Twincredibles in Widnes
Transcription
Twincredibles in Widnes
Help with money matters Win £250 with Beyond the Garden Gate Good Neighbour Awards 2012 ETTER HALTON HOUSING TRUST NEWSL REACH 11 Winter Twincredibles in Widnes Full story on page 5. Welcome to REACH In This Issue Welcome to our Winter edition. I am sure I am not alone in noticing just how quickly this year has passed by? Community Part of the reason for this may be due to there being so much going on at the Trust, with a whole host of projects, schemes and improvements taking place. This edition of REACH provides an overview of what has been happening over the last few months – it is becoming more and more difficult to fit it all in! We are also covering good news stories from our customers. A big thank you to Kerry Wood for sharing her family story with us. If you have an interesting story and would like to feature please contact Anna Lambert on 0151 510 5107. The Beyond the Garden Gate update is an interesting read. It really is impressive to see how far reaching the programme has become, I was really proud the Trust was recently nominated for the Silver Screen Award. You can see clips from the video on our facebook site. Refurbishment work at both our offices is now complete. I hope you will agree the facilities for customers are now much improved. 5 6 2 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org 9 Some of our success stories 9 Family fun day 14 Don’t suffer in silence over Christmas 14 Alcohol - Know your limits 5 Halton Sports Awards 2011 5 Twincredibles in Widnes 7 Would you like to help shape our services? 7 New customer Board Member 7 Meet our Street Reps 10 Chris, PCSO in Widnes nominated for an award 10 Trust’s work with Hospice receives a national award Halton Housing Trust 9 4 Staying safe during Winter 4 Warmth could be more affordable this winter 4 Have you had your annual gas safety check? 6 Good Neighbour Awards 2012 11 Hello from Colin Knox, Gas Safety & Asset Administrator 11 Colin’s Christmas breakfast 12 12 Cameras roll as Beyond the Garden Gate gets moment in spotlight 13 Life after Decent Homes 13 We welcome eight apprentices 15 Choices Contact Us Happy Christmas and very best wishes for the New Year. Nick Atkin Chief Executive Don’t suffer debt in silence we can help Halton People This edition also offers practical advice and support on debt problems, domestic abuse and alcohol. Unfortunately all of these are increasing problems over the Christmas period. We have also included some tips for staying safe and well if the predictions of colder weather are to be believed. I would like to wish you all a happy and peaceful Christmas and hope you get to share some time with family and friends over the festive period. I am looking forward to returning in the New Year refreshed and ready for a range of new opportunities 2012 will bring. 8 16 What’s on 15 Cover image: Kerry and Paul Woods with children Layton, Kaydon and Tiyannah Bulletin Board Changes to the application process From November people wanting to apply for housing will no longer have an interview. Application forms are still being accepted and can be obtained by calling the Customer Services Team on 0800 195 3172 or downloading one from www.haltonhousing.org Did you see our Annual Report? We delivered a four page summary of the report along with the last edition of REACH. Let us know what you thought of it by contacting Anna Lambert, Communications Manager on 0151 510 5107 or email anna.lambert@haltonhousing.org Purchase cheap computers and broadband You can purchase a cheap refurbished computer with a new flatscreen keyboard, mouse and Windows 7 by visiting www.getonlineathome.org The website also has cheap pay as you go and monthly broadband deals. Prize draw winners – clear rent account To all Leaseholders 1st Prize - £250 Mr J Hudson, Widnes You should have received your leaseholder accounts in September giving you the actual balances for 2010/2011 and the budgeted accounts for 2011/12. If you have not received them please let us know as soon as possible. 2nd Prize - £100 Mrs J Ryder, Runcorn 3rd Prize - £50 Mr G & Mrs E Dwyer, Widnes We have also sent your service charge invoices which are payable from 1st November 2011 and all payment methods are confirmed on the reverse of the invoice. For more information please contact Diane Griffiths, Commercial Services Officer on 0151 510 5177 or email diane.griffiths@haltonhousing.org Christmas opening times The Trust’s office will be closed for Christmas from Friday 23rd December noon until Tuesday 3rd January. In the case of an emergency please call 0800 195 3172. www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 3 Halton Housing Trust Staying safe during Winter In the last few years we have experienced very bad weather across Halton. This can cause disruption for the Trust when undertaking daily services but also to you, both in your home and when travelling around. We have some tips to staying safe during any bad weather. In your home • It is important to keep warm, try to leave your heating on low • Stock your food cupboards with tinned food and the essentials Going Away • Turn OFF your stop tap and run any water out of your pipes • Either let us or your neighbour know in case of emergency Going out/travelling in snow • Is your journey essential, could you travel by public transport? • Carry an emergency kit in your car consisting of: torch, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots and first-aid kit Neighbours • Could you spare ten minutes to check on your old or vulnerable neighbours? Insurance • Have you got contents insurance? The Trust is not liable for incidents such as burst pipes and this can cause a lot of damage to your valuables. If you want to talk to us about contents insurance please call on 0800 195 3172/ 0303 333 101. Our services Please be aware our services may be reduced in periods of adverse weather and we ask you for your patience in this. Warmth could be more affordable this winter We have been visiting customers’ homes on request to give advice on cheaper gas and electricity tariffs as well as offering energy saving tips as part of the affordable warmth campaign. Among those who received a visit were Alfred and Marie Anderson, from Widnes. The couple won an eco kettle supplied by Trust contractor Sure Maintenance in a draw for people who made an appointment. Alfred and Marie with their new kettle Have you had your annual gas safety check? Every year thousands of people are diagnosed with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning. Thousands more suffer without even knowing they are being poisoned. We want to highlight the importance of having gas appliances in your home checked annually, it could save your life. 4 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org People Tara-Jane, Amy and the Trust’s Customer Board Member Margaret Walsh Halton Sports Awards 2011 The 2011 Sports Awards took place on Thursday 22nd September at the Stobart Stadium. The evening was hosted by BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Alan Jackson and special guest was Steve O'Connor, Chair of Widnes Vikings. The evening was attended by 120 people from the voluntary sector of sport in Halton. There were thirteen winners, with six who went on to represent Halton at the Merseyside Sporting Champions Awards at the Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool on Friday 4th November. The Trust sponsored the Young Sports Person of the Year award which was won by Amy Wignall who is a Canoeist. Highly commended was Tara-Jane Stanley who plays Rugby League. Amy didn’t win in Liverpool but Carol Hughes, the secretary from Halton Swimming Club was named Volunteer of the Year. Twincredibles in Widnes “Once we were on holiday in Benidorm and we couldn’t walk down the street without drawing attention, people were praying over them and buying them toys and sweets”. Five year old twins Layton and Kaydon are becoming familiar faces after appearing in a BBC documentary, ‘Twincredibles’ in October. Kerry had a number of stories of being approached by strangers who were intrigued by the boys and wanted to know more. “They have got different traits and can argue but if I am telling them off they join forces and stick up for each other”. The documentary followed five sets of twins, from toddlers through to adults that have black and white parents and have been born each with a different skin colour. Even though it is rare and Kerry was told it was not likely to happen again she has since given birth to seventeen month Tiyannah who is also white. To add to the statistics even more Kerry is due to give birth soon and will soon learn what her unique genes will result in. The family have also appeared in Women magazine and in a number of local papers. The chance of this happening is a million to one. Twins mother Kerry said: “When they were born they had jaundice so it was at about 4-5 weeks that you could really see the difference”. The documentary looked at how the outside world views each set of twins. Layton and Kaydon are different characters and there is a bit of rivalry between them but when it comes to sticking together they are one in the same, Kerry said: Layton Kaydon www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 5 Halton Housing Trust 2 1 20 Previous winners from the Good Neighbourhood Awards We are launching four awards for customers who have made a positive contribution to their community. •Good Neighbour Award •Laura Harrison Community Award •Youth Award •Taking a Stand Award Each category winner will receive £100. The Categories Good Neighbour Award The customer must demonstrate certain qualities such as a willingness to visit people living alone or in hospital, offering lifts or assisting neighbours in the community. The Laura Harrison Community Award This is given to individuals or couples who have undertaken outstanding voluntary work for a long period of time as part of a Community Group or Organisation. This might include running a football club, a youth club, a scout club or a social club for the elderly or disabled. 6 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org The Youth Award This celebrates the achievements of a young person up to the age of 21 and can be in the following areas; volunteering, the environment, carers, the arts, community improvement, outstanding achievement or personal journey. Taking a Stand Award This will be selected directly by the Trust and will be presented to a customer who has made a positive stand against anti-social behaviour. As a Trust customer you can nominate another Trust customer for an Award by simply completing a nomination form providing the details of the person you are nominating, the reason for nominating them, along with your details. Nomination forms can be obtained from any Halton Housing Trusts offices or by telephoning 0151 510 5036 or by email to hazel.lea@haltonhousing.org The deadline for nominations is Friday 20th January 2012. People Would you like to help shape our services? We have a number of involvement opportunities for our customers. We want your opinions, your suggestions and your contribution. From reviewing documents in the comfort of your home to carrying out inspections of our services there is something for everyone. Opposite are some of the ways customers have got involved. We would like to ensure that all our customers are able to fully participate in everything that we do. We can provide additional support (mobility/transport/communication/ childcare/religious needs etc) or cater for specific dietary requirements. Welcome Stephen new customer Board Member Stephen Pimbblet, 43, has become Lead Member for Housing Services as part of our Board and hopes to show that it is possible to volunteer while looking after a family and holding down a job. “I think it is especially important at the moment that everyone does something to help in the community”, he said. “If what I do encourages younger people to get more involved then that will be a great achievement”. Stephen has a partner, a four year old son and works as a Training Officer in the warehouse division at Tesco in Widnes. Some of our customers said: “The Editorial Panel is fun to work on. I find it interesting taking part and like that I have an impact on the articles published in REACH”. Ann, Widnes. “I have been involved on several levels with the Trust and can honestly say I have enjoyed the experience. There are many areas volunteers can be and are useful. Give it a go”. Joy, Runcorn. “The Customer Forum has given me an opportunity to have some real input and the £10,000 environmental budget we have is making a positive impact on peoples lives”. June, Widnes. If you feel this is something you would be interested in please contact Colette Ranson on 0151 510 5020 or email colette.ranson@haltonhousing.org Meet our Street Reps We have three Street Representatives, Joy Hughes, Margaret Walsh and Ruth Gittens. Over the last 12 months they have played an active role in helping customers who have needed assistance in dealing with a Trust query. Margaret Some recent queries include; reporting a repair for a customer who has hearing difficulties, reporting fly tipping and reporting parking in disabled parking spaces without a blue badge. They play a valuable role in our communities and the Trust would like to thank them for all their hard work. Ruth Joy We are looking for further representatives. The role will need no more than two to three hours per month (depending on the type of query you are dealing with). You can represent your road or a bigger area if you choose – it’s up to you. The group meet once every three months to discuss what has been happening in their area, how it has been dealt with and to swap ideas. If you are interested in becoming a street rep in your area please call Debbie Jameson on 0151 510 5185 or email debbie.jameson@haltonhousing.org www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 7 Community Don’t suffer debt in silence we can help Being in debt seems to be a way of life today. With rising living costs and salaries remaining the same, or in the worst cases being reduced, it is safe to say that everyone has been affected by the credit crunch and the slowing economy in one way or another. A number of our customers are affected by debt problems. This has a massive impact on their lives, feeling distressed, emotional, isolated, affecting family life and wellbeing. Many of our customers rely on high interest lenders such as Brighthouse, Provident, Wonga, The Money Shop and many more. In fact these lenders are springing up across Britain at an alarming rate, just look around the town centres, they are everywhere, leaving thousands of people in crippling debt. Claire They all charge obscene rates of interest for their credit some as much as 4,214%; unbelievable considering the Bank of England’s base rate is currently 0.5%. Your Local Credit Union Runcorn Old Police Station, Mersey Road, Runcorn, WA7 1DF 01928 588520 If you are struggling please don’t bury your head in the sand, you need to take control and act now, stop using these lenders. Widnes 27 Queens Avenue, Widnes, WA8 8HR 0151 257 8753 We have two full time Money Advisors, Claire Creed and Amber Cairns who are here to advise and support you to deal with your debt problems. We can help with setting up a bank account and work closely with the Credit Union. At the moment we will pay the joining fee of £1 for each customer who opens an account with them. Facing up to your debts will put you back in control and we can help you see that there is light at the end of the tunnel. 8 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org Our service is free and non judgmental, we can offer advice on budgeting, welfare benefits and how to become a savvy shopper. Make it your New Year’s resolution to improve your family’s wellbeing by contacting us for help. Call Claire or Amber on 0151 510 5024. Or contact your local Citizen Advice Bureau for advice and support. Some of our success stories Amber We have assisted many of our customers to clear utility debts and have helped those suffering extreme hardship to purchase essential items - carpets and replacement washing machines. Our customers have been awarded over £5,800 this year! We work with our Income Recovery Team to sort out housing benefit problems - at the same time dealing with many council tax issues. A vulnerable Runcorn family were involved with our legal team due to high rent arrears and we successfully challenged a housing benefit decision and helped clear a £221 overpayment. And a further £241 came off the existing rent arrears allowing the family to remain in their home and avoid eviction. We recently secured a Runcorn pensioner an additional £18.25pw whilst maintaining their full entitlement to housing and council tax benefit. In the year to date we have challenged housing benefit decisions on customers behalf and received nearly £20,000 worth of benefit revisions. Many pensioners do not realise they are entitled to a minimum income guarantee and we successfully apply for pension credits to top up many of our older customers income. Family fun day We are holding a series of family fun days across Halton for you and your family. We will be offering information and advice on the changes to benefits and how they could affect you from April 2012 into 2013. Come along to your local event during February half term between 1-4pm: Monday 13th February Ditton Children’s Centre Wednesday 15th February Upton Community Centre Friday 17th February Grangeway Children’s Centre www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 9 People Chris, PCSO in Widnes nominated for an award Police Community Support Officer Chris Carr from Widnes was nominated in the national Police Review 2011 awards for PCSO of the Year. Awards were presented by the Home Secretary Theresa May. Chris, together with a student officer from Warrington were the only Cheshire nominees for the awards which covers England, Scotland, Wales and N Ireland. Chris is part funded by the Trust and he will be a familiar face to many of our customers. Well done Chris. Lucky winner from Pooches on Parade Ms Unsworth from Runcorn and her son scooped the £30 Asda vouchers. Trust’s work with Hospice receives a national award “We have taken our partnership with the Hospice very seriously over the past five years and worked hard to play our part in supporting the Hospice in making a difference to the lives of patients and their families”, said Nick Atkin. The Trust’s work with Halton Haven Hospice took a top honour at the Charity Times Awards in October. We jointly scooped the Corporate Community Local Involvement Award in recognition of the way we work together for the benefit of people across Runcorn and Widnes. 10 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org The Hospice provides a ‘home from home’ environment and vital round-the-clock care for people with life limiting illnesses. This costs £2.1million a year and the charity relies on local donations to raise 60 per cent of its operating costs. Halton Housing Trust Colin Knox Hello from Colin Knox, Gas Safety & Asset Administrator I joined the Trust in July 2009, as the Gas Safety and Asbestos Administrator, I am still in this role although the title has changed. The emphasis is on ensuring our customers have safe gas appliances so they can live in a safe environment. Before joining the Trust I had a varied background - through no choice of my own I might add working in diverse roles - Telecoms Technical Sales, Packaging Sales Rep, running an internet clothing company, planning/running corporate hospitality events, Gas Contract Manager, laying tarmac, cladding buildings, making the swine flue vaccine - all of which has made me the well-balanced person I am now! The Trust has given me great opportunities both in work, where the chances for self improvement are many, and also outside – the highlight being over the last two years being selected to visit Uganda, with One Brick at a Time charity, which have been truly life changing experiences. Colin in Uganda Outside of work I am (was?) a keen sportsman – but, as with everything, time is catching up and the days of football/squash/tennis/cricket are dwindling, as my knees can’t cope anymore - the mind is willing but the body isn’t. My hobby is planning and preparing meals for my wife, friends and family who are always up for a new culinary experience I have prepared - with the harshest critic being myself!!! As a consequence I have developed other passions the main one being my love of cooking. These days my shelves are littered with cook books from around the world. I hope you enjoy this recipe below I would like to hear your views or if you want to send your own recipe, contact us using the details at the back of REACH. Colin’s Christmas breakfast A nice easy treat!! Soft boiled egg with asparagus wrapped in ham. This is a great little late breakfast/ brunch for Christmas morning tastes great and is nice and easy. Ingredients - Serves 2 • 2 free range eggs • 12 asparagus spears – trimmed, cut the woody end off • 6 slices Serrano ham • Parmesan cheese Method 1. Preheat oven gas mark 6 2. Boil large pan of salted water and put in trimmed asparagus, cook for 1 minute and remove 3. Cut the ham in half then wrap each spear with the Serrano ham 4. Drizzle with olive oil – and place on baking tray and cook for 10 minutes do not overcook as it’s important they are still firm so you can pick them up with your fingers 5. Meanwhile put eggs in a pan of cold water - bring to boil and cook for 3 minutes 6. Serve egg in egg cup with the asparagus on the side (I add parmesan shavings to the spears but that’s optional) 7. Take top off egg and dip in asparagus www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 11 Cameras roll as Beyond the Garden Gate gets moment in spotlight Paul Mullane gets interviewed for the awards The Trust’s ‘Beyond the Garden Gate’ initiative was shortlisted for the Northern Housing Consortium’s Silver Screen Awards. As part of the award judging process a film crew was sent out to highlight the Trust’s achievements, only made possible by the strong support of various community groups, organisations and agencies. Among the projects featured in the filming was the refurbishment of the disused Rangers Centre in Spike Island. The Centre is now used by West Bank Community Forum which provides activities every day such as volunteering, a youth group and children’s activities. Its previous premises were no longer fit for purpose so the Trust organised, along with the Council, for the Forum to use the Rangers Centre. The Trust also donated a new kitchen and arranged for its contractors to donate their hours to install and refurbish it. Neighbourhood Natters in Weston Our neighbourhood natters have now started in Weston, for those who have joined us thank you. We hope to see a lot of people involved, remember you can help to shape changes in your area. The project is moving to Widnes Central after Weston. 12 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org Visit our website www.beyondthegardengate.co.uk or like our facebook page www.facebook.com/ beyondthegardengate Since the work was carried out the group has been able to hold their first fundraising event at the Centre. St Mary’s Church in Widnes will also feature in the film after the programme helped to revitalise a community garden and installed an access ramp. Beyond the Garden Gate didn’t win the award unfortunately but it was excellent to be shortlisted and the video will be available on our facebook page. Life after Decent Homes The Beyond the Garden Gate programme also covers the investment works that are continuing in your homes. Delighted customer, Mrs Dennett’s kitchen "I am really happy with my new kitchen, the team were really considerate and explained every step of the process. I rang Halton Community Radio to do a shout out to the team!" Mrs Dennett Since July 2011 we have installed: 170 New kitchens 151 New bathrooms 105 Electrical rewires 150 New heating boilers 39 Central heating systems We have completed over 200 improvements externally, renewed 140 roofs, and installed new boundary fencing to over 100 of our customers homes. Our customer satisfaction surveys show our customers are 99% happy with the improvements we have undertaken to their homes, which is exceptionally high. It doesn’t stop there, the results and comments are used to help us to strive towards delivering continuous improvements within our service. We welcome eight apprentices Eight apprentices have been successful in being offered a position - which will last up to four years with the Trust. They will learn from experienced employees and tradesmen as well as attend college training courses. We have worked in partnership with Riverside College in order to provide full training and qualifications for the apprentices. Jack Martin, 16, is from Ditton in Widnes and lives in one of the Trust’s homes. He did work experience at the Trust and is now working as an apprentice electrician. “I love it because it is such a hands on job”, he said. “The training we are doing so far is about health and safety, asbestos and lone working and I am really enjoying it”. www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 13 Community Don’t suffer in silence over Christmas We are committed to help and support victims of domestic abuse. Over Christmas incidents of domestic abuse increase. The pressures of family, money and an increase in alcohol consumption place additional strain on relationships. Domestic abuse can be: •Physical – hitting, kicking, shoving, pushing, punching, biting •Psychological – bullying, belittling, verbal abuse, humiliation •Emotional – lowering your self-esteem, making you feel useless/worthless/like a bad parent •Financial – fraud, not letting you have any money, taking your money, creating debts in your name •Sexual – assault, rape, using sex as a bargaining tool We believe that no one should suffer domestic abuse and we will support and assist any customer who is a victim of abuse by ensuring confidentiality, interviewing within 24 hours, being sympathetic and supportive and working with external agencies in your best interests. 14 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org We can offer practical support including: • Additional locks and security at the victims home • Explore options for re-housing the victim • Consider legal action including injunctions and possession, working in partnership with Woman’s Aid and the Police Useful Numbers: • National Domestic Violence Helpline 0808 2000 247 (freephone) • Halton & District Woman’s Aid Association 0151 495 2778 • Woman’s Aid Helpline Regional 0161 839 8574 or 0808 2000 247 (freephone) • Broken Rainbow (gay, lesbian and transgender advice line) 0161 839 8574 • Mankind (support for male victims) 01823 334244 In an emergency dial Police 999. Halton Housing Trust £2 dra 50 w! Choices is our customer incentive scheme. As a Trust customer you have access to various prize draws, schemes and incentives, such as: • A draw for a clear rent account • The right time to move support • Assisted gardening • Assisted furniture • Handyperson • Leave it clean • Decoration allowance • Assisted decorating • Prize draws from satisfaction draws • Neighbourhood awards • Cheaper content insurance There are certain criteria to be met for some of the schemes that are listed. You may not be aware of some or all of the different incentives. If you would like further information on any of the above please contact our Customer Services Team on 0800 195 3172. To launch Choices we are offering customers the chance to be entered into another prize draw. Simply complete the coupon and send back to us and you will be entered into a draw to win £250. If you could send this back by Friday 20th January 2012 to Anna Lambert, Daresbury Point, Green Wood Drive, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA71UG. Name __________________________________________________________ Phone Number ___________________________________________________ Email __________________________________________________________ Address ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________ www.haltonhousing.org • Winter 2011 REACH 15 Contact Us What’s On Runcorn Daresbury Point, Green Wood Drive, Manor Park, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1UG Widnes Foundry Lane, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 8TZ Telephone: All enquiries and repairs 0800 195 3172 0303 333 0101 Phone lines are open Monday – Friday 8am – 7pm Offices are open Monday – Friday 9am - 5pm Email: info@haltonhousing.org 2nd January – 15th January 17th January Aladdin North West Film Archive: Halton on Film The Parr Hall in Warrington are showing the fun-filled, family classic, Aladdin for January 2012 as their Panto. Parr Hall, £11/£9/Family ticket £36 A chance to look at the industries, cultures and traditions of the area through archive films. For tickets and event information, please contact the box office on 01925 442 345. The Brindley, High Street, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 1BG 0151 907 8360 14th February / 15th February / 17th February Family Fun Days We are offering advice on changes to the benefits system and how it could affect you. Join us between 1- 4pm on: Website: www.haltonhousing.org Monday 14th February - Ditton Children’s Centre Wednesday 15th February - Upton Community Centre Friday 17th February - Grangeway Community Centre Follow us on Facebook and Twitter Cal 0151 510 5024 for more information. facebook.com/pages/HaltonHousing-Trust/105856779324 twitter.com/haltonhousing Please recycle Alternative format? Please contact us if you would like REACH in large print, Braille, CD or in another language. Please telephone 0800 195 3172 and we will be happy to meet your needs. 16 REACH Winter 2011 • www.haltonhousing.org