Inspired Living Winter 2016

InspiredLiving

WINTER 2016

THE MAGAZINE FOR OLDHAM PFI RESIDENTS

Life is sweet!

From cake factory worker to security guard, customer Hamdan is chasing his dreams...

NOMINATE AN UNSUNG HERO IN YOUR COMMUNITY

NEW LEASE OF LIFE FOR THE OLD TOWN HALL

Our opening times over the festive season: 24 25 26 27 28

December December December December December

(Christmas Eve) Closed (Christmas Day) Closed (Boxing Day) Closed (Bank Holiday) Closed 8am–4pm

29 December 8am–4pm 30 December 8am–4pm 31 December (New Year’s Eve) Closed 1 January (New Year’s Day) Closed 2 January (Bank Holiday) Closed

How to contact us: Call Great Places or Wates on 0300 123 2003 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.

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

re

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

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InspiredLiving!

Welcome to Welcome to your festive edition of Inspired Living!

This month we’re making sure you get the best bang for your buck when it comes to energy usage, given that the colder days and nights are now well upon us. Find out more about staying environmentally and financially efficient on page 18.

2017 promises to be another busy year in our neighbourhoods and I’m really pleased to announce that through our partnership with Greenfingers Landscapes and Get Oldham Working there will be two job opportunites advertised focusing specifically on your neighbourhoods.

Look out for details on how you can apply on the Get Oldham Working website.

As usual, a new year brings with it plenty of positive changes.

The Crossley Community Centre has recently recruited a new volunteer coordinator, and the same is going to occur at The Primrose Centre in early 2017.

New volunteering opportunities focusing on employment, skills and training will be made available soon – once again look out for the advert on the Get Oldham Website and if you are interested please apply.

I’d like to sign off by saying I hope you all have a wonderful

Christmas and New Year.

This past year has seen some significant pieces of work in our neighbourhoods (check out some of the highlights on page 14) further cementing them as vibrant places to live, work and play.

My team and I are looking forward to working with you all again in 2017 doing the same.

See you then!

Ryan Smith Oldham PFI manager

WHAT’S INSIDE? 6–7 Your local centres 12 Winter gardening tips 13 Fire safety 14–15 Your 2016 highlights 18 Go green!

19 My money 20 Competition time

Neighbourhood news

4-5

Nominate a star from your community

8-9

Life is sweet for Hamdan

10-11

News from the wider borough

16-17

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Neighbourhood NEWS

Cleaning up with Christ Church A group of 30 pupils from Christ Church School attended a bulb planting activity day in Chadderton with staff from Great Places this month.

They worked in teams to plant an assortment of bulbs, rake autumn leaves from paths and grassy areas, and tidy up the three planters by removing weeds. This was part of the school’s ongoing relationship with the Crossley Centre, teaching the pupils about the value of community.

They then marched back to the Crossley Centre to enjoy some biscuits and fruit juice after all their hard work!

Oh Christmas tree!

Folllowing their recent ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) session at the Primrose Centre, the class got in the festive spirit by decorating the centre’s tree!

Important notice: property inspections You may have already received a letter from Wates arranging a property inspection. These inspections are intended to identify any non-repair or wear and tear issues that need addressing. Inspections on Dew Way properties are currently being finished, with the new build homes on Primrose Bank being the next batch of properties to be visited, followed by the new builds on Crossley.

It is important to let us know if you are not able to meet the appointment that will be contained within your letter.

The letter will arrive at least 28 days before the inspection appointment, as well as a reminder 7 days before. If you are unable to meet the designated time, please ensure that you contact the help desk on 0300 123 2003 (option 1) to arrange a more suitable time.

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Coming soon...

Don’t forget – we have arranged two festive events at the Crossley and Primrose Centres: • Primrose Centre, 21 December 2pm–4pm • Crossley Centre, 23 December 2pm–4pm Come along for some mince pies and the pulling of the odd cracker! Festive jumpers are welcomed – the more the merrier!

Greenfingers will also be on hand to give more information about their upcoming recruitment for the two new jobs being made available in 2017.

We hope to see you there!

Cooking up a storm at the Primrose Centre!

During the October half term, WIFI (the Wellbeing Improvement Fitness Initiative) ran a number of family-friendly healthy eating sessions at the Primrose Centre. The sessions were organised by the Coppice Sporting Alliance with funding from Action Together, and aimed to teach families how to cook nutritious meals from scratch.

Park Cake event takes the biscuit!

In response to the large scale recruitment by Park Cake for the Christmas production of cakes and all things sweet, an event was held at the Primrose Centre to support tenants and customers in the local community to complete written application forms.

Guests were also offered support with other job applications, and help was on hand for anyone who wanted to learn how to register with Get Oldham Working or write a CV or cover letter. Mock interviews were also available.

One guest who completed a mock interview on the day has already secured work with Debenhams. She told us: “The interview at the Primrose Centre helped out a lot, as many of the questions we covered came up in the interview, and I was able to answer without hesitation.

“Thank you very much for your help!”

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MR RI

THE

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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!

GET CREATIVE AT CROSSLEY! Following the success of the six week sewing club which took place at the Crossley Centre in June, a new creative project will be commencing in January 2017. Run by volunteers, the club will involve a range of creative activities such as flower arranging, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, card making and sewing.

This will be an opportunity to meet new people, develop new skills (which could be used for employment), and learn from others – particularly for those whose first language is not English.

If you’re interested, please contact Naseem Ahmad on 07815 311125.

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MROS RI

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WEEKLY ACTIVITIES AT PRIMROSE CENTRE SSLE RO

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THE ENTRE MONDAY Human Health & Fitness 9:30am–11:30am C

TUESDAY Me & My Community 9:30am–11:30am This is a very basic 22-week course to give confidence in reading and speaking English. Please call into the centre to book a place.

English as Second or Other Language (ESOL) class, higher level 1 accredited course 12:30pm–3pm, starting on Tuesday 20 September WEDNESDAY ESOL class, higher level accredited course 12:30pm–3pm, starting Wednesday 21 September Ballroom dancing with JM Dance Academy 7pm–9pm Call into the centre to check availability.

THURSDAY Ballroom dancing with JM Dance Academy 7pm–9pm Call into the centre to check availability.

A hospitality and catering course and a sewing class will be starting in the New Year. If you are interested in any of these courses please give your name to Jan at the Primrose Centre or call her on 0161 624 7202.

FRIDAY Ballroom dancing with JM Dance Academy 7pm–9pm Call into the centre to check availability.

The Primrose management committee is interested in setting up a youth forum. If you’re aged between 13 and 18-years-old and would like more information, please call into the centre and speak to Jan.

SATURDAY Ballroom dancing with JM Dance Academy 1:30pm–3:30pm Call into the centre to check availability.

The hall can be hired for private functions, with prices set at £25 per hour. Call into the centre or call Jan for more information or to make a booking.

SUNDAY Maths and English tuition for children with Rising Stars 11am–1pm Call into the centre to check availability. £15 for 2 hour session

Volunteers are also required at the centre. Please contact Jan if you’re interested.

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.

HAVE YOUR SAY!

Find out what’s happening in your local community by attending a walkabout or forum.They’re held every month and give you the chance to have your say on how we can make your community a better place to live.There’s no need to register to attend them – just show up!

WALKABOUTS AT CROSSLEY CENTRE

26 January 2017 at 10am 23 February 2017 at 10am 23 March 2017 at 10am

WALKABOUTS AT PRIMROSE BANK

WALKABOUTS AT DEW WAY

9 January 2017 at 10am 6 February 2017 at 2pm 6 March 2017 at 4pm

17 January 2017 at 10am 14 February 2017 at 2pm 14 March 2017 at 4pm

WALKABOUTS AT FITTON HILL

23 January 2017 at 10am 20 February 2017 at 2pm 20 March 2017 at 4pm

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.

Keep your eyes peeled for leaflets with further details!

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Great Places’

Community Stars Awards eone in m o s Is there hbourhood eig uld your n ink sho e h t u o th who y time in e m e o have s ? Who are th ht ur spotlig heroes in yo e rv unsung y who dese it un comm nition? recog

You can help a star in your community get the recognition they deserve by nominating them for one of the categories in our Community Stars Awards!

All Great Places residents can nominate an individual, group or project. The closing date is Sunday 22 January 2017, so get in touch to let us know who you think shines in your community.

We’ll be holding a special awards ceremony in April 2017 to celebrate the hard work that residents and community groups put in to make their community a better place. Look out for information about the nominees and the winners on our website and in future issues of My Great Place.

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Good Neighbour Award

A person who goes out of their way to care for others in their neighbourhood – maybe they help with an older person’s shopping, provide a shoulder to cry on, support neighbours in times of need, or help to bring the street together for social events.

Young Resident Award

A person aged 25 or under who has worked to improve their area, made a positive difference to someone else’s life, stood up to bullying, hate crime, racism or other forms of anti-social behaviour, or shown particular bravery.

Community Project Award

Do you know a standout project in your area that has impressed you? Has it transformed the place where you live or brought people together?

Community/Residents’Group Award

A group of residents who’ve pulled together to make a significant difference to where they live. Maybe they’ve helped to bring improvements to your building, set up social events to bring the community together, or raised money to transform green space near your home.

Green Champion

An individual who is committed to making a big environmental impact and has made a difference to their community. This could be looking after a community garden, helping at a community allotment or promoting community recycling.

SENIOR Resident Award

A person aged 70 or over who works tirelessly to improve their community. They may have been working in their neighbourhood for years and never received recognition.

Supported Housing Resident Award

A person who lives in one of our supported housing schemes who has made a real difference to their own life or to the lives of others. They may have gone the extra mile to help a fellow resident, started up a group, or got involved in a community initiative.

Supported Housing Scheme Award

Is there one of our projects which stands head and shoulders above the rest?

Has it become an important part of the community? It could be a scheme for young people, young parents, homeless, alcohol dependants, or those with mental health issues.

Community Champion Award

This person will already be an important part of the community. Maybe they run the local youth club or help in the local school as a volunteer. They might be a key person in the local church or the chief organiser of the community fair.

Great Places’Staff Award

Is there someone from Great Places who has gone the extra mile for residents? Who do you think embodies our vision: Great homes. Great communities. Great people.

How to enter – it’ s easy!

You can nominate someone in any of the following ways: Online: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/communitystarawards2016 Email: maria.morris@greatplaces.org.uk Phone: 0161 447 5076 Post: Maria Morris, FREEPOST RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Great Places, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester, M20 2LT.

closing date : SUNDAY 22 JANUARY :

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Life is sweet for Hamdan When Mohamed Hamdan came to England as an asylum seeker in 2014, he spoke no English and knew no one. He struggled to communicate with agencies, making it difficult to find somewhere to live, and often felt lost and isolated.

After living in a hostel in Liverpool for four months, and spending three months on the waiting list of another provider, Hamdan eventually moved to Oldham, where Great Places stepped in to help. He was offered a flat at Crossley Towers, which gave him a permanent address, allowing him to start applying for work and benefits.

Hamdan said: “My experience of coming to the UK was a hard one, and for a while I thought I would never find somewhere to live, but the support of organisations such as Great Places has been very beneficial.

The staff are very helpful and have done a lot for me – they made me feel very welcome.”

However, he hasn’t stopped working towards something more.

In the two years since moving to Oldham, Hamdan has completed an IT course at Oldham Library and regularly attends ESOL classes at Manchester College to develop his English skills, which have already vastly improved. Thanks to the Residents’ Fund and the Crossley Centre work club (and with help from Great Places Community Development Coordinator, Naseem Ahmad), he also successfully applied for funding to complete a Security Industry Authority (SIA) qualification, which he has now finished. His new SIA badge will allow him to apply for jobs as a door supervisor in pubs and clubs – a position which will test and improve his language skills on the job through interaction with the public.

But his aspirations don’t end there, as Hamdan is hoping that by next year, his English will be at a high enough level to apply to study nursing.

“The staff are very helpful and have done a lot for me – they made me feel very welcome.”

Naseem said: “Hamdan is incredibly driven, and never stops working towards the next step. His skills and abilities have improved so much in such a small amount of time – I have no doubt he’ll be successful.”

After hearing about job openings at the Park Cakes warehouse from Great Places staff, Hamdan successfully applied for a position and has been there ever since.

For more information on the Residents’ Fund, or for help and advice about training and career opportunities, get in touch. You can find our contact details on page 2.

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Cove r star!

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Love your garden – rain or shine!

In order for your help your garden survive the rain, turf needs to be cared for and maintained just like any other living plant.

Soils can become waterlogged when water builds up. This leaves no air spaces in the saturated soil, and plant roots can drown.

In the winter, prolonged saturated soils can cause permanent damage to your lawn.

Follow these simple tips to help your garden manage any water build up: • If you lay new turf or grass seed, stay off the newly laid areas for at least two weeks.

• During winter, make sure that you regularly spike your garden to ensure air is able to circulate in the soil.

• Consider installing trees and plants that are well suited to wetter soils. The root network of ‘thirsty’ plants will help remove surface water from your garden.

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• Applying fertilizer in the spring will help the grass to recover from winter damage and to grow more extensive root systems that are better able to withstand drought and flooding.

• Use a lawn feed which is rich in phosphorus as this promotes good root growth.

• Wet soils and dead patches allow mosses to thrive in the lawn over winter. Remove these with a moss killer.

• After heavy rain, wash down hard surfaces and collect up debris to prevent drains blocking, soil surfaces being covered, and pollutants or contaminants lingering in the garden. Be sure to wear gloves and overalls to minimise contact with pollutants.

If you require any further advice please contact your housing co-ordinator on 0300 123 2003.

Fire safety in the home Sadly, there have recently been a number of serious fire-related incidents among Great Places customers. Here are some top tips for keeping you and your loved ones fire safe.

Portable heaters

Chip pan fire safety

Staying safe during a power cut

Test your smoke alarm

If you’re using a portable heater to top up the temperature in your home, be sure to keep it away from curtains and furniture and never use them for drying clothes. If possible try to secure heaters against a wall to stop them falling over, and always unplug electric heaters when you go out or go to bed.

In the event of bad weather cutting your power, take special care when using matches or candles. Keeping a torch somewhere handy will help you light candles safely, but remember to always blow them out before leaving the house or going to bed.

Around 16,000 domestic fires every year are started by chip pan fires. Use a deep-fat-fryer instead or, better still, use oven chips. If you have a chip pan fire never put water on it and don’t tackle the fire yourself. Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so. Get out, stay out and call 999.

A smoke alarm could save the lives of you and your family in a fire. All properties have been fitted with a smoke alarm. If you suspect that they may not be working correctly please contact Wates on 0300 123 2003. Always test your smoke alarm regularly and replace a flat battery straight away.

Don’t leave cooking unattended

More than half of accidental fires in the home are started in the kitchen. It is easy to be distracted while cooking and leave things unattended. Avoid cooking if you’re tired, have been drinking alcohol or taking medication that can make you drowsy.

Electric blankets

Electric blankets are a great way of staying warm on cold winter nights. However they should be stored correctly when not in use. Be sure to keep them flat or rolled loosely to prevent wire damage, and check them regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you’re unsure, ask your local fire department who can check your electric blanket for damage free of charge.

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Your 2016 highlights!

JANUARY

Customers from Primrose Bank continued to grow their own fruit, veggies and herbs at the Primrose Centre following a successful funding application from Great Places and the Primrose Management Group.

APRIL

Customers from across Oldham picked up awards at the annual Great Places Community Stars event.

MAY A Breakfast Club was held at the Primrose Centre during the February half term holiday. The club provides a healthy breakfast for children and raises awareness of using fresh produce for meals.

The children enjoyed making breakfast pizzas and fruit smoothies.

Our Green Champions came together at the Crossley and Primrose Centres to learn all about how they can keep their gardens well maintained. The group planted herbs and seeds at the centres, as well as taking some seeds home to give their neighbourhoods a makeover.

MARCH

JUNE

FEBRUARY

As part of a ‘Cook, Eat, Talk’ session run by Safeguard Group in Chadderton, customers took part in a Greater Manchester Devolution consultation. Great Places staff and members of Voluntary Action Oldham (VAO) asked customers for their opinions about the changes, while also teaching the group about healthy eating and trying out some recipes.

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Customers on Cashmere Walk signed a pledge to look after the alleyway that runs behind their homes.

Neighbours came together to tidy up the space and make it more suitable for children’s play over the summer.

JULY

Following feedback about what you wanted to see from our customer forums, we premiered a new style of presenting them and invited all Crossley residents to join us at Tandle View Court, an extra care scheme from Housing and Care 21. Forum attendees were treated to a thought-provoking morning which included a tour of the apartments and a demonstration of the services that are provided there, before the tour ended with a fantastic lunch!

OCTOBER

Great Places set up camp in Oldham town centre for an End Hunger UK event. Plenty of you came down to discuss food poverty and to try out our famous smoothie bike!

AUGUST

Customers came together to celebrate everything they love about living on Dew Way with a summer fun day. Face painting, games, and arts and crafts were on offer, as well as plenty of home-made treats!

NOVEMBER

Funding was received from Tesco Bags of Help and work commenced on the new and improved greenhouse at the Primrose Centre. The work will be completed by spring, just in time to make the most of the sunny weather!

DECEMBER

SEPTEMBER

The Holiday Hunger campaign tackled the issue of hunger during the school holidays by providing a free breakfast or lunch, as well as fun filled activities at the community centres.

MP for Oldham West and Royton, Jim McMahon visited the Crossley Centre’s pop up cafe. He later tweeted about the “great community spirit” he experienced at the cafe!

Many thanks to everyone who has made 2016 a great year and have done their bit to help see their community shine! See you in 2017!

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NEWS FROM THE WIDER BOROUGH

Old Town Hall is back in business!

The launch of the ‘new’ Old Town Hall kicked off in style with a spectacular event featuring light projections and aerial performers. Inspired by the ‘Oldham Giant’ buried at Oldham Parish Church, the event spanned three days and included performances from local muscians, stage shows, and some special guests from the silver screen!

The hall now houses a state of the art seven screen cinema, a brand new public square, and a range of restaurants.

Winter ready If there is a repeat of the heavy snowfall we’ve had in previous years then grit stocks, systems and services are in place to meet the challenge!

Plans are in place for all weathers including heavy snowfall.

It’s also important though that everyone ‘does their bit’. The council are doing as much as they can with the resources that are available, but everyone can help out in their own way. This could be something as simple as helping your neighbour grit their path.

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The council will be keeping you informed about what is going on through their website: www.oldham.gov.uk/winter.

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Did you kn ks oming wee Over the c lling ill be out fi w rs e rk o w h are t bins whic the 637 gri und the dotted aro borough.

Listening to road and weather reports will also keep you up to date with the latest weather news.

Here to help you The Get Oldham Working team has moved out of the Civic Centre to their new home on the first floor of Metropolitan House on Hobson Street, across the road from the Union Street JobCentre.

The new base operates an ‘open door’ policy, ideal for those looking for work, apprenticeships, training opportunities and work experience.

If you are of working age, there is no need to book an appointment. Just go along and speak to a careers advisor. They are open weekdays between 9am–4pm.

Did you kno w?

Our fleet of gritters, whic h have names including Gri tney Spears and W alter the Salt er, grit thousands o f miles of highway each adopted year!

now?

Did you k lready salt has a g n itti r -g on Road preparati in t h g u o been b ths. This ming mon in the o c e h t r fo rlier hased ea wer, was purc es were lo ic r p n e h y for year w for mone e lu a v g providin . residents

Chadderton in bloom!

Chadderton customers have been helping to maintain their neighbourhoods by taking responsibility and looking after their communal alleyways. With the support of the council, residents are really showing they ‘love where they live’.

The group, now called The Friends of Burnley Lane and Laburnum Avenue, has built boundary walls and installed bedding boxes, a brick BBQ and wooden planters. Local councillors also donated a bench for the area.

The communal area opened in summer 2015 and now looks so good that it formed part of this year’s Bloom and Grow entry into Britain in Bloom!

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Go green!

Staying warm and cost efficient over winter 1) Close the curtains at night – Curtains not only keep light out but keep heat in! As it starts to get dark earlier and the temperature drops, make the most of the early evenings and close your curtains.

3) Protect your pipes – Keep your heating on low, even when you’re out, to protect the pipes from freezing and report any dripping taps which could block the pipe if the temperature plummets.

2) Wrap up! – Before you reach for the radiator, try layering up to keep warm in your home. Wearing lots of thin layers traps heat better than one thick layer, and can be more effective (and cost efficient) than putting your heating on.

4) Help your radiator reach its full potential – To ensure sure you’re getting the most heat possible from your radiator, make sure it isn’t being blocked by furniture.

Putting tin foil behind your radiator can also prevent wasted heat.

Let’s get Oldham recycling!

A reminder that bin collections have now switched from a two-weekly to a three-weekly cycle. This simplified collection pattern means that grey bins for general rubbish are collected one week; blue bins for paper and card the week after; and brown bins for glass, plastics and tins the following week.

These changes aim to improve the borough’s recycling rate by 12% and reduce the amount spent on general rubbish disposal by as much as £3 million over the next two years.

Households that don’t currently have recycling bins can order some from the council for free and those with small recycling bins will be able to upgrade to larger ones. Any customers not currently using the food waste service can order free food caddies to ensure they have everything they need to start recycling food waste.

Further details of the new service can also be found on the council website at www.oldham.gov.uk/waste or by calling 0161 770 6644.

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On your bike!

Our very own poverty and partnerships coordinator Sarah Riley has been testing out an eBike on her commute to work.

She has been documenting her experiences through a blog, which you can read on the Transport for Greater Manchester website at www.justride.tfgm.com/sarah.

If you’re interested in trying something new while saving the environment and getting active, check out the TfGM’s ‘Just Ride’ campaign at www.justride.tfgm.com.

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Reminder : benefit ca p change s!

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inder that th e Governme limit on the nt has now p amount of m ut a oney that pe in benefits. ople can rece The new rule ive s mean that maximum o a family will f £384 per w g e ta eek and a sin gle person £ 2 per week.

57 If you’re goin g to lose mo ney through this new syst there are so em, lutions avail able.

Great Places have dedica ted teams av offer you the ailable who right advice can and support into work or for getting assessing yo ur finances to The Government has changed the rules on Housing become sma he rt e r w it h your spend lp you Benefit. Previously, people claiming Housing Benefit were Contact us a in g. t 0300 123 1 able to spend up to 13 consecutive weeks away from their 9 6 6 fo r more inform ation. home and continue to receive support payments to help them meet their housing costs. However, that rule has now changed.

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Housing benefit changes

Now, people claiming Housing Benefit can now spend only four consecutive weeks living outside Great Britain and away from their home. If you stay abroad for longer your benefits could stop.

If you are planning a trip of more than four weeks overseas, it’s vital you think carefully about the potential impact on your claim. If you will be out of Great Britain for more than four consecutive weeks, and you will still need to pay rent while you’re away, you may need to think about alternative means of meeting your housing costs.

For more information, contact Oldham Council on 0161 770 6633 or contact Great Places on 0300 123 2003.

Be a savvy shopper this festive season!

With the festive season around the corner, many families choose to spread the cost by buying on credit cards, store credit, catalogues or using pay day loan companies or doorstep lenders. However, the interest rates on these options are incredibly high and you can often end up paying more than double what you originally borrowed.

As an alternative, you can get much better rates from companies offering affordable credit. These organisations are not for profit so they only collect a small rate of interest to cover their costs.

The cheapest option is a loan from a credit union, however Moneyline also offer lower cost loans with quick decisions but at a slightly higher interest rate. With affordable credit, you can make weekly repayments and the interest rates are much lower than the high street. It is designed for people with low credit ratings or who have had problems with debt in the past.

To find your nearest credit union visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/home. You can contact Moneyline directly on 0345 643 1553. Alternatively, you can contact us and ask to speak to your financial inclusion coordinator.

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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.

Word Search!

Deadline for entries: 28 February 2017

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Name:

Date:

Send your entries by post to: FREEPOST, RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Inspired Living, Great Places Housing Find and circle Group, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester M20each 2LT of the words from the list below. Words may appear Remember, you don’t need a stamp!

horizontally, vertically or diagonally, but forwards only.

Wordsearch

Q E D N E

Words to find are: CELEBRATION

HALL

SHOPPING

WINNERS

CAKE

INSPIRE

FESTIVE

WARM

SHINE

COMMUNITY

NEIGHBOURS

STARS

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Zeenat Shahid Paula Jamieson Iona Merryman

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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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community winners neighbourhood shine inspire warm festive stars hall cake

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