tackle it.

A range of organisations participated, each one provided information on hate crime and advice on how to report it.

Richard Jones, manager of the Manchester Deaf Centre - which is set to become one of the city’s third party reporting centres - also spoke at the event.

Richard explained, “Deaf people suffer hate crime almost daily; deaf people are invisible until they communicate in sign language, this then makes them a target of mockery and harassment. Not only that, deaf people have their houses vandalised, thus disrupting their daily lives. Most people may not be aware that deaf people suffer in this way and Hate Crime Week has been a great opportunity to raise awareness.”

Third party reporting centres are safe, neutral locations where victims can report hate crime without having to visit a police station, and staff at the Manchester Deaf Centre are now receiving training to enable them to do this. inhouse | 7

WE LFARE RE FORM

You may have heard or read articles in the media about Universal Credit, but what does it mean?

Universal Credit is a new benefit that will replace existing benefits and tax credits for people of working age. The introduction of Universal Credit is steadily being rolled out across the country and will replace Income Support, Income Related Employment Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance, Child Tax and Working Tax Credits as well as Housing Benefit. The Adactus Group already has 50 live Universal Credit cases and the numbers are growing at about 10 a week.

What changes will you see?

Firstly, if you make a claim for Universal Credit you will be asked to provide a copy of your tenancy agreement and a current rent statement so that your claim can be assessed. It is VITAL that you inform Adactus at this stage.

Universal Credit contains a housing element which is the replacement for Housing Benefit. The housing element will be paid directly to you, so you will be required to make arrangements to pay us your full rent. We will agree a preferred method of payment with you.

Once a claim for Universal Credit is made, there is a five week assessment period before you receive any money. Once the first payment is made, future payments will made on a monthly basis straight into your bank account.

Just like now, it is essential that you notify both Adactus and the Department of Work and Pensions within 14 days of any changes in your circumstances. These changes can be as simple as a change of address, someone moving in or out of your household, taking up employment or a change in a household member’s working hours.

What must you do to prepare for Universal Credit?

There are some easy steps that can be taken to minimise the impact of these changes on your household.

The first is to set up a bank, post office or credit union account for your Universal Credit to be paid into it. We can provide advice and assistance about basic bank accounts and credit unions.

The next step is to ensure that you have internet access and are familiar with how to use this. All Universal Credit claimants will be required to manage their claims online.

We can supply you with details of where you can get free internet access in your neighbourhood and also signpost you to courses that will help you in using and understanding the internet.

Universal Credit will be paid monthly so it is important that you think about all of your monthly outgoings. This will help you create a monthly budget so you know what you have to spend each month. When you create your budget you must prioritise your rent payment. Rent is viewed by us and the Court Service as a priority debt. If you need help in preparing a budget our Money Advice Team will be happy to assist you with this.

If you need more information about what Universal Credit will mean to you, or, if you would like help to set up a payment agreement for your rent, or, if you would simply like some budget or money advice, please contact the Income Team on 0300 111 1133.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) Personal Independence Payment (PIP) helps with some of the extra costs caused by long-term ill-health or a disability if you’re aged 16 to 64. You could get between £21.55 and £138.05 a week.

The rate depends on how your condition affects you, not the condition itself. You’ll need an assessment to work out the level of help you get. Your rate will be regularly reassessed to make sure you’re getting the right support.

If you get Disability Living Allowance PIP started to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for people aged 16 to 64 from 8 April 2013.

New claims Only children under 16 can apply for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) - anyone over 16 must apply for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) instead.

Exceptions - reclaiming DLA You may be able to reclaim DLA if all of the following apply: • you were 65 or over on 8 April 2013

• you stopped getting DLA after the age of 65

• you make a new claim to DLA within 12 months

If you want to know how PIP will affect you, you can use the government checker, visit www.gov.uk/pip-checker 8 | inhouse

H EALTH & SAFETY

Smoke alarms Fact: Last year over 200 people died in fires in the home.

You’re at least four times more likely to die in a fire in the home if there’s no working smoke alarm.

Action: Regularly test your smoke alarms, and change the battery once at the same time each year. You could help test the smoke alarm of an older family member, neighbour or friend too. It takes no time at all and gives your family and others a much better chance of surviving a fire.

Kitchen fi res Fac t: Cooking appliances are the source of ignition in more than half of house fires.

Action: Take extra care in the kitchen and never leave cooking unattended.

Stay in the kitchen if you are cooking with fat. Fat can set on fat gets too hot and starts to smoke, turn fire easily. If the off the cooker and leave it to cool. Never put water onto hot fat.

E lectrical fi res

s start about Fact: Broken electrice out of 10 6,000 fires a year. Ninare caused by (89%) electrical fires electrical products. ad electrical Ac tion: Do not overlot for faulty sockets and watch ou d wiring/ trical equipment an and over-heating elec many plugs in one socket it can cables. If you put toory important for things that use a start a fire. This is ve example, washing machines and lot of electricity. For electric fires.

Bedtime checks

Cigarettes Fact: Cigarettes, cigars or tobacco have caused the lapipe share of deaths in house firrgest Every five days someone di es. es from a fire started by a cigar Ac tion: Stub cigarettes ou ette. t properly and dispose of them carefully - put them out, rig out. Be extra careful if you ht alcohol or taking medicatiohave been drinking n which may make you drowsy.

Escape route Fac t: When fire takes hold every second

counts. In less than 30 seconds a small flame can get completely out of control and turn into a major fire.

Action: Plan your escape route and make sure everyone knows how to get out in a fire. Count how many doors you might nee d to go through to escape. It can be hard to see in smoke and you might become confused about where you are. Keep all exits clear, even communal areas. Keep fire doors clos ed. They help to slow down the spread of fire and will give you ext ra time to get out.

If you cannot get out of the house, go into one room, then phone 999 and say which room you are in. The fire and will tell you what to do and they will get the rescue service re as fast as they can.

Fact: In the UK, the majority of fire-related deaths occur within the home between 12am and 6am when people are asleep.

Action:

• Close all the inside doors; closed doors slow down a fire.

• Turn off and unplug electrical appliances unless they are designed to be left on, such as fridges and freezers.

• Do not leave electrical appliances such as mobile phones and tablet computers charging overnight.

• Check the cooker is off.

• Don’t leave the washing machine, tumble dryer or dishwasher on overnight.

• Turn off heaters.

• Put candles, incense sticks and oil burners out.

• Put a fire-guard around the fire place.

• Check the doors to the outside are clear.

• Put keys where everyone can find them. inhouse | 9

LOOKI NG FOR WORK

Looking for employment or changing jobs?

Need training or qualifications?

70

OVER 70 people placed in work experience in 2013

50%

over 50% moved into direct employment from working with adactus

If you are an Adactus resident and would like more information please contact us on 0300 111 1133.

We will talk to you one to one about your needs and support you to achieve your goal . We can help you: • Apply for training & gain qualifications • Arrange work experience • Look into volunteering roles • With C.V & application forms • Prepare for job interviews • Set up your own business • General support and advice.

Just the job Back row, Avis Freeman, Lynda Parkinson and Dorothy Bowker Front Row Jean Waterfield and Eileen Griffiths

Adactus Housing Association (AHA) has supported a Leigh project that helps disadvantaged women get back into work.

The Just the Job project was created by Soroptimist International (S.I.) Leigh and District to help local women from disadvantaged backgrounds, or on low incomes to access employment. The S.I. work to promote social justice and equality and the empowerment of women through economic independence.

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l k familyraduates trade wor ips/ g h r • Are ooking fo n trainees l i • Are nterested s ng i pplyi • Are enticeship ing and a r k app d help loo e e dvice • N rk eer a to use r o a w c l r fo d genera ing how rn e • Ne d help lea e • Ne mputer. c a o

Do you need a bit of WOW in your life?

The WOW club (World of Work), was set up to help people who are seeking work within the Chorley Community.

The club has now been running for 15 months and has helped many people with basic computer skills, interview techniques, career advice and confidence building, to ensure that they are ready for employment.

The WOW club meets every Wednesday at CCH’s offices, Ann James House, St Thomas’s Road, Chorley. The sessions run from 10:30am to 12:30pm and are open to everyone. Anyone interested is encouraged to drop in on any session; this is a fantastic opportunity for people to brush up on some existing skills and learn some new ones.

For more information contact Sam Hornsby on 0300 111 1133.

Miles Platting work club

Just the Job offers interactive workshops that are specifically designed to help build women’s confidence and self-esteem. The workshops incorporate a variety of topics that review all aspects of getting a job - from the obvious requirements such as CV writing skills, and interview techniques, to the more subtle considerations such as personal styling and make-up tips.

The Miles Platting Work Club is still doing the job – it is helping people find employment, voluntary opportunities and signposting people to extra support where needed. To date, with the work club’s support, 20% of attendees have been able to find employment.

In addition to this, after completing the course, clients are given smart clothing to wear for any forthcoming interviews.

• Writing a CV • Application forms • Voluntary opportunities

Dorothy Bowker, from Just the Job said, “For some of our clients attending an interview can be terrifying, especially if they have been out of work for a long. After working with us clients leave with a renewed confidence to tackle the world of work.”

If you are looking for work, and live in the Miles Platting area, why not come along on a Tuesday morning between 10:30am - 12pm to: Adactus Housing, Baker House, 542 Oldham Road, Miles Platting Or, contact Isobel Howard or Vicki Greer on 0800 234 6826.

10 | inhouse

You can receive help and advice with: • Sign posting to extra support • Course or training information • Job searches.

Spotlight on

Scott Joyce

One life, one goal!

We know, through our work with the Neighbourhood Fund, that a good project will inspire neighbours to come together and become a community – these communities can literally inspire a whole generation of people, but really, it only takes one…

This article shines the spotlight on a young man from Gorton; his name is Scott Joyce. Scott, one of our tenants, came to the forefront during the Greater East Manchester Games, a project supported by the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund.

Scott took the opportunity to volunteer for the Games, which were created to engage residents from across East Manchester in a wide range of sporting activities - they linked to local clubs and community groups to promote health and fitness.

Scott Joyce is 18 years old, and he loves football!

Like most youngsters, his passion was inspired by his family, and their own love of the game. Both his father and grandfather have coached local Gorton clubs, so Scott has grown up benefitting from, and witnessing, the positive effect being part of a team can have on young players.

Scott loves playing football, but his real ambition is to further develop as a coach and pass on his knowledge and his love of the game to inspire other young children to strive for their own goals.

Scott has worked tirelessly towards achieving his dreams since the tender age of 14 - he is so determined, that in addition to studying sport full time at Ashton Sixth Form College, he is also currently volunteering on a Monday night for East MCR Games and on a Tuesday afternoon at Abbey Hey Primary Academy, Wednesday evenings for Delamere Rangers JFC and at a soccer school on Saturday mornings at Wright Robinson - and it is this single minded attitude that sets him apart from most of his peers!

With the help of MCR Games and the support from the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund Scott has also coached at Sporting Edge, a one off event that he treated as an assessment, just before he successfully completed his level one coaching qualification on the 22nd February. If Scott continues to show this level of willingness and commitment, the MCR Games will provide him with more opportunities to attend other courses over the coming months, giving him a better chance of employment in the future.

Scott would like to become a P.E. teacher by profession, and eventually start his own football team - running parallel to his career. His dream club will be inclusive of all ages from three to four upwards, to ensure his members have a positive view of sport from the earliest opportunity. In addition, Scott knows the importance of encouraging a healthy, active lifestyle, and confidence that this type of social interaction can bring.

Scott loves Manchester United, and loves the class of 92 in particular – Scott wasn’t even born until 1996.

But, as soon as he has money coming in, he plans on buying a season ticket for his beloved team - his favourite players are Paul Scholes and Gary Neville, Ryan Giggs and Wayne Rooney.

Ideally Scott wants to do sports science in university, but hasn’t decided where yet. He would like to work in America at some point, either after university or as an exchange student if possible. The focus of American soccer is increasing and its popularity is on the rise thanks to British players players such as David Beckham and more recently Steven Gerard and Frank Lampard, all deciding to play in the states.

As for Scott’s future, one thing is for certain, it involves football - in the words of Babe Ruth “Its hard to beat a person who never gives up.”

inhouse | 11

N E IG H BOURHOOD FU N D

Cash for communities After a successful fourth year of the Neighbourhood Fund - where £200,000 has been allocated to 237 community projects across the North West, we have re-launched the fund for 2015/16. Adactus have made a further £200,000 available for even more projects, where AHA, CCH and BHA residents live.

The fund is divided between the Adactus Group’s different geographical areas - judging panels will be held in Chorley, Wigan and Leigh, the Morecombe Area, Sefton, Cheshire, Manchester (North and South) and Trafford.

Previous project themes that have been successful include: healthy living, environmental improvements, young people and children, older people, sustainability, employment and training, bringing the community together and community safety.

Projects must benefit AHA, CCH or BHA residents and the neighbourhoods that they live in.

The fund aims to support a large number of small projects, and the maximum that judges tend to award is £5,000 - the majority of the grants given are for much less than that.

Examples of projects funded in 2014/15 include: • Garden improvements at retirement schemes.

• Funding for volunteers to distribute food to community cafes and food banks.

• Support for regular football sessions in areas identified as ‘ASB hotspots’.

The applications are judged by Adactus, Chorley and Beech Housing residents. The fund is now open. For more information please visit our website; phone 0300 111 1133 or email the Neighbourhood Development Team in your area on grantmcr@ adactushousing.co.uk or grantwest@adactushousing. co.uk.

A little bit of summer in the rain Residents of Guernsey Close, Burnage, have secured funding through the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund to buy a community summer house.

Guernsey Close has a strong social committee that work hard to ensure that the events that they organise are inclusive of everyone at the scheme.

The committee’s past ventures have been a triumph, so when the group applied for funding to replace their old gazebo - that had been battered over many years by the infamous rain in Manchester, their success was no surprise.

So, thanks to the committee’s determination - and the AHA Neighbourhood Fund, residents on the close now have a permanent summer house, that they can use even during the wettest Manchester days.

People First Befriending Scheme The People First Befriending Scheme has received funding through the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund for the second year running. The scheme provides emotional and practical support to vulnerable adults within communities in South Manchester.

The service is volunteer led and therefore benefits those who require the support and also those who wish to increase their volunteering capacities.

Some of the activities provided by the befriending scheme include art and craft sessions, coffee mornings and trips to areas of interest.

Wesley Langley, Scheme Coordinator for People First, said “The Adactus Neighbourhood Fund has enabled

12 | inhouse

us to reach even more isolated, often vulnerable adults, and help them to access their communities - and we are incredibly grateful for the continuing support.”

For more information on volunteering opportunities or the befriending scheme services please call Wesley on 0161 235 6900.

N E IG H BOURHOOD FU N D

Festive big lunch Over the festive period, more than 50 local homeless people attended a big lunch at Leigh Turnpike Centre. The event, arranged by the Library and local homeless Charity The Brick, provided attendees with a free hot meal and a jammed packed afternoon of interactive activities tailored to promote local services and encourage homeless people to utilise public buildings.

The Turnpike Centre staff and volunteers worked hard arranging quizzes, competitions and raffles as well as spending quality time chatting to everyone to ensure that they had a great time. The event was a huge success, and a number of people signed up to free computer skills courses on offer.

The Adactus Neighbourhood Fund are proud to be able to support The Brick and charities like this, to ensure that vulnerable people who may feel isolated, have access to the local services and help available.

Keeping our kids safe online

Silver surfers

Wigan and Leigh Young Carers have been awarded a £1000 grant from the Adactus Housing Association Neighbourhood Fund to run a training course to educate young people about staying safe online.

The internet is a very powerful resource, but as such, it needs to be used responsibly.

The Young Carers purchased two laptops and designed a ten week course that would equip young people with the knowledge and skills to use popular social media sites and the internet in a safe and appropriate manner.

Wigan and Leigh Young Carers is a registered charity committed to alleviating the stress placed on young carers and their families. Young carers are anyone under the age of 18 and looking after a family member with a disability or long term illness.

The charity offers a variety of activities for young people and their families so they can take a break from their daily lives.

Offering an Olive Branch The Olive Branch in Lancaster offer practical and emotional support to those suffering from addiction, broken family relationships, poverty and homelessness - and to enable them to provide the services and help needed, charities like this inevitably need an olive branch themselves.

The Adactus Housing Neighbourhood Fund has supported the Olive Branch for the past two years. Last year the Neighbourhood Fund provided sleeping bags, and this year purchased £600 worth of food stocks to help them cope with the increasing demand on their food bank.

The charity, run largely by volunteers, also provides open access for adults where they can seek help, share their problems and receive advice and support. Help is tailored to the needs of the individual, and ranges from emergency food to budgeting help and advice.

The CCH Neighbourhood Fund recently awarded money to the Albany Academy in Chorley to run computer courses for beginners.

For people who have been brought up surrounded by computers, smartphones and laptops, using and understanding them is second nature, and most would be hard pressed to live without them.

But for the older generation, trying new technology can be a little daunting, and is therefore sometimes just ignored - which is a shame, because any new technology is essentially designed to make our lives easier, whatever our age.

The Silver Surfer courses cover basic computer skills, including searching and buying products online and internet safety. They are open to anyone in the local community and everyone who attends receives an individual learning plan to help them succeed.

Michael Rushe, Marketing and Community Officer at Albany added, “We intend on building on the success of our existing courses at the Academy and already offer an iPad for beginner’s course which has proved so popular, it has a waiting list!”

For more information about Albany Academy courses, contact 01257 244020. inhouse | 13

M I LES PLATTI NG www.adactushousing.co.uk/northand-east-manchester

Miles Platting canal side buggy walks Adactus has joined forces with the Canal & River Trust to run a new weekly canal side buggy walk for parents and carers and their babies and toddlers.

The buggy walkers meet at the Holland Street Community Gardens every Thursday afternoon at 12:15pm and their canal stroll lasts around 45 minutes. It’s a great way for parents and carers of young children to meet new people and get some exercise at the same time. The walk ends at the Miles Platting Library at 1.15pm in time for the Tiny Tots & Toddlers Time.

Local resident Paula Barrett has attended since the first week with her two and half year old granddaughter Ellie and said, “This is a great idea! It’s a fabulous way to make sure we get some fresh air and, we can explore the area - we look forward to it every week”.

The walks are open to anyone who looks after a young baby or toddler – if you would like to join us, please come along to the Holland Street Community Garden (opposite the Miles Platting and Newton Heath Children’s Centre) on any Thursday at 12:15pm.

Thank St George it’s Friday!

There is no need to feel bored or lonely on a Friday ever again!

• Work Club: 11am – 1pm. Free use of laptops for job searching and help with CV writing etc.

The St Georges Community Centre, Miles Platting is now open all day every Friday – it has a donation based community café that is open to everyone, and the centre offers a range of free activities throughout the day; current activities include:

• Refresh Work Club (16 to 25 year olds): 2pm – 4pm. Find out more about local opportunities and job vacancies, use the laptops to search for work and get help with applications.

• New! Yoga: 10.30am – 11.30am. Free of charge. A free crèche is available during this activity but crèche places must be pre-booked by calling Laura Cassidy (Zest) on 0161 234 3724.

• New! Walking Football: 11.30am – 12.30pm.

Slower paced five-a-side football for the over 50’s.

Free of charge, just turn up and play.

• Community Café: 10am – 4pm. Pop in for a cuppa and a snack, or quench your thirst after yoga or football.

Come along and see what is going on! St Georges Community Centre is on Bothwell Road, M40 7NY.

YOU DECI DE

‘Miles Platting You Decide’ Making a real difference to people’s lives Community projects funded by the Adactus initiative, Miles Platting You Decide, have been taking place throughout the year and the benefits of the projects are now filtering through the community as a whole, and successful projects include: • The Manchester Dyslexic Self Help Group who secured a grant during the You Decide IT Dyslexic Course voting day last June, and successfully delivered an eight week IT course towards the end of last year, helping not only the four residents that completed the course, but also their families.

• The Miles Platting Community Garden whose users have been busily preparing for the coming growing season, and have been using their funding to purchase much needed equipment and seeds.

• Circuit training sessions which are currently being held at the Church of the Apostles on Wednesdays at 6.30pm.

• Adult and child Zumba classes which are running every Thursday at Parkview Community School at 3.30pm.

These classes are also open to all, with or without children. All children must be five years or over and must be accompanied by an adult.

Other on-going projects include a music initiative for young children and an accredited hairdressing course for local young women.

For more information about any of the projects mentioned, or if you have a project that could benefit local residents in Miles Platting, please call either Isobel Howard or Vicki Greer on 0800 234 6826.

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NORTH MANCH ESTE R www.adactushousing.co.uk/northand-east-manchester

Keeley Close Blossom at In Bloom

Keeley Close Garden Club was one of 35 community groups across Manchester picked for a Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), North West in Bloom (NWIB), ‘Outstanding’ award.

Gaining an ‘Outstanding’ award is an incredible achievement, and one of the highest NWIB honours, so when Keeley Close also received the award for Best Large Neighbourhood, Ged Glynn, Chair of the gardening club at Keeley Close said the team could not describe the elation they felt, which was soon compounded by another surprise – the highest accolade of all, the ‘Best Overall Neighbourhood’ award! In Ged’s words, it was “mind blowing”.

When scoring the neighbourhood gardens, judges assess the impact the gardens have on their community, the amount of community involvement, and the horticultural excellence demonstrated by all those involved. With this in mind, it shouldn’t be that much of a surprise at all that Keeley Close won.

Over the last couple of years the gardening team have worked tirelessly to transform their gardens from an unkempt and unused expanse of grass and scrub land, into a creative and inspiring garden that encourages wildlife and welcomes residents, who can now sit and enjoy their beautiful surroundings.

Love Gorton!

With a sense of community pride, 70 Gorton residents – young and old, donned rubber gloves and worked together to help reduce the amount of rubbish in their community, and plant some much needed flora back into the local area.

With help and support from the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund, MACC (Manchester Community Central), Manchester City Council Clean City Grant, Eastland Homes and Oasis, East Manchester, residents rolled up their sleeves

Words for life Do you love reading?

Are you confident with words?

If the answer is yes to either of these questions, would you like to become a volunteer – a champion of literacy?

With your help, Adactus would like to give the same confidence to people that struggle with reading and writing, and open up their world to the wonder of words.

Or, do you know someone who struggles with their reading and writing? Perhaps someone who has difficulties with literacy, and always has to ask for help, or, inevitably finds creative ways to avoid reading and writing.

If so, Adactus can help!

If you know someone who fits into the following, please get in touch: • Someone who struggles with their reading • Someone who does not like to fill in forms

• Someone who pretends they have forgotten their glasses when they need to read

• Someone who never reads a newspaper or magazine.

Please note that this opportunity is for people who are not in any type of education.

For more information on either becoming a volunteer or, for literacy help, please call the Neighbourhood Development Team on 0300 111 1133.

and collected an incredible 60 bags of rubbish from Sunnybrow Park and the surrounding areas.

In addition to clearing the area of rubbish and large debris (co-ordinated by Oasis) the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund and MACC donated spring flowers and bulbs for residents to plant and brighten up the park for years to come.

In addition to the clean-up, part of the day’s mission was to bring residents together and instil a renewed sense of pride in the area, this legacy will hopefully last even longer than the flowers planted during the day - and thanks to the tools and littler picks provided by the Clean City Grant, this should be a very long time indeed.

Helping create a good life at Justlife The flowers are blossoming in the Justlife garden thanks to the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund.

The grant enabled the Justlife service users to improve the centre’s grounds and allotments in East Manchester.

Justlife has become a leading organisation for working with vulnerable people living in temporary accommodation; situated in Higher Openshaw, Justlife works with hard-to-reach individuals with multiple and critical needs.

The centre had previously secured AHA funding for gardening equipment and workshops to help develop the skills and the health and wellbeing of clients. With this new funding, Justlife were able to purchase a lawnmower and enable service users to keep the garden looking beautiful – they were also able to install new planters and attach flower troughs to bring much needed life to the urban environment.

In addition to the practical support, the funding has built important bridges with the local community - Justlife recently ran a hanging basket project with the residents of Toxteth Street, where they invited local residents to create edible hanging baskets for their homes.

This workshop run by Justlife service users, illustrates just how much this initiative has improved user’s skills and ultimately their confidence. inhouse | 15

SOUTH MANCH ESTE R AN D TRAFFORD www.adactushousing.co.uk/southmanchester-and-trafford

Life is a chain The majority of us go through life making connections – building a circle of friends.

Unfortunately not everyone is fortunate enough to make lasting friendships; some links break, some are simply lost - and without opportunities, vulnerable people can often find themselves completely alone.

LINK Good Neighbours operates in Moss Side, Rusholme and Fallowfield, and was set up to address the social isolation often felt by vulnerable adults in our society. The project, run by two charities, Trinity House Community Resource Centre and the Rusholme and Fallowfield

Community Forum, identified that social isolation is more damaging to our health than obesity or drug abuse, and that it is more prevalent amongst older people and adults with health problems or disabilities.

Social isolation can be debilitating for the sufferer, but has a relatively simple remedy – social interaction and LINK volunteers provide this for those who are unable to seek it out themselves.

LINK volunteers become friends – they organise social events and trips, and help users navigate suitable activities in their area; they help people re-build their chains, one link at a time.

If you would like to know more about LINK, or, feel you have a lot to offer and would like to become a LINK volunteer, please contact 0161 225 1064.

Love Longsight The Love Longsight awards held on the 24th November at Longsight Library might not have had the glitz of the Oscars, but it certainly had the pride.

The event, hosted by Adactus Housing, Great Places and Manchester City Council, celebrated the on-going community projects happening throughout Longsight.

Love Longsight is a one year partnership campaign designed to inspire residents and businesses to love where they live and work through a range of projects and activities.

The awards and ceremony were devised to recognise the hard work and dedication of all the local initiatives - and the ten award winners were all projects that have managed to raise the profile of Longsight and have a

positive impact on the community. The evening was a resounding success that enabled the groups to glean advice and information from and about all the other projects.

AHA residents on Siddall Street, who have been working with Adactus and Manchester City Council to tackle on-going environmental issues in their alleyway, were the proud recipients of one of the awards. They have worked tirelessly to clean-up, enhance and maintain their alleyway, which has since encouraged other residents to enjoy and use it in a much more positive way.

Community crops When you visit Moss Side Community Allotments (MSCA) and see the volume and variety of the fruits and vegetables produced, it is hard to believe that it was only started in 2011 and even harder to imagine that the site used to be derelict.

The allotments were established by a group of enthusiastic residents and supported

by Adactus Housing Association and Great Places Housing - to ensure that local people had easy access a variety of attractive, fresh, organic produce.

The MSCA took over two allotment plots for use by the community - on Caythorpe Street/Bowes Street in Moss Side, and they are worked entirely by volunteers from the neighbouring streets. Everyone who contributes is eligible to receive a share of the produce, which include fresh eggs laid by the resident chickens.

The group, like their garden is ever growing and changing – recent funding from the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund will help the MSCA to install a greenhouse, and over the summer months they will hold growing sessions. The group maintain their own website and impressively, they have just launched their own movie. The movie, filmed by Marc Hudson and produced with the help of Terry Egan from Reel Manchester, is a not for profit social enterprise, committed to giving a voice to under represented communities.

The AHA Neighbourhood Fund continues to support the MSCA whose objectives are as much about building their community, as they are about growing food – and by working together the residents have created a truly special environment that has exceeded all expectations.

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WIGAN AN D LE IG H www.adactushousing.co.uk/wiganand-leighwww.adactushousing. co.uk/wigan-and-leigh

The senses of war World War I and II both saw significant anniversaries in 2014, which we commemorated in the last edition of Inhouse.

One of the Neighbourhood Fund stories we published featured local charity BETA (Basic Education and Training for Adults) who secured a grant to produce the book ‘Wigan Remembers’, as a way to share local people’s recollections, memories and photographs of WWII. BETA’s success spurred them to apply for further AHA

Sam’s Story Box Hindley Children’s Centre in Wigan secured £500 from the AHA Neighbourhood Fund to buy new books for their Sam’s Story Box sessions.

Sam’s Story Box, which is held at the centre during term time, is an active reading session designed to promote literacy in younger children and introduce them to the wonderful and

funding to complete a research project to commemorate Wigan heritage during World War I. Two adult learning groups from the charity researched different aspects of daily life during the Great War and created a sensory exhibition using real and replica memorabilia - the money awarded enabled them to purchase some of the Memorabilia.

The interactive exhibition enabled visitors to immerse themselves in the era and experience the taste, smell and sounds of World War I.

magical world of books.

If we introduce our children to books at the earliest opportunity, it can only have a positive impact on their development and help them prepare for school.

Joanne Robinson, Sure Start Coordinator at Hindley Children’s Centre, said “Sam’s Story Box sessions enable children to listen and understand short stories, as well as stretch their imagination by taking

part in active play increasing their self-esteem and social skills.”

The centre based on Mornington Road, Hindley offers services and support to families with children up to the age of five.

Current activities on offer at the centre include baby massage, sing & swim and sensory play, for further details call 01942 776106.

The words of Albert Einstein A reading group set up for book enthusiasts with differing levels of visual impairment, has been awarded £800 from the Adactus Housing Association’s Neighbourhood Fund.

The group, based at Wigan library, have used the money to purchase a variety of books in large print and audio format to enable users share their passion for books.

The reading group, which was set-up in October, has gone strength to strength. They already have a number of regulars who enjoy indulging their passion and spending time with fellow book enthusiasts.

Libraries educate and entertain us - they are social hubs that provide a variety of invaluable services to the whole community and in the words of Albert Einstein, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”

The reading group, which is free of charge, meets on the first Tuesday of every month. For further information please contact Wigan Library on 01942 827621.

Friends of Hindley Station The Friends of Hindley Station (FOHS) formed in 2006 to look after the gardens and grounds of Hindley station, which is now in its 167th year.

The numerous awards given to the group including, ACoRP’s (The Association of Community Rail Partnerships) Best Station Garden 2014 award for ‘The Brian Openshaw Tribute Gardens’ and ‘The Best Railway Station’ and ‘Outstanding’ awards 2014 from RHS in Bloom – are testament to the incredible success of the group.

The volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure the flowerbeds are now showpieces in their own right, the footpaths have been restored to an exceptionally high standard, and like the artwork displayed around the station itself, the gardens are both creative and beautiful.

The group’s hard work is continuing to pay off and they have recently secured funding from the AHA’s Neighbourhood Fund to help pay to replace an existing fence at the station.

Stay and play The Ince Parent Group is a group of volunteers that supports the Children Centre based on Charles Street, Ince.

The group applied for an AHA Neighbourhood Fund grant to purchase new play equipment - play is a vital part of any child’s health and wellbeing and assists their social, intellectual and physical development.

The centre is dedicated to providing positive family support to ensure children can have the best start in life. Activities on offer include stay and play, parent’s forum, toddler sports and playtime in the garden. The centre is open Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm.

Penny Doherty, Link Worker from the Children Centre said, “It is vital we seek ways to fund our sessions to ensure we can continue providing services to the local community. We desperately needed to expand and replace our play equipment so we are thankful that Adactus awarded us the money.” inhouse | 17

CHORLEY www.adactushousing.co.uk/ chorley

A new lease of life Chorley Community Housing is committed to its homes, and is currently investing in over 40 homes on the Chorley Moor estate, and 12 homes on Wordsworth Terrace. These works are part of a plan by CCH to improve the aesthetic appearance of the two estates over the next few years.

Works for Chorley Moor estate will include, walls and railings for front gardens, the replacement of dilapidated fencing, new bin screens, rejuvenated canopies for front doors, feature cladding and render panels.

Works for Wordsworth will also include new walls and railing for front gardens and the replacement of dilapidated fencing - in addition, CCH will repair and paint the cladding, replace the old rainwater pipes, add new external lighting and, resurface the tarmac footpaths around the flats.

Local residents have been consulted and involved in the planning of the works from an early stage; residents have agreed on colour and material choices and are excited about CCH’s plans for their area.

Heartbeat

Richard Houghton, CCH director of operations, added: “The works are an example of the investment CCH (Left to right) Councillor Roy Lees, Chris has to improve our Richardson – Community Engagement homes and estates.

Manager (CCH), Councillor Tony Gee and We have completed a number of projects Wayne Smith – Site Manager (Frank Rogers Building Contractor Ltd.). throughout Chorley and it’s satisfying to see the impact the enhancements have on the appearance of the estates and also to residents’ lives.”

Local ward Councillors Tony Gee and Roy Lees recently visited Chorley Moor Estate to see the work that is underway and both are delighted with the investment CCH are putting into the area.

For the second year running, Chorley Community Housing has awarded funding to the Heartbeat charity group to provide much needed equipment for their exercise classes.

Heartbeat operates from Clayton Green Sports Centre, and has been providing services throughout Lancashire for over 35 years. The charity provide nine exercise sessions per week, available to heart patients at any stage and also to people identified as being at risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Alongside their exercise sessions, Heartbeat offer social and psychological support which includes a counselling service as part of their wellbeing programme.

180 people attend the exercise sessions on a weekly basis, and the CCH Neighbourhood Fund money has enabled the Group to purchase an air cycle machine, free weights and trampettes.

For further information on the sessions please contact Louise Bache on 01772 717147.

Active 4 Mums With help from Chorley Community Housing’s Neighbourhood Fund, Active 4 Mums ran a six week programme promoting physical activity and healthy eating for new mums.

The sessions, held at Duke Street Children Centre and Highfield Children Centre, included a discussion about nutrition and incorporated weekly challenges created to make small but important changes to a new mum’s diet. In addition, new mums were shown indoor exercises tailored specifically for their needs.

Sally Leech, Active 4 Mums project co-ordinator said, “New mums can sometimes feel isolated and this course brings them together to support each other. The new mums really enjoy coming to the sessions and we are looking to run future courses including a weekly buggy class.”

For further information on courses please contact sally@active4mums.co.uk

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LU N E VALLEY

Get growing Lune Valley has announced its first annual gardening competition.

The competition, which will be formally launched later in the summer, will offer residents the chance to show off their gardening skills in return for the opportunity to win a small prize. Director of Operations Richard Houghton said, “Many tenants take great pride in their gardens and the board of Lune Valley feel this is something that should be encouraged. Hopefully the gardening competition will be something that is popular with tenants young and old.”

Getting satisfaction The results of the 2014/15 satisfaction survey are in and thank you to everyone who took part, either by returning the form or by responding to our telephone call.

Quite a lot of residents did not respond to the survey and if you are one of those and there are specific reasons why you didn’t take part we’d really like to know. The satisfaction survey is your chance to tell us what you like – or don’t like – about the way we do things.

89% of those of you who responded said you were satisfied overall with our service, while four out of five of you said that you were satisfied with the way repairs and maintenance is dealt with and that your views on matters generally were taken into account.

Richard Houghton from Adactus said, “The results of the satisfaction survey will be considered by the Board at its next meeting, and the issues that some tenants have raised will be considered more thoroughly. However, overall the feedback from tenants is that they feel things are better overall than they were when the last survey was carried out two years ago.”

This year’s winner of the £50 prize draw for taking part in the satisfaction survey is Mrs Anne White of Walton Close, Lune Valley.

Planned maintenance 18 Lune Valley properties are to receive new kitchens in the coming twelve months.

The Association’s properties at Gargrave, Pilling and St Michael’s-onWyre will all have new kitchens installed this year, subject to surveys.

The plans represent investment of more than £60,000 and follow on from the provision of new kitchens in properties at Church Bank/ School Lane, Over Kellet and Hampson Terrace, Great Eccleston in 2014/15.

Richard Houghton from Adactus said, “The Board have made investing in its’ current homes a priority for Lune Valley and this programme of investment in kitchens is part of that.”

Properties at Walton Close, Gargrave and Hampson Terrace, Great Eccleston are also scheduled to receive external decoration in 2015/16.

inhouse | 19

SE FTON www.adactushousing.co.uk/sefton

Primary school kids get growing!

Primary School, Litherland.

St Elizabeth’s Parents, Teachers & Friends Association recently secured funding from Adactus Housing to develop a working garden within the grounds of St Elizabeth’s

Members of the charity responded to an article in the press inviting local groups to apply for a slice of the AHA Neighbourhood Fund.

The group capitalised on their success by enlisting the help of students from Savio High School to lay the garden’s

ground work.

Following the Savio’s students noble efforts, the teachers and pupils of St Elizabeth’s took over the reigns and created a wonderful growing space with benches, storage space, a gazebo and a very popular solar powered water feature.

Cathy McDonald-Hollis, member of the PTFA, said, “The garden project was started to help the children understand how plants and vegetables grow, the bumper crops of strawberries, tomatoes, carrots, turnips, parsnips and fennel grown by the children are testament to the projects success.

The children and I are delighted the support received from the Neighbourhood Fund.”

Barging around Sefton Adactus residents of Sefton were invited to book their space on a series of free canal cruises after the Pride of Sefton Narrowboat Committee were awarded funding through the Neighbourhood Fund.

two hour cruises, departing from and returning to Pride of Sefton’s mooring in Haskayne.

The Pride of Sefton 2 narrowboat is used to provide free trips to under-privileged and disabled people as well as educational trips for the local community. These trips are financed through a combination of donations, grants and commercial trips made available to the general public.

The wide beamed barge was able to provide free trips to over 120 children and 50 local residents as a result of the funding.

The AHA Neighbourhood Fund covered the cost of fifteen,

CH ESH I RE www.adactushousing.co.uk/ cheshire

Wednesday@7 Adactus are continuing their support for the Wed@7 youth club in Neston.

The youth club is run from the Neston Community and Youth Centre on Burton Road, and caters for young people aged 9-14 years old.

The club aims to provide somewhere safe for the young people in Neston to meet and to have fun with their peers.

The club is run entirely by volunteers and serves to engage its users in new and exciting activities, ensuring that everyone’s needs are catered for.

The diverse activities on offer include film nights, jewellery making, pottery classes and cookery sessions - providing a truly valuable service for all the young people who attend.

2015 forthcoming Neston Surgery dates Adactus hold drop in surgeries every six weeks in Neston and Ellesmere Port.

These meetings have given residents the opportunity to speak with a member of staff regarding issues in their neighbourhood. Feel free to come along!

Friday 17th April 11am to 1pm Neston Community & Youth Centre, Burton Road, Neston, CH64 9RE Wednesday 13th May 5pm to 7pm Neston Community & Youth Centre, Burton Road, Neston, CH64 9RE 20 | inhouse

Wednesday 24th June 2pm to 4pm Joan Bartlett Close Overpool Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 8JF

For more information please contact: Laura Reynolds 0300 111 1133 Laura.reynolds@adactushousing.co.uk www.adactushousing.co.uk

RETI RE M E NT LIVI NG

Crafty friends The AHA Neighbourhood Fund awarded £810 to residents at Wickham Hall retirement scheme in Wigan, to create a new communal craft room. The money was used to purchase equipment, tables and a variety of arts and crafts materials.

Wickham Hall has 36 purpose build flats, specifically designed to meet the needs of older people. The scheme also provides an Extra Care service for residents with special requirements.

After talking to residents, Jackie Calderbank, the Scheme Co-ordinator at Wickham Hall identified a need for a fun activity that would be inclusive of all residents and enable them to build on friendships. A craft room quickly became the popular choice.

Jackie said, “The new craft room has been a huge success, residents have been really creative with the new equipment and made some lovely table centre pieces. Everyone really enjoys trying the new activities whilst enjoying a cup of tea and natter with friends.”

It started with a stitch For many people, knitting is therapeutic; it soothes their troubles away - and, there is a tangible reward at the end of it.

The Scheme Co-originator at Sycamore Court retirement scheme in Withington, Kim Laidlow, supports several charities, and is aware of the many ways that knitting can benefit them – therefore, after hearing Elizabeth, one of the residents talking about her love of knitting and crocheting, Kim asked her if she would be interested in knitting hats for St Mary’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU).

Elizabeth explained that her son had been in a SCBU at birth, and was delighted that something she loved doing could benefit those who needed it most.

The clothes knitted by people like Elizabeth are very special – they enable parents of premature and sick babies to dress their babies in outfits that fit, which is one of the few ‘normal’ things that they can do for their new baby.

Within weeks Elizabeth had produced a mound of clothing for the SCBU, and had expanded her good work to help the children of Syria. Kim had a contact that sends containers of food and clothing to Syria, so Elizabeth knitted - and Kim arranged to have the warm clothes transported.

Word spread, and now Elizabeth’s friends are utilising their own knitting skills to help, whilst Kim advertises on Freecycle for wool and other related items. What a great team!

Emerging colours Residents of Chatburn Court, a shared ownership retirement scheme in Culcheth, have recently raised £150 towards adding some colour to their communal garden. Staff and residents worked together to raise the money to replace plants that were no longer flowering, or had died away - with new shrubs and bushes.

Residents showed their true community spirit and organised a successful cake bake and bring and buy sale. Family members, carers, and members of the public came out in force to support the event.

Scheme staff worked with the gardener to plant an impressive 27 bags of bulbs, 15 bushes and a large number of shrubs. The new flora has already improved the over-all look of the scheme; inspiring many of the residents to extend the project and personalise their own little gardens outside their flats.

Chatburn Court was also awarded money from the BHA Neighbourhood Fund to purchase two new garden benches. As spring, then summer approaches residents will be able to sit back in comfort and enjoy the emerging sea of colours, as their hard work flowers into life.

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SUPPORTE D LIVI NG

Oak Tree House - providing more than a home Most of us take our homes for granted; they are the block that we build our lives around - but for rough sleepers, that missing block can make building a life seem almost impossible.

The high level of homelessness in the city of Lancaster is often hidden from view, but Lancaster City Council and Lancashire County Council in partnership with Adactus Housing will help address the problem.

At an early stage Adactus were selected by Lancaster City Council as its development partner to construct the building and more recently successfully tendered for the revenue funding provided by Lancashire County Council to provide the support service as well.

This much needed supported housing project is for

homeless people over 25. Oak Tree House will provide accommodation from one day and in some instances up to twelve months for individuals who are willing to engage in support. The scheme will have 24 hour waking cover.

With the help of volunteers, this project will offer residents more than a home – it will offer a support network and a variety of activities. These will include computer skills, managing finance, improving job skills, gardening and catering activities.

The Oak Tree House project will provide residents with the all-important first building block – and, the tools to take them all as far as they wish to go.

Smithils farm trip In December, the residents fund subsidised an educational day trip out for the mum’s and their babies from Bamber Court mother and baby unit.

After much discussion, residents chose Smithills farm in Bolton for their outing, enabling the young mums to cost, budget and plan the trip themselves.

The children were all wrapped up in their winter gear to stave off the cold weather, but after racing around in gokarts and then jumping on the bouncy castle in the indoor play area, they soon warmed up.

pigs, goats and sheep.

The highlight of the day was when the children were given the opportunity to bottle feed the goats, stroke the farm puppies, cuddle a six month old donkey called Minstrel, hold the fluffy baby chicks and rabbits and last but definitely not least, meet one of two, twelve feet Burmese python’s living at the farm.

In addition to the more energetic activities, the trip enabled the young families to experience a working farm – they saw This great day out ended on a high with a fun but bumpy tractor ride followed by a delicious lunch in the the cows being milked and watched as the farmer fed the café.

New opportunities The Adactus Group invited every resident from each of our supported projects, to take part in a four day work experience opportunity.

The placement, with the gardening and Grounds Maintenance Team, was devised to provide new skills, promote the working environment, and give tenants the confidence to consider new work options.

One resident, Alex, successfully completed the four days and received wonderful feedback for his work during this time.

In addition to the new experience Alex has gained, he is also in a much better position to apply for an apprenticeship with the Grounds Maintenance Team - which will soon be advertised.

Good Luck Alex! Watch this space…

Lighting up the room Adactus has five young people’s projects throughout Wigan & Leigh and Lancaster - the projects provide a home and support for young adults between the ages of 16 and 25.

Residents in this type of supported accommodation can stay for up to two years - during this time, they are given the right skills to live independently and secure their own tenancy. Whilst at the projects, each resident has their own room - but share the communal kitchen, laundry and lounge.

Throughout March this year, all of the communal areas, in all of the projects were modernised. Staff and residents 22 | inhouse

gave their sometimes vocal views on colours for the refurbishment – and their final choices vary in brightness from raspberry red and lime green, to English muffin (off white). The communal lighting was also upgraded, and all the lights are now energy efficient and timed to go off saving money.

In addition, each of the resident’s rooms where painted in the colour of their choice - and they were given new accessories and bedding to enable them to personalise their own space.

Each project is now literally a much brighter place to be.

YOUR home

Would you like £50 for doing nothing?

The answer has to be yes!

If you allow us in to your home on the first visit to carry out your annual gas safety check, you will be entered into a prize draw to win £50.

Saturday morning appointments are also available for your convenience.

Call our dedicated Gas Services Team on 01942 267 808

Log burners We have recently had several enquiries from residents asking if they can install wood burners in their homes.

The Assured Tenancy Agreement and the Responsive Repair Procedure do make provision for residents to make certain improvements to their home - and there are no specific clauses that prohibit the installation of wood burners, however, the tenancy agreement does make it clear that permission must be sought prior to making any improvement.

The frequency of the requests has meant that Adactus have had to make a decision for all the enquiries – and the reasons listed below outline why the Group will refuse all resident requests to install a log burner.

The chimney - The Group would retain responsibility for the chimney the appliance is connected to, and would therefore need to ensure that it remains safe for use with a solid fuel appliance e.g. it would need regular sweeping.

Depending on the type of fuel used, sweeping may need to be done as frequently as every month, and this responsibility cannot be delegated to the resident.

The maintenance costs - The costs associated with solid fuel appliances/chimneys are considerably higher than those of a gas appliance/chimney. Adactus would be

reliant on the user performing regular maintenance tasks, placing the resident and the company at risk if these are not completed correctly.

Fuel - The safe operation of a solid fuel appliance is directly related to the type of fuel burnt. The Group would not be in control of the type of fuel that is burned e.g. unseasoned wood can create tar or creosote in the flue which may result in a chimney fire.

Smoke - Increased risk of neighbour complaints from smoke pollution.

High operating temperatures - Log burners operate between 130 and 140 degrees Celsius. These temperatures are much higher than those associated with gas fired appliances; which would generate a much greater risk of fire and burns.

Carbon monoxide – The risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning from a solid fuel appliance is estimated to be 10 times higher than that of a gas appliance.

Insurance – The Group’s decision to refuse the installation of solid fuel appliances is supported by the Group’s insurers.

Should any residents wish to discuss any other home improvement request, please do not hesitate to contact our Planned Maintenance Department.

Carbon Monoxide - The silent killer Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use - it is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess poisonous CO is produced.

When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues and organs. You can’t see it, taste it or smell it, but CO can kill quickly and without warning. According to HSE Statistics, around seven people die from CO poisoning every year, their deaths are caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed/maintained, or, that are poorly ventilated.

CO levels that do not kill can still cause serious harm to health if inhaled over a long period of time - prolonged exposure to CO can result in paralysis and even brain damage. By understanding of the risks of CO poisoning we can dramatically reduce the chances of it happening to us.

The signs that indicate incomplete combustion is occurring,

which may result in the production of CO are: • yellow or orange rather than blue flames (except fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame) • soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances • pilot lights that frequently blow out • increased condensation inside windows.

Early symptoms of CO poisoning mimic many common ailments are symptoms to look out for include headaches or dizziness, breathlessness, nausea, loss of consciousness, tiredness, pains in the chest or stomach, erratic behaviour and problems with your vision.

If you believe your appliance is spilling carbon monoxide, switch off the appliance, shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve, open all doors and windows to ventilate the room and please call connect on 0300 111 1133. inhouse | 23

Adactus Head Office Turner House, 56 King Street, Leigh, Lancs, WN7 4LJ

T 0300 111 1133

For the out of hours emergency service please use the connect number.

Miles Platting Neighbourhood Office Baker House - 542 Oldham Road, Miles Platting, Manchester, M40 8BS

T 0800 234 6826

For the out of hours emergency service please call 0800 234 6826.

Chorley Head Office Chorley Community Housing Ltd, Ann James House, 32-34 St Thomas Road, Chorley, PR7 1HR

T 0300 111 1133

For the out of hours emergency service please use the connect number.

www.adactushousing.co.uk 24 | inhouse

F 0161 203 2600