Inspired Living Spring 2017

InspiredLiving

SPRING 2017

THE MAGAZINE FOR OLDHAM PFI RESIDENTS

Welcome to Crossley!

Crossley’s new Volunteer Coordinator, Abda, gets a warm welcome from the community

COMMUNITY STARS WINNERS!

FANCY A CAREER YOU CAN GROW INTO?

Here’s how you can get in touch with us Call Great Places or Wates on 0300 123 2003 A full range of services is available between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

An extra out-of-hours service, which is provided by Wates, can be reached by using the same number.

Press 1 – for Wates Living Space, who can help you with repairs, refurbishment and new-build enquiries.

Press 2 – for Great Places Housing Group, who can help you with housing management and information on sales units.

Need to email us?

Drop the Great Places team a line on oldhampfi@greatplaces.org.uk or contact the Wates team on infooldhampfi@wates.co.uk

Come and see us

We’re always happy to see you at the Great Places office, which you can find at 119 Union Street, Oldham, OL1 1TE. The office is staffed from Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

You can also pop into the Crossley Centre, 323 Denton Lane, Chadderton, OL9 9GA or call the centre on 0161 652 1419. Alternatively, you can visit the Primrose Bank Centre, Magnolia Gardens, Primrose Bank which you can call on 0161 624 7202.

Write to Inspired Living at:

We’re online!

Visit www.greatplaces.org.uk and

search for Oldham PFI

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/OldhamPFI www.facebook.com/CrossleyCent re www.facebook.com/PrimroseCen tre Follow us on Twitter @CrossleyCentre @Primrose_C ent

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Communications Great Places Housing Group Southern Gate 729 Princess Road Manchester M20 2LT

Access for all

If you’re visually impaired and need a magnifying sheet, please let us know.

An audio version of Inspired Living is also available. If you would like to read this magazine in a different language, please let us know.

Editor and designer: Adele Wilkinson (communications@greatplaces.org.uk)

Welcome to

InspiredLiving!

Welcome to your spring edition of Inspired Living. It’s that time of year when we can start to see the flowers coming back and I was impressed at how well our neighbourhoods are looking during my visit last week. I’m really looking forward to being part of the Love Where You Live activities this year. More information about these events are in this month’s edition.

You may have noticed that your Inspired Living is slightly later this month – we purposely delayed the printer as we had a number of residents up for awards at the prestigious Community Stars Awards and wanted to celebrate their achievements in this months edition.

On the topic of awards, I’m really looking forward to attending the northern final of the Tenant Participation Advisory Service 2017 Awards ceremony in April along with five Oldham residents. I’m proud to say that the work to improve neighbourhoods in the past year has been shortlisted for an award under the Green Community Spaces category. Fingers crossed we win, but it’s an excellent achievement just to be nominated. Well done

and thank you to everyone who has dedicated their time to look after their neighbourhood.

The Inspiral annual report is now completed and ready for publication, keep an eye out on our website and community centre Facebook pages to read the year’s review. Hard copies will also be available at our office and community centres – it’s been another great year that everyone should be proud of.

This month’s edition also carried some useful information about what’s going on across the wider Oldham area, including important information about the changes to Universal Credit payment system.

As always, if you have any queries about anything in this issue, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 0300 123 2003.

Ryan Smith Oldham PFI manager

WHAT’S INSIDE? 4 6 8 10 14 15 16 18 20

Neighbourhood News What’s on?

Welcome to Crossley!

Your 2017 Community Stars winners My Money Growing Greatness What’s happening in the wider borough?

Newsboard Win win win!

Community star Paul Maybury

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Sleeping out in Oldham for charity

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What’s happening in the wider borough?

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Community pride!

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Neighbourhood NEWS New community kitchen for Oldham Great Places have been supporting Oldham Food Bank and the Food Network to crowdfund a community kitchen in Oldham town centre.

With the support of local businesses, the project will use surplus food to provide hot meals, reduce food waste and create training opportunities for local people.

Great Places supported the project on social media, arranged training for local groups on crowdfunding and provided a venue for fundraising events. The project was also supported by the Primrose Bank and Crossley Community Centres’ who provided a venue for pledge rewards.

The campaign raised double its original target but are continuing to take pledges to make the project even better. If you’re interested in learning more or would like to make a pledge, visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/oldham-food-bankcommunity-kitchen.

Welcome to Crossley!

Stanley Hughes has now joined the PFI team as a community caretaker. Stan will be working on the Crossley neighbourhood, an area he knows well as Stan has lived locally for a number of years.

Stan is no stranger to Great Places neighbourhood team as Stan has been working at Great Places for a number of years looking after areas across Oldham.

If you have any queries regarding your caretaking service please contact Amjad Khan on 0300 123 2003.

Alleyways revisited Naseem Ahmed, Community Development Coordinator and Neighbourhood Coordinators Amjad and Sheila will be inviting local residents to alleyway clean ups in the coming weeks.

Last year local residents working in partnership with Great Places, Oldham Council, Ground Work and IFOldham transformed a number of alleyways into bright vibrant spaces that can be used for more than just taking your bin out!

A number of planters now need replanting and the alleys need a spring clean. Invitations will be issued in the coming weeks, refreshments will be supplied including some goodies for the younger people! The more the merrier – lets show how much we love where we live!

Pledgers taking part in a quiz and supper night at Primrose Bank

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Out in the cold Congratulations to the team of Great Places staff who braved the elements and slept on the streets of Oldham in March to raise money for Theshold, a Greater Manchester housing charity.

Great Places staff ‘sleeping out’ in Oldham

Spring has sprung in Crossley!

The team have raised over £2,500 and were able to gain an small insight into what it’s like to be homeless. The JustGiving page is still open, and if you would like to donate you can do so at: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ InsideOutSleepOut2017.

Guests enjoying soup from The Real Junk Food Project at a screening of I, Daniel Blake

Residents of Crossley may have noticed that a number of areas have been recently replenished with new plants and turfing ahead of Spring.

“I, Daniel Blake...”

These areas were identified by Great Places and Wates at recent walkabouts as needing some TLC, so our grounds maintenance team got to work giving them a fresh new look.

In February, the Crossley Centre hosted a free screening of the award-winning film I, Daniel Blake. The event was attended by local residents, as well as staff and volunteers from Crossley.

A number of these areas are protected by post and wire fencing, so please do be careful not to tread on the plants, and be sure to report to us if you see any areas that have died off or have been damaged.

We want your community to look as welcoming and green as possible!

To keep the momentum going, new focal point planters are being introduced, and a number of clean up and replanting events will be taking place over the coming months. Additionally, both Crossley and Primrose Bank community centres will soon be recruiting for volunteer gardeners, so keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to get involved!

I, Daniel Blake focuses on the welfare system and the difficulties that people can come up against while trying to navigate it.

Attendees also enjoyed home made soup from the Real Junk Food Project, made using ingredients that may otherwise have gone to waste.

Many thanks to everyone who attended - we hope you enjoyed the film!

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C MONDAY Children’s dance class 5:30pm–6:30pm Ages four to ten years Cost: £5 Be Fit class 7pm–8pm A combination of pure body tone and conditioning. Insanity, circuit training and stretch.

Cost: £4 TUESDAY English as Second or Other Language classes, starting November 9:30am–11:30am Slimming World 7pm–9pm Please see Saturday’s Slimming World entry for more information.

Sewing classes Due to start again soon. Enrol now!

WHAT’S ON

WEDNESDAY Oak Tree Wood Carvers 9am–2pm Creative woodcarving Cost: A yearly membership fee of £20 and a weekly fee of £5. All wood and use of equipment is included in fees.

Zumba Gold 4:30pm–5:30pm Cost: £3 Zumba Fitness 6:45pm-7:45pm Cost: £3 A discount applies if you attend both Zumba classes.

THURSDAY “Stay with Me” Toddler and Parent group 9am–11am Booking only Chair-based exercise 1pm–2pm Easy exercise class for those who want to take it slowly but keep those muscles moving.

Kettlebell class 7pm–8pm Exercise class using weights

FRIDAY Pop-up Café 12noon–2pm Lovely home-cooked food at an affordable price Youth club 4:30pm–6:30pm Activities for children aged between five and 13 Cost: 50p SATURDAY Slimming World 10am–12noon Slimming World has gone from strength to strength since opening at the Crossley Centre in June. The warm, welcoming group is full of support, tips and motivation for members.

For more information please call consultant Jay on 07971 194060.

SUNDAY Watch this space for upcoming activities Why not enquire about booking the centre? Call 0161 652 1419 or find us on Facebook and Twitter!

NEW LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE FORUMS! Great Places and Wates usually hold Resident Forums across our neighbourhoods every two months. This year we asked you what issues are important to you, and this feedback is being used to set the agenda for the newly branded ‘Love Where You Live Forums’.

The new forums will have a theme of improving areas of the neighbourhood that you told us you wanted to get involved in: this includes alleyway clean ups, litter picks, fun sessions at the community centres and visits to local partners to further strengthen the ‘Oldham Team’.

Keep an eye out for your invites and please come along – the more the merrier!

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WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT PRIMROSE CENTRE

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English as Second or Other Language (ESOL) class 12.30 – 2.30pm Free Further classes will start soon – call into the centre for further details.

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WEDNESDAY English as Second or Other Language (ESOL) class 12.30 – 2.30pm Free Further classes will start soon – call into the centre for further details.

Old time/Ballroom Dancing 7pm–9pm Call into the centre to check availability.

THURSDAY Old time/Ballroom Dancing 7pm–9pm Call into the centre to check availability.

FRIDAY Sewing Class (12 week course) 9.30am–12.30am £74.40 or free to anyone in receipt of certain means tested benefits Old time/Ballroom Dancing 7pm–9pm Call into the centre to check availability.

SATURDAY Old time/Ballroom Dancing 1.30pm–3.30pm Call into the centre to check availability.

Zumba 4pm–5pm £2.50 Women only

SUNDAY Maths and English tuition for children with Rising Stars 11am–1pm Call into the centre to check prices and availability.

New activities are being added to both the community centre schedules on an on-going basis – pop into your local centre to find out what’s new or email crossleycentre@gmail.com or primrosecentre@gmail.com.

The Primrose Centre is also available for private parties and bookings.

Please call in or ring Jan on 0161 624 7202 for more information or a booking form.

WALKABOUTS WALKABOUTS AT CROSSLEY

3 May 2017 at 2pm 5 June 2017 at 4pm

27 April 2017 at 10am 25 May 2017 at 10am 29 June 2017 at 10am

Dates and times for forums and quarterly action days (where customers can get involved while taking part in seasonal activities such as planting and summer fun days) will be announced soon.

WALKABOUTS AT DEW WAY

WALKABOUTS AT FITTON HILL

Keep your eyes peeled for leaflets with further details!

WALKABOUTS AT PRIMROSE BANK

8 May 2017 at 2pm 12 June 2017 at 4pm

CENTRE

15 May 2017 at 2pm 19 June 2017 at 4pm

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Welcome to Crossley!

As we mentioned in the last issue of Inspired Living, the Crossley Centre recently created a new volunteer coordinator position. Abda Shaheen, originally from Coppice, has been recruited to the role, and has been busy meeting members of the local community.

The role of volunteer coordinator was created to recruit and manage volunteers in the Crossley area – specifically filling four volunteer vacancies: two admin positions, one business development position and one cleaning position.

However, Abda has hit the ground running and has already recruited an IT champion, who will soon be holding women-only IT drop in sessions at the centre. For Abda, training and development opportunities are key, and she considers identifying the needs of her community to be an important part of her role.

“I have experienced firsthand what can be gained from volunteering – I want to give others the same start.”

“I have worked with volunteers for my whole career. I started out as a volunteer myself at Voluntary Action Oldham. I was working full time, very long hours, unpaid – but I loved

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it. From there, I moved on to the Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust as a health development worker where I delivered training and holistic health advice around weight management (including healthy eating and exercise), mental health and self-esteem within a community setting.

“Often there are issues that need to be addressed before people can begin volunteering and searching for employment.

There may be health concerns which are holding someone back, or low self-esteem could prevent them from putting themselves out there.

“Because of how I started out, I have experienced first-hand what can be gained from volunteering – I want to give others the same start. From my time at the NHS I have seen the barriers people come up against, and I know that the training and opportunities that people need will vary, depending on age, background, culture or experience.

“Volunteering launched my career and I wouldn’t be where I am now if I hadn’t got involved. That’s why, to me, my role is more than just recruiting. I hope to make a difference to people – to help them develop skills and knowledge, to tackle issues they may be facing and give everyone the best possible start into work.”

The Primrose Centre is also recruiting a volunteer coordinator to ensure that there are positions available across the PFI region. Keep your eyes peeled for further opportunities.

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Great Places’

Community Stars Awards The red carpet once again rolled out for our residents this month for the calendar event of the year – the Community Stars Awards 2016!

Over 200 Great Places customers attended a glittering Hollywood style award ceremony at Gorton Monastery to celebrate their inspirational achievements in local communities across the north west and Yorkshire. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Willy Wonka’ – a chance for our ‘sweetest’ residents to step into the spotlight!

The Community Stars Awards are an opportunity for Great Places to thank our customers who show compassion, selflessness and courage on a daily basis.

Congratulations to everyone who was nominated or won an award – you can learn more about the winners by turning the page...

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Oldham’s brightest star paul maybury – highly commended

community champion award

Oldham customer Paul was nominated for the Community Champion Award for his dedication to the community, and particularly his involvement at the Primrose Community Centre.

Paul often opens and closes the centre on evenings and weekends, giving up his free time to keep the centre running smoothly. He also does his bit to keep the local area clean, tidy and crime-free and is well-liked by his neighbours – known for his polite, helpful and reliable nature.

Paul said: “It feels great to be highly commended. I even had a haircut and a shave for the occasion. My wife thinks she’s got a new fella!”

Community Development Coordinator Jan Wade said: “I’m so happy for him. He didn’t get shortlisted last year and he does so much. It doesn’t matter what time it is, he always helps out. He just keeps the place going and as a volunteer he’s great. He does a lot and he just gets on with it, so it’s lovely to see that recognised.”

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Meet the winners...

Deborah Bhatti

Good neighbour award – DEBORAH BHATTI MANCHESTER

Deborah was awarded the Good Neighbour Award for her tireless work within the community. She has been a caseworker at the Royal British Legion, volunteered at a mental health drop in based in Bury, and helped a number of her neighbours on an individual basis.

Andrew S mith

Young resident Award – Andrew Smith MORECAMBE

Andrew said: “I was hoping I would win! I was inspired to start volunteering by Jean who suggested I come down to the West End Development Residents Group and it’s all just gone from there. I want to keep getting involved and making a difference.”

Community PROJECT Award – VOICE SUNDAY FAMILY CLUB( BLACKBURN

VOICE Sunday Family Club

The group said: “It was such a strong category – we were so shocked to have won!

We’ve only been going for 18 months now, and we’re purely run by volunteers. We want to create a safe environment for families, where they can spend quality time together – we’re blown away to have our work recognised like this.”

Community residents group Award – Northmoor together( MANCHESTER

Northmoor T ogether

The group said: “We’re delighted to win - we’ve been going for a number of years now so it’s great to be recognised. But it’s listening to the great work that others do that really makes the day special.”

GREEN ChAMPION AWARD – The Secret Garden of Springfields KNUTSFORD

The Secret Garden of Springfields

The group said: “It feels great to be awarded a Community Star! The project is finished now – it was a long process, it took us almost two years to get here, but to have it finished feels amazing. It just looks like a completely different space to when we first started!”

SENIOR RESIDENT Award – BERYL STOTT POULTON-LE-FYLDE

Beryl Stott

Beryl said: “It’s smashing to win – I didn’t expect it! I used to volunteer with church and from there I founded the ladies group. We do all sorts, from afternoon tea to charity work. ”

supported housing resident award – Louis Kirkwood MANCHESTER

Louis, a resident at Docherty House, was overjoyed when he heard he had won. He said: “I’m very surprised! Last year I got nominated and this year I won! Thank you Docherty House and Great Places.”

Louis Kirkwood

supported housing scheme Award – FLOATING SUPPORT SERVICES BLACKBURN

Service Manager Debbie said: “A fantastic award for the scheme and its residents. It’s recognition of our work that’s helping and supporting people to live independently.”

Resident Kim added: “It’s great that the scheme helps young people to find a place to live and give them an opportunity to go on and get into work or education.”

community champion Award – DAVE WATKINS( SHEFFIELD

Floating Su pport Serv ices, Blackburn

Dave said: “I was really really pleased to have won – it’s been a lot of work. Park Hill is a very complicated project and everyone works so hard. I represent a whole community group – it’s not just me. This award is really for everyone in the residents group!”

great places staff Award – LUCY BARTON( KNUTSFORD

Dave Watkins

Lucy said: “I’m pretty overwhelmed to be honest – I was not expecting to win! Since getting married, I’m still getting used to my name change, so it took a few seconds to register that they were saying my name! I’m so grateful. It feels lovely.”

volunteer AWARD – Sarah Pownall KNUTSFORD

Sarah Pownall said: “I feel like a star – and I’ve got the star to prove it! It was amazing to be up there a second time. I really didn’t expect it after Springfields had already won. This was just me, on my own. It’s just amazing. I’ve had such a good day!”

Lucy Barton

david nuttall Award – Vera Whitworth SALFORD

Vera has been a resident of Great Places Housing Group for just over 14 years. In that time she has been the eyes and ears of Aldersgate Court in Salford as a scheme rep. She has also been an integral part of many Great Places groups. To name a few, Vera has been a member of the North Region Board, the Tenants’ Advisory Group, Service Improvement Clubs and has been involved from home as a Tenant Funding Panel member and Call Auditor. She said: “I just didn’t expect it! I was so shaken I couldn’t walk to the stage. I was gobsmacked.”

For more information on this year’s awards, including a list of highly commended customers, visit our website: www.greatplaces.co.uk.

Sarah Pownall

Vera Whitworth

my money

Our Financial Inclusion Team work hard to help you save money!

Welfare changes due in 2017 Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) The government has decided to scrap the additional payment (currently £29.05 per week) given to people who are in the Work Related Activity Group of ESA. This should only apply to ESA claims made on or after 1 April 2017. Existing claimants will continue to receive this extra sum of money until they come off ESA. The government has stated that the additional sum paid to people in the ESA Support Group (currently £36.20) will continue to be paid.

Changes for Universal Credit claimants with children

Jobs

If you are a single parent or the primary carer for a child under the age of five, you are currently not expected to look for work as part of your claimant commitment. This is due to change in April 2017. From April, when your youngest child turns three, most single parents and primary carers who receive Universal Credit will be subject to ‘all work requirements’. This will mean that in order to receive your Universal Credit you will be expected to look for work. Your DWP work coach will provide more details.

Two child limit This limits the help available from certain means-tested benefits a family can receive.

It will apply to families who have a baby born on or after 6 April 2017 and where there are already two or more children in the family for whom benefits are being paid. It is believed that this change will be applied to Housing Benefit, Universal Credit and Tax Credit applications. Existing benefit claimants who already have more than two children should not see a drop in their benefits as a result of this change, however any future children will be subject to this change.

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Clear your arrears with a jam jar!

We spoke to Sally, a resident from Sheffield, about how support from Great Places helped her clear her rent arrears through a credit union budget account (sometimes known as a jam jar or scuba account).

£

With a budget account, you arrange for money to be paid into your credit union account via a benefit transfer, standing order or wages. The credit union keeps your money safe until the bill is due and then pay the bill, correctly and on time.

Any money left over can be put into your savings or paid straight back to you in regular amounts.

Sally said: “The credit union were really friendly and helpful. They helped me fill in all the forms and it was all set up within ten days. It gave me peace of mind knowing my rent and arrears were being paid on time and whatever was left in the bank was my money to spend. I paid off £3,000 of arrears in two years. It’s such a relief!”

The Benefits Cap: what you need to know At the end of last year, you will have received some information from us about the Benefits Cap. The government has put a limit on the amount of money that people can receive in benefits. The new rules mean that a family will get a maximum of £384 per week and a single person £257 per week. All working age benefits are included, and if your rent is paid by Housing Benefit that amount will be included. If all the benefits you get take you over the cap, then your Housing Benefit will be reduced. If there is a reduction in your housing benefit, Great Places will contact you to offer you a range of ways to pay your rent.

Contact us using the details on page 2 for more information.

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Gr wing greatness Love your garden this Spring!

Warmer days are just around the corner, and many of us are dreaming of sitting out in our gardens in the sun. Spring is the perfect time to put on your gardening gloves and get planting to make sure your garden is as lush as possible in time for summer.

Following the harsh winter months, the best thing you can do for your garden in spring is improve the condition of your soil to allow plants to thrive.

Firstly, remove any weeds that have grown over winter, then begin to cultivate the soil by digging and turning it over. You may also want to add some compost to your soil to improve its fertility. You can buy compost at any garden centre, or why not begin to make your own from leftover vegetable scraps and garden clippings?

Spring is also the perfect time to plant vegetables for them to be ready to pick and eat by summer.

Once your soil has been treated, sprinkle your seeds sparingly. When seedlings begin to come up, let them grow about an inch high before thinning them out. Carrots, lettuces, rocket, spring onions and spinach can all be grown at this time of year.

When choosing which flowers to plant, you may want to consider blossoms that attract bees. As a pollinating insect, bees are beneficial to gardeners but are unfortunately declining in numbers every year. Lavender, daisies, crocuses and thymes all attract bees and make lovely additions to any garden.

Fancy a career you can grow into?

Greenfingers grounds maintenance are currently offering a number of apprenticeships in Oldham.

They’re looking for local young people who are driven, hard working and looking to gain experience within the horticulture industry.

No experience is required and full training will be provided by the company.

If you’re interested, contact Greenfingers using the details on the flyer below!

What’s happening in the wider borough?

Get moving!

Oldham Leisure Centre holds a number of Sports Development holiday camps which aim to get kids moving over the summer.

Budding sports stars can take part in basketball, rounders, dodgeball, football and much more for just £5 per day.

For more information email Neil.Bennett@oldham.gov.uk or call 0161 770 1639.

Are books your bag?

There’s plenty going on at libraries and book stores across Oldham this Spring to keep the book worm in your family entertained.

In May a week-long celebration of books, known as ‘Bookmark Festival’ will be taking place. Meet Mark Powers (author of Spy Toys), illustrator Nick Sharratt and CBBC Book Club presenter Katie Thistleton, or take an interactive theatre experience out of this world with The Moon and Me. These events are all suitable for the entire family. Call Oldham Library on 0161 770 8000 for more information.

Along with entertainment, the libraries also offer activities for parent-baby bonding. Rockaby Roadshows create a multisensory experience with gentle music, lights and aromas for babies-in-arms, or for local dads or male guardians, Saturdads at Limehurst Library provide activity packs to keep your little ones busy over the weekend. Again, contact the library on 0161 770 8000 for more information.

Get ready for an adventure!

Are you ready for Oldham Library’s first ever Comic Con? Learn from the masters of the comic world, take part in discussion panels and create your own comic in the creation workshop.

Guests include authors and artists from Adventure Time and Wallace and Gromit, as well as artist Dave Windett, known for his work on Ace Ventura, Count Duckula and Loony Tiny Toons. And don’t forget to dress up as your favourite character for our cosplay competition!

Saturday 6 May 10am–4pm. Free entry.

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Love your local market!

Let’s celebrate everything that is great about Oldham’s markets! As part of Oldham Council’s ‘love your local market’ campaign, they’re encouraging everyone to visit Oldham’s markets and experience all they have to offer: Oldham’s Markets Monday–Saturday 9am–5.15pm Browse more than 115 stalls under one roof including artisan cheese, fresh meats and fish, home appliances and DIY supplies.

Tommyfield Market Hall, OL1 3BG Shaw Market Every Thursday 9am–4pm A weekly high street market with traders selling fresh fish, meat and more.

Market Street, Shaw, OL2 8NJ

Royton Market Every Thursday 9am–4pm A long-standing market that sells fresh fruit, bread, cheese and more.

Royton Precinct, OL2 5PT Chadderton Market Every Wednesday from 5 April 9am–4pm Experience a brand new market in the heart of Chadderton and browse fish, meat, home furnishings, women’s and men’s clothing and much more.

Chadderton Precinct, OL9 0LJ

20 years of Festival Oldham Oldham welcomes a feast of entertainment this May Bank Holiday weekend. This year we’re marking 20 years of Festival Oldham which brings theatre, art, music and dance right into the heart of the town centre.

We’ve got some wonderful performances lined up including Folk Dance Remixed, a magical collision of hip-hop, maypole, clogging and Bollywood not to be missed. Get involved and learn dance moves with interactive Culinary Duel, a cooking comedy show with dance, acrobatics, competitions and more. And watch out for George Orange, all the way from Chicago, an eccentric cheeky clown and a slack-rope dancer. He’s come via the moon and brought a piece with him.

For more information visit www.visitoldham.com.

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We’re award nominated!

Great Places, Oldham Council and Incredible Futures Oldham have been shortlisted for a regional TPAS award for our environmental work in the Primrose and Crossley areas.

TPAS have recognised our ‘cleaning up our alleyways’ project, which transformed Oldham alleyways into edible gardens for the community.

The project began in 2016, and as well as tranforming the space, local residents also received training on all things green, allowing them to make their own gardens in to a haven of healthy food produce. Grown items have since been used at both pop up cafes at the Primrose and Crossley Community Centres. Residents, Great Places and Oldham Council took a pledge to keep the areas clean, safe and green, to ensure the areas stay clean and tidy for years to come.

The project was a collaborative effort and would not have been possible without input from customers.

Congratulations to everyone involved - look out for the result in the next edition of Inspired Living!

Stockfield Mount and Lansdowne customers: we need your help!

The communal rooms at Stockfield Mount and Lansdowne are currently being greatly under-utilised.

Because of how infrequently these spaces are being used, it is currently not cost efficient to have Great Places staff managing or supervising the rooms at all times.

For this reason, we’re looking for volunteers to act as keyholders for these spaces. Keyholders have access to the room, and can provide entry to others when necessary.

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We’re also looking for ideas of new ways to use these spaces. This could be anything from movie nights to exercise classes to youth group activities – all ideas are welcome!

We can offer support and funding for popular ideas, so get in touch with your suggestions!

To find out more about volunteering as a keyholder, or to tell us your ideas for activities, contact us using the details on page 2.

y t i n u m Com pride!

Great Places actively supports and celebrates our diverse communities through a number of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) events.

Over the summer we will be taking part in several LGBT events and would love you to get involved, whether you’re a member of the LGBT community or an ally or supporter.

So far, we are planning to take part in the following events near you: • Manchester House Proud Conference – 28 June 2017.

House Proud are a network of housing organisations who have pledged to support LGBT people within their communities. The House Proud Conference is for housing association customers in Manchester who identify as LGBT or an ally. Great Places are able provide transport support to make this event more accessible for customers who want to attend.

• Pink Picnic Salford – 15 July 2017 • Manchester Pride – 26 August 2017 If you are interested in any of these events, whether you want to attend as a guest or would like to get more involved behind the scenes, or if there are any other LGBT or Pride events in your area that you think we should know about, get in touch!

We would also like to try to find out about our LGBT customers’ experience of our organisation – what we do well and how we can improve. For more information on this, or any of the above, email EDI@greatplaces.org.uk or contact us using the details on page 2.

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Competition time £30 in vouchers to be won!

You could be one of three winners of a £10 shopping voucher. Simply complete the wordsearch and spot the differences between the two pictures below, cut the page out and post it to us along with your full name and address. You’ll then be entered into the prize draw.

Deadline for entries: 5 June 2017 Send your entries by post to: FREEPOST, RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Inspired Living, Great Places Housing Group, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester M20 2LT Remember, you don’t need a stamp!

Wordsearch Words to find are: STARS

CROSSLEY

AWARDS

CHAMPION

SPRING

CHOCOLATE

VOLUNTEER

EASTER

RENT

JOBS

FORUM

GARDEN

CONGRATULATIONS TO LAST ISSUE’S WINNERS: Hilma Safeer Janine Taylor Joyce McHugh

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE There are five differences between the two pictures. Can you find them? Circle the differences you can see on picture 2.

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