Miles Platting
spotlight
Spring 2017 Issue 38
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For the Over 50’s For the Under 20’s For Everybody Health & Wellbeing Community Culture Volunteering Crime Environment Money Matters Pat’s Gardening Corner Adactus Miles Platting gets connected Facebook: Adactus Miles Platting Twitter: AdactusMP This document is available in other languages, larger text, braille and on audio cd
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Contact us.. If you’d like to get in touch about anything related to Spotlight contact: Amy Holden on 0161 2032600 or by email at: amy.holden@adactushousing.co.uk
Celebrating 10 years in Miles Platting 2017 marks 10 years since Adactus began working in Miles Platting as part of the PFI Regeneration programme. Looking back, we feel like we have a lot to celebrate this year – both with you, the local community and our partners, with whom we have made some impressive achievements over the years. To celebrate the last ten years, we have put together a bumper edition of Spotlight, taking a look back at some of the key achievements. We also have a bumper year of activity planned (see below). Do let us know if you can think of anything to add or if you would like to get involved.
Dates for the Diary! WEDNESDAY 29TH MARCH Volunteering Drop In Session for the Community Shop @ Queensbury Court SUNDAY 23RD APRIL St George’s Day Parade TUESDAY 25TH APRIL BIG Birthday Party @ Vic Mill Hut FRIDAY 16TH JUNE Neighbours Day Event – Venue TBC – Launch of Good Neighbours Event and Smiles Better Competition SATURDAY 29TH JULY Summer Festival & MP’s Got Talent @ Vic Mill Hut SATURDAY 16TH SEPTEMBER Sports Taster Day @ Vic Mill Hut WEDNESDAY 25TH OCTOBER Halloween Party @ Vic Mill Hut WEDNESDAY 13TH DECEMBER Christmas Cracker @ Vic Mill Hut *Keep a look out for more information nearer to the dates! 2 | miles platting spotlight
Tell the REEL story of Miles Platting Were you brought up in Miles Platting? Are you interested in volunteering on a film project? We are seeking local residents to volunteer and learn all about film and media with REEL Manchester CIC. With a real passion for your area and a genuine interest in film making, step forward and help us to showcase your local area - We want you to tell the story of the last 10 years. For more information contact Jayne.allison@adactushousing. co.uk or telephone 01942 267756
Introducing Adactus Connect We are delighted, and incredibly excited, to have launched our brand new customer website – Adactus Connect! Connect replaces our previous online services and gives our customers total access 24/7 to many more features including: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Pay rent Request a repair Update contact details Check out local news on our Breathe Facebook feeds Check out repair history Request an energy advice visit Download documents such as gas safety certificates, advice leaflets etc. Request a copy of their tenancy Check out their rent account Set up a direct debit Request a rent statement (emailed as a pdf ) Update personal profile information Add and update household members Add and update next of kin information Give notice Contact us about any tenancy matters Receive personalised information about our services Receive alerts and messages about urgent tenancy matters New features will be added soon!
Registration is now instant, and much simpler than before: Visit https://connect.adactushousing.co.uk SCAN THIS CODE FOR INSTANT ACCESS! Click on registration and submit your details. We then match your details against those that we hold on our systems. If there’s a match you will receive a password and you can log straight in. If there’s no match, don’t worry; just give us a call, update your details and you will be able to register again.
Connect has been developed with our customers’ needs in mind and, through a number of Adactus500 consultations and user testing sessions, we have designed the site to be as user friendly as possible whilst providing useful features and information 24/7 and on any device. WHY NOT SIGN UP TODAY!
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For the Over 50’s Age Friendly Miles Platting My name is Jude Wells and I am the Age Friendly coordinator in Miles Platting The team from the Age Friendly Miles Platting partnership have been working in the area for about 6 months now. The aim of the partnership is to work with local older people (50+) to find out what it’s like to live in the area and what could be improved to make it more age friendly. This has involved talking with groups of residents about their experiences. We have just sent out a postal survey to all Adactus residents over the age of 50 to hear their views about facilities and what activities they are
involved in. If you are over 50 you should have received this in March. It’d be great if you could send it back to us with your comments if you haven’t already done so. We have set up a local resident led board and they have a budget to fund projects in the area for older people. Recently the board has funded an age friendly DJ, the theatre trippers group, IT lessons for people living in sheltered accommodation and a film club at Butler Court. We would love to talk to more older people in the area. If you’d like a chat – please contact me, Jude on 0797 393186
Sporting Memories Love talking football?
Football Memories
Sporting Memories
National Football Museum is also working with the Sporting Memories Network to set up Sporting Memories groups in the community and gather memories for the Memories of 66 archive. Memories can be submitted online at: www.memoriesof66.sportingmemories.org or by contacting the museum.
Resources for older people, carers and group leaders
For more information, please contact Louise Rutherford on 0161 871 8177 or email louise.rutherford@nationalfootballmuseum.com
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National Football Museum Urbis Building Cathedral Gardens Manchester M4 3BG Tweet: @NFM_learn
Tweet: @ NFM Images from care home group visit
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Once Upon A Time Monday Morning Drop Ins Open to the readers and the unsubscribed; feel free to join us here at Manchester Communication Academy every Monday from 10am for a light bite and a cup of tea while we give you full access to our archives and the rich history of North Manchester. If you would like to subscribe to Once Upon a Time magazine, please contact Amanda Rogers on 0161 2020161 or 07554 821413 or by email a.rogers@mca.manchester.sch.uk. 4 | miles platting spotlight
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Arts Club
For the Under 20’s
The Libraries Arts Club was established three years ago to work with children, young people and families in the Miles Platting area. Manchester based community artist, Fi Smith, delivers imaginative and educational arts workshops on Thursday afternoons at Miles Platting Community Library, aimed at children aged 7-14 years. The workshops are free of charge and the friendly and inclusive atmosphere ensures participants can enjoy, thrive and develop their creativity, making wonderful and exciting art work to take home. Why not pop into Miles Platting Library to find out more?
YPAC @ St George’s Youth & Community Centre YPAC have had a busy January and February! Alongside our regular Youth sessions on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday evenings, and Play sessions on Wednesdays, we have set up a Stay and Play Session with St Georges. We have also set up some walk to run sessions for people wanting to get fit for Summer! Stay and Play The Stay and Play session is for Parents and Toddlers. It happens on Wednesday mornings during term time from 9.15 until 11.30am at St Georges. With explorative play, arts and craft as well as tea and coffee and snacks for children. Come down and spend some time with other parents! We are hoping to develop this into a really positive session for parents to share ideas and develop the session.
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Resource s for olde r to Run carerWalk s and gro people, p le Our walkuto run offer a chance to get into running, building up to you being able to adesessions rs
run 5k! The places are full up now but we will be running it again in the spring so look out for information. Job Club The Job Club continues on Fridays from 11am until 1pm. Come down and get help with job searches, CV’s, applications, and any other help you need to get into work. Nice imag es
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66 YPAC Weekly Sessions
Monday: Walk to run (*Register your interest at St George’s Community Centre to be notified of spaces) Tuesday: Holland Street Community Garden Session - 3.15pm-4.30pm Tuesday Youth Session - 6pm-8pm - (Years 8 & 9) @ St George’s Community Centre Wednesday: Stay and Play - 9.15am-11.30am - Parents and Toddlers @ St Georges Community Centre (term time only) Everyone Can Play - 5pm-7pm - (Years 1-5) @ St Georges Community Centre (term time only) Thursday: Youth Hub - 6-8pm - (Ages 13-19) @ Church of the Apostles, Ridgway Street Friday: Community Café - 10am-2pm - @ St Georges Community Centre Yoga - 10.30am-11.30am – @ St Georges Community Centre Job Club - 11am-1pm - @ St Georges Community Centre Refresh - 2pm-4pm - Work and employment help for 16-24 year olds @ St Georges Community Centre Friday Youth Session - 4.30-6.30 - (Year 6 and 7) - St Georges Community Centre miles platting spotlight | 5
For Everybody Feel Good Friday Manchester Communications Academy (MCA) runs a ‘Feel Good Friday’ session each Friday from 2:30pm3:30pm. Available to anyone over the age of 18, there are a variety of activities including armchair exercise and a choir; alternatively, feel free to come along and socialise with others over a brew and a game of dominoes. Sessions cost £1. At 3:30pm a 2 course hot lunch is served, including a main course and dessert for just £1 per person! The afternoon is a great opportunity to try something new and to make new friends. We also have availability on our Thursday evening cookery course, which is FREE of charge and runs from 5pm-7pm. *All ingredients are supplied. For further information please contact Jane Ellis on 0161 2020161 or by email j.ellis@mca. manchester.sch.uk
Library News The Library has a fresh new look! Call in and check out all the lovely new furniture - we are all spruced up and ready for Spring! Weekly Sessions Tuesday - 2.30pm-4pm IT Drop In Session First Wednesday of every month - 10.30am-12pm Coffee Morning Second Wednesday of every month - 10.30am-12pm Crochet and Knitting Session Thursday (term time only) - 1.15pm-1:45pm Tiny Tots and Toddler Time - parents and carers with babies, tots and pre-school children Thursday - 3:30-5:30pm Miles Better - Fun, Craft and Games for older children (under 8’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult/ carer) *See page 5 for more info! Second and Fourth Saturday - Councillor Drop In All activities are free - come along and see us! Also - Do you have any spare time during the week when our Library is open, if you would like to help us why not consider becoming a Volunteer, please call in and see Irene Kay for a chat! 6 | miles platting spotlight
St George’s Day Parade The parade is back, and this year is going to be bigger and better than before as it falls on St George’s Day, Sunday 23rd April. Organiser, Thelma McGrail, says “With the help of Adactus, we have got our own dance troupe for the first time. Our usual supporters will be taking part including bands, horses and floats – but we are also hoping for some special extras this year. There is still time to register if you would like to join us and get involved.” After the parade, the celebrations will continue on the car park adjoining the Bradford Pub, where the landowners have given permission for a funfair. For more information, or to register to take part, please contact Thelma on 07788 6006234.
MCRactive
In partnership with the Council, Eastlands Trust have launched a new website that allows Manchester residents to keep in touch with Sport and Leisure activities and events happening across the city. The website currently includes all the events and activities at all of the Council’s Sport and Leisure Facilities, our sport and physical activity programmes in parks and community centres, and all the ways that you can get involved in sports coaching programmes at our national sporting centres of excellence (in athletics, basketball, cycling, gymnastics, swimming, squash, taekwondo and tennis.) From beginner
Health & Wellbeing to expert, as individuals or as part of a team whatever your motivation you can now search for activities in everything from athletics to yoga - and there are plenty of opportunities to volunteer in sport too. The website will be expanded later in the year to include information from partners such as sports clubs, universities and colleges, schools and community groups, with the aim of having one single place where all the activities - local or citywide - can be found in one quick and easy search. Manchester is a truly great, sporting city and you can find out what sport and physical activities are on offer near you by visiting www.MCRactive.com
The Great Kings (Muay Thai) Boxing Club The Great Kings (Muay Thai) Fight Club, situated on Bradford Road in Brunswick Mill, is fast developing as a community hub of activity. The centre, which is home to a Muay Thai fitness club, has a strong family fitness ethos for those that wish to participate, practice and train for competition. Last year was a real high point for the club after a visit from Thai cultural ambassador Kriangsak Sirisambhand, who presented medals to junior members for representing Thai culture in such a disciplined and respectful manner. The gym has recently developed its offer of ‘Fitness for Queens’ sessions, which promotes fitness in partner sessions. These sessions have been taken up by women who wanted something different to the blandness of high street fitness gyms. Kru Tony Forde says “We have had great success with these sessions and already have a great track record of getting our women to their goal weight from a starting point of limited fitness.” Weekly Muay Thai Fitness Sessions Kids Sessions (4-14 year olds) – Monday-Friday – 5pm-6:30pm - £10 per week Adult Sessions – Monday-Friday – 6:30pm-7:30pm - £15 per week or £42.50 per month All sessions are for people of any ability. Friday sessions are aimed at competitors – but all are welcome. For more information, contact Kru Tony Forde on 07514 105966.
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Community Ancoats Dispensary Trust Our first fundraising event of 2017 is being held at Friends Meeting House (6 Mount Street, Manchester, M2 5NS) on Tuesday 18th April 2017 at 7pm. The Manchester Victorian Society is partnering the Ancoats Dispensary Trust in an event that comes at a time when the NHS is in crisis. A GP from Bristol has written the first book about the Dispensaries before the NHS was created in 1948; Dr Michael Whitfield is travelling up from Bristol to talk about and show images of how the poor in this country received medical care and how important the Dispensaries were. For anyone interested in history, the Ancoats Dispensary and the health care system, this event is a must. The cost of a seat is £10 and tickets will be available on the door - please make sure you arrive in plenty of time as lots of people have shown interest in this event.
Dr Whitfield will be interested to hear questions from the audience at this event and to ask what lessons the dispensaries could provide (if any) for the future of our NHS. We have now appointed two professional fundraisers as part of our team and hope to appoint a Community Engagement person over the next few months. This will enable us to reach out to the various communities in the area, keep them up to date with the project, and listen to their ideas as to what activities they would like to see within the restored Dispensary. We have a vision as a result of community consultations taken over the past few years that have led towards the essential theme of health and wellbeing as a priority, but we need to ensure that the Dispensary is also sustainable and a ‘working building’ working as it always did, for the people of Manchester.
North Manchester FM North Manchester FM 106.6 is a community radio station based at the Manchester Communication Academy in Harpurhey. All the shows are presented and produced by volunteers. There are over 35 volunteers at the station with live shows going out from 7am until 9pm every weekday and from 9am until 5pm at weekends. As part of a project funded through Adactus’ BIG (Breathe Investment Grants) North Manchester FM, in partnership with YPAC, has been working with young people from Miles Platting training them in radio skills culminating in two shows being broadcast live over the February half term holidays. Listen again to the young people’s Auntie Brenda and EPLC Football shows on www.northmanchester.fm If you are interested in finding out more about the station and getting involved call David Kay on 0161 2057600 or email david@northmanchester.fm
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Culture MIF17
Manchester International Festival (MIF) is returning in 2017. We’ll be staging events all over the city from the 29th June to the 16th July – from dance and drama to music, art and much more. MIF runs a low-cost ticket scheme designed to make the Festival accessible to more people across Greater Manchester. About 10% of all tickets for MIF17 will be available at £12 to residents of Greater Manchester on a lower wage – anything around or below an annual salary of £15,000 for full-time workers, roughly equivalent to the UK Living Wage. Individuals can buy up to two £12 tickets per show when booking at www.mif.co.uk or on 0843 208 1840 using the promotional code CR8. Tickets are available on a first-come, firstserved honesty basis. Groups can also benefit from the scheme. As well as arranging £12 tickets, we can visit you to talk about your travel to the Festival and setting up a group discussion about the event you’re seeing. To find out more, visit www.mif.co.uk/12-tickets or contact Ben Turner on 07976 560498, or by email ben.turner@mif.co.uk. You can also get involved with MIF via My Festival and as a volunteer. For more information, visit www.mif.co.uk/my-festival or www.mif.co.uk/volunteer
CRIME OPERATION RUDOW Two officers from the Adactus Tenancy Enforcement Team in Manchester were invited to observe a police operation in North Manchester on 2nd February. Police carried out dawn raids at 15 addresses and arrested 10 people suspected of being involved in the supply of Class A drugs. The operation was a result of reports about drug dealing from the local community. Our Tenancy Enforcement Officers saw first hand how months of intelligence and undercover work came to a conclusion, taking drug dealers off the street. The operation showed how important it is that residents report any concerns they have about drug dealing. Even though action cannot always be taken by the police straight away, this information is vital to allow the police to carry out operations like this. The police are following up the raids with patrols across communities in North Manchester, reassuring residents that when they report concerns about drug dealing action will be taken. Anyone who has any concerns or who wants to pass on information about drug dealing where they live can contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. You can also use Crimestoppers anonymous online form to safely and securely pass information about crime or a Most Wanted appeal. Visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org/giveinformation/give-information-online/ for more information. miles platting spotlight | 9
Volunteering Ever thought of Microvolunteering? Microvolunteering and online volunteering may not be the first things that spring to mind for people looking at volunteering opportunities. Traditional volunteering roles usually involve spending time on site with an organisation working with other staff, volunteers or service users, or maybe volunteering at an event. Microvolunteering, on the other hand, seeks to use small chunks of people’s time in a way that still makes a difference to the organisations they want to help. It works on the premise that, although not everyone can take regular chunks of time to go somewhere to volunteer, everyone can find five or ten minutes – whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, for example, or whilst using public transport. Much of the volunteering is available online, and one site even awards a ‘pyjama rating’ to its tasks. Now you don’t even have to get out of bed to volunteer!
A Google search reveals plenty of opportunities, and with a bit of filtering, it is easy to find options that match your skills and interests. Some of the sites just act as lists of opportunities, or provide links to external sites; as with everything on line, check that you’re happy an organisation is genuine, and don’t give any details that you’re not comfortable with. However, some sites let you contribute without the need to register at all.
MICROVOLUNTEERING DAY – 15TH APRIL EVERY YEAR! Microvolunteering Day is recognised every year on April 15th and promotes awareness of the microvolunteering concept and how it can enable worthy causes and individuals to better the world via bite sized actions. You can read more about Microvolunteering Day and ways of getting involved at www. microvolunteeringday.com
Some build on this idea and might take a bit more time, but in general, you can still participate You can also contact Volunteer Centre online, as a one off event, and with no further Manchester to talk about volunteering commitment, so it’s up to you how much or little opportunities on 0161 830 4770 or time you spend. info@volunteercentremanchester.co.uk.
Volunteer Centre Manchester is ‘On the Air’ Volunteer Centre Manchester is ‘On the Air’ with North Manchester FM - tune in 10 am-12 pm on the First Wednesday of every month!
North Manchester FM 106.6 is a community radio station, broadcasting to the communities of North Manchester and beyond. All of our presenters are volunteers who are trained at the station, providing a platform and a voice for the local community. Recently, the Volunteer Centre began hosting a regular monthly slot about volunteering, social action and community - VCM FM (working title). Our first show featured guests from Manchester Community Transport, a discussion about social media, shout outs, music and information about volunteering. If you missed our radio debut, you can catch up with all of the fast and furious action via the North Manchester FM Listen Again service at www.northmanchester.fm If you’d like to join us as a guest to talk about volunteering or any action you take in your community, or if you have suggestion for the name of our show (“you’ll get a shout out on air!”), contact Barkery on 0161 8304770 or by email barkery@macc.org.uk. 10 | miles platting spotlight
FREE ENERGY ADVICE SERVICE Adactus are now providing a FREE Energy Advice service in your area! The Adactus Energy Advice Service is now available in Miles Platting for tenants of Adactus. The service offers support to help reduce your energy bills, heat your home more effectively and compare energy tariffs. We can offer handy tips in the home on how to reduce your energy usage, set timers on your boilers, reduce condensation and much more! Last year 95% of tenants who accessed the service said that their situation improved after the visit and 97% would recommend the service to a friend. If you think you might benefit from advice, support and information from the Breathe Team then get in touch to arrange a home appointment. Contact the Adactus Breathe Team today: Tel – 0300 111 1133 Web - www.adactushousing.co.uk Email - breathepst@adactushousing.co.uk
Environment Community Shop Volunteer Drop In Session You may or may not be aware, but we are in the process of setting up a brand new community shop in Miles Platting. The shop, which will be based in the old community room at Queensbury Court, will be available to all Miles Platting residents on a membership basis. We are looking for local people who can give up some free time to help run the shop, with opportunities to gain experience in all things retail. To find out more, please drop in to our open event which will be held in Queensbury Court community room (access via the car park) on Wednesday 29th March from 1-3pm. If you have any questions in the meantime, contact Amy Holden on 0300 111 1133.
Help needed for a Community Canal Clean Up Do you have a few hours spare to help with a community clean up along the canal? Adactus are working in partnership with the Canal & River Trust to carry out a litter pick between the bridge on Butler Street and Alan Turing Way on Thursday 30th March from 10am-2pm. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) will be provided so all you’ll need is sturdy footwear, appropriate clothing and some lunch. Meet at the car park of the Navigation Pub at 10am. For more information, contact Andy Edwards on 0161 2032600 (option 2).
Pictured - Operatives from Novus, who have completed refurbishment work to the block, have decorated the space in preparation for the launch of the shop.
COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY On the 25th January, during a community clean up day, 4 skips full of rubbish were removed from Ridgeway Street, Holland Street and Gelden Street in Miles Platting. The skips filled up fast and we were pleased to see so many residents getting involved. Thanks to all the residents, Adactus’ Hit Squad, the Breathe team and the Housing officers for #muckingin4MP. miles platting spotlight | 11
Money Matters
WELFARE REFORM CHANGES IN 2017 THERE ARE MANY CHANGES TO BENEFITS TAKING PLACE IN 2017 AND BELOW WE HAVE LISTED A BRIEF SUMMARY. If you believe you are affected or would like any further information on the changes taking place then please make an appointment with Tina Chadwick Money Adviser at Baker House by calling 0800 234 6826. CHILD TAX CREDIT (CTC) CHANGES FROM APRIL 2017 • Support provided through CTC will be limited to 2 children. Any subsequent children born after April 2017 will not be eligible for further support. • The ‘family element’ of £545 per year will be abolished. Families with one or more children born before April 2017 will continue to get the family element but new claims after this date will not. EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE (ESA) WORK-RELATED ACTIVITY GROUP • From 1 April 2017, new ESA claimants who are placed in the Work-Related Activity Group will receive the same rate of payment as those claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance and the equivalent in Universal Credit. UNIVERSAL CREDIT (UC) CHANGES • UC for children will be reduced in the same way as CTC – from April 2017 it will be limited to 2 children, there will be no increase for subsequent children if you are 12 | miles platting spotlight
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already claiming UC. New claims for UC from families with more than two children will be redirected to Tax Credits until November 2018. Children born after 6 April 2017 will not be eligible for the ‘first child premium’ which means the child element for the first child will be the same rate as for the second child. Parents, including lone parents, will be expected to have work focused interviews when their youngest child turns 1, then start work preparation when their youngest child turns 2, all leading up to them being expected to look for work when their youngest child turns 3. From April 2017 the ‘taper rate’ for universal credit will change from 65p in the pound to 63p in the pound. The Limited Capability for Work element will be abolished to mirror changes to ESA, reducing support for those deemed capable of some work related activity. 18-21 year olds who are on UC will have to either apply for training/apprenticeships or attend a work placement from six month after the start of their claim. Apart from certain exempt groups (those considered to be vulnerable) – proposed introduction from April 2017.
Money Matters • There will also no longer be automatic entitlement to the housing element of UC for 18-21 year olds who are unemployed. Though there will be various exceptions for parents, vulnerable groups and people who could previously afford their rent without assistance.
• amount of rent • other changes that affect how much HB can be paid, for example sickness/ disability/caring responsibilities • absence from the home. Note: the reason for absence can make huge differences in HB pay ability
BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT PAYMENT
The Government has recently introduced changes that will affect many Adactus tenants. It is your responsibility to report any changes that affect you to the Revenue and Benefits Unit.
• To replace Bereavement Payment, Bereavement Allowance and Widowed Parents Allowance. AUTUMN /END OF 2017 FREE CHILDCARE EXTENDED • Free childcare entitlement will be doubled from 15 hours to 30 hours a week for working parents of 3 and 4 year olds from September 2017.
The importance of reporting changes in your circumstances Housing Benefit entitlement depends on the circumstances of the tenant and their family, so a change in those circumstances may affect how much is paid, or whether it should continue. The changes relevant to a claim include: • swapping from one benefit to another • moving within a Local Authority area • changes in income and/or savings • starting and finishing work • people joining or leaving the household • death • certain changes in age of household members (not all)
£
In April 2017 anyone over the age of 25 will have their minimum wage increased to £7.50 per hour. If you have benefited from this increase then you must report that change to the Housing Benefit office or you may be overpaid Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support.
HMRC have also recently increased the recovery rates of anyone who has been overpaid Tax Credits (both Working Tax and Child Tax Credits can be reduced to collect the amount owed). If you have seen the amount you receive in Tax Credits reduce then you must report this change as you may be entitled to more Housing Benefit as a result. If you are unsure if any changes will affect your Housing Benefit award then please contact Adactus on 0161 203 2600 (option 2) or 0800 234 6826. You can also make an appointment with the Money Adviser Tina Chadwick for advice. You can also contact Manchester City Council Revenues and Benefits Unit by email at benefit.enquiries@manchester. gov.uk or by phone on 0161 234 5003, Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm.
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Pat’s Gardening Corner
The minute daylights starts to lengthen, a feeling of optimism begins to creep into all gardening activities. Yes, it’s wet, its cold and its dark but shortly there will be longer to garden. Like it or loathe it, pruning should be at the top of every gardener’s to-do list - it can breathe life into the most tired looking plants. Far from being a destructive process it’s a very positive activity. If it’s done right it promotes healthy growth and reinvigorates shrubs, trees and hedges. It’s important to do it at the right time and for many woody plants, that time is now! Some other jobs to be done now: • Clear away the remainder of fallen leaves and litter that may have gathered in corners of your garden. • Jet wash any pathways and patios that have a covering of algae on them. • Get down with the weeds – not one of our favorite jobs, but if you get on top of the weeds now whilst the beds are still empty and pull up weeds from pathways, you will be ahead for the rest of the year. • If you have not thought about cutting the lawn, best do so now. Put the mower on a high cut for the first few cuts, gradually lowering the height as the grass grows more vigorously. Think about a spring feed if it is looking peaky. • Continue to feed acid loving plants such as azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons to ensure you get a good display of blooms. Other perennial plants will also be looking for a good all-purpose feed. Hopefully the bulbs you planted in the autumn will be making a colorful appearance shortly. If you didn’t get the chance to plant any in the
autumn you can still add lots of colour to the garden or patio by planting up primulas, pansies, violas and dwarf irises, they are all hardy enough to be outdoors but be sure to keep them moist and shelter them from drying winds. Garden centres want you to buy summer bedding plants as soon as possible, but a late frost could kill them. Wait – to give your plants a better chance.
Photo Competition ENTER OUR SPRING PHOTO COMPETITION AND WIN A £20 HIGH STREET VOUCHER! It’s easy and fun for the kids too, just capture some of the best images of spring when you are out and about and be the first to send your photo with name/ address/telephone number to: patrice.campbell@adactushousing. co.uk by 1st May 2017 (*Adactus residents only)
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Q&A Q&A
Q. My lawn is covered in moss, how can I get rid of it? A. Moss in the lawn is a problem this year, not helped by the amount of rain we have had. Aerate the
lawn, you can do this with a garden fork and brush in some sharp sand. You can also buy some lawn feed which contains a moss killer. Over time the moss will die off, just rake out the dead stuff and re-seed the patches.
Q. I want to give my neighbour some of my daffodils which have grown into very large clumps - can you tell me when is the best time to divide them? A.
The best time to divide the plants are after flowering and when the foliage starts to turn yellow in late spring or early summer.
SPRING GARDEN GIVEAWAYS you’ll need to be quick for these! • • • • • • • • • • • •
Hessian garden bag Sprinkler attachment for garden hose Garden gloves Beautiful ceramic owl wind chime Bulb baskets A selection of flower seeds and trays Pull down hanger – perfect for hanging baskets Kneeling cushion Water globes (waters your plants for upto 2 weeks) Handy garden trowel Decorative Wall basket with liner Packet of seed labels with pencil
Pictured: Mr Logan of Alburn Court was the lucky winner of last editions giveaways.
*STOCKS ARE LIMITED, RING ADACTUS HOUSING TO CLAIM YOUR GIVEAWAY
…..Pause for thought Consider your garden as ‘AN EXTRA ROOM’ - it deserves as much consideration as the inside of your house. Please care for your garden and keep it tidy - it’s your responsibility! miles platting spotlight | 15
Baker House Office Open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (6pm on Wednesday) Emergency Repairs
T 0800 234 6826 T 0800 234 6826
Allpay For direct debit, debit/credit card payments & ordering new rent cards Housing Benefit queries:
T 0870 234 6040
T 0161 234 5003
e: benefit.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk Council Tax queries:
T 0161 234 5002
e: ctax.enquiries@manchester.gov.uk Miles Platting Outreach Library Open: Tuesday 2pm - 5pm Wednesday 10am - 1pm Thursday 1pm - 7pm Environment on call:
Saturday 10am - 1pm
T 0161 227 3787
T 0161 234 5004
e: contact@manchester.gov.uk Find out your utility supplier:
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Gas: T 0870 608 1524 Electric: T 0870 751 0093