news
Autumn issue: October 2014
Your magazine from New Charter
Universal Credit: Are you ready?
5 Your gardening stories
6-7 Helping young people into work
Your neighbourhood plans update Pages 12 & 13 Also inside: Great money saving tips Page 11
16 Is cold calling bothering you?
Plus
A brand new list of upcoming events Page 23
17
Welcome to your autumn magazine! It’s time to start wrapping up warm as the cold nights are upon us, and we’ve got lots of great stories to keep you entertained this autumn. We’ve looked at your feedback from theValue for Money conference earlier this year and rest assured, we’ve taken your thoughts on board. There’ll be more news soon. This issue is full of your gardening stories and achievements and it’s great to see so many of you taking part and getting involved in your community. Don’t worry if you haven’t taken part, it’s not too late as we’ve got a full list of upcoming events for you on page 23. Do you know how to use a computer? Do you enjoy helping
people? If so we have a great opportunity for you to become a Digital Champion and help others understand the benefits of being online.We’ve also got some handy tips on how to keep those cold callers away. Take care over the coming winter months.There’s some tips inside on keeping safe and managing your money over the festive period. We wish everyone a happy and peaceful Christmas.
Customer Members of your up who Gro Communications the t have helped to pu er th newsletter toge
Have a money saving Christmas Christmas is an expensive time when you’re possibly turning to pay day loans, high street furniture stores or even illegal money lenders, but there are alternatives out there. My Home Finance Cash loans at a more affordable rate, where you can also get help to open a bank account and save money. If you’re looking for a loan, call My Home Finance on 01905 25805. You can call into our Hubs for more information or visit www.myhomefinance.org.uk
Cash Box Credit Union A Cash Box savings account lets you save regularly. The special ‘Christmas Club’ lets you save until November, when you then get all your money back.You can also borrow against your savings depending on circumstances. To join Cash Box or for more information call 0161 342 3266 or visit www.cashbox.org.uk
Smarterbuys Store As a New Charter tenant you are able to access the Manchester Smarterbuys Store which is an
affordable alternative to high interest weekly payment stores. You can buy new, top brand furniture, electrical items and white goods with access to affordable finance. For more information call 0300 500 0975 or visit www.gm.sbstore.org
Other places offering great deals: 2nd Generation Furnishings in Stalybridge, for quality furniture, white goods and other household items. Call 0161 303 0083 or email 2ndgenerationfurnishings@gmail.com Emmaus second-hand superstore in Mossley, for furniture, household goods, electrical appliances, bicycles, books and clothing. For more information call 01457 838608 or visit www.emmausmossley.org.uk Look for this icon: If you have a smartphone you can also find more information on our website by scanning this barcode with a QR code reader app.
2 The Communications team at New Charter writes your newsletter. You can contact them on 0161 331 2470.
Contents Money Matters
4-5
Gardening in your neighbourhoods 6-7
6
16
Safety Reminders
Winter’s almost here. Here’s some tips to help keep you safe.
Darker nights ‘Light Up’ and ‘Lock Up’ your house
Snow and ice Make sure pathways and walkways are slip free
Bonfire Night Take your family to an organised firework event
Look after those who are vulnerable Heating, food and secure doors and windows
Christmas Keep all valuables out of view For further advice and information about Community Safety, contact Melanie Kearns on 0161 331 2718
Don’t forget, you can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter facebook.com/newcharterhomes @NewCharterGroup
Grand opening of Grange House gardening club
8
Gibson Terrace marks World War 1 centenary
9
Young people remember war with Spitfire project
9
Building our own homes
10
Tenants mark new homes with ‘royal’ celebration
10
4 steps to keep on top of your energy bills
11
Festive Finances
11
Your GREAT neighbourhoods
12-13
News from your Tenant Management Team
14-15
Helping young people into work
16
New Charter achieves national award for customer service
16
Cold calling - is it bothering you?
17
Recruiting Tenant Board members
18
Change to the New Charter Trust Board
18
Helping you into work
19
Church Street road safety
20
Just for fun
20
Your recipes
21
Free NHS health checks
22
Become a health champion
22
Events and classes
13 October 2014
3
Money Matters Christmas 2014: Non-collecting rent weeks For the majority of tenants, the two weeks starting 22nd December and 29th December 2014 are noncollecting rent weeks. During these weeks, you don’t have to pay rent if you have a clear rent account. If you are in rent arrears and owe us money, you are expected to make payments to reduce your arrears. If you’d like to know the balance of your rent account, please call the team on 0161 331 2050. You can also check your rent statement or view your balance online at www.newcharterhomes.co.uk/payyour-rent/view-your-rent-online
Rent increase Are you receiving Universal Credit? If you haven’t already done so, you must contact the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to let them know that your rent has changed. Your rent increase may not be covered if you don’t do this. You can contact the Department of Work and Pensions on 0345 600 0723.
4
October 2014
Non-collecting rent weeks don't apply to everyone. Your rent book tells you if non-collecting weeks apply to you.
Paying your rent on your mobile coming soon… A great new app will be available soon, allowing you to pay your rent and other charges straight from your mobile phone. The app is being developed. Watch out for updates on our website: www.newcharter.co.uk
UNIVERSAL CREDIT: Are you ready? ✓ ✗
the internet I have access to rnet I can use the inte
Tick l ist
Union account it d re C or t n ou cc I have a bank a thly I can budget mon osts ll my household c a t a d e ok lo e v I ha
If you have answered no to any of these questions, call Dave Burdis for help on 0161 331 2666.
Become a Digital Champion Do you have basic computer skills and enjoy helping others? Why not volunteer as a New Charter Digital Champion and use your skills to help your family, friends or neighbours get online? The internet is so important in day-to-day life now and is used for many things including lots of services, news and Universal Credit. Digital Champions help people to understand the benefits of being online and show others how to do a range of things, such as using Google or setting up an email account. You don’t have to be an expert with computers and you’ll get a buzz out of knowing you’ve helped others.
As a New Charter Digital Champion, you’ll get: l Free training and support to develop your knowledge and skills l The chance to learn from others and share your experiences at workshops and events l Rewards - a certificate and feeling of personal achievement that you’ve helped others (great for your CV) Become a Digital Champion today! Call Dave Burdis on 0161 331 2666.
Universal Credit is online so it’s important that people know how to use the internet.
October 2014
5
Gardening in your neighbourhoods Making Central Terraces bloom
You can plant, grow and now mow
We've now completed planting on the terraces in the Central neighbourhood and I’m sure you’ll agree it makes a real difference. Green Charter and New Charter have transformed the area in Dukinfield with new bedding to the terraces. Planting is completed at this time of year to achieve the best appearance during the summer months.
Green Charter has donated six mowers to five community groups to support those that are always looking for ways to improve the look of their neighbourhood. The five lucky groups are - Micklehurst Estate Residents Association, Brushes,Audenshaw Community Group, Dixon Road and the Newton Group. This will hopefully be repeated on a yearly basis to help those who regularly contribute to their areas.
In Bloom
Terraces at Central Esta te
Rueben’s Retreat As part of a ‘Give Time Back’ activity, Green Charter has worked with the charity, Rueben’s Retreat to tidy up the garden areas on one of our new sites. We hope that we can carry on this work and maintain the site fully when works are hopefully completed next year.
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October 2014
Judging recently took place across our neighbourhoods for this year’s In Bloom competition, and RHS Judge, Bill Blackledge was back again for another year, joined by new judge Stephen Lowe. The weather was perfect for us and we had a lot more entries this year with 30 gardens being judged over the four day period. There were 19 New Charter resident groups, seven Friends of Parks, three Tameside groups and one Town team entry. From vibrant flower beds to productive growing beds, spacious playing fields to clean environments, the level of entries this year was impressive. The winners will be announced at the RHS Awards in Southport in October, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed. Good luck to everyone!
ve Newton Group,Thorp Hall Gro
Friends of Crowswoo d (Welly Bobs) and RHS Judge Bill Bl ackledge
New Charter's gardening competition winners After months of seed planting, hanging baskets, weeding and mowing lawns, residents’ hard work has paid off as the results of the gardening competition have been revealed. Judging took place in early July and we saw a great increase in the number of entries. The team spent two full days judging entries from across our 32 neighbourhoods and were so impressed with the high standards that they have already started looking at new categories for next year. There were seven categories including the new special recognition award, plus a final overall prize. Our winners are:
New Charter Academy
Best Front or Back Garden
Best Improved Garden
Mr and Mrs Braddock, Church Road, Hollingworth
Best Hanging Basket
Grange House, Denton
Best Sheltered Scheme
Special Recognition Award
Dixon Road, Denton (Derek Smith)
Mr Chappell, Chester Avenue, Dukinfield
Best Young Gardener
Best Overall Garden
Ashurst Gardens, Ashton-under-Lyne (Kia-Leigh Marchant)
New Charter' s Emma Wilson Director of Communities, w winners, Mr a ith best overall garden nd Mrs Bradd ock
Mr and Mrs Braddock, Church Road, Hollingworth
R) Anthony Moult Special recognition award - (L(winner), (Green Charter), Irvin Chappel ge) Arthur Rowbottom (resident jud
Best Communal Garden Ashurst Gardens, Ashton-under-Lyne (Peter & Ann Marchant)
October 2014
7
Grand openinG of
Grange House gardening club
T
Residents of Grange House gardening group in Denton have pulled out all the stops to give their communal garden a makeover.
he group has raised funds by working with local companies that have either donated building materials or given discounts on plants and soil. Residents even held their own table top sale to raise money for the project. The garden has been totally revamped and tenants have worked hard giving up their time, and in some cases their own money, to make the project a success. Tenants held a grand opening day to show the new garden makeover with around 100 guests attending. The 25-piece Belle Vue brass band brought entertainment on the day, and Deputy Mayor of Tameside, Denise Ward was also in the crowd.
Grange House resident Mr Aaron and Deputy Mayoress of Tameside, Denise Ward 8
October 2014
Grange House Gardening Group A plaque was made to mark the event and New Charter Chief Executive, Ian Munro attended the grand opening to unveil the sign. The finished garden is a great achievement and has brought the community together. People of all ages are now using the community lounge, and one resident who spent three years in her room now comes out to take part in activities. The group holds regular events with families and members of the community volunteering, and are hoping to put on Tia Chi and art classes in the near future. Three members of the group are now taking a jam making training course and will be able to make their own jam using
homegrown fruits to raise funds at future events. The garden has brought a whole new vibe to the area and Grange House has now become a first choice for people to live in. Residents entered the garden into this year’s In Bloom competition and are hoping to make the garden bigger and better for next year’s entry.
Gibson Terrace marks 100th anniversary of WW1 Residents at Gibson Terrace held a special event to mark the 100th anniversary of the First World War. 15 volunteers from the Prince’s Trust designed and created three WW1 inspired murals to show at the event. The team raised money for the project by bag packing at a supermarket and worked with Gibson Terrace residents to hand paint the designs. Residents and volunteers took a trip to the Imperial War Museum in Manchester to visit the WW1 display, and were
given a special toolkit with WW1 collectables and copies to use at the event. Children used their toolkits to make crocheted poppies and handcrafted teddies to symbolise a soldier’s gift to his daughter. The day was great with 54 people attending including Councillor Frank Travis, who is also the vice chair of the British Legion in Tameside.
Young people remember war with Spitfire project Audenshaw Residents’ Association Group worked with Stanhope Youth Group to make a Spitfire aeroplane for the 100th anniversary of World War 1. Crowswood and Waterton Lane young people helped with the project, cutting out poppies to stick on the plane for a small donation to raise money. People were encouraged to
dedicate their poppies to a loved one by writing a message and gluing it onto the wings of the plane. The aeroplane which is made out of wicker, recycled materials and paper, has been viewed at a number of local events including Party in the Park at Shepley Park and was the main focal point of North West In Bloom.
October 2014
9
New homes Building our own homes
Our Building Company has achieved a national standard which means we can now build our own homes as well as owning and managing them. New Charter Building Company is now recognised by the National House Building Council (NHBC) and this means we can also build homes for other housing companies and developers across the country. We’ve already started building nine new family
homes at Holland Road in Hyde.These two and three bedroom houses will have energy saving technology to save tenants money on their fuel bills.They will also have driveways and gardens. The Building Company will soon be working on more homes on Armadale Road in Dukinfield.
Tenants mark new homes with ‘royal’ celebration
k flags to mark the Residents wave their Union Jac Street homes opening of their new Queen 10
October 2014
New Char ter tenant bo ward councillor Peter Roard member Tom Daly, roofer Louis Tyson (22) binson and apprentice mark the final roof tile being laid
When the Queen held her official birthday in the summer, families in Tameside had another reason to wave their Union Jack flags as they celebrated new homes with a very royal name. The new development on Queen Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, has 31 affordable family homes and residents were treated to a Britannia-themed party and BBQ to mark the opening. The street was decorated with Union Jack bunting and tenants got out their flags for the occasion.
The development was completed by Rowlinson Construction Ltd, who employed four local apprentices on the site. Rowlinson also gave work experience placements to three Tameside College students on the site. The Government’s Homes and Communities Agency part-funded the site as part of its Affordable Rent programme and each home is built with energy saving features to help tenants save money on fuel bills.
4 StepS to keep on top of your energy billS
1
get the beSt deal
With so many different suppliers it pays to shop around for the cheapest deal. Visit www.myhomeenergyswitch.org.uk or call them on 0800 001 4706 for help and advice.
2
read your meterS
Don’t rely on estimated bills because they’re always higher than what you’re using. Read your meter and give the readings to your supplier monthly so you only pay for what you use.
3
take StepS to cut your energy uSe
Look at your ‘Residents’ energy guide.’ If you can’t find it, ask us for a copy. Or look at our energy saving tips video on www.newcharterhomes.co.uk/pay-your-rent/utilities If you don’t have the internet, ask us for a DVD copy.
4
grantS and SchemeS to help you
There are different ways you can get help to pay your fuel bills and make your home energy efficient. call 0800 009 3363 or visit www.gmenergyadvice.co.uk
Festive Finances Christmas is just around the corner and at this time of year our purse strings are stretched. You can save money in the run up to Christmas with these handy tips. Tip 1: Priority first It’s an expensive time but make sure you still have money for the essentials - your rent, food, council tax and gas/electricity.
Tip 2: Set a budget and stick to it Waiting for the credit card bills in January can be a difficult time as many people don’t know how much they owe. Stick to a realistic budget so there won’t be any scary surprises.
Tip 3: Be careful about overborrowing 14% of people spend more than nine months repaying money they spent at Christmas. Only spend what you can really afford to pay back or you’ll be paying for many months and this could affect you well into 2015.
and arrange a secret Santa - it’s good fun and saves money!
Tip 5: Save now for next Christmas Cashbox Credit Union offers a Christmas savings club.You can save what you can afford and get paid out in November, direct into your bank account in time for Christmas. Call 0161 342 3266 for more information. Some supermarkets offer a Christmas savings card where they will give you a cash bonus depending on the amount you have saved.
Tip 4: Secret Santa You won’t be alone in feeling like you don’t have enough money at Christmas. Speak to your family and friends October 2014
11
YOUR
GREAT
We’re now 18 months into your neighbourhood plans and we’ve been doing lots of work to find out if and how you think your neighbourhoods have improved since we started. We’ve also spoken to staff and partners we work with. We’re really pleased to hear that almost 50% of you have seen an improvement in your neighbourhood and we’re now making plans for the next 18 months. Here’s what’s been happening over the last few months… YEW TREE FARM & PENDLE ROAD - We held a recycling event with the council and created new recycling areas and bins. We have also started planting with pupils to brighten up the local school entrance. See page 8 for more news on the fantastic gardening and community work that’s been going on in these areas.
HYDE CENTRAL - We've launched Hyde Local Services Forum for key services to work together to improve the neighbourhood, and ran a three day roadshow at Hyde Central giving residents debt, benefits and carers advice. Over 200 residents gave their ideas for a new support group and want help with money, housing, health and getting into work. A 12 week trial group has started.
HYDE CENTRAL - We also held two 'Big Impact' days and got rid of rubbish, filled up skips and brought everyone together. You’ve asked us to make it a regular thing.
TAME VALLEY - Local residents worked with us, the police and council to hold a big clean up of the communal gardens in preparation for In Bloom. Residents also supported the police with a ‘Week of action’ in Tame Valley with a visit to the Imperial Museum for local children and older people to break down barriers between generations.
YEW TREE - We've worked with DERA residents’ group and Yew Tree shop owners to set up new closed top bins to sort litter problems, and have developed a new partnership with the Moravian Church which residents now use for joint community events.
12
October 2014
NEIGHBOURHOODS! ST PETERS & GUIDE BRIDGE - We held a young people’s event with residents and the police to help tackle antisocial behaviour issues and installed CCTV to make the area safer. Residents worked together to fill three truckloads of waste to clean up their neighbourhood, and even welcomed the Mayor for tea, who was delighted with the work going on in the neighbourhood.
ST PETERS & GUIDE BRIDGE Residents of Assheton House brought people together and celebrated differences with a multi-cultural world event. We gave advice on health, getting into work and drug and alcohol issues.
ARMADALE - We’re working well with the police, tackling antisocial behaviour and crime. We’ve launched a Community Lettings policy for Armadale Road flats, to match people to homes they can stay in for a long time. Reece Court residents’ group is improving their communal gardens and they’ve recently won an In Bloom award.
CAVENDISH CENTRAL - We run a neighbourhood surgery with the Primary Care Trust at Dukinfield Library twice a month.
Visit our website www.newcharter.co.uk to see your neighbourhood plans
WATERTON & FOX PLATT - We’ve painted a three storey block and tidied up disused land to reduce fly-tipping.
October 2014
13
News from your Tenant Service charge Scrutiny Your Tenant Management Team (TMT) is a team of tenants who look in detail at the services we provide and how they could be improved for you. Recently the residents ‘scrutinised’ service charges as feedback told us that many of you weren’t sure what you were paying for in your service charges, what things New Charter is responsible for and which things the council looks after. The TMT scrutiny team has suggested we make the following changes to make things clearer for you. We’re working on these now: l Tell all staff who work out and about in neighbourhoods about service charges so they can help you if you need advice. l Make an information booklet to explain service charges simply and clearly. l Create a page on our website to explain the charges.
TPAS awards In the last issue, we told you that your TMT had been entered into the national TPAS finals in the ‘Excellence in Tenant-Led Scrutiny’ category. The awards ceremony was held on 10th July in Warwickshire where the group went head-to-head with their fellow residents at Gedling Homes and also Reading council. Unfortunately they weren’t successful, however they were really pleased for the Gedling residents who became the national winners.
l TPAS finals
Members of TMT on stage at the nationa 14
October 2014
TMT doing scrutiny training
at Trafford Hall
How TMT chooses which services to look at Usually the team looks at the results of our customer satisfaction survey each year to see if there are any services we could improve on. To give the team a better idea of what needs improving, they will also be considering how well we’re performing, what we’ve had complaints about, whether things are value for money and also how many residents are benefiting from different services. This will give the team a better understanding of what’s working and what isn’t working and help them to improve a wider range of your services. If you have an area of concern which you think would be good for the team to look at, you can complete a form on their website: www.tenantmanagementteam.org.uk or call Steve Fanshawe on 0161 331 2579.
Management Team Co-Regulation Conference The Co-Regulatory champions work together with New Charter and tenants from other landlords to look at services and see how they could be improved for customers. The champions are holding their second conference for tenants, by tenants at a national event in London this month.
These conferences are funded by Tenant Central - a free training programme for tenants across the country - and aims to encourage tenants to be part of co-regulation and have a say in the running of their housing associations. New Charter tenants and members of TMT, Susan Aktas
and Vera Anderton are running workshops on the new process they have developed when choosing which areas of the business to look at. Vera will also be a joint chair for the conference.
Tenants’ Annual Report Every year at New Charter Homes, tenants put together a Tenants’ Annual Report to let you know how the company is doing. This year, the team has made a video showing different projects from across our neighbourhoods.You can see the video on our website: www.newcharter.co.uk
A massive thank you goes to the residents who have helped with the filming and the working group who created the report, including Fred Warburton, Navinder Leftwich, Michael Richmond, Christine Burgess,Vera Anderton and Susan Aktas.
October 2014
15
One of our apprentices is working as a trainee chef at Topaz Café Tearooms in Beatrix House on Gorse Hall Road, Dukinfield. The café is open to the public and serves delicious home cooked meals and snacks at reasonable prices. The café also supports Tameside, Oldham & Glossop Mind, (working for better mental health). www.togmind.org
Chloe Reid, one of our apprentices working in our customer contract centre
Helping young people into work At New Charter we are committed to helping young people get into work and have been offering apprenticeships for more than 10 years. We have now helped to create successful careers and bright futures for more than 100 local young people.
In April each year, we advertise our new apprenticeship opportunities on our website. If you’re aged 16-25 and are
interested in doing an apprenticeship, you can also find more information at www.apprenticeships.org.uk
New Charter achieves national award for customer service We have just been awarded a special award called ‘ServiceMark’ for the services we deliver to you, our customers. This award is only given to companies who deliver brilliant customer service and it’s difficult to achieve, so we’re really proud of it. All of our customer services were looked at over six months, including Connect (your customer 16
October 2014
contact centre), the Hubs and any services in your neighbourhoods. Staff and customers were asked for their views too, so thank you if you helped with this. We always aim to give you the best possible service and we’ll keep looking at any ways we can improve things for you and keep this award.
Cold calling Is it bothering you?
Are you being hassled by cold calls? Are companies calling you late at night? Or, are sales calls blocking your line?
Here’s some of the ‘dos and don'ts’ when it comes to cold calling:
Do Go ex-directory: Some companies use online or paper phone books to find phone numbers to target with sales calls. Ask for your phone number to be removed from directories - this will stop companies finding your number in this way. Sign up to the Telephone Preference Service (TPS): This is a free service regulated by Ofcom where people can opt out of receiving sales calls from the UK. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make these sales calls to numbers registered on the TPS. Pick up a guide to ‘protecting your personal details’: Banks usually offer these guidance booklets which contain useful information about giving out personal details during cold calls. Use a spare mobile: To call the company who the person claims to be calling from to check it is a
genuine call. You can use a website called ‘saynoto0870’ to find free alternative numbers for those 0844, 0845 and other costly numbers. Screen calls to see the number calling: These devices can be bought cheap and will allow you to see who is calling before you decide whether or not to answer. Set up call barring for unwanted calls: Many cold calls come from abroad so you could ask if your phone operator can block calls from international numbers, although it may charge for this service. You can also block calls from withheld numbers although this may stop some calls you want to receive. Always tick the ‘opt out’ box: When applying for competitions, always tick the ‘opt out’ box when it comes to providing your details to third parties, even if the company says they are very careful about whom they give your information to.
Don’t Never pay: Do not pay companies who ask for payment to stop nuisance calls. They are charging you for a service similar to that of the Telephone Preference Service. Never reveal your name, address or financial details: Most genuine companies will not ask for bank details and some companies, for examples banks, may use codes to access customers data so will not need you to reveal account information. October 2014
17
Recruitment: Tenant Board members New Charter Homes has positions on its Board for tenants. The process for recruiting to these positions has recently been reviewed to check that it is value for money and fair for all tenants who apply. It also ensures that we find people with the right skills. After speaking to Tenant Board members and the Tenant Panel, the Board has agreed to move to an application and interview process, which is the same as the process for recruiting independent Board members. Positions will be advertised as and when they become available when tenants will be welcome to apply, based on a few simple rules. Following interview, the successful applicant would be appointed for a three year term. Subject to a satisfactory annual review of performance and conduct, individuals would be eligible for re-appointment for a second three year term. Watch out for more news on Tenant Board members soon.
Current Tenant Board members are:
Lez Barstow
Tammy William s
Helen G arnett-W ren
Change to the New Charter Trust Board New Charter’s Trust Board helps to run the whole of the New Charter Group and all its companies. Currently, there are two places for tenants on this Board and six places for professionals and people who have a strong interest in our communities. Rather than specific places for different people, we are looking at having eight places for all people to apply for, including tenants.This is so that we have more spaces for people from our communities with different skills. 18
October 2014
New Charter Homes is your landlord and the company you pay your rent to. There is a separate board for this which will not change.The changes we’re looking at are for the Trust Board only. If you’d like to give your views before we make this change, please email Governance@newcharter.co.uk or you can contact us through Facebook or Twitter.
HELPING YOU INTO WORK
Andrew on work experience at one of our offices
New Charter supports families and helps people get into work. As part of our European Social Fund (ESF) programme, we help people who are struggling to get into jobs.We look at people’s individual needs and support them with: l Training opportunities l Work experience placements l Improving communication skills l Confidence building and more. We work closely with you, your keyworkers and advisors to help you develop your skills and increase your job opportunities. We work with local businesses to get work placement opportunities and jobs for our customers. We also run a weekly drop-in job club for our customers, where you can get help with looking for jobs, writing your CV, practising interview skills and more.
Andrew (35) from Hyde is a customer we’re supporting at the moment. Andrew is keen to get a job in administration and he is doing some work experience at our offices to develop his skills and improve his chances of getting a job.
What can we offer you?
Who do we help?
l
Can you answer ‘yes’ to these questions? l Are you 16 years old or over? l Do you get a working age benefit? (e.g Jobseekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Disability living allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Income support, Carer’s allowance) If so, we could help you.
If you think we could help you, why not get in touch? Call the team on 0161 331 2645 or email familiesprogramme@newcharter.co.uk
l
l
l
A named family employment keyworker to support you along the way A family employment advisor to help you with job opportunities Help you achieve your goals A friendly, supportive service
What do you need to do? l l l
Show your commitment Keep in touch with us regularly Always try your best and have a go! The more effort you put in, the more you get out.
October 2014
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Church Street Road Safety New planters have been put along the pavement on Church Street in Droylsden to slow traffic down, stop drivers parking on the pavements and making it safer for young children from St Mary’s Primary School to cross the road safely.
Just for fun! COLO NORA UR HE OWL IT N!
Can you spot the 10 differences between these two pictures? 20
October 2014
Your R
ecipes
Recipe provided by tenant Les Barstow
Spicy Spina ch & Prepa ration Potat Serve time: s: 4 10 mi o nutes es . Tota l cook i Meth od: l
ng tim e: 30 minut es.
Cut th small e potatoes Servin p of boi ieces. Coo into g sug k in a ling w ges ater fo pan To make t minut he red tion: es or r u 1 s 0 e as until ju cooke c three mall, sharp hilli flower, Drain d but still fir st c k well. m. red ch uts along t nife to ma l k h i l Wash l i the st from the e length of e em. D t remov the spinach i p almos a o not way a e any and Ingred l o c S u n t hred v o t all th t to g. ients: Put in ery fin ugh stalks. e l l to a b ely. Heat 700g ( o a t nd chi w large f he oil in a w ll in th l of ice wa potato 1 1/2 lb) re 1 r d e ter h o y e o fridge k i s ur - th l high h ng pan ov or f 100g ( , peeled o e r c h c e e u i a l li w tp 4o and ga t. Fry the r a l flower ill curl up t arts of the 1 table z) spinach onion r l i c f o form o or unt shape r sp l . il softe 4 minutes a 1 sma oon sunflow l T n i ll onio e A p e d d s r . d : oil th finely chopp n, peeled an and gi e red pepp Use a l nger a e d er d p 1 clov 2 n b d m oiling. otato that i e garli fry for inutes l c , l . crushe Half a Estima Desiree,W s good for Stir in d r e d t peppe and ch potato are all suit ilja and cook he curry p r , s o a e p e p w a l ded ed size ch and then c ble. Peel th 1-2 te furthe hilst stirrin ste and e u u aspoo t into nks be r minu g for a l curry ns Tha b T f t i o t e o e A r . e w d pas d th i red co as l a bow h spinach, p oking. 2 table te and sh e stock, po l l t and ri of cold sal unge it into vegeta spoons Cook redded spin atoes t n b , a l s e c t i l times se three or ed water 4 min rring for h. 1 cube stock to fo u are co tes or unti a further and soil ensure all ur chopp of fresh gin t l o i p s ed ger, fin l has so ked and th otatoes Drain w removed he grit ely Red c . ell and h chilli f ftened. Gar e spinach s h r and co illi flower e l n d finely. sprig a ower and c ish with to gar riander spr o n r d i a serve. nder nish ig
Got a recipe? Contact the Communications team on 0161 331 2470 October 2014
21
Aged 40-74? Find out about our free NHS health checks Although you may feel great, if you are over the age of 40 you may be at a higher risk of developing health problems. A free NHS health check can help you reduce your risks and make sure that you stay healthy. Tuesday 14th October 9am - 4pm Ashton Market
Tuesday 4th November
1pm - 4pm Brushes Estate Office, 10 Poplars Road, Stalybridge
Thursday 6th November
9am - 12noon New Charter Community Hub, 149 Waterton Lane, Mossley
The check is simple and includes: l Height l Weight
l l l l
BMI Blood pressure Pulse check Cholesterol
l
Dementia awareness
Why not pop along for a health check near you?
Wednesday 12th November
Thursday 20th November
1pm - 4pm Cavendish Mill Resource Centre, Cavendish Street, Ashton-under-Lyne
1pm - 4pm Ryefield Sheltered Scheme, Ryefield Street, Ashton-under-Lyne
Thursday 20th November
Wednesday 26th November
9am - 12noon Birchfield Sheltered Scheme, Stockport Road, Ashton-under-Lyne
1pm - 4pm New Charter Community Hub, 35/37 Acresfield Road, Newton
Do you want to make a difference to the health of your family, friends or community? We’d like to invite you to a workshop run by health improvement experts. There’s been a lot of news in the press that life expectancy in Tameside is below the national average.
But what does that mean for you and your community? We want you to get involved in helping local residents stay healthier for longer, and are inviting you to become a ‘Health Champion’ for your area. We need your ideas and enthusiasm!
22
October 2014
For more information, please contact Laura Middleton on 0161 331 2514 or email laura.middleton@newcharter.co.uk
Events and classes Free for all New Charter tenants
Why not tear this out and stick it on your fridge?
Contact the Resident Involvement team for more information or to book your place on 0161 331 2000
October 2014 Tuesday 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th October 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Basic IT Venue: Cavendish 249 New Charter’s head office (Tenants’ resource room)
Can’t use a computer?This four week programme helps with emails, social media and surfing the net.
Monday 13th October 2pm - 4pm
Risk assessment training Venue: Cavendish 249 (Silver Birch meeting room)
Learn how to minimise risks in your home, at work or a public event and create safe environments.
Wednesday 29th October 6pm - 8pm
Craft Work Shop Venue: Cavendish 249 (Downstairs, main foyer)
Learn a new skill and enjoy creating unique handcrafted gifts with our resident experts.
Monday 3rd November 9.15am - 4.30pm
Food hygiene Venue: Cavendish 249 (Sycamore meeting room)
Learn the basics in food hygiene and preparation. You’ll get a recognised certificate which is useful with cooking at home or getting a job in catering.
Tuesday 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th November 1.30pm - 3.30pm
Basic IT Venue: Cavendish 249 (Tenants’ resource room)
Can’t use a computer? This four week programme helps with emails, social media and surfing the net.
Wednesday 12th November 6pm - 8pm
Christmas Card Making Venue: Cavendish 249 (Downstairs, main foyer)
Create unique cards for your family and friends.
Wednesday 19th November 6pm onwards
Residents Awards Evening Venue: TheVillage, Ashton Moss
An invitation only glitzy ceremony to recognise the hard work residents do within your communities.
Wednesday 26th November 6pm - 8pm
Resident Involvement Annual Review Venue: Cavendish 249 (Downstairs, main foyer)
Find out what’s happened with the team over the past 12 months and discuss resident involvement policies.
Monday 1st December 9.15am - 4.30pm
Basic first aid training Venue: Cavendish 249 (Downstairs, main foyer)
Recognised first aid course. Learn how to cope in a crisis at home, work or in your community.
Wednesday 3rd December 6pm - 8.30pm
Christmas Decorations Venue: Cavendish 249 (Downstairs, main foyer)
Our resident experts will help you create unique decorations to brighten up Christmas.
Wednesday 10th December 6pm - 8.30pm
Residents quarterly quiz Venue: Cavendish 249 (Downstairs, main foyer)
Join your local residents’ group and go for the trophy!
Thursday 11th December 11.30am - 1.30pm
Sheltered forum Venue:The Centre, Rufford Avenue, Hyde, SK14 2SG
Residents from older persons’ housing meet for a brew and a chat about any issues. Lunch is provided.
November 2014
December 2014
October 2014
23
Contact us
HOMES LIMITED
Our Hubs • • • •
2 Henrietta Street, Ashton 9 Albert Street, Denton 12 Clarendon Street, Hyde 63 Grosvenor Street, Stalybridge
Our Hubs open at 9am Monday to Friday (except Tuesdays, when they open at 10.30am). Please note, Denton and Stalybridge Hubs close daily between 12.30-1.30pm. All Hubs close at 5pm Monday to Wednesday; 4.30pm on Thursday; and 4pm on Friday. These opening times are for our Home and Community Hubs (our shops). We also have Neighbourhood Hubs across our areas that are only open when we need them for classes and meetings.
Main switchboard:
0161 331 2000 Remember, we now have just one number for you to call to access all services - 0161 331 2000. This single number will be the same 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and all calls are dealt with by New Charter staff at our offices. In the evenings, at weekends and on Bank Holidays our services operate for emergencies only - dealing with emergency housing issues and emergency repairs. Email: contact@newcharter.co.uk www.newcharter.co.uk facebook.com/newcharterhomes @NewCharterGroup English
If you need help understanding this document, please call us on 0161 331 2000 and we will arrange for somebody to help you. Polish
Jeśli potrzebuje Pan/Pani pomocy w zrozumieniu tego dokumentu, prosimy o kontakt pod numerem 0161 331 2000, a my zorganizujemy kogoś do pomocy. Portuguese
Se necessitar de ajuda no que respeia à compreensão deste documento, queira por favor contactar-nos no nº. 0161 331 2000 e iremos colocar alguém à sua disposição para o ajudar French
Si vous avez besoin d’aide pour comprendre ce document, s’il vous plaît appelez-nous au 0161 331 2000 et nous nous chargerons de quelqu'un pour vous aider Resource Housing Reg. No. 2111
Bengali
Urdu 0161 331 2000
Head Office: New Charter Housing Trust Group, Cavendish 249, Cavendish Street, Ashton-under-Lyne, OL6 7AT