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Summer is the season of growth & maturity This edition highlights our growth, see our new development initiatives on page 4 and our new construction team on page 5 Also In this issue p3
| HomeSwapper
p6-7
| Performance
p13-14 | Budget sheet p15
Find us on Facebook and Twitter! To find out how, visit: www.adactushousing.co.uk/ Facebook-and-Twitter
This document is available in other languages, larger text, braille and on audio cd
| Adactus500 inhouse | 1
welcome
Welcome to the Summer edition of Inhouse. There are lots of reasons why summer is arguably the nation’s favourite season, long hot sunny days (we hope), summer holidays, and the chance to inevitably burn food on the BBQ whilst socialising outside with friends. Of course we still get rain, but we know there is a sunny day just waiting in the wings. Summer is also the season of growth and maturity; gardens mature, flowers bloom and summer fruits burst with colour and flavour. This edition of Inhouse acknowledges all things summer – from outings to the beach (p. 20), to getting fit (p. 21 & 22), to growing seasonal fruits in communal gardens (p.21 & 23) and celebrating your beautiful gardens in our garden competition (p.5). This edition also highlights growth and maturity - such as our expanding development program, and new services such as our Inhouse construction team (p. 5), and the newly merged estate services (p. 31). 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. Sam Ryan (staff editor)
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
Being a panel member My name is Jeffrey Hitchen, and I have been a tenant member of the inhouse editorial panel for about six years. As a panel member I find I can contribute ideas and suggestions about content, from a tenant’s point of view, knowing they will be taken seriously. This is a Group newsletter, therefore it has lots of local stories for residents in all areas thanks to the dedicated regional pages – and, it details all of the impressive community projects made possible by
schemes such as the Neighbourhood Fund and You Decide. The newsletter also provides important information about Adactus, e.g. company updates on performance and the Adactus500 (p.15). In addition, it also details Government welfare changes that could affect a great number of tenants (p.12-14). As a tenant panel member I feel proud that I can be a part of brining such diverse stories to everyone that reads, and hopefully enjoys Inhouse. Jeffrey Hitchen
Friend or enemy If you are an animal enthusiast, in particular birds, you may think it’s harmless, even thoughtful to feed the pigeons in your area. Please, think again! Listed below are just a handful of reasons why feeding pigeons should be discouraged:
Salmonella and listeria:
Droppings:
We think of these as food-borne illnesses; but the salmonella and listeria bacteria are also carried by pigeons. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women and babies, as it can cause meningitis in newborns amongst other illnesses.
Droppings can make buildings look unsightly and dried spores from pigeon droppings can be inhaled as dust and carried in the wind. This can cause a flu like illness in healthy people, but poses more serious problems to those with low immunity.
E.coli:
Mites:
We know that raw or undercooked meat can carry E.coli, but pigeons can also carry the disease, and you need to wash your hands whenever you spend time in a pigeon rich environment. The symptoms of E.coli can include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever and vomiting.
Pigeons carry mites which can cause skin disease and dust from their feathers can cause respiratory problems.
Cryptococcal meningitis: This is a fungal disease which is carried in the faeces of pigeons; it can lead to an extremely virulent and dangerous form of pigeon-borne meningitis.
Inhouse enters the digital era 2 | inhouse
Waste food: Waste food left down for pigeons can attract foxes, rats and mice. Also food left down for pigeons can cause walkways to become slippery & dangerous. Startled flocks can take flight suddenly, causing hazards to motorists and pedestrians.
We introduced an electronic version of Inhouse which can be accessed through our website. If you would prefer to receive Inhouse by email, rather than receive a hard copy version, please contact Sam Ryan on 01942 267747, or email sam.ryan@adactushousing.co.uk
LETTI NGS
To swap, or not to swap? Is your property right for you? • Are you being hit with the under-occupancy charge because your home is too big? • Is your home overcrowded and you need somewhere bigger? • Does your property satisfy your health or mobility needs? Are your stairs too much, or do you need a walk in shower? • Or, do you simply want to move closer to family or friends . . . .
If any of these questions have made you question your property needs, then have you thought about a home swap?
Homeswapper is the largest national mutual exchange service for social housing tenants wanting to swap homes both locally and nationally. • • • • •
9/10 get matches within 24 hours See all your matches in an instant Search for swaps locally or nationally 100+ matches per member on average Thousands of homes added every week.
How do I get on to Homeswapper and start my search? It’s easy, just visit www.homeswapper.co.uk to log on and start matching.
What if I don’t have access to a computer or want some help? Simply contact Adactus on 0300 111 113 and ask for our specialist mutual exchange officer Liaqat Shan. He will assist you with your Homeswapper application and search. He can also arrange to visit you in your home if required.
What happens once I’ve found someone to exchange with? Step one: The application • All tenants are required to complete a mutual exchange form. Step two: Approval or refusal • Your Mutual Exchange officer will let you know in writing and within 42 days if your application has been approved or refused. Step three: Property inspection • Your Mutual Exchange officer will assess the condition of your home, for any damage or alterations you may have made. • He will also discuss any tenancy matters and any rent arrears. Step four: Health & safety checks. • Your Mutual Exchange officer will arrange an electrical safety check and Gas safety check
Step five: The answer • Your Mutual Exchange officer will send a tenancy reference to your new landlord. • Your Mutual Exchange officer will confirm in writing their decision to grant you consent to exchange. They will ask you and your exchange partner to agree a date to move. • All landlords involved in the exchange must give their consent before you can move. Step six: The exchange • Your Mutual Exchange officer will arrange a time and date that you and your exchange partner(s) can attend your landlord’s offices to sign the ‘Deed of Assignments.’ Once you have signed the’ Deed of Assignment’ it is legally binding and you are expected to move on the date as agreed with your landlord.
For more information on mutual exchanges please contact Liaqat Shan our specialist mutual exchange officer on 0300 111 1133 or, email liaqat.shan@adactushousing.co.uk or, visit our website www.adactushousing.co.uk. inhouse | 3
DEVE LOPM E NT
New developments Co
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Former St Paul’s Labour Club Site, Westleigh Heather Grove is a scheme of 19 bungalows – they have been built for Adactus by Brookhouse Construction in Westleigh. The bungalows have been designed to address the shortage of this type of property in the area, and will be available for affordable rent. Built on a former Labour club with a bowling green, the new road is to be named Crown Green Close and the new homes are expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Holmes Chapel Road, Somerford This development was an ‘off the shelf’ purchase from Bloor Homes Ltd, situated in the civil parish of Somerford, Congleton. We have five rented and two shared ownership properties on this site. Shared ownership opportunity
Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port Stanney Lane phase one (now known as Stanwell House) is a brand new 32 unit apartment block for rent - delivered by Adactus in partnership with MBE Construction Ltd and completed in May 2015. Phase two will deliver 13 houses available for rent, and should be ready for handover in October 2015. We have opportunities for shared ownership in many areas of the North West, for further information email Emily.Patterson@adactushousing.co.uk or visit www.adactushousing.co.uk, or scan the QR code from your smartphone.
Oak Tree House Oak Tree House is our latest supported housing project in Lancaster for homeless people over 25. The project has 24hr cover and can provide accommodation from just one day, and in certain circumstances, up to twelve months. Oak Tree House was jointly commissioned by Lancaster City Council, Lancashire County Council and the National Offender Management Service. Adactus were selected by Lancaster City Council as its development partner to construct the building and successfully tendered for the revenue funding provided by Lancashire County Council to provide the support service as well. The £1.4m development (£790k funded from the Homelessness Change Programme) is situated in a sustainable location built on the former site of the Dolly Blue Tavern on West Road. It comprises 23 units of accommodation over two floors which include six crisis units, 12 move-on en-suite bedrooms and five self-contained flats. Three of the ground floor units are wheelchair accessible. The key agencies will work with Adactus to manage the referrals received for the project, and the progress of each resident will be carefully monitored. Those individuals who engage and progress well to get to a point where they can manage their own tenancy, and will be assisted to access move on accommodation when they are ready to leave the project. The building has been designed to best meet the needs of the service users, offering access to communal facilities situated within the core building and private outdoor space. The building layout allows staff to monitor activity on site and also has the benefit of CCTV. 4 | inhouse
DEVE LOPM E NT
Adactus Construction Adactus construction (ADCO), was set up at the end of 2013 to manage and build new properties for rent. Historically Adactus appointed an external contractor, but, by building ourselves we manage to save money and build a better product. This new in-house service means we do not pay contractor’s profit - which is normally in the region of 10% of the total build costs. The savings made are then re-invested into Adactus, which allows us to build more homes to increased specifications and standards. ADCO started work on their first project in June 2014, and successfully completed 18 one bed two person apartments in three separate blocks at Long Marsh Lane, Lancaster. The poor ground conditions on this site meant that this development had driven piled foundations - and the construction, which was timber frame, with an outer leaf of reconstructed stone to match Lancaster City historical surroundings. We also carried out extensive landscaping works and constructed a new car park, cycle and bin stores. We successfully completed this project in March 2015. ADCO completed a second project in March 2015 at Runnells Lane, Sefton. We successfully delivered six, two bedroom, four person semi-detached houses. These all had traditional concrete strip foundations and used traditional construction with facing bricks and blockwork with concrete tiled roofs. They all had private drives, landscaped gardens and cycle storage sheds. All the properties were built to a very high standard; they all meet Code for Sustainable Homes Level Three, with a high level of insulation, economical boilers and energy saving devices, all which save the occupiers money on their energy bills. We also obtained Secure by Design accreditation for both projects; this is awarded by the police when the design of the properties and gardens incorporate their security recommendations. For example adding enhanced security measures to windows and doors, and installing high fences around gardens to reduce the risk of theft. This sometimes enables tenants to get insurance discounts from their insurance companies. Following on from our initial success, ADCO now have projects on site at: • Hillary Drive, Crosby, we are constructing eight semi- detached houses and 12 apartments • Peartree Road, Croston, a development of six terraced houses • Longfield Avenue, Coppull, a development of six apartments and two semi-detached houses • Thirlmere Road, Chorley, a development of three bungalows for the elderly. Adactus also have several other projects in the pipeline which we plan to start on site towards the end of this year – and in addition to the two projects already completed we have a target to complete 80 new homes by June 2015, all to the same high standards at a lower cost to Adactus.
blooming marvellous 7 AHA and BHA garden competition 2015 Do you have a creative garden, yard, window box, lawn or hanging basket? Whether it’s a huge garden, a collection of tubs on your balcony or patio, or, a shared space with your neighbours, we want your entry! All entries must be received by Thursday 6th August 2015. All judging will be done in August/September. To enter, please contact Sam Ryan on 01942 267 747 or email: sam.ryan@adactushousing.co.uk inhouse | 5
Performance matters Adactus Housing Group performance (Quarter 4: 2014/15 January to March 2015) Performance matters at Adactus. We closely monitor the performance of our services that are important to residents - and key to the health of the business. In addition to telling us how well we are doing, this information is used to highlight any improvements (or lack of) that result from service changes. The data also helps us to decide where we need to focus our attentions. The table below presents key performance information for Adactus Housing Group for the final quarter of 2014/15 (January to March 2015), along with target and trend information (e.g. whether performance is improving, remaining stable or declining).
Performance area
Performance indicator
Quarter 1
Quarter 3
Quarter 4
Target
% satisfied with completed repair
87%
90%
89%
88%
>85%
Average completion time for non emergency repairs
6 days
5.9 days
6 days
6 days
10 days
Rent Collection
% of rent collected
100%
99.9%
99.3%
100%
99%
Connect Contact Centre
% of calls answered in less than 40 seconds
78%
74%
67%
72%
>80%
% of calls resolved at first point of contact
76%
74%
70%
72%
>75% by year end
£169
£156
£101
£173
<£250
Repairs
Rent lost through vacant lettable general Voids and Lettings needs stock
Performance throughout 2014/15 has been strong with targets achieved in all areas with the exception of the contact centre. The responsive repairs service continues to perform well with average completion times of non-emergency repairs and repairs satisfaction performing well above target. Rent collection also remains strong, a reflection of the strategic approach to income collection. Performance in the contact centre is below target. This is mainly due to the increased duration of enquiries since Connect became the main point of contact for callers in rent arrears. However, we are pleased that caller
6 | inhouse
Quarter 2
Trend
satisfaction has remained above 90% during this period of lower than target performance. We continue to take steps to increase staff numbers during peak demand periods and train more staff to be able to handle the diverse call queries. Continuing the success of recent quarters, the target for letting vacant properties – measured as the rent lost while the property is empty – was achieved; a reflection of the changes made in the way we manage and market our properties.
PE RFORMANCE MATTE RS
Complaints 2014/15 A total of 99 formal complaints were dealt with last year. The chart below shows the spread of complaints with the majority (41 complaints, 42%) being about repairs and maintenance followed by complaints about allocations (13 complaints, 13%) and anti-social behaviour (13 complaints, 13%).
Â
Bubble chart of complaint percentages by service
Rent and Rent and service charge service charge 9% 9%
Repairs and Repairs and maintenance maintenance 42% 42%
Regeneration 1% Housing support services 1%
Allocations Allocations 13% 13%
Staff and
Staff and customer customer services services 9%
9%
Home ownership and leasehold 3%
Anti-social Anti-social behaviour behaviour 13% 13%
Tenancy Tenancy management management 4%
Lettings 12%
Estate management 5%
The second chart below shows there was no service failure found in over half (57%) of the complaints.
Service failure
40%
No service failure
57%
inhouse | 7
anti-social behaviou behaviourr anti-social
Just say no.... It’s been a busy time on the Tenancy Enforcement and Support Team (TEAS Team), particularly in relation to reports of drug misuse and drug cultivation in our properties. For example, in Manchester we were granted two separate suspended possession orders for two different Miles Platting tenants, both of whom had been convicted of using their homes for the production of cannabis. In one of the cases, a police warrant was executed and thirty cannabis plants were found, with an estimated street value of £60,000. Over in Maghull, Southport, a number of residents complained about the smell of cannabis coming from their neighbour’s flat. Residents believed that the tenant’s son (or his friends) were smoking cannabis in the flat whilst the tenant was out at work. The tenant may not have been present when the problems occurred, but her tenancy agreement makes her responsible for the behaviour of anyone who lives with her (or visits her home) and the Judge in Liverpool agreed to grant an injunction order banning the tenant and her visitors from smoking cannabis in the property. In Chorley, the local police provided us with evidence that one of our tenants and her visitors were taking Class A drugs in her flat. This, in addition to reports of their drug related anti-social behaviour led to the tenant’s eviction. Finally, in Clitheroe, a starter tenant has been served with a notice to terminate her tenancy following numerous reports that both she and her partner were smoking cannabis in the house; neighbours reported that the smell was so strong they could smell it in their own homes. Our message is clear – you are not allowed to use your property for illegal purposes, this includes drugs misuse. If we have evidence that you are, then we will take action against you.
DRUGS
Urgent court action In May 2015 we obtained an emergency injunction order against a tenant in Miles Platting who had been acting in an increasingly alarming manner. We had received reports that the tenant had been abusive to neighbours, had been playing loud music and had caused damage to other residents’ property. We tried to address the tenant’s behaviour prior to applying to court for the injunction, by liaising with mental health professionals already working with the tenant. Unfortunately the tenant’s behaviour did not improve, and we felt that she posed a real risk to her neighbours. The injunction order was finalised at a second court hearing, which the tenant did not attend. Since the final court hearing the tenant has re-engaged with her support workers and the situation has improved for all concerned. We will always try to work with tenants and professionals to deal with behaviour that arises from mental health issues. However, we will also act to ensure that other residents are not unduly disturbed or put at risk.
Keep your gardens tidy It’s summertime and the world seems like a nicer place. The days are longer and hopefully sunnier, and our gardens are filled with birds and flowers. The sunshine also means that our gardens grow quickly and it can sometimes be difficult to keep on top of this. However, it is a condition of your tenancy that you maintain your garden to an acceptable standard – we don’t want our neighbourhoods to turn into eyesores. We recently had to take action against a Chorley tenant whose very overgrown garden housed an old mattress and a bedframe that had been dumped in there. We tried to talk to him about this a number of times, but he ignored us and the garden remained the same. In the end we had no choice but to apply for an injunction forcing the man to tidy his garden up. Within a couple of weeks the garden was tidy, the grass was mown and everything looked much nicer for the gentleman and his neighbours. Chorley Community Housing has a garden tool hire service available – if you are a Chorley tenant and would like to make use of this service please contact someone on the Neighbourhood Development Team.
8 | inhouse
anti-social behaviou r
Neighbours, everybody needs good neighbours A Good Samaritan from Manchester recently contacted us to report their concern about their neighbour who lived alone in one of our flats. She had been seen wandering around in the early hours of the morning, and shouting could be heard coming from her flat. Sarah Keenan visited the tenant a few times before the tenant eventually let her in. It then became clear that the tenant was extremely unwell; she was emaciated and freezing cold - it was the middle of winter and she would not use her heating. In addition, her flat was in a poor condition and she was very confused. The lady appeared to have little or no clothing, so Sarah arranged a whip round at the office and collected old clothes from staff members to give the to the tenant. Sarah also contacted Social Services and informed them of the woman’s plight; her subsequent assessment showed that her mental health had deteriorated to the point where she had to be admitted to hospital but, we have since been told that she is doing well. If it hadn’t been for the call from the Good Samaritan, we may never have known about this lady’s condition and she may not have received the help that she clearly needed. If you’re worried about your neighbour, please call us in confidence and we’ll do what we can to help.
Fear
Last month, one of our tenants in Leigh contacted us in a state of panic. She told the TEAS officer that she was extremely frightened - her ex-partner, who was in prison for a serious assault on her, was due for release and our tenant was understandably terrified. Her ex-partner knew where she lived, and the woman was concerned not only for her own welfare, but also for that of her children. She knew what he was capable of and was worried about what he might do. We sat down with this woman and an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) and talked to her about her options. Our TEAS officers are trained to help people who are suffering, or have suffered from domestic abuse, so we were able to discuss a range of options with her, including offering extra security at her property, taking legal action against her partner to keep him away from her and her children and re-housing. The woman felt that her safest option was to move away from the area completely and although she wanted to move to an area where we don’t have any homes, we were still able to assist her with her request for a move. If you are suffering from domestic abuse and need some help please don’t suffer in silence, contact us now and speak to one of our officers in confidence. We’ll do whatever we can to help and support you. Kate Sullivan and Debbie Parkinson the TEAS team managers added, “We would like to acknowledge the hard work of the whole TEAS team, which although rewarding, can be very challenging at times. We would also like to congratulate Sarah Keenan, a member of our team, for winning The Adactus Group employee of the year award 2015, and Tia Mantack, another team member who won the tenants choice award - a fantastic achievement and testament to their skill and dedication. Well done Sarah and Tia.”
Court injunctions against local resident and his associate A local resident from Landos Court and his friend were recently served with injunction papers after they were discovered using the quiet areas in the communal areas to inject drugs. The caretaker frequently found drug paraphernalia and other debris on the stairwell and corridors. Not only was this deeply unpleasant for Adactus employees, but also put their health at risk. In addition, it was a distressing sight for tenants to witness as they were entering or leaving their flats. Both males had been previously warned about their behaviour by Housing Officer, Patrice Campbell, however this did not deter them and they were caught injecting themselves. The injunction orders granted at Manchester Civil Justice Centre bans the local resident from using the communal areas for drug taking - and his friend has been completely banned from entering the block and car park at Landos Court and from the neighbouring tower blocks in Miles Platting. The orders will last for 18 months. Officers Patrice Campbell and Mike Colvin said, “It took some time to gather the evidence needed to pursue this matter through the courts and at times it might have appeared to other concerned residents that no action was being taken to tackle this problem. I hope that these results show that we will not tolerate this type of behaviour in our blocks and we will always take action when we can.” inhouse | 9
Spotlight on Sandringham Court Rather than focus this Spotlight article on one extraordinary individual, we are highlighting the story of four genuinely inspiring people – and they all happen to live in Sandringham Court, Lowton. Like most of us now, future generations will only ever know World War II from what we read, hear and see in films. My grandfather was a navigator during the Second World War, so I was fortunate enough to know and love someone whose life stories were scarier and more inspiring than any film could ever capture or portray. This article is about four extraordinary men and women who didn’t just survive the war - they were heroic! Not only did I have the incredible honour to meet these humbling individuals, but I got to hear some of their stories, some funny, some sad – all riveting.
Joan Heaton was born on the 19th January 1920; she is now 95. Joan joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), in 1942. The WAAF, whose members were invariably referred to as WAAFs, was the female auxiliary of the Royal Air Force during World War II, established in 1939. At its peak strength, in 1943, WAAF numbers exceeded 180,000, with over 2,000 women enlisting per week. Initially she was posted in Blackpool as the secretary to the commanding officer at the School of Technical Training, then to Innsworth in the same role. Despite the sadness of war, Joan met lifelong friends, and she said, “We were a community.” During Joan’s time at Innsworth, an entertainment group from America came to do a show. Joan was in her room when the entertainment officer played a trick on her; he made himself known and knocked on her door, Joan obviously opened it expecting to see the officer, but instead, in walked popular film and entertainment star Mickey Rooney. Joan also fondly remembers that when the war was finally over, the telephonist was supposed to announce it to the Commanding Officer, but unable to contain the news, she broadcast it over the tannoy, and in their excitement, all the troops started pulling out all the fences, singing, “Don’t fence me in!”
Joan Wright was born on the 13th May 1924; she is now 91. Joan joined the WAAF when she was just 17. She was posted as a clerk at Ruislip Records, just outside London. Joan explained that the tube stations in the East End where full of families who had been made homeless by the bombs – and whilst travelling to and from work, she had to carefully navigate her way through the sea of people, whilst trying hard not to invade their privacy. Joan winces as she remembers the terrible noise, but she is quick to qualify that it wasn’t the bombs, but the ‘ack ack’ guns that were responsible. Joan married Ron Goulet, a French Canadian serving in the RAF, and they moved to Alberta with their two sons. Ron sadly died in an accident and Joan returned home with their children. With visible pride, Joan tells me how she was eventually reunited with her childhood sweetheart Eric, “I was wearing Christian Dior, bought whilst I was in Canada, it was very expensive here - I was on a bus, and we just looked at each other….” Joan then explained that she and Eric had a daughter and were married for 52 years before he too sadly died.
10 | inhouse
Herbert King was born on the 12th August 1918; he is now 96. Bert was called up in 1939 and did his training at Fulwood barracks in Lancashire, before joining the Border Regiment just outside Scotland. The Border Regiment was a line infantry regiment of the British Army, which was formed in 1881. Bert was sent to France but returned on a destroyer from Dunkirk a few weeks later. The North Africa campaign started and Bert was sent there with the First Army. The British First Army was formed to command the American and British land forces which had landed as part of Operation Torch in Morocco and Algeria on 8 November 1942. Bert was a corporal who taught soldiers how to drive tanks. He travelled across Africa with the First Army, ending in Tunisia. Supported by elements of XII Tactical Air Command and No. 242 Group RAF, the First Army carried the main weight of the 18th Army Group’s offensive to conclude the Tunisia Campaign. After Tunisia, Bert was sent to Naples and they drove the tanks to Cassino, Italy (tanks travel at approximately five miles per hour). They found out the war was over in Bologna, and Bert said it was a very quiet affair compared to back home in England.
Thomas James Seymour was born on the 8th September 1920; he is now 94. When Thomas was called up - before the start of the war in 1939, he was a volunteer in the Territorial Army. Thomas was an ammunition lorry driver in the 6th Royal Tank Regiment, which was based in Egypt with the Heavy Armoured Brigade, part of the Armoured Division. Thomas was awarded the Military Medal in 1943. His citation reads, “Trooper Seymour was consistently employed throughout the retreat from Gazala to the El Alamein line in May, June and July, 1942, as a 3 ton ammunition lorry driver in A.1. Echelon. He repeatedly replenished the tanks in the battle line under fire, and always showed the utmost disregard for personal danger. On the 7th July, in the area of Ruweisat Ridge, his lorry was shelled and badly perforated by splinters. After changing two damaged wheels under fire he refused to go back to the A.1. Echelon, but went forward over a minefield to replenish the tanks which at the time were heavily engaged in action. He was again shelled, and when a shell landed about four yards away from the lorry, he was ordered by an officer to off load ammunition from his lorry and make a dump. This he did singlehanded behaving just as if there was no shelling at all. His consistent bravery throughout this retreat cannot be commended too highly.” Thomas had earned the rank of Sergeant by the end of the war. by Samantha Ryan, Staff Editor
inhouse | 11
WE LFARE RE FORM & rent
Basic bank accounts With the introduction of Universal Credit (UC) and the mandatory requirements of this benefit – e.g. a bank account, we are keen to ensure that all of our tenants have access to the right information. Universal Credit will only be paid directly to you, into a bank account that you hold. The UC payment will include a housing element that you will need to pay to the Association for your rent. The easiest and most convenient way to do this is by Direct Debit or Standing Order. Previously, only a handful of banks offered these accounts, but now most high street banks will offer them to customers free of charge. In order to open an account you will need identification
- any of the following will be sufficient to open a basic bank account: • Full, current passport
• Benefit books/benefit entitlement letters; includes pension, child benefit, income support, disability and jobseeker’s allowance • Current European Union member state identity card • Current UK photo card driving licence or UK full paper driving licence • HMRC tax notification or assessment letter. If you’re struggling to provide these documents, there are other forms of ID you may be able to use but you would need to ask the individual bank what they will accept as a form of ID.
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 118 live Universal Credit cases and the numbers are growing at about 5-10 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.
12 | inhouse
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.
Budget sheet Feeling the pinch of Welfare Reform? Losing track of your spending or just juggling household costs? If you have answered YES to any of the above why not use our budgeting sheet (overleaf ) to get a clearer picture of where your money goes and show where you might have a chance to save money. You will need to be honest and realistic with amounts in order to show a true picture of your finances. Please see the example below of how to complete the budget sheet: Income
Outgoings
(weekly/monthly)
Debts/savings
(weekly/monthly)
(weekly/monthly)
JSA/Income support
£57.90
Gas
£15.00
Rent arrears
£3.70
Working Tax Credit
£
Electricity
£10.00
Catalogue
£
Child Benefit
£
Water
£4.90
Credit card/store card repayments
£
Child Tax Credit
£
Phone (home/mobile)
£5.00
Loans/hire purchase arrears
£
Universal Credit
£
TV Licence
£2.80
Total debts/ savings
£3.70
DLA/PIP
£
Food
£35.00
Total income
£57.90
Attendance Allowance
£
Clothing
£5.00
(minus) Total outgoings
£95.20
Carer’s Allowance
£
Travel expenses e.g. car expenses, train/ bus fare
£7.50
(minus) Total debts/savings
£3.70
State Pension
£
Leisure e.g. days out, lottery
£10.00
Amount remaining
Total Income
£57.90
Total Outgoings £95.20
£-37.30
(income-outgoingsdebts/savings)
So what’s next? Once you have completed the budgeting sheet and added up the figures for your income, outgoings and debts/ savings, split your debts (if you have any) into priority (e.g. rent, council tax) vs. non priority debts (e.g. catalogue). After you have categorized your debts, pay your priority debts first (you could mark them with a ‘P’ on your budget sheet), then work out how much you can afford to pay your other creditors and contact them to make repayment agreements.
Tips for future budgeting • Avoid any further temptation of credit, store cards or loans – it may look fast, easy and good value at the time but paying it off can be slow, painful and costly. • Shop around when buying insurance, utilities etc. and why not check whether switching to another energy supplier could save you money? • If you pay things by direct debit make sure you know what you’re paying for. Check you are not paying for services you don’t use anymore. • Cut back on non essentials – you don’t need to make big changes to your lifestyle – cutting back on little things you buy can make a big difference. • Budget for one off expenses e.g. Christmas by saving money throughout the year. Even a small amount each month will add up over a period of time. • Keep a spending diary and review this regularly. • Make sure you are claiming all the benefits you are entitled to. Contact our money advice team at Adactus for a benefits check on 0300 111 1133. inhouse | 13
Budget sheet Income (weekly/monthly)
Outgoings (weekly/monthly)
Debts/savings (weekly/monthly)
Wages (after tax)
£
Rent
£
Rent arrears
£
JSA/Income support
£
Council Tax
£
Council Tax arrears
£
Employment Support Allowance
£
Gas
£
Gas/electricity/ water arrears
£
Working Tax Credit
£
Electricity
£
Catalogue
£
Child Benefit
£
Water
£
Credit card/store card repayments
£
Child Tax Credit
£
Phone £ (home/mobile)
Loans/hire purchase arrears
£
Universal Credit
£
TV Licence
£
Court fines
£
DLA/PIP
£
Food
£
Overdraft charges/interest
£
Attendance Allowance
£
Clothing
£
Savings £ (money put into a savings account)
Carer’s Allowance
£
Prescriptions/ £ eye/dental care
Other
£
State Pension
£
Insurance e.g. home, life, health
Total debts/ savings
£
Workplace Pension
£
Travel expenses £ e.g. car expenses, train/bus fare
Private Pension
£
Hire purchase
£
Total income
£
Pension Credit
£
Leisure e.g. days out, lottery
£
(minus)
£
Other
£
Other
£
(minus)
Total Income
£
Total Outgoings
£
£
Total outgoings Total debts/savings
Amount remaining (income-outgoingsdebts/savings
14 | inhouse
£
£
Adactus500 Scrutiny Panel Take part. Collect points. Be rewarded
Adactus500 Scrutiny Panel update! Since the last edition of inhouse, we have completed another scrutiny panel and are now hard at work on the eighth scrutiny panel on gas safety.
Energy Efficiency 60 volunteers from the Adactus500 8 members formed the panel 3 meetings 20 contributions from other residents 10 recommendations from Internal Affairs 9 additional recommendations from the scrutiny panel All of the recommendations were agreed by our board and are now being implemented including: • Updates to the way we record energy efficiency information about our properties. • Changes to the energy efficiency targets we are aiming for, to take into account different property types. • A relaunch of our energy advice service to pass on advice and money saving tips to both new and existing tenants. There will be more information on this in the next edition of inhouse. Want to find out more? 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 just sign up to the Adactus500 by visiting our website or by calling us on 0300 111 1133.
The Adactus500 goes mobile! The mobile version of the Adactus500 is now up and running! Just visit www.adactushousing.co.uk/adactus500 or scan the QR code from your smartphone and log-in using your surname and tenancy number.
We have added lots more activities with up to 10 running at any one time. You can even complete tasks by simply taking a photo and sending it in to us! With rewards ranging from £1.00 to £4.00 for each activity completed, there’s never been a better time to sign up and take part.
inhouse | 15
BREATH E
..…and breathe! What is breathe?
Jayne Allison, the Sustainable Neighbourhoods Manager explains, “breathe was set up a few years ago to help Adactus achieve its aim of creating sustainable neighbourhoods where people want to live and work. The department is made up of two Neighbourhood Development teams, an Environmental HIT Squad, an Environmental Projects Manager and an Employment and Skills Manager, all working in partnership with each other. Since our launch, the department has grown and developed somewhat, so we thought it was about time to put the spotlight on breathe… We have two Neighbourhood Development Teams, one based in Manchester and the other one in Chorley. Between them, two Community Engagement Managers, six Neighbourhood Development Officers and two Project Support Officers work across the entire area where Adactus have homes, from as far South as Crewe to Morecambe in the North.
The breathe team
Our aim is to get to the heart of the communities. Working closely with local residents and partners, we can develop and deliver relevant and engaging neighbourhood development projects. While we support individuals and resident groups to apply for our Neighbourhood Fund, we also work with them to generate new project ideas through partnership working. Recently our team started offering one to one advice and guidance around energy efficiency and employability. If you need help with your heating controls or with switching suppliers, or if you need some help to put together a CV or apply for a job, then get in touch and we can help. Each area has its own designated Neighbourhood Development Officer (NDO). To broaden our reach we have recently ‘gone digital’ – now you can contact the NDO for your area directly via Facebook or Twitter! ‘Like’ or ‘Follow’ us for live updates in your area or get in touch to share your ideas, we’d love to hear from you!”
Jayne Allison – Sustainable Neighbourhoods Manager
Andrew Coady – Community Engagement Manager
Lindsay Ogden Employment and Skills Manager
Chris Richardson – Community Engagement Manager
Laura Reynolds – NDO, South Manchester and Cheshire Adactus in South Manchester @Laura_Adactus
Jacqui Wilson – NDO, North & East Manchester
Natasha Laws – NDO, Trafford
The HIT Squad
@Darren_Adactus
Adactus in North Manchester @Jacqui_Adactus
Amy Holden – NDO, Sefton
Adactus in Sefton @Amy_Adactus
Adactus in Trafford @Natasha_Adactus
Catherine Lowe – NDO, Chorley Chorley Community Housing @Cath_Adactus
Samana Afzal – Project Support Officer
16 | inhouse
Natalie Twomey Environmental Projects Manager
Samantha Hornsby – NDO, Wigan & Leigh Adactus in Wigan and Leigh @Sam_Adactus
Farzana Haq– Project Support Officer
BREATH E
Our neighbourhoods Local forums – have your say Adactus Housing Group (AHG) residents can attend one of six local forums in the different areas where our residents live. The forums offer local residents the opportunity to discuss any issues in the area – things that are good, and things that might need changing.
Neighbourhood Fund – building communities If you are interested in improving your neighbourhood and already have an idea how to improve it, then the £250,000 AHG Neighbourhood Fund may help make your idea a reality. This successful initiative has been available on a yearly basis since 2010, and funds community projects throughout all the areas where Adactus Housing Group residents live.
The meetings are held every three months and are facilitated by the local Neighbourhood Development Officer.
The fund is judged by Adactus Housing Group residents and has already supported a diverse range of projects from youth clubs; to luncheon clubs; food banks; community allotments and much, much more. If you would like to help choose the successful projects, why not join the Adactus500 (see p. 15).
For more information or to find out about a forum near you please call Connect on 0300 111 1133 or visit www. adactushousing.co.uk.
The annual Fund is normally launched in April, but subsequent rounds are opened throughout the year so watch this space!
Green Grants – helping our environment Adactus also run a Green Grant scheme to fund small environmental projects that help improve our neighbourhoods; the scheme promotes recycling and green issues in Adactus/Beech or CCH neighbourhoods. For more information on funding initiatives, please contact Connect or visit our website. Alternatively, if you live in Manchester, Trafford or Cheshire please email grantmcr@adactushousing.co.uk or, if you live in Lancashire or Sefton please email grantwest@cch.org.uk.
Our environment
Giant step for a small footprint Its official! Carbon footprint reduction of 25% achieved! In 2010 Adactus was one of 40 organisations (and the only housing association) chosen to work alongside the Carbon Trust. Five years on we have reduced our impact on the environment by 25%!
Our case study is on the Carbon Trust website http://www.carbontrust. com/our-clients/a/adactus-housing-group or, scan the QR code from your smartphone. Making small changes across the company have made a BIG difference and everyone at Adactus has contributed. We have achieved our goal by: • • • •
Using greener cars and vans Being more energy efficient in our offices Replacing two older inefficient offices with one new energy efficient office (Baker House in Miles Platting). Upgrading lighting and heating systems.
Being more sustainable and reducing our impact on the environment will continue to be a priority for Adactus. Over the next few months we will be focusing on our waste and with the help of the Carbon Trust we will be looking at ways to reduce our waste and increase what we re-use and recycle.
Energy Advice Service - save energy, save money! Adactus will be launching an Energy Advice service this September. The service is FREE and available to ALL tenants. We can help you to: • understand your heating controls and timers • compare other suppliers • use less electricity and gas • reduce condensation • apply for the Warm Homes Discount (you can find out if you are eligible by contacting your supplier or by looking on their website). For a FREE energy advice appointment call 0300 111 1133. inhouse | 17
BREATH E
Employment and skills Step forward Our in-house Step Forward programme aims to provide jobseekers with mentoring, skills development and job seeking support in order to move them towards sustainable employment. The offer is open to all Adactus Housing tenants and includes an initial Careers, Education, and Information Advice & Guidance (CEIAG) counselling session with our qualified careers advisors. Our aim is to support residents into learning, training or employment using a person centred approach. We do this by helping residents identify and remove barriers that may be preventing them from moving forward to achieve their career goals and aspirations.
Under the Step Forward umbrella we offer a number of opportunities which include: • Adactus Training Centre • WOW-Job clubs • Work experience • Enterprise fund If you would like to find more about Step Forward then please ring CONNECT and ask to speak with your Neighbourhood Development Officer or Lindsay Ogden, Employment and Skills Manager or, email lindsay.ogden@adactushousing.co.uk
Reach for the stars! “Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.” by Harriet Tubman. We may have different dreams and aspirations, but we all need the confidence in ourselves to know that we really do have the potential to change the world, even if it’s only our own world we want to change. To help young students ‘reach for the stars’, Adactus recently held a careers event at Leigh CE junior school. Over 80 year six pupils took part in fun interactive workshops hosted by various public services including the Police, Fire and Rescue, Nursing, social care and our own support and grounds maintenance teams. The event was designed to raise the aspirations of primary school children – helping them to understand the link between learning in school and the world of work and ultimately motivate them to improve their academic performance. Everyone had a fantastic time and enjoyed trying out the variety of different activities. It was extra special as one particular pupil stated that the event had inspired them to work for Adactus in future.
Do you need a bit of WOW in your life? The World of Work club (WOW) was set up to help people who are looking for work within the Chorley Community. WOW has now been running for just over two years, and has already helped many people with basic computer skills, CV writing, interview techniques, careers advice and confidence building, to ensure they are ready for employment. The club meets every Wednesday at CCH’s offices, Ann James House, St Thomas’s Road, Chorley. The sessions run from 10:30am-12:30pm and are open to all Chorley residents. Anyone interested is encouraged to drop in on any session; this is a fantastic opportunity for people to brush up on some skills and learn new ones. For more information contact Catherine Lowe on 0300 111 1133 or, email catherine.lowe@ adactushousing.co.uk
For more information please contact BreatheTeam@adactushousing.co.uk 18 | inhouse
N E IG H BOU RHOOD FU N D
Vintage FM Vintage FM, a project created by ALL FM 96.9 radio, was recently awarded £980 by the AHA Neighbourhood Fund. ALL FM have been broadcasting to the communities of Manchester for over 10 years. The station prides itself on its cultural expression, and diverse multicultural radio shows - which range from “Caribbean Culture” to “The Full Irish”. The Vintage FM project was designed to engage older people in the community and to teach them about radio production. Participants are trained on how to use the software, the operating desk, techniques for interviewing people and the structure of writing a radio show. For
their final session, participants also get the opportunity to present and produce their own live radio show. Rowland Jones, who took part in the Vintage FM project said, “I came across the course by accident, and I’m really glad I did. It’s been great fun- working with people who were enthusiastic and supportive, a great experience!” Throughout the project, the level of confidence, knowledge and professionalism of the group impressed everyone involved, and its success has prompted Vintage FM to propose their own weekly radio show to ALL FM– their long term aim is to host a show aimed specifically at older people, reflecting the projects commitment and belief in their community.
Compassion food bank The AHA Neighbourhood Fund has awarded £1000 to Compassion Food Bank to enable them to expand their services by adding a Kitchen Appliances Bank. Compassion Food Bank is an independent food bank which provides a food source for people in need, as well as a drop in facility for ex-offenders and the wider community. They offer clients and their families free food parcels that provide a balanced diet for a number of days. Through their service, they have realised that a significant number of their clients do not have the resources to cook and prepare the food that has been provided. Michelle Welch, Project Manager says, “Compassion Food Bank noticed that a number of people who come to us do not have electrical cooking utensils, such as microwaves,
kettles and toasters. These items were being donated to us, but we were unable to distribute them because we didn’t have the PAT testing equipment, or, the necessary training to carry out PAT testing on goods. The money provided by Adactus will enable us to operate as a Kitchen Appliances Bank to our food users extending our service provision and making this project even more sustainable”.
Breakthrough Youth Founded with help from the Neighbourhood Fund MACMAKE, a residents’ association set up in 2013 by Adactus tenants living on Maclaren Drive and Makepeace Walk, got in touch with us to help set up a youth club in their local community. The residents’ association felt that there was little provision within Crumpsall or Cheetham for young people. After consultating with the local community and Abraham Moss Community School, MACMAKE decided to act and set up ‘Breakthrough Youth’. The chair of the residents association, Delores Daniels, explained how the young people in their neighbourhood needed an environment where they could be themselves and meet friends without the stigma of being a gang. Since its formation, Breakthrough Youth and MACMAKE have been working in partnership with the Friday Night Project at Abraham Moss Community School, Adactus Housing Association and Manchester City Council to enhance their current sporting provision. The youth club has been running for over six weeks now
and has successfully provided a range of activities including pizza making, jewellery making, table tennis and pool tournaments. Sarah, one of the local parents voiced her delight after her son enjoyed his first night at Breakthrough Youth. Along with her husband, they both felt confident in leaving him at the project and believe it is a great way for their son to develop his independence. Breakthrough Youth not only want to provide a one off environment for young people, but to create a long term project which aims to inspire, motivate and create new experiences for all those who live around Crumpsall and Cheetham Hill. Breakthrough Youth meets every Friday, 6-9pm at The Inclusion Centre, Abraham Moss Community School. For more information on Breakthrough Youth, please contact Delores Daniels on 07528 588 168. inhouse | 19
N E IG H BOU RHOOD FU N D
Life’s a Beach in Sefton Out of all the successful Neighbourhood Fund projects this year, two projects in Sefton involve day trips to the beach! Fairfield, one of our retirement living schemes in Crosby, set up their own social club more than ten years ago. The social club has grown in popularity year on year since, with residents from the wider area keen to get involved in the social activities run at the scheme. This year, Fairfield have teamed up with residents from St Pauls Place in Bootle and Sandon Lodge in Seaforth, to organise a bumper day to Blackpool, where they will share lunch together and visit the Blackpool Tower Circus. Residents from Allinsons Court, Litherland, are also set for a day at the beach after a successful application for a day trip to Llandudno. Last year, residents at Allinsons Court began to get together at the British Legion, Litherland for coffee mornings and a Christmas party. At one of their coffee mornings, the residents expressed an interest in sharing a day trip to Llandudno; one successful funding application later and off they go.
Fancy barging around Sefton Sefton residents have the opportunity to embark on a series of free canal cruises with the Pride of Sefton Narrow boat Committee following their successful bid to secure funding through this year’s Neighbourhood Fund. Places on the cruises are limited and will be offered on a first come first served basis. The Pride of Sefton 2, which was built in 2009, was launched by Sefton Councillor Peter Dowd on 23 July 2010 (the ageing Pride of Sefton 1 was sold in 2013). The narrow boat is used to provide free trips to under-privileged and disabled people as well as leisurely educational trips for the local community. These trips are funded through a combination of donations, grants and commercial trips made available to the general public.
returning to Pride of Sefton’s mooring in Haskayne. This is the second year that Adactus are working with Pride of Sefton. Last year’s funding helped provide trips to over 120 children and 50 local residents. The trips proved a huge success, with many people wanting to go back for a second trip. There are various dates available in July, August and September, for more information, or to register your interest, please call Amy on 0300 111 1133.
This summer, the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund will cover the cost of ten, three hour cruises, departing from and
It’s a knock out! The Levenshulme Boxing Club, like its members, is going from strength to strength as it continues to develop its facilities in Cringle Park, Levenshulme. With financial support from a range of organisations, including Adactus, the club is making a positive impact on the community. Tommy Dolan, former boxer and Club leader explained, “The support we have received has been invaluable. The new equipment and the professional coaching sessions have enabled us to increase the number of young people accessing the club.” With over 100 names on the books at the moment, the club is an important provision for young people in the local area. It provides a safe and engaging environment where young people can learn and develop their boxing skills. The Levenshulme and Burnage Boxing Academy can be found at The Pavillion, Cringle Fields Park, Erwood Road, Levenshulme M19 1FS.
20 | inhouse
M I LES PLATTI NG www.adactushousing.co.uk/northand-east-manchester
A taste of sport The annual Miles Platting Sports Day saw the weather stay dry but a familiar grey during the two hours of free sport at Victoria Mill community centre and surrounding areas. Representatives from a range of sports were present, allowing residents to participate in sports taster sessions including rugby, tennis, basketball and athletics. City in the Community football coaches (CITC) and Manchester Giants basketball coaches were on hand to provide training tips to budding Miles Platting sportsmen and women. The newest and perhaps most unusual sporting addition to the 2015 Miles Platting Sports Day calendar, was the pram racing obstacle course - co-ordinated by Rhys Wynne from the Canals and River Trust, it was created to raise the profile of the buggy walks, which take place every Thursday along the Rochdale Canal.
Miles Platting work club The Miles Platting Work Club is still proving popular with almost 170 people accessing this successful service. Staff can help you: • Update your CVs • Apply for jobs
• Access Universal Jobmatch • With job advice
• Use the computers and tablets (basic IT skills are required).
There is no need to make an appointment, although computers and tablets are allocated on a first come first served basis, so it’s best to get there early. The Work Club is open Tuesdays from 10:30am 12:00pm at Baker House, Adactus Housing Office, Oldham Road.
Miles Platting Summer Festival Saturday 1st August 12pm - 4pm welcomes the most popular event in the Miles Platting calendar - the Miles Platting Summer Festival. This fun event regularly attracts over 100 people to the Victoria Mill Community Centre and The Green, along the canal, and is enjoyed by adults and children alike. A number of activities are yet to be confirmed but to give you a flavour; the Miles Platting Community Gardens will have a plant sale, there will be face painting and a pool tournament. Everyone is welcome, so come along and have some fun!
Cheaper calls OFCOM, the telecoms regulator, has decided that in line with most other European countries, calls to freephone numbers from mobile phones in the UK will be completely free of charge to the caller. It means that when companies advertise a free 0800 number, free really will mean free. Previously, callers paid around 20p per minute to call an 0800 number from a mobile. However, since 1st July 2015, the cost of calling transferred to the 0800 number holder.
Miles Platting Community Gardens There are two community gardens in Miles Platting/Ancoats, with growing beds available for people to grow their own fruit and vegetables for free. The gardens (on Chippenham Road and Holland Street) have a dedicated group of gardeners who also meet to discuss a range of topics, including funding and how best to get the community involved. In addition, this successful group have also organised events such as the Big Dig at Chippenham Road on 21st March. The big dig event attracted a number of new gardeners who sought tips and advice on what to grow and how to grow it, from expert Jon from Sow the City. The Sow the City ethos is simple; build a healthier city where everyone can grow their own food. Somewhere that’s full of beans. The kind of city you want to live in. Both the Miles Platting community gardens are fantastic examples of this ethos in practice. For more information on any of these stories please contact either Vicki or Issie on 0161 203 2600 (option 2), or email victoria.greer@adactushousing.co.uk or isobel.howard@adactushousing.co.uk
inhouse | 21
NORTH MANCH ESTE R
Adactus in North Manchester
@Jacqui_Adactus
www.adactushousing.co.uk/northand-east-manchester
North Manchester Community Games A FREE sport and activities day! The North Manchester Community Games (NMCG) partner a large number of sports clubs and organisations from all over North Manchester – to provide the community with access to the sport of their choice, for FREE. This year’s event will be held at Boggart Hole Clough, Charlestown Road, Manchester, M9 7DF on Sunday 2 August, between 12noon and 4pm. The day is a great opportunity for clubs to advertise their regular sessions, and for the whole family to sample the different sporting activities available on their doorstep. So why not come along and try a variety of sports and activities including football, visually impaired cricket, athletics and rugby as well as boxing, running, volleyball and fishing plus much, much more. There is something for everyone - for those who prefer more sedate entertainment there are arts and crafts stalls and a senior community area with age friendly activities like tai-chi, chair based exercises and an instructor lead leisurely park walk. For the younger participants there is a bouncy castle and face painting - and everything is FREE! Should you require any further information please contact Scott Flitcroft at S.flitcroft@manchester.gov.uk
The great Gorton carnival Roll up roll up roll up, to the greatest show in Gorton! At Debdale Park, 12:00pm until 4:30pm - Sunday 6th September 2015 Come and celebrate all the good things about Gorton including the fabulous people that make up the community! At the great Gorton Carnival you can: experience live performances, see dance troupes, enjoy a fun fair, watch a dog show, participate in multi-sports, hear a jazz band, see fire engines, enter a bowls competition, play giant games, browse market stalls, witness birds of prey, meet the Army and much more. The parade starts at All Saints School at 11am dropping at Gorton Market at 11.30am where you can enjoy one hour of entertainment from Bungee Jumping to Dancing Troops & Market stalls & lots of shopping. The parade will leave at 12.30pm & arrives in Debdale Park at 1pm. Last year saw more than 10,000 people take part in the day.
Lightbowne Easter eggs-travaganza Supported by the Neighbourhood Fund During Easter, the Adactus – Northwards partnership team swung into action again hosting a joint event at Joseph Dean Court in the Lightbowne area of Moston. Over 100 residents attended an Easter Extravaganza which had everything from face painting, circus skills, arts & crafts, Animals Intuition, a raffle, various side shows on offer as well as music and games. This was just one of a series of successful events that have been jointly delivered over the last four years, designed to encourage community cohesion. The Northwards Tenants at Joseph Dean Court received a special mention as they always embrace these events and welcome the community into their ‘home’. Their Scheme Manager,
22 | inhouse
Sheila Walker, explained how this year’s event was the best one ever. The sun was shining, residents from all over Lightbowne joined in and most importantly, the residents at Joseph Dean really enjoyed the wonderful family atmosphere of the whole event. It is always great to see everyone on the estate joining in these events. It makes good sense for Adactus to be working together with Northwards, pooling joint talents and resources to ensure a more successful outcome.
Adactus in South Manchester
@Laura_Adactus
SOUTH MANCH ESTE R AN D TRAFFORD www.adactushousing.co.uk/southmanchester-and-trafford
Tackling food poverty The Adactus Housing Association has helped Moss Side Community Allotment (MSCA) secure £6,000 of food poverty funding. The funding, provided by Manchester City Council, is to be spent over two years and will tackle food poverty in Moss Side and the surrounding areas. This grant will enable this very successful allotment group to extend their training and support opportunities and create a localised and sustainable approach to eradicating food poverty. The allotment group already provide a range of activities and workshops to share ideas by linking the food from the ground with the food on the plate. Through a series of workshops the group literally start from the ground up.
Building raised beds
How to grow the food
How to cook the food
Working alongside the emergency food banks, local housing providers, the city council and schools, the MSCA have already made an impact, and tried to ensure they reach everyone living within the community. They hope that through their extended programme of activities, they will attract new growers and, in addition to providing fresh organic produce to those facing food poverty, they will help inspire people to grow their own.
In sunshine and in rain Nestled in a row of terrace houses in the heart of Moss Side is the Rawcliffe Street Community Garden. The garden is owned by Adactus, but for the use of the local community. The group had previously secured funding to purchase raised planters for their garden and on Friday 29th May, it was time to get them planted. Predictably for Manchester, the day started off with heavy rain. Not ideal weather for planting - but it soon cleared up and local residents came along to take help out. The younger volunteers particularly enjoyed getting very dirty in the soaking wet soil! The planting event was conceived to make some improvements to the garden and to encourage local residents to use this tranquil area as respite from their predominantly urban environment – they can now make use of the planters, or simply relax in this special space.
Dog-tastic! Adactus proudly worked in partnership with Dogs Trust, Guide Dogs, Trafford Council and the police to host an event that promoted responsible dog ownership awareness in Stretford. Dogs were micro-chipped for free and offered basic health checks whilst owners had access to free advice, free dog food, free dog toys and the obligatory poo-bags. Stretford residents have seen an increase in issues surrounding dog attacks, dog fouling and general nuisance in the area caused by dogs. Adactus has been working hard to educate dog owners on their obligations, and the repercussions of not being a responsible owner, e.g. fines, eviction and in certain circumstances, prison. Kate Green, Labour’s Member of Parliament for Stretford and Urmston said, “I was really pleased to go to the responsible dog ownership event hosted by Adactus and meet so many lovely dogs and their owners. I’d like to thank Adactus for inviting me to support their event and look forward to working with them to promote responsible dog ownership in the future.” Despite the issues in Stretford, the large number of dog-owners who attended the event, made it clear that we are still a nation of dog lovers - and with the help of our relevant partners, Adactus will strive to keep it that way.
inhouse | 23
WIGAN AN D LE IG H
Adactus in Wigan & Leigh
@Sam_Adactus
www.adactushousing.co.uk/ wigan-and-leigh
Wigan and Leigh grants awarded The Adactus Housing Neighbourhood Fund has awarded £23,500 to worthy projects across the Wigan and Leigh area this year alone. The Neighbourhood Fund judging panel – made up of Adactus500 members, carefully evaluated every project to assess its impact on the community and local area. The panel supported an incredible 20 projects in total. Some of the diverse initiatives include, trips out for local carers, healthy living, activity courses for children (during the summer holidays) such as canoeing, and support for the local caring kitchen to name a few.
Beech Hill Lane Located in the heart of Wigan, 14 high quality homes are being built on the former site of the Beech Tree Inn. The pub closed in August 2014 and works began to re-develop the site just two weeks later. At a total cost of £1.7m, the scheme will comprise of eight, two bedroom mews houses and six, three bedroom semi-detached houses. These properties are being built in partnership with Mellwood Construction – a proven collaboration that has already created 18 luxury apartments on Washway Road in Sale. Like most new developments, the development and construction teams have had to work with certain constraints – on this site the retaining structure had to be meticulously monitored, due to the steep gradient of the land. Construction is now progressing and the homes are expected to be completed in September 2015. All 14 properties will be available for affordable rent. This development will provide Wigan with some much needed new energy efficient and low maintenance homes for those in need of affordable housing. It is part of Adactus’ continued growth and investment in the Wigan and Leigh borough to help re-generate our local communities. All the properties will be allocated through Wigan and Leigh homes. There is a great demand in this area, so if you know someone who may be interested, please ask them to contact the property shop on 01942 489005 for details on how to apply.
Facelift for Ingleside Since 2011, the Group has been carrying out improvements works across its retirement schemes - and they are making a real difference to the residents who live there. Ingleside in Tyldesley is the latest scheme to be completed and has undergone a complete transformation. Improvements have been made throughout the communal areas which include corridors, the lounge, and the creation of a new bathroom and first floor relaxation area. The new colour schemes have also gone down a treat.
Tenants, friends and family and Adactus staff recently attended a grand opening ceremony and were treated to a buffet lunch and entertainment in the form of a swing singer. The residents will also be able to participate in new activities to go along with the new look. The activities will include afternoon tea and pamper sessions.
OTH E R LANCASH I RE
Preston and Lancaster grants awarded So far this year, the Adactus Housing Neighbourhood Fund has awarded £7,000 to worthy projects across the Preston and Lancaster area. The judging panel – made up of members of the Adactus500, have supported six projects in total. These include a dementia care programme, a weekly arts and crafts group and support for the local food bank The Olive Branch. For further information on any of the projects or how you can get involved in your local community please contact Samantha Hornsby on 0300 111 1133. 24 | inhouse
CHORLEY
@Cath_Adactus
Chorley Community Housing www.adactushousing.co.uk/ chorley
Moor fun for Chorley Preparations are well underway for this year’s Chorley Moor Fun Day. The event, which is now in its fifth year, will take place at Buttermere Green, Chorley on Wednesday 19th August from 12pm to 4pm, and will offer a wide range of activities which are all completely FREE of charge. This annual event is a great way of bringing Chorley residents together for a day filled with fun! Last year Buttermere Green welcomed over 500 people, and we hope that this year’s event will attract even more. Attractions will include bouncy castles, inflatables, face paints, crafts, music, sports activities and much, much more! There will also be a number of local organisations offering information and advice (and freebies) throughout the day – and if that’s not enough to entice you, food and drink will be available at a subsidised rate all day. Celebrations from last year’s event
Grot spot to hot spot A scheme to improve more than 30 properties on the Chorley Moor estate is now complete. CCH commissioned contractor Frank Rogers to carry out works to homes at Liptrott Road and Hallwood Road. The works are part of Chorley Community Housing’s plan by to improve the aesthetic appearance of the whole Chorley Moor estate over the next few years - and include the landscaping of communal areas, a selection of walls and railings for front gardens to replace tired fencing, new bin screens, canopies above front doors as well as feature rendering and cladding. The environmental improvements completed on Liptrott Road and Hallwood Road are part of a phased programme of more than £1.5m of works to improve the look of the estate. Preparations are in place to start planning the next phase, watch this space for more information!
Energy swap success Chorley Council’s Energy Switching Support Service has now been running for almost 12 months. The service was initially introduced as a corporate project for 2014/15 - without guarantees of continuation funding, but its success has safeguarded the service throughout 2015/16. Since the service launch on 1st June 2014, the high level performance information, up to and including 12th May 2015 is as follows: • £32,617.75 – savings achieved from switching to date • £213.19 is the average annual savings generated per customer who has switched. This is a free service across all tenures for any household with responsibility for gas and electricity bills. The service consists of an hour long appointment at the Civic Offices, Union Street, Chorley, where our Switching Advisor:
including carrying out the switching ‘’there and then’’ • Is able to deal with any ‘’aftercare’’ issues should they arise. The service is available every Monday at the Civic Offices, Union Street and appointments can be booked for the following timeslots: 9am, 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1.30pm, 2.30pm and 3.30pm.
• Searches OFGEM approved comparison websites
Over the past 12 months, this service has helped a large number of CCH tenants to save money, if you are a Chorley tenant and would like more information, or, if you would like to book an appointment, please contact the Council on 01257 515151 or by email contact@chorley.gov.uk
• Helps customers through the switching process,
http://chorley.gov.uk/news/Pages/One-to-oneenergy-switch-success.aspx
• Identifies the best deal for the customer based on their energy usage
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LU N E VALLEY
Lune Valley: happier and more satisfied tenants! “I think Adactus are a wonderful housing association who listens to us. We are treated as a valued tenant who understands that this is our home….cannot complement you enough as a housing provider.” Each year we survey tenants in our 77 Lune Valley properties. In the 2014 survey conducted at the end of last year we received 28 responses (representing a 37% response rate, higher than most surveys of this nature). Encouragingly, all key areas of satisfaction showed a significant increase from two years ago as shown in the table below. Figure 1: Key performance indicators
2012
2014
Change (12-14)
Overall satisfaction with service provided
60.6%
88.8%
+28.2% 90%
Satisfaction with the way repairs and maintenance dealt with
53.1%
81.5%
+28.4%
Satisfaction with tenants views being taken into account
36.4%
5.9 days 78.6%
+42.2%
In addition, just under two fifths of tenants (39.3%) felt the Associations services to them had improved over the past 12 months and, more than three quarters said they were satisfied with their home, a significant increase from two years ago. Reassuringly, just under a quarter felt their area was changing for the better and more than eight in ten were satisfied with the service they received from staff, again a significant increase from 2012! These findings are extremely encouraging and will motivate us to continue to improve things for our valued Lune Valley tenants!
Lune Valley appoints new board members Lune Valley Rural Housing Association has appointed four new board members.
Janet Huddart
Nick Egdell
The board, which is responsible for overseeing the strategy of the association and monitoring services to tenants, is made up of twelve unpaid directors. As a small association with no staff of its own, the role of the board is crucial in ensuring that performance on repairs, tenancy enforcement and lettings is maintained to the highest standard. Hugh Clay, Chair of Lune Valley Rural Housing Association, said, “I am delighted to welcome our new board members who all live in the Lune Valley and who between them bring a range of business and community experience to the Board. The skills they can offer will help the Association as it moves forward with its plans to provide more affordable housing in rural communities in Lancashire and North Yorkshire.”
Janet Huddart lives in Forton and is a member of the local parish council. Carolyn Ryan lives in a village just outside Settle. Nick Egdell lives in Dolphinholme near Lancaster and Tracy Walker lives in Settle. Carolyn Ryan
Tracy Walker
Carolyn Ryan said: “I am looking forward to working with the Lune Valley Board who are committed to providing sustainable rural housing for local people. I will work hard to maintain and exceed the high standards already being achieved by the Association and its managing agent Adactus.” Nick Egdell said: “The benefit of affordable homes in rural areas can’t be overstated - Lune Valley Rural Housing is our local custodian and I am pleased to be able to help.” Tracy Walker said: “I am very excited to be joining the Board of Lune valley Trust and honoured to have this opportunity to build on the solid foundations of providing rural housing in local communities.” Adactus Director of Operations Richard Houghton said: “Adactus, as managing agents, are accountable to the board of Lune Valley and we look forward to working with the new board members.”
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Adactus in Sefton
SE FTON
@Amy_Adactus
More cash for Sefton
Amy Holden
www.adactushousing.co.uk/sefton
Applications to Adactus’ Neighbourhood Fund and Green Grants have been flying in from communities in Sefton so far this year.
canal, improvements to community garden projects and numerous social activities for our retirement scheme residents.
Almost all of the Neighbourhood Fund allocation for Sefton was awarded in round one of the judging, with a wide range of projects receiving a cash injection.
A number of projects were also successful for Green Grants, with keen gardeners bidding for grants of up to £500 to develop and/or improve their gardens. The grants have helped to purchase new equipment and furniture, as well as plants and compost.
Successful applicants include a sports programme for the whole family, the provision of arts and crafts materials for local brownies, free cruises on the Leeds-Liverpool
In total, almost £28,000 was awarded in round one, just £2,000 short of the allocation for the year.
To find out more about the Neighbourhood Fund or the Green Grants, contact a member of the Neighbourhood Development Team on 0300 111 1133 or, email amy.holden@adactushousing.co.uk
One community, one goal After a hugely successful pilot programme earlier in the year, Freestyle Urban Soccer will return to Sefton this summer to deliver a whole host of urban sporting activities. The sessions, which are all free, will include street soccer, street cricket, street tag rugby, urban basketball, street tennis, urban rounders and a range of inflatable fun activities. The Adactus Group has worked with Freestyle Urban Soccer a great deal in and around Chorley, where they are well established and very popular amongst the local young people. This successful partnership led Adactus to commission sessions in Bootle, earlier in the year. These too proved very popular. As a result, further sessions have been booked, and will be held during the school holidays. Dates and venues are yet to be confirmed, but if you are interested, please feel free to call Amy for more information on 0300 111 1133 or, email amy.holden@adactushousing.co.uk
CH ESH I RE
Neston Community Cyber Centre
www.adactushousing.co.uk/ cheshire
The Neston Cyber Centre has been providing free IT training and support for the past ten years! Devised to help people who have never used a computer before, each two and half hour session is supported by two volunteer buddies – Cyberbuddies, who can help people with a range of activities and tasks. In addition to helping first time users complete basic tasks such as using a mouse correctly, or saving documents, Cyberbuddies can also assist with more complex exercises such as completing online job applications, downloading photos onto the computer, or, setting up email accounts. Local residents can register to use the centre for free, but the centre requires funding to maintain its services, so donations are always welcome. Adactus recognise the importance of the centre and its work within the heart of the Neston Community, and have provided grants via the AHA Neighbourhood Fund to help secure the centre’s future. The Cyber Centre can be found Neston Methodist Church and Community Centre, Park Street, Neston or you can phone 0151 336 7784 for more information.
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CH ESH I RE
2015 forthcoming Neston and Ellesmere Port Adactus Housing Surgeries Adactus hold drop in surgeries ever six weeks in Neston and Ellesmere Port. We will be holding drop in surgeries for Adactus residents on the following dates. These are a real opportunity for you to engage with your Neighbourhood Development Officer, sharing ideas or raising queries. Wednesday 5th August: 11am to 12pm - Neston Community & Youth Centre, Burton Road, Neston, CH64 9RE
Wednesday 28th October: 2pm to 3pm - Joan Bartlett Close, Overpool Road, Ellesmere Port, CH65 8JF
Friday 18th September: 10am to 11am - Neston Community & Youth Centre, Burton Road, Neston, CH64 9RE
Wednesday 9th December: 11am to 12pm - Neston Community & Youth Centre, Burton Road, Neston, CH64 9RE
We also carry out regular walkabouts on Mayfield Gardens. We meet at the garages and assess any specific issues relating to Mayfield Gardens. We will meet at the following dates and times: Wednesday 5th August: 12:30pm
Wednesday 28th October: 12:00pm
Friday 11th September: 11:30pm
Wednesday 9th December: 12:30pm
Most matters can be resolved first time via our contact centre, so in the time between surgeries please direct any queries through connect on: 0300 111 1133
RETI RE M E NT LIVI NG
Reminiscence workshop Hibiscus Court an extra care scheme in Whalley Range, recently received a small grant from Manchester City Council’s Valuing Older People initiative to purchase materials for a cultural reminiscence workshop. Reminiscence activities are known to improve the health and wellbeing of older people, especially those with memory loss, by enabling people to remember positive events in their past.
three penny bit), liquorice root, shaving brush, beaded jug cover (there were some very wild guesses for this), darning mushroom (and this one too), second world war post card and moth balls.
As the scheme coordinator, my role in the workshop was to stimulate and guide the discussion using a collection of trigger objects. The two hour session (which included a refreshment break) was called ‘Let’s take a trip down memory lane and have some fun.’ Through sharing life experiences residents were able to celebrate each other’s diverse racial, cultural and religious backgrounds.
Everybody said that they thoroughly enjoyed themselves:
Residents (who were aged 60 – 95) were able to hold and inspect the various objects and were encouraged to talk about what the object meant to them. A couple of the objects were very obscure and there was a lot of laughter as people came up with some very wild guesses as to what the object could be. Stories and anecdotes were shared which brought out some treasured forgotten memories.
“Very good, opened my mind and took me back to when I was a kid.”
Trigger objects included: Marbles, Nappy pin, Babies soother, Dolly peg, Fly paper, washing blue bag, money (ten bob note, sixpence, halfpenny, penny, half a crown,
by Carlene Montoute (Scheme Co-ordinator Hibiscus Court)
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“I was surprised that I recognised so many of the items which brought back great memories.”
“Enjoyable, just to sit together and have a laugh, it makes me feel that I’m not alone.” “My brain has been replenished and I’ve had a good laugh this afternoon.”
RETI RE M E NT LIVI NG
Discovering unsung heroes It’s usually the people that shy away from praise that deserve it the most. Adactus wanted to pay tribute to these unsung heroes – selfless residents that go out of their way to ensure that less able neighbours have everything they need. Adactus created the Good Neighbour Award to recognise residents that have made a significant difference to the lives of their neighbours or, their local community. This year, Janet Bardley, a tenant at Glenmay Court was awarded the Good Neighbour first prize. Janet won because of caring nature and her admirable efforts to help her neighbour. Janet was presented with a certificate and a £50 shopping voucher to acknowledge her good work. Unmask the unsung heroes in your neighbourhood, so that we can give them the recognition they deserve.
Mind To show their support for Mental Health Awareness Week (11-15 May), Eliot Gardens held an event to encourage residents to get together and enjoy a cuppa and a cake, and in the process raise money and awareness for the mental health charity, Mind. Our social life can be a very important factor in our mental health - loneliness can have a significant impact on our mental wellbeing and it can contribute to mental health problems, such as anxiety and depression. Having a mental health problem can also make you feel lonely, or, you may feel isolated because of stigma and discrimination. This event tackled the issue of isolation head on, and in the best way – with bingo and cake! Residents enjoyed freshly baked cakes and hot drinks made by the talented kitchen staff at the scheme, interspersed with animated bingo sessions. Thanks to Adactus staff on site who worked tirelessly to ensure the events success - and to the support from all the residents, the local community and professional agencies who all attended the event, the total sum raised and donated to charity was £220.
Urban generations Eleven young members of Urban Crew and their facilitator Mr Roberts from Crumpsall Lane Primary School, recently visited Sherdley Court for an afternoon of litter picking and to help tidy up the gardens. The residents and their Scheme coordinator Lisa Jones were delighted to welcome the children and teachers into their home, and relished participating in this intergenerational event. After clearing the grounds and the surrounding area of litter, the children sat and talked to the residents, inevitably comparing their lives as part of different generations. The children began by explaining their role as part of the Urban Crew – telling residents how they worked hard to keep their school safe and environmentally friendly. Both parties discussed many social issues including; anti-social behaviour on the local estates, how young people receive bad publicity in general through mindless acts by the minority, how not all children are bad mannered and often give up their seats on bus journeys and generally how the young and old perceive each other. Residents also shared their memories of school 60 and 70 years ago – this offered a fascinating insight into how education and the curriculum have evolved. All the participants thoroughly enjoyed the day which was rounded off perfectly with a buffet and a good old fashioned sing-along.
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SUPPORTE D LIVI NG
All aboard Some supported residents from Bartlett House, Mellors Close and the Access Community Centre in Southport, all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon on the canal thanks to the Pride of Sefton. Our supported tenants have a wide range of needs, including mobility requirements - but The Pride of Sefton barge has been adapted to accommodate wheelchair users, which meant the trip was inclusive of all. Unusually, the weather stayed dry and so everyone had the opportunity to watch the countryside drift by, as they enjoyed the food and refreshments freshly prepared by staff. The trip was funded thanks to an allocation from the Sefton Neighbourhood Fund (see fund article on page 20). It shows how residents who may not ordinarily have the opportunity to enjoy a trip such as this directly benefit from this type of funding initiative.
Oak Tree House Oak Tree House (also featured as a new development on page 4) was handed over on the 27th March 2015, just one week before the official grand opening on the 2nd April. Oak Tree House provides quality accommodation and support to single homeless people, rough sleepers and people with a history of offending (within the Lancaster District). Referrals are received from the Local Authorities Housing Options Team and the National Probation Service, and to date we have received over 42 referrals in total. This service is unique to the district and we have already started working closely with our enthusiastic residents, stakeholders and the local community, to implement and plan many new and exciting ventures. The residents have already taken full advantage of having the field right behind Oak Tree House to brush up on their football skills - a much needed opportunity to have some fun; secure in the knowledge they now have help and support to address the more austere aspects of their life.
Double up - funding success for two Hindley resident groups Two resident groups from Hindley, Wigan have been successful in their bids for funding from the Adactus Neighbourhood Fund. A total of ÂŁ2,230 was awarded to the two projects from the young residents at Bamber Court and Nightingale Court in Hindley. The funding will be used to help young mothers and their children to go on days out and short trips during the summer months. Bamber Court offers 24hr supported accommodation for women between the ages of 16-25 who are either pregnant or have young children. Working with a key worker the young participants get guidance and advice to develop practical and social life skills. Once ready to live more independently, they move on to Nightingale Court where a floating support worker offers support on living independently in the community. Having limited funds, the young women asked the fund to help with the purchase of equipment for the projects and money to go on day trips over the summer months with their children. Thanks to a panel of residents from the Adactus 500, the two projects have been given the green light.
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YOU R home
Estate Services The Group’s grounds maintenance, caretaking and window cleaning services have now merged to and become estate services. The teams have always worked closely together, but merging the services has enabled the team to work cohesively; creating an even more efficient and effective service that can be tailored to resident’s needs. The first project tackled by the team was the grounds improvement works at Sherdley Court, Crumpsall - the scheme caretakers, mobile caretakers and grounds maintenance worked together to remove old trees and shrubs and inject new life to into the area with new planting and re-turfing. Future projects to enhance our communal gardens are already in the pipeline.
As simple as ABC… Alphabet provide new Ford fleet for AHG The Adactus Housing Group (AHG) recently re-tendered the contract for the supply of its light commercial vehicles; the Group have chosen Alphabet UK as the contract Hire Company, and Ford as manufacturer. They will supply approx150 new fleet vehicles to AHG over the next two years. As the leases of the current vans were due to expire, AHG asked six leasing companies to submit tenders covering various vehicles from three different manufacturers. The successful tender will save AHG approximately £160k over the four year leasing arrangement. In addition, the Co2 emissions of the new Ford vehicles are less than other manufacturers and, Ford vehicles are more efficient in terms of miles per gallon, which also helps with the overall costs and carbon management plan. Ford also has an excellent reputation for reliability, affordable maintenance costs and attractive whole-life values. The new vehicles are being introduced as part of a fleet replacement programme - initially 80 vehicles will be joining the company ranks between June and September 2015 and a further 70 vehicles are due in May 2016. The vehicles will be used by the Housing Association’s asset management teams, which consist of a full mix of trades including builders, plumbers, joiners, electricians, gas engineers and ground staff. Each vehicle supplied has been carefully selected and fitted out for the business area it will be operating in, with many featuring bespoke specifications to make life on board safer and more efficient for drivers. AHG has ordered a full mix of vehicles which includes: Courier and Connect small vans, SWB and LWB Transit panel vans, in a variety of roof heights; as well as Specially Engineered and Converted Transit flat back tippers. Working closely with the AHG maintenance staff and Ford / Alphabet has meant that we have been able to identify the exact models we require along with the specific extras each
vehicle needed. The whole process is running smoothly and the first batches of vehicles are now being delivered to AHG. Dean Hedger, Head of Public Sector at Alphabet said “We are delighted to be working with Adactus Housing to supply them with a fleet of Ford commercial vehicles. The brand new fleet will see a reduction in running costs and, due to the eco-friendly van specification that Adactus Housing has chosen, will also cut CO2 emissions in the local area. We will continue to work closely with the team in the coming years to ensure that their fleet of vehicles always offers a great service for their residents.”
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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. (As of 1 July 2015, all calls to an 0800 number from a mobile phone are free)
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 32 | inhouse
F 0161 203 2600