our times spring 2010

STOCKBRIDGEREGEN

YOU SAID ...WE DID!!!

QUIZPAGE

M OR E

T H AN

J U ST A

L A ND L O

R D

MP visits Stockbridge

THIS WILL BE THE SUB-HEADING FOR THEMAIN PAGE AND IT WILL BE IN CAPS

On Thursday 11th February, Policing and Crime Minister David Hanson MP, visited Stockbridge Village. He came to see the micro-beats that began in Stockbridge in January and meet with front line sta and members of the community. The area is now divided into 12 policing areas, each with its own PCSO. Dave Brennan, Acting Neighbourhood Inspector for Stockbridge Village, said, This is a new approach for Knowsley. The introduction of micro-beats in this area means residents have the opportunity to get to know, and build relationships with, the dedicated PCSO for their road or street. We hope that residents will see the benet of this activity over the coming weeks and months and continue to support us in the view

Villages again took part in the Oldham Carnival Parade on 27 June. Our theme this year was The Village People. The crew danced all the way around the carnival route to their hit records of YMCA and In the Navy and other dance hits from the 1970s. See page 25 for more details

Weve given away loads of brilliant prizes since the last edition of Our Times, including a Nintendo Wii, 250 cash and 100 of vouchers as part of the Status survey. Philip, from Stockbridge Village, won a prize for naming our own SuperLambBanana. Turn to page 4 to nd out more!

Dont forget, we give away prizes in every edition of Our Times so look out for the Win A Prize logo!

W IN

A

P RI Z E

! !that, where crime and disorder is c o n c e r n e d , enough is enough.

A cross section of residents from Stock bridge attended the meeting with David Hanson to tell the minister about their views on antisocial behaviour and crime on the estate.

Lily Earle, Chair of Stockbridge Village Tenants Forum, thought the meeting was very useful. Lily said "The meeting with the minister was very informative. I do think the police and the Home Oce are committed to our area. To dedicate twelve PCSOs and four police ocers to this estate is great progress.

Villages Chief Executive, Vernon Jackson, said, This was an excellent opportunity to meet the minister and to emphasise the importance of this initiative to Villages and its residents. We are all very committed to taking the necessary actions to reduce crime and anti - social behaviour to ensure the ongoing success and sustainability of the area.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 0 W W W . V I L L A G E S . O R G . U K

OurTimesT H E N E W S L E T T E R O F

F R E E C A L L S T O D W P A U D I T C O M M I S S I O NI N S P E C T I O N

N E W P OL I C E T E

A M

1 1P A G E

10PAGE

3 4P A G E2

P A G E

15PAG

E

I N

T HI S

I S SU E

6P A G E

COMMUNITY NEWS INSTOCKBRIDGE

M O R E T H A N J U S T A L A N D L O R DS P R I N G 2 0 1 02

OurTimesNew Tenancy Agreements

AFTER HOURSWIN A NINTENDO Wii

STARTS 20th APRIL 1-3PM

WORDS AND PICTURES

Cyclical Maintenance

Gas Safety Checks

Do You WantAn Allotment?

Stockbridge Village Golf Club is looking for new members, old or young, male or female. They play at Hoylake Golf Club most Sundays at 10am.

Membership is 60 per year running from March to March and green fees at Hoylake are 13.

They play in competitions most weeks, including the Friends Across The Border competition which is played against Golf Clubs From Scotland. A small competition fee sometimes applies at 2 per game.

For more information please contact Mike Rainsford on 07930471240.

New Jobs For Villages Housing

It is essential that all our properties have an annual gas safety check to ensure that we comply with our legal responsibilities and for you to know that you are not at risk.

What happens?When your gas service is due, we write to you advising that a gas service is required within the next six weeks and asking you to contact either Villages, or our contractors, to make an appointment, at a time that is convenient for you. Appointments can be made Monday to Friday between 8am and 1pm and 1pm and 5pm or Saturday morning between 8am and 12pm.

We are very keen to ensure that gas checks are completed on the rst visit to your home - currently our contractors are only gaining access to 46% of properties on the rst visit even though appointments have been made. To encourage a greater number of people to provide us with access on the rst visit we have a reward scheme that automatically enters tenants allowing access on the rst visit into a monthly prize draw to win 50.

Quote from one lucky winner, I cant understand why anyone wouldnt take the opportunity to make sure that not only are they safe but they could also be 50 better o!

If you have arranged for gas appliances to be installed yourself, you must let us know, so that we have an accurate record of what appliances are in our properties. We will also service these appliances free of charge to ensure your safety.

If the chance of winning 50 is not incentive enough hopefully the safety of your family and neighbours will be. Faulty gas appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Every year about 14 people in Britain die from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by gas appliances and ues, which have not been properly installed or maintained. Many others also suer ill health. When gas does not burn properly, as with other fuels such as coal, wood or oil, excess carbon monoxide is produced, which is poisonous. You can't see it. You can't taste it. You can't even smell it. But carbon monoxide can kill without warning in just a matter of hours.

We take our responsibility with regards to Gas Safety Checks, very seriously. If you do not allow us access to your property we can (and will) take you to court, and even evict you from your home. This has happened in Liverpool recently. Please do not ignore our letters.

We have recently sent out new tenancy agreements to VHA secure and assured tenants in Knowsley with tenancies prior to January 2009 and to assured tenants in Fitton Hill with tenancies after March 2004.

All new tenants since January 2009 will not receive new agreements as they were issued with the new agreements at the start of their tenancies.

We consulted with tenants in 2009 about the proposed changes to our tenancy agreements and took your comments into account before nalising the agreements.

Why we have issued new agreements:-

To make the tenancy agreement clearer, so it is easier for you to understand your rights and duties and our duties to you;

To bring the tenancy agreement up to date in terms of the current law and good practice in housing management.

To ensure that all of our tenants have similar rights and responsibilities.

The changes to your tenancy agreement will not aect your current rent and service charge or the services that you receive from us.

If you have not already signed and returned a copy of

your agreement to us, please do so as

soon as possible. If you have any queries on the agreement or would like us to collect the agreement from you, please contact the Customer Service team.

Tenancy Agreement

STOCKBRIDGE VILLAGE Monday 9am to 4.15pm Tuesday 9am to 4.15pm Wednesday 10am to 4.15pm Thursday 9am to 4.15pm Friday 9am to 4.15pm

Rent Office Opening Times

FITTON HILL 9am -12.30pm, 1.30pm - 4.15pm 9am -12.30pm, 1.30pm - 4.15pm

10am - 12.30pm, 1.30pm 4.15pm9am -12.30pm, 1.30pm - 4.15pm9am -12.30pm, 1.30pm - 4.15pm

Easter Opening TimesVillages Housing oces will close at 5pm on Thursday 1st April and reopen at 9am on Tuesday 6th April.

If you need to report an emergency repair then please contact 0151 290 7375 (Stockbridge Village) or in Fitton Hill you can call Premier Heating for your gas heating and boiler emergencies on 0161 351 0011, or Jackson Lloyd for emergency repairs on 0845 389 7247.

W IN

A

P RI Z E

! !


M O R E T H A N J U S T A L A N D L O R DS P R I N G 2 0 1 0 3

OurTimes

What an Achievement!

WIN A NINTENDO WiiSTARTS 20th APRIL 1-3PM

WORDS AND PICTURES


The Tenants Extra Support Service (TESS) is run by Villages Housing and provides help and support to all tenants who live in Knowsley.

TESS supports all tenants in a number of ways Help with sorting out rent arrears Getting involved in community activities Being Healthy Help with nancial problems Homelessness prevention Help for people with drug or alcohol problems Advice on completing forms for benets and housing. Understanding your rights regarding the Department for Work and Pensions and Housing & Council Tax benets. Understanding and keeping to your tenancy agreement and understanding your housing rights. Speaking to other organisations on your behalf. Helping you nd other services that can oer you advice & support. Help with budgeting money, managing debts and rent arrears. Access to leisure, cultural & social activities, educational courses, employment or voluntary work.

IF IN DOUBT - JUST ASK! Call us on 0151 480 1313

In the 12 months from January to December 2009 TESS received over 400 referrals and secured over 400,000 in extra benets for people in Knowsley.

In Stockbridge Village alone, they helped over 130 tenants secure an additional 200,000 in benet.

Some of the awards included: 10,000 backdated housing benet 17,000 extra severe disability premium 6,000 community care grants 80,000 Disability Living Allowance and mobility awards

Another Great TESS EventVillages Housings Tenants Extra Support Scheme (TESS) held a service user day at Roughsedge House on Friday 29 January.

Based in Stockbridge Village, TESS provides housing support to all Knowsley tenants, and hosts service user days every 3 or 4 months, each one focusing on a dierent aspect of health and wellbeing.

This event was a great success, attended by 58 service users and a variety of dierent agencies, such as Roy Castle Fag Ends, Age Concern, Credit Union, and various dierent volunteering agencies.

Guests were treated to presentations by the Stroke Association, United Utilities Trust Fund and the Community Cooks Service amongst others, before enjoying a delicious lunch.

One of the comments that came back from a guest was What a wonderful event with lots of useful information and friendly faces too! The TESS Team are a true lifeline and make dicult circumstances more bearable. Thank You!

Lyn Kelly, Villages Supporting People Manager, said,Helping people to claim the right benet is just one small part of the excellent work that TESS does in Knowsley. The team is made up of caring and capable people who have helped so many people

resolve their problems.

TESS may be able to help you, just ring Villages on 0151 480 1313 and ask to speak to a member of TESS.



OurTimes

Cyclical Works



WORDS AND PICTURES


Our cyclical works programme is on a 5 year cycle. The external repair and painting programme (2010/2011) will be in the following areas:

KNOWSLEY Woodfarm Hey Custley Hey Roundhey Paxton Road Wellcroft Road Mossbrow Road Midway Road Holden Road

Surveys are now being carried out by our surveyors for works to start around June. The contractors that will be on-site will be Vale Decorators and Kinetics in Knowsley and Emanuel Whittaker in Fitton Hill.

We will also be continuing with aids and adaptations, void works and works to the multi storey blocks.


We want to make it as easy as possible for you to pay your rent and oer you choices, so nowyou can also pay your rent on the internet.

You can either log on to the Villages Housing Website at www.villages.org.uk and follow the instructions, or go to www.allpay.net and go to "Make A Payment Online", then enter the long code on the front of your Villages Rent Payment card (without any spaces). You will then be asked to set up a password, and provide an email address for a receipt to be sent to you.

Pay Your Rent Online

We are always looking at ways of improving customer service. In our STATUS survey we asked you to list your priority areas for improvement with our overall landlord service - Keeping tenants informed was in your top 3 in both Fitton Hill and Stockbridge, and clearly we have to respond to that.

One of the ways we are working to improve is by introducing a new service, to be launched soonTexting.

For many residents and tenants, texting from mobile phones is a cost-eective and convenient way to keep in touch with friends and family.

We are working to make this option available shortly, and aim to be able to remind you when an appointed repair or service is due, or alert you to issues around your tenancy or events taking place that you may be interested in.

However, we need YOUR help. The Data Protection act discourages the sending of texts to you without your permission, unless a number of steps have been taken to inform you. Hopefully you will also be aware of our recent updating of our systems with your contact details to improve our communication with you this includes mobile phone numbers.

We therefore want to hear from you if you DO NOT want to benet from this service please contact Linda Holmes at our Stockbridge Oce in the rst instance. There will also be further updates on the service and opportunities to opt in or out over the coming weeks leading up to the launch of the service watch out for details.

Additionally we are working to allow you to access other key services on-line; in the next couple of months you will be able to log a repair via our website, and we intend to develop this accessibility to on-line services even more throughout the coming year. Keep an eye on our website and the screens in our reception areas for launch dates.

New Texting Service

Dowry, Street Lichens Crescent Sportsmans Drive The Green The Spur Woodpark Close

FITTON HILL



OurTimes Tackling drugsin Stockbridge



WORDS AND PICTURES


Hats Off For Haiti

On Saturday 27th February, Villages held an open day at the multi - storey blocks in Stockbridge Village.

The event was widely publicised with adverts on Juice FM, and in the Liverpool Echo, the Metro and the Knowsley Challenge.

This advertising paid o as 40 people attended, making the event a great success.

Attendees were shown around the showat, and were able to chat to some Villages sta about life in the blocks, and were also entered in to a free prize draw.

The multis project team were able to hand out Application Packs to people who want to live in the newly refurbished apartments.


Merseyside Police Ocers and The Partnership Team (which Villages is a part of ) seized a large quantity of cannabis during a series of raids on properties within Whincraig and Denecli multi-storey blocks in Stockbridge Village. The raids uncovered cannabis with a street value of over 70,000 together with cultivation equipment.

Dave Brennan, Acting Inspector, said Warrant were executed thanks to information from the community. This is the rst step in a long process of us working together to make Stockbridge Village a safer place to live and work and to remove drugs from Stockbridge. I would appeal to all residents to continue to provide us with information.

If you have any information concerning Drugs dealing, or any other crime in your neighbourhood please ring Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 or 0151 777 6217 anonymously.

Multis Open Day

European Neighbours Day is on Friday 28th May but we will be celebrating on Friday 4th June from 11am until 2pm in the SPACE BUILDING as its half term.

The event will be hosted by the Tenants Forum again this year. It is a family event intended to encourage communities to work together and at this event residents can nominate neighbours for an annual Villages Good Neighbours Award. There will be diverse international food and activities for everyone on the day.

Come along and join in the fun. For more information please contact Barbara Murray on 0151 480 1313.

You Said...We Did!

European Neighbours Day

YOU SAID

WE DID

We dont like how the grass cuttings are left once the grass has been cut

In Fitton Hill the landscape team will collect grass cuttings after mowing grass around the sheltered

bungalows.

YOU SAID

We want to be able to pay our rent online

WE DID

Have a look at page 4 - we have now made it possible for you to pay your rent online. Just go to

www.villages.org.uk

Hats o to the generous youngsters at St Martins school, Fitton Hill, and Nine Tree School, Stockbridge Village, for raising tons of money for the Haiti Earthquake appeal. The pupils have spent the past couple of weeks taking part in a variety of fund raising events.

One of the most popular was making a giant picture from 100 worth of loose change. In Fitton Hill, the Hats for Haiti day, which saw pupils and teachers don headgear for the duration of their school day, bumped up their overall total to more than 300.

In Stockbridge, the children had an own clothes day, held raes and sold cakes, raising 272 for the appeal.



OurTimes

Strengths Outweigh Weaknesses



WORDS AND PICTURES


Audit Commission Inspection


The Audit Commission is an independent body, who inspect a wide range of organisations and services to assess the quality of local services and that money is being spent economically, eciently and eectively.

At the beginning of December the Audit Commission inspected some of Villages Housings services. The inspection focused on the following areas:

Income management Responsive Repairs Asset management Cross cutting themes access and customer care, diversity and value for money.

Overall we are pleased that the Audit Commission found that strengths outweighed weaknesses. A summary of their ndings are shown in the table below.


The Audit Commissions inspection report also highlighted four main recommendations for the Association to consider and a timetable that they expected these to be completed by. The recommendations were to:

1) Further develop the customer focus of the Association2) Comprehensively address the diverse needs of tenants, sta and other stakeholders3) Develop a comprehensive approach to Value for Money4) Develop a better understanding of the condition of some of the Associations stock.

How good is the service?

Assessment

Responsive Repairs Strengths outweigh weaknesses

Gas servicing Strengths outweigh weaknesses

Income Management Strengths outweigh weaknesses

Value for money Strengths and weaknesses are in balance

Access and customer care Strengths and weaknesses are in balance

Diversity Weaknesses outweigh strengths.

Asset Management Weaknesses outweigh strengths.

How good is the service?

Assessment

Responsive Repairs Strengths outweigh weaknesses ?Gas servicing Strengths outweigh weaknesses ?Income Management Strengths outweigh weaknesses ?Value for money Strengths and weaknesses are in balance ?Access and customer care Strengths and weaknesses are in balance ?Diversity Weaknesses outweigh strengths.

?Asset Management Weaknesses outweigh strengths.

?



OurTimesAudit Commission Continued



WORDS AND PICTURES


Fitton Hill Consultation Bus

On the 15th February over twenty tenants from Fitton Hill and Stockbridge Village discussed the audit commission report and recommendations with senior sta from Villages and developed an action plan to take the recommendations forward.

This is the rst of these type of events Ive been to and I found it really interesting and everyone was really friendly. FH tenant

It just shows the importance of providing the information requested by Villages sta I had no idea that the tenant proling would be looked at in this way - SV tenant

The action plan developed was approved by the Villages Housing Board on the 26th February and sent to the Audit Commission who will use this to assess our prospects for improvement. Feedback from the audit commission is not expected until April so we will report back in future edition of Our Times.

However we are not resting on our laurels and you will see various articles within this newsletter that link to items in our action plan.







To help support local people into work Villages Housing, working in partnership with Fusion 21, has created 12 new temporary posts through the Future Jobs Fund. The posts are based in the Stockbridge oce and include four admin based jobs in nance, initiatives, landscaping and community development and eight external estate orderly jobs which will help us improve both the general environment and our properties. We hope that the new posts not only to help the participants improve their future job opportunities but also improve our service delivery to our residents.

MAY HAVE AN UPDATE?????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For example you can now pay your rent on-line via our website. We continue to ask you for your help in our tenant proling so that we can tailor our services accordingly, and introduce new services such as text messaging.

Vernon Jackson, Villages Housings Chief Executive, comments on the report,

We are pleased that the Audit Commission inspectors have found a marked improvement in the services that we provide. This demonstrates that the hard work that we have put in has delivered positive outcomes for our

tenants. We accept that some areas still need further improvements and we are committed to investing resources and working with our tenants to deliver them. We are pleased that the commission recognised that a high proportion of tenants are satised with the services they receive from Villages Housing, and that overall our strengths outweigh our weaknesses.

A copy of the report can be found on either our website www.villages.org.uk or the

Audit Commissions website www.audit-commission.gov.uk.



OurTimes

Ramblers DiaryAFTER HOURS


WORDS AND PICTURES


Introducing Michael Fielding MBE

Are you interested in having an allotment?Opportunities are arising for some new allotments on Stockbridge Village. If you are interested in growing your own vegetables, contact Barbara Murray on 0151 480 1313.


Q: Hi Tosh, Congratulations on being awarded the MBE. What was it for?

Tosh: Thanks! It was for Services To The Community

Q: So how did you nd out you had been awarded an MBE?

T: I got a letter from the Prime Minister back in May, saying I had been put forward for an MBE on the Q u e e n s Honours List,

but that I had to keep it quiet until the names were released to the public in June. To be honest I thought it was someone playing a joke, I didnt think it was for real!

Q: Tell us a bit about the work you do that led to you getting this award

T: I have worked for Knowsley Plus for 2 years now as Community Engagement Ocer. My job is to engage with the community and oer support and guidance and advice on employment, training and other agencies who could help.

Before that I did the same but for North Huyton NDC.

I didnt accept this award for myself; I accepted it on behalf of the Community of Stockbridge Village. I want to be able to use this as a tool to inspire the young people of Stockbridge, because we get a lot of bad press about this area, so its nice that someone from the front line of our community is recognised.

I love Stockbridge Village, I love the people here. I think its really exciting whats happening with this regeneration project. I have seen what regeneration did in North Huyton, so hopefully this Stockbridge Regen can do something similar.




In a previous edition of Our Times we told you about Tosh (Michael) Fielding from Stockbridge Village being awarded an MBE. We managed to catch up with him and ask him a few questions about his day at The Palace.

My passion is Stockbridge and to try to sustain it. The building work will be nished in 3 years but the people will still be here, and we need to get that community spirit back that we had by working with each other.

Q: So tell us about when you received your award.

T: I received the award on 27th November, but I went down to London the night before with my 2 sons and my mum, Carole, who actually works for Villages. We had to be at Buckingham Palace by 10am, so it was an early start.

When we got there, your guests (mum and sons) get taken away in to another room, and the people who

were getting awards are told about the plans and what will happen on the day and the dierent protocols.

I was chatting to some lads from the army and listening to their stories in awe. They were great, and I think theyre the ones who really deserve

to be honoured. One girl in particular (she had been in The Navy) - she had received the Victoria Cross for bravery, and I saw her on the TV the following month at some Hero Awards ceremony.

So anyway, they call you out in slots. I must say, the whole day was run so professionally, everything was so precise.

It all goes by in a bit of blur. One person calls your name, someone else guides you where to go, someone else tells you to wait, someone else tells you when to walk up, then you meet Prince Charles and get your award, then someone else takes you o, someone else takes your medal o you and boxes it and before you know it - its done! Then I got shown to a seat in the main hall to watch the rest of the ceremony and I ended up being sat at the back, behind all my family!



OurTimes



WORDS AND PICTURES


Burst pipes



Over the recent cold periods, a number of properties have had burst pipes; causing some tenants to move

out of their properties and also aecting their n e i g h b o u r s property.

On inspecting these properties, the main cause of the bursts was NO HEAT.

Villages are aware of the high costs of gas and electricity, but we must stress how essential it is that you have your heating on during very cold weather.

If you are aware of a family member who is away on holiday or in hospital, please ensure that their heating is on in their property for a few hours every day - in the morning and evening when very cold weather is forecast.

What to do if you have NO water:-

Please check with your neighbours to see if their water supply has been aected before contacting Villages

If they too have no water, contact United Utilities on 08457462200

If your neighbours have a water supply, it is likely that your private pipe work has frozen due to the exceptional weather conditions. If so, please contact Villages Housing where advice will be given.




After you have received your medal you go out in to the courtyard where the press photographers are. That was my cue to make a sharp exit - let the Army lads do that bit! But there were professional photographers there from the Palace who took some photos of me and my family.

It was a great day for my mum and my kids.

Q: So what happens when you go up and meet Prince Charles?

T: Your name gets called out, and you go up and shake his hand and he pins the medal on you. The Prince asked about my work with the Princes Trust because I have referred quite a lot of young people to the Princes Trust.

He asked if I thought we were winning the battle, I said Yes I thought we were, there are a lot more people like me working with communities, and young people.

He asked me if I enjoyed working with the kids, and I said Yes, they keep me on the straight and narrow! I couldnt believe Id come out with that!

Then he shook my hand and said Congratulations. They tell you beforehand that when he shakes your hand, its time to leave. So I bowed and walked o, which is when they take your award from you and box it up for you.

Thanks for talking to us Tosh and Congratulations again.



OurTimes

Heatwaves Demolition



WORDS AND PICTURES


Stockbridge Regeneration Update

You may have seen work on site to create new state-of-the-art play facilities right in the heart of the village centre. The new Play Pathnder project will be open to the public by the end of March and provide a range of facilities specially designed for young people aged 8 to 13 years old.

The new facilities will include a 13-metre tower with two slides, climbing frame, two large swings and landscaping features including earth mounds, natural boulders and wildower planting.

Younger members of the community will also be catered for with a special play area that includes a climbing frame, seesaw and sand digger.


As you will be aware, Heatwaves closed in January and demolition of the building commenced earlier this month.

The demolition is taking place between 8.00 am 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and is due to be complete in May 2010.

This is essential preparation work for the redevelopment of Stockbridge Village. Knowsley Council is working with the contractor, J Freely Ltd, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

If you require any further information regarding the demolition, please contact Ian Lynch at Knowsley Council on 0151 443 3081.




The demolition of Heatwaves is taking place between 8.00 am 4.30 pm, Monday to Friday, and is due to be complete in May 2010. This is essential preparation work for the redevelopment of the central area. Knowsley Council is working with the contractor, J Freely Ltd, to ensure disruption is kept to a minimum.

If you require any further information regarding the demolition, please contact Ian Lynch at Knowsley Council on 0151 443 3081.

Play Path FinderThe design of the new play facilities follows detailed consultation with local children, school visits and specially organised play sessions.

The Play Pathnder project is part of a wider initiative to improve the physical appearance of the area, enhance facilities available and improve everyday life for residents.

As you will be aware, Knowsley Council and partners, including Villages Housing, are committed to a 25 million regeneration programme of Stockbridge Village for the benet of residents, both now and in the future. As part of this, Heatwaves closed in January and demolition of the building commenced in early March. Once demolished, the site will make way for a brand new school, scheduled to open in September 2011.

You may have attended one of the consultation and exhibition events, accessed the improved Knowsley Works facilities or spotted one of Stockbridge Villages Police Community Support Ocers out and about in the area. Most recently you will have seen work commence on site to demolish Heatwaves, and also to create a new play area.


M O R E T H A N J U S T A L A N D L O R DS P R I N G 2 0 1 0 1 1

OurTimesNew Police Team



WORDS AND PICTURES



Since January 2010, Stockbridge Village has had its own dedicated Police team which includes 10 Police Community Safety Ocers & 2 Neighbourhood Police Ocers. The PCSOs each have their own smaller beat within Stockbridge Village and you will have seen them out and about, getting to know their areas and the residents that live there.

Please welcome these ocers they are there for the benet of the whole community and will support you.


Pool Hey, Milestone Hey & Clis PCSO 0270 Jennifer Dagnall

Little Moss Hey, Rosewood Close Juniper Close & Craigs PCSO 0195 Andy Peters Hollowcroft PCSO 9394 Stewart Conway

Croft Shops PCSO 0209 Mark Roberts

Whitethorn Drive, Buckthorn, PCSO 0384 Apple Tree, Plum Tree, Sharon Forrester Orange Tree, Spruce Grove, Brandearth Hey, Brandearth House & Roughsedge House

Marled Hey & Round Hey PCSO 0470 Denise Lyle

Boodecroft, Haywood Rd & Croxteth Lane PCSO 0135 Lee Murphy

Dannette Hey, Terret Croft & Boydell Close PCSO 0385 John Landanowski

Custley Hey, Woodfarm Hey & Blackthorne Crescent PCSO 0471 Gary Bignall

The Spinney, The Birches & Cremorne Hey PCSO 9989 Tony Sweeney

Steers Croft, Harescroft, Nevitt & St Alberts PCSO 0424 Hannah Hedley

Barons Hey & Cornerbrook PCSO O434 Mel Mohamed

Female FocusOn Friday 12th February the Safer Knowsley Partnership hosted a Female Focus community event in Stockbridge Village, to let local residents know

about the v a r i o u s services and opportunities that are a v a i l a b l e locally.

The event, which was held

at the SPACE Centre on Waterpark Drive attracted more than 65 females; both young and not-so-young, and some brought their partners too.

There were a number of local agencies present in a market place held in the main hall. These included Family and Community Education, Knowsley Works, Community Messaging, Knowsley Domestic Violence Support Services, Youth Services and Crimestoppers. Activities also included healthy eating from the Village Farm Cooks and beauty taster sessions.

Area Development Ocer for S t o c k b r i d g e Village, Patrick Goodison said: The event was a great success. It was great to see the locals taking advantage of the services that are available to them

and taking this information back into the wider community.

The Village is about to undergo a huge regeneration project and residents will be able to inuence and enjoy access to new services. There will be a lot of contact and community events in the next few months and we want to work with all residents to help improve their community as well as making them feel safer and improving their quality of life.



OurTimesKeep Informed with Community Messaging



WORDS AND PICTURES




Knowsley has its own anti social behaviour unit, dedicated to tackling ASB. The unit is made up of sta from many dierent agencies such as Knowsley Council, Merseyside Fire and Rescue and Victim Support.

The following are Knowsley Anti Social Behaviour Units Service Standards, and their promise to you.

They will: Enable and encourage residents, visitors and workers in the Borough to report incidents of Anti Social Behaviour (ASB); Ensure reports of ASB are accurately recorded and monitored; Aim to respond to reports of ASB within 3-5 working days, depending upon the nature of the incident; Ensure timely action is taken to investigate and tackle incidents of ASB and to prevent incidents escalating; Identify and implement intervention and prevention measures; Take eective legal action against perpetrators where appropriate; Provide appropriate advice and support to victims and witnesses of ASB; Inform residents of the services that the Council and its partner agencies provide; Work in partnership with the Police and other agencies to tackle ASB issues; Ensure relevant sta receive appropriate training;

If an individual is not happy with the service that they have received then they can make a formal complaint to Knowsley MBC. For more information on how to make a complaint please call 0151 443 4031 (text phone users call 0151 443 4248) or email [email protected]

Anyone can be aected by anti social behaviour. Dont feel isolated, a dedicated team is here to help. Call 0151 443 2000, all calls are treated in condence. Lines open 8.00am-6.00pm Monday to Friday and 10.00am-12.30pm Saturday (opening times subject to change without prior notice). In an emergency please call 999.

You can also give Sue Grimmett, Villages Housings Anti-Social Behaviour Ocer, a call on 0151 949 5073. All calls will be treated in the strictest condence.


The Safer Knowsley Partnership (SKP) is working with the local community to make Knowsley

a safer place to live, work and visit.

SKP are committed to reducing crime and disorder and to i m p r o v i n g communication with the Stockbridge Village community. They introduced Community Messaging in Knowsley. This is a message alert system which links the Safer Knowsley Partnership and the community by providing up to date, relevant and timely information to our members.

If you join Knowsley Community Messaging you can be informed by email, text, fax or voice message to your mobile or landline telephone about local crime issues, crime reduction advice, appeals for witnesses and other specic information relevant to where you live or work.

If you have any information about crime in your area, the Community Messaging system will allow you to reply to the messages condentially, from the comfort of your own home.

To register or to nd out more visit www.knowsleycommunitymessaging.org or call 0151 777 6217. To report crimes or incidents please contact Merseyside Police on 0151 709 6010 or in an emergency dial 999.

End of the line for ASB in Stockbridge



OurTimes

Ramblers Diary

WHAT IS A STEREOTYPE?


NATALIE LUNT


Challenging Stereotypes

Job title: Trainee Building Surveyor,

Brief description: Carrying out all surveys to properties in order to ensure that the structure of them is ok

Dealing with contractors on a daily basis about cyclical maintenance (external repair and painting programme) new kitchens, new bathrooms and general repairs.

I have always been interested in construction and property, and at school I wanted to be an Architecture Technician.

At university it was mostly boys, (200 people in the year) in the 1st year there were only 2 girls. Now around 20% are girls because it has become more popular. Some people when I turn up say I am expecting a surveyor, they also say they were expecting someone older.

The good points of the job are that every day is dierent, dierent repairs/jobs/problems and the opportunities for career progression.

The bad points of the job are working in cold weather in winter, and people take their frustration out on me, I am just there to help and get the problem xed.


A stereotype is a commonly held public belief about specic social groups, or types of individuals. At Villages Housing we are committed to being equal to all groups of people in our society. We have recruited some members of sta to roles which are typically seen as jobs for members of the opposite sex. For example, Natalie is a Trainee Building Surveyor, Mark is a Scheme Manager (Warden) and Linda is a Caretaker at our multi-storey blocks. We asked them a few questions about their jobs and how people have reacted.


Job Title: Scheme Manager:

Brief Description: We do warden calls in the morning, phone the sheltered tenants and check they are ok and also check if they have any housing related issues. We set up a support plan to see if they have any needs or support needs e.g. if they are on medication.

I am currently studying for a scheme manager certicate although its more about the experience which I feel if more important.

I know a few male scheme managers but I think people usually think of this as an older persons role. Ive been lucky, Ive never really had any comments regarding sex, more about age as me and Marie are quite young.

Good point of the job is providing support, helping people, the people we meet, the job varies no two days are the same.

Bad point of the job is that there is quite a bit of paper work, but no more than most jobs.

Advice I would give to someone who wants to be a Scheme Manager: You need to get housing support with experience and go on a scheme manager course, look at the sheltered housing network or the Chartered Institute of Housing.

MARK CASTELLAIN

Job Title: Caretaker, CraigsBrief Description: I keep the blocks tidy, general maintenance of the blocks like changing lights, getting people out of stuck lifts!

I didnt want a monotonous job doing the same thing every day, I like working with people and being front line. I think the panel were surprised I applied for the job. At rst I had a few comments from tenants about

LINDA KIDDbeing in the role, but most were positive to be honest. One good point of the job is the exible working hours and I have met some really nice people. I dont think there are any bad points (maybe the night shifts!)



OurTimes




Work Experience at Villages



Monday

I worked with the Environment Team today. We cleared out empty properties lifting carpets, taking down wardrobes. Nothing can be left in these properties so we removed everything. All items are taken to a number of skips. I was surprised how much people leave behind in properties. We also painted a at so that it was ready for the new tenant to move in. It was hard work but I was kept busy and enjoyed working with this team.

Tuesday

I worked with the caretakers. We went around the ats litter picking. It wasnt too bad, and the caretakers do this everyday. We also went to a tenant who had reported her door handle had broken and we xed it. The lift was broken in one of the ats so I helped to x this as well. I went to the roof of a block and the view was good I could see where I lived in Cremorne!

Wednesday

I worked all day with the housing team helping them do dierent tasks. I went on the computer system Villages have, helping get phone numbers KHT had requested so they could

gain access for completing repairs. I also took a few phone calls & passed messages on.

Thursday

I went on repair inspections with Nigel Cross. We spoke to a lot of tenants about problems they had reported & Nigel then tells them what will happen and when it will get sorted.

Female OperativesA limited number of female operatives are available upon request for our tenants who are vulnerable (for example: a female living alone, or an elderly person, or someone with special needs).

Our contractors will endeavour to provide a female operative wherever possible. If this is not possible, we can arrange for a female member of Villages' sta to accompany the male operative, when they are carrying out the repair, if you request this service.

As appointments are required for such visits, please give us as much time as possible to make arrangements. We would prefer if you would make the request when reporting your repair.





Villages are always keen to support the young people of both Stockbridge Village and Fitton Hill. Recently Steven Dunphy spent 2 weeks with us as part of his work experience. Here he writes about what he got up to.

Friday

I spent most of the day in reception, it was very busy. I started the day by logging all the incoming mail & giving it to the relevant people.

There were so many people that came into the oce to report dierent issues; some wanted to talk about rent, others wanted to see their housing ocer to discuss repairs. I also helped frank the post and post it out.

Overall my two weeks in Villages was enjoyable. I worked with a lot of dierent people who each have dierent roles to play in the organisation. Its a very busy oce and my time went very fast. I constantly had jobs to do.

Steven Dunphy



OurTimes



LIFT REFURBISHMENT



Do you care for someone, without payment, who could not manage without you due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability? If you provide support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, Oldham Carers Emergency Support Services Carers Emergency Card could be just the scheme you need to sign up to for the sake of your peace of mind.

News From The Multis






The Whincraig lift works have now been completed, with the 2 Firscraig lifts to be completed by the end of March 2010. Tenant feedback has been very positive.

Mosscraig is the next phase of the major improvement works and will start in April / May 2010. All Mosscraig residents will be consulted and informed before the works start on site. If any Mosscraig residents would like to be involved in the Steering Group at this stage, please contact the Project oce on 0151 449 1788.

NOW FREE TO CALL DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONSFree Calls For Benefit Claimants

Free phone calls for most people using their mobiles to claim benets and pensions have been announced by the Department for Work and Pensions. Now six of the biggest mobile phone network companies will no longer charge their customers for calls to the Departments 0800 Benet Claim lines. Currently 12% of UK households use only mobile phones and do not have a land line.

Calls to claim benets and state pension use 0800 numbers which are already free to customers using BT land lines and mobiles.

The Department has now reached an agreement with O2, Orange, Tesco Mobile, T-Mobile, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone to end charges to their customers for mobile calls to around seventy of its 0800 numbers.

These numbers are used by people making initial claims for benet and pensions and to request emergency payments, such as crisis loans.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Yvette Cooper, said:

"We don't want people who lose their jobs or the poorest pensioners to be

penalised when they need to claim benets just because they call from a mobile phone. Lots of people need

to use mobiles rather than landlines. That's why we've been

working hard to get this deal to make sure people don't lose out."

The DWP estimate that there are around 60 million phone calls to its 0800 numbers each year, and around 15% (9 million) are from mobile phones.

Villages have recently employed a new Craigs Community Centre Co-ordinator called Bernie Wileman. She will be co-ordinating activities at the centre, and bringing in some new community groups to utilise this facility. Please pop in and meet her, she is at the Community Centre most mornings Monday to Friday.

BEST LANDING COMPETITION

STAFF CHANGES

PHASE 3 - MOSSCRAIG

A reminder to all residents that the Multis Project Ocer, Rachel Tracey, is available to discuss any housing-related issues at her housing surgery on the ground oor at Merecli, Thursday 2 4pm, or via an appointment at 6 Whincraig or on 0151 449 1788.

Villages are currently working closely with Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service to make all mutli-storey properties safe and upto date with re regulations.

If you would like the Fire Brigade to visit your property and provide individual home re safety advice, please contact them on 0800 731 5958. The Fire Service can also provide free battery operated smoke alarms to residents awaiting the refurbishment works in Mosscraig, Merecli and Denecli.

FIRE SAFETY



OurTimes



WORDS AND PICTURES


KPI TABLE 1 - VHA

* = 1 specialist needs property









Performance: How Are We Doing?We want to improve the services we oer you, so we keep a constant check on how we are doing.

The tables below show you how we are performing against our targets. This information is gathered on a Monthly basis using information provided by our tenants and our contractors. The information is cumulative.

Villages Community Housing Association (VCHA), which is the charitable subsidiary of Villages Housing Association, has a portfolio of 165 properties.

Villages Community Housing Association June

Sep

Dec

Jan Target

Year to

Date

Trend

Average re-let times (The number of days it takes us to let out homes) 0 77(*) 77(*) 67(*) 50

% Emergency repairs complete within target time (The % of emergency repairs completed on time)

100% 100% 96.4% 96.6% 100%

% Urgent repairs complete within target time (The % of urgent repairs completed on time)

95.2% 93.9% 94.8% 95.3% 98%

% Routine repairs complete within target time (The % of routine repairs completed on time)

98.9% 96.9% 97.6% 97.8% 98%

% overall satisfaction with day to day repairs (The percentage of customers who were satisfied with their repairs)

100% 93.8% 94.4% 94.4% 100%

% of properties with a valid gas certificate. (The % of properties which have had their annual gas safety check)

98.1% 99.4% 100% 100% 100%

Rent collected as a % of net rent charged (The % of rent collected since April 2008)

113.8%

105.5%

106.1% 106.2% 106.2%

Average Phone Response time (secs) (The average amount of time it takes to answer a phone call)

10 9 10 - 10

Villages Community Housing Association

April-June Q1

April-Sep Q2

April-Dec Q3

Jan Target

Year to

Date Trend

Average re-let times (The number of days it takes us to let out homes) 0 77(*) 77(*) 67(*) 50


100% 100% 96.4% 96.6% 100%


95.2% 93.9% 94.8% 95.3% 98%


98.9% 96.9% 97.6% 97.8% 98%


100% 93.8% 94.4% 94.4% 100%


98.1% 99.4% 100% 100% 100%


113.8% 105.5% 106.1% 106.2% 106.2

%


10 9 10 - 10

Key

The trend over the previous three months is Performance is steady or there is no significant trend over the previous three months

The trend over the previous three months

improving

is worsening

Performance for the year to date is at or

Performance for the year to date is around

Performance for the year to date is below

better than target

the target figure

the target figure

KEY



OurTimes



WORDS AND PICTURES


Fitton Hill Consultation BusAre you interested in having an allotment?Opportunities are arising for some new allotments on Stockbridge Village. If you are interested in growing your own vegetables, contact Barbara Murray on 0151 480 1313.









Villages Housing Association has around 2583 properties, covering both Fitton Hill in Oldham, and Stockbridge Village in Knowsley.

Villages Housing Association

June

Year to

Date

Trend

Average re-let times (The number of days it takes us to let out homes)

39 32 28 27 37


97.8 %

98.5% 98.8% 98.9% 100%


98.6%

97.7% 98.2% 98% 98%


98.8% 98.9% 99% 98.5% 98%


96.3 % 97.6% 98.2% 98% 95%


98.9% 99.9% 100% 100% 100%


106.3 %

101.6% 100.6% 100.9%

100 .2 %


10 9 10 -

10

The trend over the previous three months is Performance is steady or there is no significant trend over the previous three months

The trend over the previous three months

improving

is worsening

Performance for the year to date is at or

Performance for the year to date is around

Performance for the year to date is below

better than target

the target figure

the target figure

KEY

April-JuneQ1

April-SepQ2

April-DecQ3

Jan Target

Year to

DateTrend



OurTimes

NEW STARTERS AND PROMOTIONS


MARK SHRIMPTON


Staff Page

Bernardine (or Bern for short) is the new Community Centre Coordinator and will be taking care of the day to day running of the Centre and trying to help nd new ways for the Tenants to make more use of this meeting place.

For the past 26 y e a r s s h e w o r k e d f o r Alliance a n d Leicester B a n k

sorting out customer and branch errors to enable accounts to be balanced.

Bern enjoys walking her dog, doing yoga, Ice skating and visiting friends abroad.


Mark has recently been promoted to Estate Environment Supervisor, responsible for 8 estate orderlies, who go in to a property when a tenant vacates, and clear it out ready for the construction team to carry out any necessary works.

Once the construction team have nished, the orderlies go back in and clear up after them to ensure that the property is clean and ready for the new tenant to move in.


PETER CAINEPeter has recently been promoted to Caretaking Supervisor from Clis Senior Caretaker, and has worked for Villages for almost 15 years.

His new role is to ensure a consistent and high quality Caretaking/ Cleaning service to all residents of the multi-storey Flats.

Mark used to be the caretaker at Denecli for 11 years and has lived in Stockbridge Village all his life. In his s p a r e time he is a b o x i n g c o a c h and has t a u g h t boxing on Stockbridge Village for over ten years to children as young as ten, to full-grown adults.

He is responsible for all Caretaking and cleaning Sta 10 in total as well as being

the rst point of contact for m u l t i - s t o r e y residents and he has a role on the project team.

Peter also runs a junior shing club

during the school spring and summer holidays .

BERNARDINE WILEMAN LISA FOWLESLisa is the new Community Development Ocer for Fitton Hill, and will work with local community groups and with tenants. She will be developing the award winning intergenerational 'Fun for all Ages' project and working in partnership with Oldham Housing Investment Partnership (OHIP) to continue the community cohesion initiative The House Party.

She has worked for Villages since 2004 as a Customer Service Ocer, working in reception and the cash oce dealing with customer queries, repairs and payments.

Lisa loves to sing and used to sing in a choir and missed it so much that she now has singing lessons every week.

And Goodbye to Janet

Janet Taylor, Community Development Ocer at Fitton Hill, will be retiring from her post at the end of March 2010. Lisa Fowles will be taking on her role.

Jan has lived and worked on Fitton Hill since 2000.

She has achieved many great things during her time at Villages, which you can read more about on page 22.

She will be greatly missed by all of her colleagues at Villages Housing and we wish her the best of luck for the future.

REBECCA HESTERRebecca has now been promoted to Customer Service Ocer, at Fiiton Hill, taking over Lisas role.

She will help with any housing issues and oer great customer service, take rent payments and deal with general enquiries.

She was previously Environmental Programme Administrator, assisting the surveying teams in contract administration and project management of the Environmental Works at Fitton Hill.

This vacancy is now being advertised on the Villages Housing website www.villages.org.uk if anone would like to apply. Closing Date is 30th March.Rebecca is the new Environmental Programme

Administrator at Fitton Hill. She will support and assist the surveying teams in contract administration and project management of Environmental Works at Fitton Hill during her 2 year contract.

Before Villages, she worked for Barclays Bank for just over 2 years as a customer advisor/ cashier.She plays netball 3-4 times a week and likes to watch Rugby League.



OurTimes

RESPECT



WORDS AND PICTURES










A community event was held at St Alberts In Stockbridge Village on 26th November 2009. The event was well attended by residents and partner agencies and various local issues were discussed, including the new regeneration plan for the centre of Stockbridge Village.

Residents were asked to describe in one word what they felt was most important to the community in general. The ve words mentioned by everyone were:

RespectPrideGreenBelongingRegeneration

These words will now be used by Knowsley Council in all their publicity surrounding the Regeneration of Stockbridge Village.

All the above words have a strong link to Anti-Social Behaviour and the theme that came across very clearly was that:

People should respect one another, have pride in their community, keep green areas clean and free from litter and grati. They all want to belong to a strong, public-spirited community and believe that the regeneration, along with that community spirit, can help to achieve that aim.

CRIMESTOPPERSAs you are all probably aware, there was a rearms incident in Stockbridge Village on 25th January which resulted in a male being seriously injured.Merseyside Police have advised us that this incident was a targeted attack and would like people to know that these type of incidents are relatively rare and the community at large shouldnt be unduly concerned.

Merseyside Police have asked that anyone who has information in relation to gun crime should contact 0151 777 5699 or Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers is a charity, independent from the police. You can call them anonymously. You won't be asked your name. You won't have to go to court. Crimestoppers are only interested in what you know, not who you are.

All information given will be treated in the strictest condence.

Villages Housings anti-social behaviour statistics support the view that gun crime in Stockbridge Village is a rare occurrence, but nevertheless, its something that should concern all of us, and we all have a responsibility to ensure each others safety by taking weapons and perpetrators of gun crime o our streets.

NUISANCE NEIGHBOURSThe most common type of complaint received by Villages is neighbour/noise nuisance and it adversely aects the quality of life of many of our residents.Nuisance takes many forms including DIY, loud music, animals, poorly tended gardens and rubbish being left outside properties.

Please show consideration for your neighbours at all times and whilst it is accepted that most people will have parties occasionally, it is not acceptable to have parties on a regular basis or to play loud music between the hours of 10pm and 8am. Loud and prolonged noise and music during the daytime hours is also not acceptable.

DIY has become increasingly popular in the last few years and we all have to decorate from time to time but please carry out your work at reasonable times of the day not late at night or early in the morning.

Please be aware of your tenancy conditions, particularly in relation to anti-social behaviour and crime. Any tenants found to be in breach of their tenancy in relation to anti-social behaviour/crime may face legal proceedings which could ultimately lead to them losing their homes.

New tenants, who have Starter Tenancies, who persist in anti-social behaviour/crime within the rst 12 months may nd their tenancies being terminated by Villages Housing giving them 2 months notice.

Welcome to the Respect section of Our Times the rst one of 2010 and set to be a regular feature of Our Times.



OurTimesRespect Continued...



WORDS AND PICTURES



TALK TO US

If you are suering from anti-social behaviour and wish to report it, please ring our Stockbridge Oce on 0151 480 1313 or Fitton Hill on 0161 633 4060.

Villages Housing promise all residents of Stockbridge Village & Fitton Hill complete condentiality when reporting ASB.

The Direct Dial number for reporting Anti-Social Behaviour or passing information in condence is 0151 949 5073. This phone will only be answered by our ASB Ocer, Sue Grimmett.

DONT SUFFER IN SILENCE PLEASE HELP US TO HELP YOU

Our Pledge






Beware Doorstep Lenders

We have been made aware that in the run-up to Christmas there were unscrupulous people on Fitton Hill oering a large handful of money (up to 500 we are told) to people to pay bills or buy presents and food.

These so called doorstep lenders hope to get people to take their money and then go on to charge huge rates of interest whereby a 500 loan can quickly turn into several thousands of pounds of debt to be repaid.

Please think very carefully before you accept these oers of easy cash. Far from oering a quick x to your problems, without exception doorstep lenders have no regard for you or your family and can actually make a bad situation much worse.

I n s t e a d , p l e a s e c o n s i d e r contac t ing your local Credit Union these are non prot making and they oer low cost loans to their members. In Oldham you can get advice about borrowing and saving by calling 0161 678 7245. At Stockbridge the number is 0151 482 0177.

The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) also oer free advice on debt, housing, employment and benet issues. Contact details Oldham 0161 627 8333 and Knowsley 0845 122 1300. The Citizens Advice are also available at both Villages Oces.

Hats o to the generous youngsters at St Martins school for raising tons of money for the Haiti Earthquake appeal. The pupils at the Fitton Hill primary have spent the past couple of weeks taking part in a variety of fund raising events.

One of the most popular was making a giant picture from 100 worth of loose change. The Hats for Haiti day which saw pupils and teachers don headgear for the duration of their school day-bumped up their overall total to more than 300.

Hats off For Haiti!

Oldham CarersDo you care for someone, without payment, who could not manage without you due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability?

If you provide support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, Oldham Carers Emergency Support Services Carers Emergency Card could be just the scheme you need to sign up to for the sake of your peace of mind.

For more details contact Oldham Carers Centre, 140 Union Street, OldhamTel: 0161 770 1188e-mail: [email protected]

The scheme is a partnership between Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers Centre, First Choice Homes Helpline and Oldham Rapid Response Team.

Villages Housing has signed up to the Partners Pledge.

It outlines our commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour, including hate crimes, and to supporting tenants aected by anti-social behaviour.

Our aim is to make Fitton Hill and Stockbridge Village a safer and better place to live.

Below are some of the examples listed in the pledge. If you would like more information, please contact Sue Grimmett on 0151 480 1313.

Our Pledge1. To always treat you fairly with dignity and respect to make sure you have fair access to our services.

2. To listen to what you are telling us.

3. To encourage and support those groups and communities who identify and develop their own solutions to problems, e.g. Respect Our Community Awards (ROCA)

4. To treat all information and intelligence received and exchanged in the strictest condence.

5. To regularly review the case and inform you of any proposed changes to the agreed course of action and explain the reasons for the change.



OurTimes



WORDS AND PICTURES


Future Jobs Fund



In the last edition of Our Times we told you about how Villages are working with Fusion 21 to create 13 temporary posts through the Future Jobs Fund.

Here we learn more about what some of the new employees have been up to since they started their new jobs.


My name is Kerry Mather I am 21 years old. I am currently working in Villages Housing as a Trainee Initiatives Admin assistant. I found out about the programme in the job centre and just applied for it as you would a normal job. On starting my six month

placement I achieved my CSCS card, appointed person in First Aid and Health and Safety level 2.

I feel the Future Jobs Fund is a great idea to get experience from, and also to get used to, a working environment and it feels good to no longer be claiming Job Seekers Allowance.

Before working at Villages I have worked in retail since school and was also in college studying Health and Social Care. Through working in Villages I have gained experience in an oce environment and done lots of work such as: tenant proling, spreadsheets, scanning, updating information, helping the tenants forum with the grotto at Christmas, drafted and typed letters, drafted articles, dealt with incoming and outgoing post and also use of the IBS system.

In the Villages oce there are three other FJF members of sta. I asked them what their thoughts were about the programme.

Emma Cain Aged 19, Trainee Admin Assistant :

My thoughts on FJF are that it is a good programme to be a part of, as it gives people a chance to be back in work and gain experience to get another job.

Before my time at Villages I went to college for a year studying Business Studies, Sociology and History at AS standard and was unemployed for three years looking for work. I found it hard nding work as I had no experience or references. I feel I have gained condence, experience and new skills while working here. I have done plenty of work such as spreadsheets, incoming and outgoing post, use of documotive and IBS system, customer proling and ordering uniforms.

George Helliar Aged 19, Finance Trainee

I think its a good programme. Before working at Villages I was out of work for two months, before that I was a temporary accountant specialising in credit control, I am also studying accountancy in college one day a week. I have gained experience in housing and nance and done work such as excel spreadsheets, Formula posting, customer accounts and been out with the surveyor, Eddie.

Clare Crawford Aged 32, Trainee Community Development Assistant,

I became unemployed in Jan 2009 after working in a family-run fancy dress business that began to feel the strain from the credit crunch. I work closely with Barbara Murray and the tenants forum. I have attended a scrutiny panel, helped to build the Christmas grotto for the local children and have attended a number of meetings.

With Barbara, I am involved in a number of projects such as: cross border planning sessions, regenerations and community cohesion. I feel I have gained some knowledge in how a community functions and how important tenant involvement is. I have also gained some IT knowledge.

We will be recruiting new people in May, so contact your local job centre for more details.



OurTimes



IF NOT YOU ARE MORE THAN TWICE AS LIKELY TO DIE IN A FIRE


Do you have a working fire alarm at home?

1 - Fit smoke alarms on each level of your home.

Goodbye Jan!

200 people die each year in accidental res in their homes, caused by smoking materials, candles, and other factors such as cooking appliances. You can reduce the risk of re in your home by following some simple re safety steps.


Your local re and rescue service oers free Home Fire Risk Checks and may be able to t free smoke alarms in your home. For more information visit the website, www.direct.gov.uk/rekills

2 - Test your smoke alarms weekly. Never remove the batteries.

3 - Put it out. Right Out! Make sure you put cigarettes out properly and never smoke in bed.

4 - Plan an escape route and make sure everyone knows it and where door and window keys are kept.

Jan Taylor, Community Development Ocer at Fitton Hill, will be retiring on 31 March 2010. Jan has lived and worked on Fitton Hill since 25 April 2000. Originally working for First Choice Homes, she transferred to the role of Community Development Ocer for Villages Housing in 2004.

Jan rst lived in one of the ats that used to stand on Rosary Road, and which have long since been demolished. As a resident on Fitton Hill for approaching 10 years, Jan has always taken a keen interest in the estate and is able to bring both our company and a tenant's perspective to her role.

Jan has worked with local schools and community groups on the estate throughout her time here and has encouraged a great deal of community participation in a whole range of initiatives. The pinnacle of her eorts resulted in the local 'Fun for All Ages' group being awarded the Runner up prize in the Pride in Oldham awards in 2009. She also enjoyed using her creative skills to help produce the Fitton Times (now Our Times) and the annual residents calendar.

A great knitter, most of the sta are currently to be seen sporting Jan's long uy scarves - just perfect during the cold weather. Jan's colleagues will miss her, not least because she is key to maintaining standards in the sta kitchen! "Woe betide" anyone who leaves the place messy!

But Jan is not going far and will no doubt remain involved by becoming a member of some of the groups that she has helped to set up. Hopefully we can continue to benet from her knowledge and experience for many years to come.

I am sure you will join us in wishing Jan and her husband Geo our very best wishes for the future, and thank her for her hard work and contribution during her time with Villages.

John Rogers (from Round Hey, Stockbridge Village) who has lived on Stockbridge Village for 43 years, retired from The Sports Pavilion on 5th March after working there for 24 years (even back when it was a shopping centre).

Speaking to John about his retirement he quoted I will miss all the people that used to use the gym, and I want to say a big thank you to everyone!

After retiring John is going to spend time with his son and two grandchildren.

Happy Retirement John!

Happy Retirement John!!



OurTimes

Prize WinnersAFTER HOURS


WORDS AND PICTURES


Garden Competition

Grasshoppers Grant Success

Villages Gardening competition is due to take place in July, with prizes presented in August.

Lets see if we can grow the number of entries we receive this year! Come on get sowing and planting, preparing and pruning. As in previous years there will be various categories (shown on the entry form and also in the next edition of Our Times) -simply enter the one that best suits your style of gardening.

Pick up an entry form available from reception at our oces, or speak to either Lisa Fowles (Fitton Hill) or Barbara Murray (Stockbridge Village). Good luck to everyone!!

Fitton Hill Landscape Team member Mike has started football coaching sessions for boys and girls aged 4 to 8. The group has been helped on its way with a Villages Community B u d g e t Grant to p u r c h a s e f o o t b a l l s , t r a i n i n g poles and a rst aid bag.

The sessions are held at Hathershaw College on Belleld Avenue o Ashton Road, Thursday evenings from 4.30pm to 6pm. Admission is 1 per session.

The group would really like to attract more budding Beckhams and would particularly welcome more girls. Why not come along next week and give it a try?

For further information please contact Mike on 07920 759 154. Mike and Martin would like to thank the parents of children already attending the sessions for their support.

Below are some of the recent winners of our various prize draws.

Pat Bostock of Fitton Hill, was the rst person to be awarded the Golden Goodbye of 70 when she left her property recently, pictured with Jackie Bradley from Villages Fitton Hill oce. Mrs Patricia Duxbury who lived in Fitton Hill from 1992 until November 09 has also been awarded a Golden Goodbye.

Mrs A Evans won the second of our Direct Debit Prize draws, pictured with Carol Hart from Villages.

Mr & Mrs Hewitt and Ms Ross were winners in the Fitton Hill Gas Prize Draw, both pictured with Guy Parkinson, Lead Breakdown Engineer with Premier Gas.

In Stockbridge, the winner of the September gas draw was Mrs Coreld and the winner of October's draw was Ms C Preston, pictured with Katie Miller from Villages.

Have a look on our website for details of all the dierent prize draws you could win.

Villages Housing and Knowsley MBC funded a group of young people from Stockbridge Village to go to the Lake District over the half term break for outdoor activities.

Tony Whittick, the manager of the Famous Grapes FC, who organised the trip said:

"Everyone had a great time. The Lake District is beautiful at this time of year and we were able to get out and about walking. We would all like to thank Villages and Knowsley Council for making this trip and the activities at the lakes possible."

Famous Grapes FC

Oldham CarersDo you care for someone, without payment, who could not manage without you due to age, physical or mental illness, addiction or disability?

If you provide support to a partner, child, relative, friend or neighbour, Oldham Carers Emergency Support Services Carers Emergency Card could be just the scheme you need to sign up to.

For more details contact Oldham Carers Centre, 140 Union Street, OldhamTel: 0161 770 1188e-mail: [email protected]

The scheme is a partnership between Princess Royal Trust Oldham Carers Centre, First Choice Homes Helpline and Oldham Rapid Response Team.



OurTimes

Ramblers Diary

SUPERB SCHEME MANAGERS


NEIGHBOURS TO THE RESCUE!


Community Spirit Alive and WellOn the Sunday before Christmas an 86 year old tenant of Scheme Manager Dana had no form of heating and the engineer couldnt get to her because of the deep snow. Despite being snowed in at home, Dana recruited the driving skills of her auntie and the support of her Mum and the three of them armed with electric radiators managed to make it through to Fitton Hi

our times spring 2010

Documents

e t t e r o f f r e

c o n c e r n e d

u kourtimest h e n e

s t o d w p

o r ds p r i n g

u d i t c o

c e t ea m1

n j u s t