Pulse Winter 2012

Happy New Year

from everyone at THT

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WELF AR E

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www.traffordhousingtrust.co.uk

Winter 2012/2013

The benefit that pays your rent is going to be reduced Page 4-5

Contents

2

Welcome

3

Strong heads on young shoulders

36

Changes in benefits are coming

4

Skip to it

37

The Danish tour

5

Woodsend Family Fun Day

38-39

Money Support - paying rent

6

Leaseholders Together

40-42

Dealing with loan sharks

10

Henshaws

43

Our Promises

12

Calendar of events

44-47

Greener Urmston

15

Everyone has the right to be safe

48

Dealing with frozen pipes

16

Hate hate crime

49

Winter wellbeing

17

Dealing with crime

50-51

Bin collections

18

Trafford Partnership

52-53

Be green this Christmas

18

The Old Trafford Masterplan

54-55

Gritting teams ready for winter

19

Trafford College ÂŁ9m investment

56-57

Access Trafford

19

Citizens Advice Trafford

58

Cut crime and stay safe

20

App-tastic recruitment tools

59

Safe winter driving

20

Winter Fire Safety advice

21

Award-winning Council app

22

Trafford Treasures

24-25

Customer Hub Call Centre Top 50

26

Northern Silver Screen Awards

27

Support for the voluntary and community sector

28-29

Stretford Community Panel

30

A tribute to Steve Leathwaite

31

Santa out and about in Trafford

32

Saturday challenge

32

Working with schools

33

Wimbledon comes to Old Trafford

34

Above the rim

35

Welcome to the Winter 2012 Issue of Pulse

W

e get right the overwhelming majority of the things that we do at Trafford Housing Trust and I hope that you feel that the service you get from us is getting better each year. But sometimes we do get things wrong and as a transparent and honest organisation, when that happens, we should put up our hands and apologise.

You might have seen from recent press and TV coverage that I have just apologised to a member of our staff for exactly that. Whilst we had taken proper legal advice throughout the process, a Court Judgement was handed down last month which said that we had been wrong to discipline one of our Managers. We thought we had taken into account all the circumstances of his conduct and made a decision in line with our understanding of the law and the Trust’s values. In a so-called “Facebook� case the Judge found that comments made by our Manager were not related to his work and so we should not have imposed any disciplinary sanction against him.

The case has been difficult for all concerned and an unfortunate distraction. I am now pleased it is over and we can now all get back to the business at hand, delivering high quality services to you, our customers.

On to better press coverage now, you may have read in December that the Trust was awarded not one but two Silver Screen Awards for our Apprentice Programme.The awards were made by the Northern Housing Consortium and recognised our Apprentice Programme as the best initiative in youth employment in the North West of England.You can read all about this on page 27.This was not the only award THT has won recently, I am very proud of the fact that our Customer Hub was recently judged number 16 in the Times Top 50 Call Centres in the UK.This is featured on page 26.

This edition also includes lots of great advice on coping through the Winter, particularly if it turns cold and if we experience frost and snow.The information is important for your own personal safety and health and also in terms of looking after your property.

I know some customers have expressed concern at the I hope you enjoy reading this edition and may I costs incurred. We work very hard to ensure that we take this opportunity to wish you a happy and use money wisely at the Trust and in this case we did not have to pay any of the substantial costs incurred by successful 2013. our Manager in bringing the matter to Court. I can also reassure you that we have reviewed our policies and procedures in the light of the court decision to ensure Matthew Gardiner a similar situation cannot occur again in the future.

Finally, can I assure you that in our day to day dealings with you and your neighbours, my staff will treat everyone fairly regardless of their personal views and regardless of the gender, sexual orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion or belief, age, ability or disability.

Chief Executive, Trafford Housing Trust

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CHANGES IN BENEFITS ARE COMING.

ARE YOU PREPARED FOR

WELFARE REFORM? Bedroom Tax – are you prepared?

You will remember that in the last edition of Pulse we told you all about the changes to the benefits system in regard to Under Occupancy.

Since then if you are affected by Under Occupancy or ‘the bedroom tax’, you will have received a letter from Trafford Council explaining how it will affect you. In the early part of next year, staff from the Trust will be arranging to visit these customers and talk through their plans to deal with the situation.

The table opposite explains in a visual form what the new rules are. It illustrates who is entitled to a bedroom for themselves and also who needs to share a bedroom.

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If you are aged A RM CH NGES A between 16-61 then FO RE RE the Government changes to Housing Benefit may affect you.

This may mean using the family budget differently in The Government TI ME UT order to make the necessary payments, finding work changes affect the I S RU N N I N G O or arranging to do additional hours, considering a amount of housing mutual exchange or transfer to a smaller property, benefit that you will be paid based on taking in a lodger or another solution. the number of people permanently living in your home.

THE DANISH TOUR 13th - 17th November, 2012

• I f you have one bedroom spare then your housing benefit will be reduced by 14% • I f you have two or more bedrooms spare then your housing benefit will be reduced by 25%

These changes start in April 2013.

If you are not on benefits, Welfare Reforms may impact you as they may reduce the income of the Trust, thereby affecting the money we have available to improve your home and neighbourhood.

We estimate these changes put at risk £1.9 million of the Trust’s annual income.

In November, Trafford Housing Trust were delighted to welcome a delegation from Denmark who were touring Housing providers in England to learn more about how we are responding to the Welfare Reforms being introduced here.

Danish municipalities are looking for new ways to engage more actively with their local communities in order to retain service levels, save costs and improve the quality of services.The delegates arrived on Wednesday 14th November and spent the day in Trafford learning about the participatory budgeting model.They talked to the Stretford Community Panel, the Trust and Trafford Council.The following day they went over to Stockport and then spent their final two days in Luton and London.They were particularly interested in learning about practical experiences of organisations involved in the impacts of Welfare Reform.

Here are just some of the topics that were discussed: • Practical experiences in engaging the public in improved welfare services • The role, value, opportunities and challenges of participatory budgeting • Options and experiences of co-production • Staff, money and follow-up required to implement a successful process • Possible drawbacks • Creating community engagement, how has this been supported by the educational system?

• Training provided to local authority staff • Systematic measurement of the effect of initiatives in your area The delegation were looking for inspiration and new ideas about how to engage those affected by possible changes. We hope they found that in Trafford!

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Money Support

Sharon White Manager for Social Inclusion

In each edition of Pulse we like to dedicate some space to talk about our Money Support Service. We are here primarily to collect your rent, but we can also help with advising you on managing your finances, your welfare rights, debts and employment support.

PAYING YOUR RENT

We have been contacting customers in this position and it has caused some concern.

We have recently been talking to customers regarding when they pay their rent and service charges.

We are obliged to ensure that customers do pay their rent in line with the Tenancy Agreement and therefore we will be working to ensure that in future we do receive payments in advance.

Lots of customers have arrangements in place to pay their rent regularly and we do receive it regularly. In some cases however the payment is made ‘in arrears’ ie: at the end of the period for which rent or service change is due.

This is a breach of the Tenancy Agreement which states that you must pay the rent and any service charge in advance, on or before Monday of each week.

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While we accept that payment in arrears has been allowed in the past and has not been flagged as an issue, it is something that we must now rectify.

We cannot allow an ongoing breach of the Tenancy Agreement. Please be assured however that in enforcing this compliance to the Agreement, we will support customers.

Our aim is to ensure that rent accounts are paid on time for the good of everyone connected with the Trust.

DIRECT DEBIT You will have just read about the changes in regard to Under Occupancy rules. This is only one of a number of changes to the benefit system that will be happening next year.

Under Occupancy will happen in April but then in October 2013 the Government are introducing Universal Credit which will encompass all benefits in one.

If you don’t already have your Housing Benefit paid direct to you the biggest change will be just that…you will be paid direct.

If you are one of our customers that may be affected by that change, you may want to consider setting up a Direct Debit to ensure you pay your rent on time. You will be in control of your payments and you will need to ensure you continue to meet the requirements of your tenancy agreement. You will need to ensure you pay your rent on time. Failing to do this may result in you losing your home.

Direct Debits are a totally secure method of payment and are protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee. This guarantee means that you will get an immediate refund from your bank or building society in the unlikely event there is a mistake.

Once the Direct Debit is set up, your rent will be taken automatically on the agreed date every month. This should give you peace of mind knowing that you won’t forget to pay your rent.

With the introduction of Universal Credit you may consider paying your other bills by Direct Debit.

What you need to do is: •A rrange to pay your bills by Direct Debit by contacting the relevant companies • E nsure that the Direct Debits are set up after you have received your benefit payment. This will ensure that no bills are missed • E nsuring all your bills are paid once you have received your benefit will help you stay in control of your money and help with budgeting

So don’t miss out on the opportunity to ensure that your rent is paid in full every month.

Ring the Customer Hub for more details.

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Money Support Key considerations over Christmas The Trust currently charge rent over 48 weeks.

There are 4 non-collection weeks – we had our first two at Easter, and the second two are due over Christmas. Non collection weeks only apply where your account is clear or in credit.

Our next non-collection weeks are 24th December 2012 and 31st December 2012.

If you are ahead with your rent payments, or your account is clear, thank you! Your regular payments are very much appreciated. Similarly, if you pay by Direct Debit and your account is due to be clear or ahead at year end, thank you.

If you pay by Direct Debit, you don’t need to change your Direct Debit amount - your monthly payments will have taken the non-collection weeks into account already.

If you have arrears and are reducing these through a payment agreement or Court Order, you must continue to pay during our non-collection weeks. If you don’t make payments in line with your agreement or Court Order, we will take further action in the New Year.

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Please note that our offices close on 21st December and re-open on 2nd January 2013.You can however make payments in a number of ways - why not use the automated payment line on 0844 557 8321 over Christmas – this is available 24 hours a day!

If you are struggling to pay rent, we always prefer to work with customers to resolve issues around rent payments. Please contact the Money Support Service if you are having difficulties paying. If you would like us to assess your entitlement to any benefits (or your current benefit entitlement) please let us know.We have a Welfare Rights Officer who is able to look at whether you might be able to claim anything new or extra. If you have debts, we also have a Debt Advisor who might be able to help you to make your debts more manageable.

Paying your rent Direct Debit - Paying by Direct Debit couldn’t be simpler. It is an easy and convenient way to ensure that you have paid your rent on time and for the correct amount. You won’t have to worry about working out what you should pay as we will work that out for you and inform you of your payments.

All you need to ensure is that the correct amount is there to be taken. Payments come out of your bank account on either 1st or 15th of each month. Please contact our Customer Hub on 0300 777 7777 if you want to set up a Direct Debit.

Standing Order - To pay your rent on a weekly or monthly basis from your bank account, you could set up a Standing Order.

You are responsible for ensuring the correct payments are made. Please contact our Customer Hub on 0300 777 7777 for a form.

Allpay - You can make payments to your rent account online via a secure payment facility via the Trafford Housing Trust website where you will be redirected to www.allpayments.net/allpayments/. Payments made via this facility will normally be credited to your rent account within 3–4 days.

Allpay App - If you have an iPhone or an Android smartphone why not use the Allpay App. You could be making your payments at the touch of a button using this free app. Just search for Allpay on the iTunes or Google Play (formerly the Android market), or visit www.allpay.net/app.

Post Office/Paypoint - You can pay your rent at any Post Office or PayPoint outlet via cash or credit or debit card. If you do not have a payment card, you may use your 19 digit reference number which can be obtained from our Money Support Service on 0300 777 7777.You also have the option of paying via cheque at Post Offices - in these instances, cheques should be made payable to Post Office.

Phone - To pay your rent over the phone, you can do so through our secure phone line 0844 557 8321.You will need to have your 19 digit reference number and a valid debit or credit card available. This facility is available 24 hours per day and can be easily accessed by you.

It normally takes approximately 3 minutes to complete a transaction and a payment reference number is generated, to confirm your payment.

Cheque - To pay by cheque, it should be made payable to Trafford Housing Trust. You should write your 19 digit reference number on the back of your cheque, with your name and address. Send your cheque to: Trafford Housing Trust, Sale Point, 126-150 Washway Road, Sale M33 6AG. Please do not send cash or post dated cheques.

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Are you in the hands of a loan shark this New Year?

Every year, more and more people find themselves contacting illegal money lenders, more commonly known as loan sharks, because they are strapped for cash.

These criminals are to be avoided at all costs. An estimated 310,000 households nationwide borrowed from a loan shark in 2012 and approximately 20% of these take out a loan to fund Christmas.

Who are loan sharks?

• L oan sharks target those who would struggle to access credit through legitimate sources.

• I n some cases interest has been as high as a staggering 131,000% APR.

• They are often friends with the borrower at first but once payments are missed many will become intimidating, threatening or violent.

• I n some cases they have taken the borrower’s bank and Post Office card with the PIN to withdraw directly from their accounts.

• They rarely offer paperwork.

•M any loan sharks will resort to bullying tactics to enforce repayment because the debts are not enforceable by law.

• They will often refuse to tell the borrower how much they owe, how much longer they have to pay and how much interest they are paying on top.

However, help is at hand from a national team cracking down on loan sharks. The England Illegal Money Lending Team will investigate and prosecute loan sharks for illegal money lending and any offences linked to this. In the past this has included blackmail, threatening behaviour, violence, kidnap, drug offences and rape. We are urging anyone who has borrowed from a loan shark to contact us in confidence. We want you to help us remove these criminals from our streets.

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Anne* a single mum from Manchester was one of these. She tells her story below; It was coming up to Christmas and Anne was worrying about being able to afford presents for her two young children. Spotting an advert in her local paper for unsecured loans, she decided to call the number.

A man answered and told her he would be able to lend her £150, but it would need to be secured on something. He came to her home and took her passport explaining that this would be returned once she had repaid in full. He explained that she would need to repay £15 each week plus an extra £10 a week in interest.

In January, Anne fell ill and was unable to work.

As a result of this she defaulted on a couple of payments. She was resting at home with her sixyear-old daughter, when the loan shark barged in with two other men, demanding to know why she hadn’t paid.

A few days later she received a note from the loan shark through her door, to tell her that an extra £100 had been added to the debt for the ‘bailiff’ visit. From that point onwards, she paid the loan shark religiously retaining the Post Office slips as proof of payment. However the loan shark still appeared at her door, alleging she’d missed payments. For every visit he would add an extra charge of £80 to £100.

This continued for five years, with Anne paying back around £5,000 on the loan of £150.

The England Illegal Money Lending Team caught the loan shark and discovered Anne was not alone in her experience. The loan shark had around 900 ‘customers’ who he was harassing for payments, he believed to be due. He was given a lengthy custodial sentence and stripped of £270,000 he had made illegally.

Anne said:

“

It was such a weight off my shoulders. It had got to the point where my nerves were shot and I was too frightened to answer the door. I’d realised he was never, ever going to go away. If he hadn’t been arrested I’d probably still be paying him now.

“

Already more than 190 prosecutions have been secured leading to 117 years worth of custodial sentences. More than 16,000 victims have been helped.

If you believe you have borrowed from a loan shark, contact the England Illegal Money Lending Team in confidence, as we can help;

To report a loan shark: Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222 Email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003 Log on to www.gov.uk/report-loan-shark Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject Before loaning money from someone, check they are licensed at: Consumer Credit Register on 020 7211 8608, Monday to Friday 9:30am to 4pm Name has been changed.

*

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Our Promises Following on from last month’s update on how we are doing on delivering our promise to you we have continued to work hard to improve our performance.

• In our Repairs Service all Like the first quarter we have emergency repairs were evaluated our performance and completed within one day the figures that appear below are of reporting and 100% were based on our second quarter i.e. completed in 8 hours. Also in July to the end of September 2012. repairs, we promised that 95.6% The Promise was completely of jobs would be completed delivered in a number of areas. ‘right first time’ and we These were: exceeded this target by 2.11%.

• On the Customer Hub 95% of • In rental income, we lost only the 29,483 incoming calls were 0.77% of income from empty answered. Our target is to property. We had promised this answer 95% of calls therefore would be no more than 1%. the promise was kept. We • In the Money Support Service, missed 1,527 calls but we did we delivered all the improved ring those customers back on access to methods of payments. the same day.

• We have outperformed on the number of MOT’s that we should have done completing 533 MOT’s against a target of 350 at this stage of the year. We are well on track to meet our year-end target of 700.

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Are we living up to them?

• I n our Sheltered Schemes we provided 1,438 activities including coffee mornings, bingo, healthy hips and hearts and games sessions.

• F ive year works plans have been discussed with Leaseholders and their quarterly meetings have been held.

• TrustCall attended all emergency calls they received within 40 minutes. They actually arrived within 20 minutes on 97% of the calls.

•O ur Grounds Maintenance Promise has been kept this quarter with 2 weekly cutting cycles and weeding containers and hedges carried out.

• Action Plans and Support Plans were agreed for all reported incidents of ASB.

• I n relation to our Regeneration Promise at 96.5% satisfaction with planned investment works, we still have a little way to go before we reach our target of 98.5%. On the crucial issue of gas safety we have 99.8% of properties that require a gas safety certificate that have one in place.

• All Caretaking Services to both low and high rise blocks have been carried out as per The Promise.

We have introduced new tick sheets placed on display in communal areas in the blocks we clean, to demonstrate the frequency of caretaking and the elements of the promise delivered.

While we are pleased with the above, there is further work to be done. We recognise that: • Whilst we did respond to customer requests within ten days we did again miss our Promise to contact you in 48 hours if your query could not be resolved on the Customer Hub. • We resolved 77% of calls on the hub but only got back to 62% of customers within the 48 hours window. We are looking at the reasons why this happened.

• In the second quarter of 2012 • In ASB we also need to work were received 76 complaints. harder to get your satisfaction We only dealt with 53% within view when you report ASB our timescales. Again much to us. This quarter we only work is being carried out on managed to get feedback our complaints procedure from 2 tenants and such low to improve the handling of levels of feedback is too low complaint cases and ensure we to learn from. In quarter 3 we meet our published timescales. aim to dramatically improve the number of people we • Repairs appointments kept interview. increased to 98%. We have measures in place to improve on this.

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We have recently completed a Customer Satisfaction Survey. We thought you may be interested in the results.

Please note that in line with the rules of this survey any tenant responding ‘neither satisfied or dissatified’ is taken to be not satisfied. Only a positive result is counted as satisfied.

Quarter Two Result

Comparison with Quarter One

2011/12 Top 25%

% of tenants feeling their views are taken into account

74.5%

72.5%

80.53%

% of tenants satisfied at the opportunities to make their views known

74.1%

69.7%

73.7%

% of tenants satisfied with the way their landlord deals with repairs and maintenance

83.4%

84.2%

88%

% of tenants satisfied with their neighbourhood as a place to live

85.2%

90.4%

89.05%

% of tenants satisfied with the overall service provided by THT

89.1%

89.7%

91.28%

There has been a small improvement in the satisfaction with a feeling that your views are taken into account, however this is still some way from our target of 80%. We have looked at those people who said that they were not satisfied and we are contacting them to see how we can improve on this area of our work.

nor dissatisfied, and you have told us that your dissatisfaction stems from delays with having leaking gutters fixed, and windows replaced. A new focus on these areas will hopefully see satisfaction levels improve within this key service area.

There has been a big drop off in the satisfaction with your neighbourhood, with More pleasing is the 2% improvement in satisfaction the largest reduction being seen in the Old with opportunities to make your view known.

Trafford area. You have commented that problems with noisy neighbours, dogs, It relation to your satisfaction with litter bins and anti-social behaviours are how we deal with repairs and the main reasons for dissatisfaction. Our maintenance there has been a slight Neighbourhood Teams are contacting all drop in satisfaction. We have noticed customers who have provided feedback to an increase in the number of people work with you to solve these issues. saying that they are neither satisfied 14

THT helping Urmston to be greener!

The Urmston Partnership, which is a collaboration of local businesses, have been working to make Urmston a little greener.

They have, with the help of Trafford Housing Trust and Keep Trafford Green and Clean, funded the planting of new trees along Flixton Road and Station Road. As part of the scheme, Councillor Lisa Cooke persuaded Matthew to fund Urmston’s first ever live Christmas tree, which has been positioned on the corner of Queens Road.

Matthew said “Urmston has a thriving business community and I am delighted to be able to support the Partnership in this project. The regeneration of the town is fantastic to see”.

Councillor Lisa Cooke said “With the new development at Eden Square taking shape and so many fantastic businesses in the town, this is an incredibly exciting time for Urmston. At Urmston Partnership we wanted to improve the main shopping areas by planting new trees and we have been able to go one step further with this amazing Christmas tree and some fantastic lighting”.

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WRAP UP WARM FOR WINTER Last year we were very lucky, we had an extremely mild winter. December 2012 however has already given us some cold temperatures and snow, so we are preparing for a long, cold haul in January, February and March 2013.

• DRAINING DOWN

During a really frosty period, or if you’re going away and leaving your property empty, isolate and drain down external pipework, outside taps and exposed plumbing.

DEALING WITH FROZEN PIPES

• FREEZE! solid fuel or electric heaters that are unconnected with the Damage to pipes occurs when plumbing or central heating they become frozen but you’re system. Don’t try to thaw pipes only going to notice when the using a naked flame. A hairdryer water in the pipe thaws. So, • KEEP THE HEAT ON can be used to direct heat onto It is vitally important to keep your if a pipe is frozen, isolate the frozen pipes, but take care, the affected area by closing your home warm during a very cold pipe may burst as it thaws and stop tap. snap. We recommend setting spray water. Thaw the pipe at your timer to constant or 24 • START RUNNING! the end nearest the tap first. hours and use your thermostat to When your pipes begin to • RESUMING NORMAL maintain some warmth through thaw, run your taps into sink SERVICE the night or when you are out basins and baths to drain the for long periods. The expense of

Once the plumbing has thawed plumbing system. This should damage and disturbance due to reduce damage caused by water and there are no leaks, stop burst pipes could be more than running the taps and slowly escaping from a burst pipe. your heating bill. open the stop tap. Check the • WARNING plumbing system for leaks once • GET TO KNOW YOUR

A fter freezing has occurred in it’s under pressure and, only STOP TAPS pipes there’s a risk of a burst when you’re satisfied that all Know where your stop taps if heat is applied suddenly. systems are thawed, switch on and valves are located - you’ll Don’t switch on water heating water heating appliances. If you need to turn them off quickly if appliances including boilers and notice a leak, isolate the affected there’s a burst. Check regularly immersion heaters until you’re pipe by closing the stop tap, that they’re working. The main sure the system has thawed out. then call our Customer Hub stop tap is often found under Reheat the building using gas, on 0300 777 7777. the kitchen sink.

In order to have a problemfree Winter with your property, there are some things you need to do.

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Winter can be tough on everyone’s health but vulnerable people in the community in particular are at risk of illness and injuries. Often, these are preventable by following some simple health and wellbeing advice.

Warm homes, healthy people

Telephone 0161 848 2409 Text 07785 714 740 Email whhp.traffordcarerscentre@gmail.com

The council has again teamed up with voluntary Organisations, NHS Trafford and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to offer practical help and The advice line will be open Monday to Thursday support to older and vulnerable residents this winter. 9am–8pm and Friday 9am-4.30pm. Around 25 people There will be a dedicated advice line offering a variety have already volunteered their time, but more are of advice: needed. To volunteer your help contact the advice line

Winter wellbeing tips • Contact your GP for a flu jab if you are 65 years and over, under 65 years in an ‘at risk’ group or pregnant • Reduce slip, trip and fall risks by removing things like loose rugs, and if you have difficulty walking, avoid going outside if it is icy or snowy • Keep your home heated to 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit) • Wear several light layers indoors to keep warm

• Eat healthy carbohydrates like pasta and potatoes, have hot drinks and food to keep warm and keep cupboards and freezers stocked with basic food items • Gentle exercise such as housework or a walk to the shops will help keep you warm and can also lift your mood • Keep an eye on vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours and offer help if you think they need it

Choose Well this winter Trafford residents are being reminded to Choose Well this winter to help ease pressure on local health services. ✔ Pharmacists are highly qualified and they can provide a range of over-the-counter medicines.

They will also advise you to go to your GP if they think it is necessary ✔ Trained nurses and advisors are available day or night at NHS Direct. Call them on 0845 46 47 or visit www.nhs.uk/nhsdirect ✔ Only use Accident and Emergency or the 999 ambulance service in a critical or life-threatening situation

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BIN COLLECTIONS OVER FESTIVE PERIOD Residents are being advised of changes to bin collection dates over the New Year.

Recycling bins will be emptied on the dates shown on your coloured calendar. All bins should be presented for emptying on the collection day by 6.30am.

Please ensure that only the correct materials are placed in the recycling bins. For further information visit www.trafford.gov.uk/recycling

NORMAL COLLECTION DAY Monday 24th December Tuesday 25th December Wednesday 26th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December

REVISED COLLECTION DAY Monday 24th December Thursday 27th December Friday 28th December Saturday 29th December Monday 31st December

Monday 31st December Tuesday 1st January Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January

Wednesday 2nd January Thursday 3rd January Friday 4th January Saturday 5th January Monday 7th January

Monday 7th January Tuesday 8th January Tuesday 8th January Wednesday 9th January Wednesday 9th January Thursday 10th January Thursday 10th January Friday 11th January Friday 11th January Saturday 12th January NORMAL SERVICES RESUME

Be green this Christmas Local people are being encouraged to help Trafford become a greener borough by recycling their Christmas trees.

Christmas trees can be taken to the following locations: Stamford Park, Walkden Gardens, Flixton House, Longford Park and Hullard Park between Monday 31st December and Sunday 13th January.

Residents can also dispose of their Christmas waste in the following ways: • Real Christmas trees can be recycled using the household green bin. Remove all decorations and cut the tree into pieces so it will fit in the bin with the lid fully closed 18

• Food waste can be placed in your green bin or leftovers re-used (for recipes see www.recycleforgreatermanchester.com) • Christmas cards and wrapping paper can go into the blue bin for recycling, except those with glitter, foil or plastic • All glass bottles, jars, cans, aluminium foil and plastic bottles should be recycled using the black bin

Gritting teams ready for winter Residents and commuters travelling through Trafford can be reassured that the Council is once again fully prepared for any cold spells this winter.

Operational staff provide the 24/7 standby service that keeps the borough’s roads as safe as possible during icy weather.The on-call service started in October and will continue until April 2013.

Residents can once again follow Trafford’s gritters live online. Visit www.trafford.gov.uk/gritting Salt is also available to purchase. For details, e-mail winter.gritting@trafford.gov.uk or call 0161 912 5577.

Visit www.trafford.gov.uk/transportandstreets/ roadshighwaysandpavements/gritting/ for more information.

Quad bikes and hand-gritting teams are ready to respond to any extreme ice or snow by making pedestrians safer and helping businesses stay open in town centres. Snow ploughs are also ready to be deployed in the case of prolonged periods of snowfall.

Trafford’s salt barn - which stores salt for Trafford and other Greater Manchester boroughs is at full capacity with 4,500 tonnes ready to be used if needed.

Access Trafford There will be some changes to the opening hours of the Contact Centre during the festive period.

The Contact Centre will be offering a reduced service between 8am and 5pm on the following days: • Monday 24th December

• Friday 28th December

• Thursday 27th December

• Monday 31st December 19

Cut crime and stay safe with Greater Manchester Police With Christmas soon upon us, take some simple precautions to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time.

Burglars are on the lookout for insecure properties throughout the year, but especially so at Christmas when there are often presents sat under a tree. To make it difficult for them, remember to set alarms, lock all doors and windows and leave a light on to make it look like someone is at home. If you are buying any expensive items, please don’t leave them under the tree until Christmas Day – before then keep them well hidden. Also, think carefully when you throw any packaging away, as it tells thieves what’s inside your home.

People tend to be out and about more at this time of year, and personal safety is important. While shopping, keep your bags closed to protect the contents and your money separate so it’s not easy for thieves to steal.

If you are out enjoying yourselves in the evenings, make sure your journey home is planned, pace your drinks and stick with friends to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable time.

For more information visit www.gmp.police.uk

Safe Winter Driving The vast majority of road traffic collisions involve some kind of driver error, such as distraction, driving too fast or too close to the car in front, or driving whilst tired or under the influence of alcohol. So we can all help to make our roads safer by following the following advice:

•A lways stay below the speed limit and slow down in bad weather conditions • Always wear a seatbelt •K eep your distance from the vehicle and make sure all your in front - at least a 2 second gap passengers do • Other road users will make • Never use your mobile phone mistakes so be prepared and when driving as it can distract expect to encounter different you and it’s illegal road users such as cyclists, heavy goods vehicles and motorcyclists • Never drive if you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs • Keep your vehicle safe and this includes the morning after road worthy • Concentrate and drive considerately at all times

Since the cold and icy conditions have hit us, we have already experienced a number of serious Road Traffic Collisions.

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Please take extra care whilst driving.

ARE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SAFE THIS WINTER?

OUR GIFT TO YOU

A FREE HOME FIRE SAFETY CHECK

FREEPHONE 0800 555 815

SAFE4WINTER WITH GREATER MANCHESTER FIRE AND RESCUE SERVICE The clocks have changed, temperatures have dropped and the dark nights have closed in. With this comes a greater fire risk as people start using electric heaters, light candles and start cooking more hot food.

ever leave lit candles unattended – make sure •N candles are secured in a proper holder and away from materials that may catch fire – like curtains

Please see our winter fire safety advice for households, the elderly, parents and carers and follow our simple steps to keep safe (www.safe4winter.com)

•W hen using electric blankets you should always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and follow them

• 20% of people who die in fires during winter are over 60. Check on neighbours and relatives during the cold weather

•B efore you switch on your Christmas tree lights check the wiring and make sure you switch them off when you go out

• Check you and those you care for have a working smoke alarm

•D ry Christmas trees are highly flammable, keep away from ignition sources

• Never smoke in bed especially if you are feeling drowsy or have been drinking alcohol

ever overload electrical sockets and always switch •N off when not in use

• Never leave cooking unattended - a moment’s distraction could lead to tragedy

•A lcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Celebrate your New Year safely

•A lways use a fireguard around an open fire and make sure the chimney is kept clean

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Take advantage of Trafford Council’s award-winning app!

Over 5,000 people have been using the app to find information, report issues and locate nearby facilities since it was launched for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch back in 2010. It was the first time any Council had developed such a service and led to Trafford being presented with a North of England Excellence Award for innovation.

Android customers can now take advantage of the same great features, which are available to download free of charge. There are also plans to extend this to Blackberry customers.

Features available on the app, which was created in conjunction with Sale-based developers Boxsail, include: • Find My Nearest - using GPS technology you can find your nearest library, leisure or recycling centre and many more • Bin Calendar - if you need to check which recycling bins to put out you can enter your postcode and the app will tell you • Report an Issue - if you need to report a missed bin, litter, dog fouling or any number of issues you can use the app and even send us a photo of the issue • J obs - get details of the latest vacancies 22

• What’s On - looking for something to do on the weekend? Check details of local events • News - up to the minute Council news You can download the apps at the following locations: • Apple app at: www.trafford.gov.uk/contactus/itrafford/

or via the iTunes App Store • The Android app can be downloaded via Google Play at: play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.trafford

This app is not yet available on Blackberry devices.

These developments are part of an on going commitment to improve services for customers. Further enhancements to the apps are planned, which will improve functionality and services for users.

DO YOU NEED £££ HELP GETTING FIT? ARE YOU OVER 65, UNEMPLOYED OR HAVE LOW INCOME? YES? - Active Trafford is a discount fitness scheme available

at all your leisure centres. Contact one for further details or log on to www.traffordleisure.co.uk/active-trafford

Gym Swimming Classes Racquet Spo rts

£1

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WHO IS A SHINING STAR?

AWARDS

Trafford Treasures Celebration Evening – a huge success!

On a cold and rainy night in October the Trafford Treasure Awards celebration evening was once again held at the Aspire restaurant, part of Trafford College in Altrincham. The Trafford Treasure Award recognises the fantastic projects, effort and time tenants give in their Trafford communities.

the evening, supported by beaming smiles and a lot of laughter. The presentation of the awards was done by Matthew Gardiner, Chief Executive of the Trust and Ged Lucas, who has recently joined the THT Board and has an interest in Community Involvement.

The winners of each of the awards, alongside the runner-ups, were treated to a delicious 3 course meal prepared by the students studying Catering and Hospitality at the College, which we all thoroughly enjoyed!

A huge congratulations to all the winners, who were presented with a certificate, trophy and vouchers.

Music was provided by Vicki Duncan, Youth Involvement Officer, along with quizzes throughout 24

WHO HAS A HEART OF GOLD?

There were five awards and in each category both the winners and runners-up were honoured.

Well done to all the winners and runners-up, we had some fantastic nominations this year and thank you to everyone who nominated someone. The Trust are glad there are so many people out there in Trafford that make our area such a fantastic place to live.

n The

Community Award Winner Emma Sparkes is an honest, caring and considerate neighbour living on the School Walk Estate, Old Trafford. Whist being a Emma Sparkes full-time mum and planning for another baby; Emma still dedicated her time endlessly in helping to develop activities on the estate to help towards the wellbeing of children and families.

Runner Up Jan Howell

n Young

Person Award Winner Joshua Winn age 11, wanted to make a difference to help cancer sufferers, and he has raised over £1,000 for Christie’s in the memory of his Nana and Grandad who both died of cancer.

Runner Up Adam Bhana

n Good

Neighbour Award Winner Simon Kieron gives up his time to assist elderly tenants and neighbours with day to Simon Kieron day chores for example shopping, paying bills and decorating. Simon also assisted Trafford Housing Trust staff members on Give and Gain day and has been a volunteer for Lowry Lodge for nearly two years, assisting with day trips, spending time with tenants and getting involved in activities.

Runner Up Barbara Gleave

Joshua Winn

n Shaun Wilson

Award Winner Winston Cousins volunteers his services and skills at Lostock Boxing Classes at Lostock College, Winston Cousins coaching boxing skills every Tuesday evening to 13-16 year olds. The young people really enjoy themselves and were inspired by Winston’s ability and local knowledge.

Runner Up Liane Bailes

Community Allotments of Broadheath

n Green

Award Winner Community Allotments of Broadheath have worked tirelessly for the last 18 months to get the allotment site ready in partnership with Trafford Housing Trust and T.M.B.C. transforming and bringing back into community use a previously neglected piece of wasteland.

Runner Up Liz Anderson

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TRUST CUSTOMER HUB CALL CENTRE BREAKS INTO TOP 50 Trafford Housing Trust recently received national recognition for the excellent work of its Customer Hub at a gala awards ceremony in London.

The Times has rated the Hub the 16th best call centre in the country. Launched in 2010, this is the first year the centre has been considered for the award.

The Top 50 Call Centres for Customer Service list is produced following three months of extensive testing across five areas of service: • Timeliness

• Staff knowledge

• Ease of use

• Personalised service

• Reliability The Trust’s Customer Hub received an overall score of 91%, making it one of the best call centres in the country.

Speaking about the award Matthew Gardiner,Trafford Housing Trust Chief Executive, said “The Customer Hub has significantly improved the service we offer our customers by providing a one-stop communications centre for all questions and issues – and the results so far have been fantastic.

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Kathryn Aspray (Service Lead, Customers, THT), presenting the award Deborah Stephenson (actress & comedien), Amanda Croft (Customer Hub Advisor, THT)

Our Customer Hub team are able to handle any issues that arise and ensure that our responses are quick and effective. To break into the Top 50 Call Centres in only our second year is a great achievement and everyone involved with the team should be proud of the work they have done.”

The Customer Hub provides tenants with a simple-to-use information, advice and support service over the phone. The Hub team is drawn from all parts of the Trust’s business and has been able to improve the overall service, as well as dealing with the individual tenant issues that arise on a daily basis.

In May this year, the Trust won the Customer Service Award at the Housing Excellence Awards - the first Housing Excellence Award the Trust has won.

Our winning team The Northern Housing Consortium is a membership organisation for housing providers across the North of England.

Every year they invite housing associations to submit a short film to share information with other members and stakeholders.

The best entries are awarded a Silver Screen Award.

This year the focus of the competition was young people. There were three categories - Community Engagement, Education and Employment. There were over 50 entries and we are delighted that Trafford Housing Trust won both the Employment Award and the Overall Award for our Apprentice Programme.

If you are interested in viewing our film, or indeed in looking at what other housing associations are doing, go to www.northern-consortium.org.uk

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SUPPORT FOR THE VOLUNTARY AND COMMUNITY SECTOR There have been some significant changes for the voluntary and community sector in the last few months. As you may be aware VCAT – Voluntary and Community Action Trafford have provided a support service to groups in Trafford for the last 12 years.

The Council have put this service out to tender, and invited other companies to see if they would be interested in providing this service.

We are delighted to tell you that we have won this contract in partnership with a company called Pulse Regeneration. Pulse are a social regeneration company who work across the North West. They have a wide range of experience in supporting voluntary groups and organisations. We are really excited by this partnership as between Pulse Regeneration and THT, we have a lot of local knowledge and contacts.

The contract is for three years until October 2015.

We have lots of ideas for things we can do to provide support.

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There are six parts to the 3 year contract 1 Capacity Building – providing support and advice to groups and small organisations 2 Funding – helping groups apply for funding 3 Community Engagement – supporting local people to be more involved in decision making and running networking events 4 Voluntary Sector Grants – we will be running events over Spring and Summer where we will allocate £200,000 to community groups to run a variety of projects that local people will develop and deliver 5 Private Business Engagement – we will be working with businesses to see how they can support the voluntary and community sector. We are looking at employee volunteering schemes, business mentoring and businesses getting involved in community projects 6 Volunteering - We want to increase the amount of volunteering that happens in Trafford and improve the quality of the experience for those involved

At the end of November we sent out a survey to all the community groups and organisations we have contact details for to get an idea of what kind of support they need and how we can help. We are carrying out a piece of work to develop Community Needs Assessments for each area in Trafford. These will show us what the key priorities are and we can then ask groups applying for funding to work towards these priorities.

If you would like to find out more about this opportunity please contact Fay Jackson on 0161 968 0117 or email at fay.jackson@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk.

We are planning to have a formal launch in the New Year. We will keep you updated with news of this contract as it progresses.

We are looking for community members to help us with our community needs assessments. This will involve researching community views and/or reporting via social media techniques. In return for your help we will give you training in Community Reporting skills such as interview techniques, best practice, social media and photography.

Do you have any ideas for community projects? If so please get in touch.

We want to do at least 30 in 2013 and want ideas to come from the community.

Contact Aine Graven on 07834 517 395 or email at aine.graven@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk 29

Community Panel News STRETFORD COMMUNITY PANEL

STRETFORD - YOUR VOICE, YOUR CHOICE

We’re in the money...

Just under £30,000 has been granted to projects in Stretford to help improve the community. Local residents were invited to put forward their ideas for how the funding should be spent to support schemes in the area.

Twelve popular projects were awarded up to £3,000 each via a public vote by over 100 local residents. The event took place on Saturday 6th October at Stretford Leisure Centre. Trafford Wheelers, an all ability cycling group, secured the highest level of funding, the full £3,000. Based at Longford Park Athletics Track in Stretford, the group provides a dedicated environment in which to improve participant’s health and wellbeing 30

through cycling. They will use the money to pay for track fees for the coming year to guarantee that the group can keep running. Project Manager of Trafford Wheelers, Helen Hines said: “It was a really good event and great chance for us to explain to people who aren’t aware of what we do a bit about Trafford Wheelers and the benefits we bring to the community.”

Trafford Wheelers Project Manager Helen Hines, member Lucy Watson and Chair of Stretford Community Panel Jan Howell.

Moss Park and District Allotment Society were granted the £2,400 they asked for and said they were overwhelmed by the public support.

Vice Chairman Graham Greathead said: “We had a lot of support from our members and Trafford Housing Trust when we put the bid together and we were so pleased to be given the money. My wife, the club secretary was in tears.The club’s been going since the 1940s and this will help us to hopefully keep going for another 60 years.”

The Allotment Society, made up of 75 members, plans to use the funding for a replacement roof over the allotment’s patio area to enable members and visitors to enjoy the allotment in all weather.

Receiving their cheque is Moss Park and District Allotment Society: plot holder Peter Cumberworth, Vice Chairman Graham Greathead with Chair of Stretford Community Panel Jan Howell.

Other groups scooping grants included Wardle Close Tenants and Residents Association, Friends of Victoria Park, Stretford Library and Strike Soccer School.

Jan Howell, Chair of the Stretford Community Panel, said: “We had a fantastic turnout on Saturday with members of the community voting for groups to set up or continue the good work they are doing. It was lovely to see so many projects get the funding they asked for, and what it means to them.”

The Stretford Community Panel ensures the funding will benefit only projects in Stretford.

For further information please contact Karen Nicholson at the Stretford Area Housing Office on 0161 968 0133.

A TRIBUTE TO STEVE’S FANTASTIC WORK If you walk past Ripon Road park, which is part of the Trust’s new build development in Lostock you will see that there is now a plaque in memory of Steve Leathwaite, who died 2 years ago.

The plaque was the idea of friends of Steve who worked closely with him on the Lostock Partnership, namely, Julie Marsden and her husband John.

Steve Leathwaite worked tirelessly as part of the community of Lostock, about which he was passionate. Steve and his wife lived in Lostock for

many years and he was an active member of several local groups and clubs as well as finding time to be on the Board of Trafford Housing Trust and complete Chair duties for his local Community Panel.

Steve’s participation in all aspects of the community is still missed.

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Santa out and about in Trafford The Trafford Housing Trust sleigh has been out and about in Trafford taking Santa to various events and taking Christmas present requests from children across the borough. Here he is in Waterside Plaza at the switching on of the Town Centre Christmas Lights, where hundreds turned out to cheer the arrival of Christmas.

SATURDAY CHALLENGE

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Every week, we run an arts and music project for young people with disabilities or special educational needs. We aim to overcome stereotypes and prove that everyone can get involved and be proud of what they do!

Address: Cavendish Road Stretford M32 OPS Telephone: 0161 912 5251 0161 864 1745

We have many fun and exciting activities on offer such as drama, dance, music, visual arts and digital arts. If you’d like to join in, please contact us as follows:

Website: www.gorsehillstudios.com

Who Are We & What Do We Do?

WORKING WITH SCHOOLS An important part of Youth Involvement is building relationships with partners. As part of developing this, Trafford Housing Trust has been visiting and working in primary schools in Urmston to promote what we do and how we can work to develop new or different opportunities.

Prizes on offer are Archery, Karate, Football, Street St Michael’s Primary School in Flixton were given Dance, Cricket and Street Athletics which will be the opportunity to participate in a workshop carried out in 2013. with Leon Pietrzak (Youth Involvement Officer) for Urmston and Old Trafford. The workshop Leon Pietrzak (Youth Involvement Officer) for was designed to introduce the Community and Trafford Housing Trust said “ This is a great way Partnership Engagement Team and share how Youth to engage with children and young people and Involvement Officers can help them in the community. through interactive fun activities the young The Workshop included quizzes, games, interactive people get to know you and understand what elements about Trafford Housing Trust and Urmston.

Trafford Housing Trust is about and how they The children were quizzed over who Trafford Housing can play their part in school’s and community Trust were, the role of youth in the community and activities to develop themselves and the place they live in.” what activities are on offer. Throughout the workshop the information was collected and built in to a usable Community Profile which will aid the Youth Involvement Officer in understanding the needs of the young people from that school and area.

As part of the project Leon re-visited the school to discover how much they remembered and tell them who had won the quiz. This gave them an opportunity to choose their prizes. The prizes are provided by Trafford Housing Trust and local clubs that want to promote themselves and increase memberships.

Leon Pietrzak (Youth Involvement Officer)

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WIMBLEDON COMES TO

OLD TRAFFORD Tuf*C Urban Fitness, Sport Trafford and Trafford Housing Trust have been going from strength to strength and creating more partnership opportunities and activities for young people to access.

Seymour Primary School were invited to send 16 children to enjoy a Tennis Coaching Session from highly qualified coaches from the Lawn Tennis Association. The event was free of charge as it was sponsored by Barclays.

The Old Trafford Sports Barn was turned in to Wimbledon through a variety of different coaching zones and the young people were taught various skills throughout the session.

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The children were put through their paces and had opportunities to win all kinds of tennis equipment as part of the aim to develop tennis in Trafford.

The School will be working with Leon Pietrzak, Trafford Housing Trust (Youth Involvement Officer) to run a number of tennis sessions at the Sports Barn in partnership with all involved to keep the interest and put the structure in place so that the next Andy Murray and Laura Robson could come from Trafford.

ABOVE THE RIM

Basketball & Music Event As part of the October Half Term activities a joint sport and music event was organised

by Trafford Housing Trust Youth Involvement Officer Leon Pietrzak, Trafford Youth Service, Tuff*C Urban Fitness and Sport Trafford.

The event is the first of its kind in Old Trafford and as this was a pilot event the interest was evident from across Trafford, Manchester and Salford.

The idea was to highlight the facilities at Trafford Youth Centre and the Sports Barn by offering a stage to showcase young people’s talents by hosting a Basketball Competition and through David Esdaille, Trafford Housing Trust Youth Involvement Officer for Stretford, pull together talented young people who wanted to perform throughout the event in music and dance. The event had DJ’s, singers and a special performance from ShockOut Dance Crew.

The Basketball was hotly contested and the standard was very high as the teams were from Stretford High School, Trafford Basketball Club and other young people formed teams from other areas to enable the teams to have hours of competition.

Leon Pietrzak said “Being new to the borough I wanted to create an event that the young people of Trafford would enjoy and want to attend again.

The basketball was great to watch and the music and dancing was fantastic and I’m looking forward to working with all the partners to build on this event and make it bigger and better for next time.

The next event is scheduled for Wednesday 20th February 2013 at Trafford Youth Centre and Sports Barn from 1pm onwards. This event is already being talked about and will be a great spectacle during the Half Term.”

For more information or ideas on similar events please contact us via email at leon.pietrzak@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk or call 07809 526 980.

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STRONG HEADS ON YOUNG SHOULDERS

The weekend was definitely a memorable one, with both staff and young people falling into the lake, whilst canoeing, leaving them rather wet!

If you have any questions, or would like more information please contact Tabby Mansha,Youth Involvement Officer (Boroughwide).

Telephone: 07809 524019 Email: tabby.mansha@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk

Made up of local, bright young people, our Youth Board is now fully operating. The Youth Board are a representative of young people across Trafford, who help the Trust to shape service delivery and help make decisions affecting their neighbourhoods.

The age range of the young people is 14-19 years old. Meeting on the first Thursday of every month, they recently went on a residential trip to Whitemoor Lakes, where they took part in both learning and team building activities. The trip helped them to highlight what issues affect them as young people and how Trafford Housing Trust, alongside other key service providers can help to tackle these issues.

Two of their key priorities of focus were youth employment and increasing sustainable youth activities across Trafford.

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Visit the Youth Team on Facebook: www.facebook.com/THTyouth Here, you’ll will find more information on youth activities across the borough.

SKIP TO IT Aimee Swain, the Neighbourhood Administrator for Stretford and Urmston office, arranged a skip day for the residents of Broseley Road on Friday 16th November 2012.

With the help of Residents, Neighbourhood Staff, Caretakers and the ‘A’ Team, 3 large skips were filled to the brim with rubbish, old and damaged items.

Aimee, Susan Savage, Lorraine Black and the Caretaking Team including Dave Clews, Kevin Lyons, Des McCourt and Craig Hollick, all helped on the day.

The Residents commented: “ We are grateful to Trafford Housing Trust for putting on a skip day for us. It has allowed us to get rid of rubbish without the worry or expense. It has been really helpful. Thank you.”

“Excellent, thanks, this event has been a great help.” “ I really appreciate what Trafford Housing Trust has done, they have helped us with our gardens which we were finding difficult to manage and the skips have come at just the right time allowing us to throw out our rubbish.”

Staff at Trafford Housing Trust have raised a record-breaking £1,500 this year for men’s cancer charity Movember.

The 19 members of Team THTache have more than doubled last year’s amount raised in what has been the Trust’s most successful Movember so far.

The hair-raising Trust employees joined thousands of men across the country raising money for the charity.

A big thank you to everyone involved.

Residents have also put forward ideas about how to improve Broseley Road. Lorraine Black, the Neighbourhood Partner for Stretford, will be following up on these suggestions.

Team THTache Front row, left to right: Javid and Aftab Hussain, George Cliffe, Mike Fitzpatrick, Stephen Lynch, David Adams, Conor Galagher, Umesh Patel. Back row, left to right: John Bradley, Paul Griffin, Darren Briscoe, Martyn Benson, Rodger Cairns, Tony Morgan, Simon Kirby.

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WOODSEND FAMILY FUN DAY Woodsend Community Group held a Halloween themed Family Fun Day on 30th October 2012.

Despite the weather the event attracted over 150 people and the feedback both on the day and post-event has been extremely positive from all ages.

The event was designed to build on the programme of activity in the park and promote Woodsend Community Group who hosted the event with various partners. The local community enjoyed a variety of activities in a safe and organised manner allowing residents to come to together to enjoy the park. The group are actively recruiting new members and are looking for volunteers to develop and grow in membership.

If you are a resident in Urmston and would like to join this voluntary group please contact the Chairman, Mr Ray Howarth of Woodsend Community Group: woodsendcg@gmail.com 38

The event offered something for all ages to enjoy and boasted a 40 foot inflatable maze with spooky surprises inside. There was a Haunted Galleon Ship for the under 5s, special effects make-up and some fantastic looking fancy dress outfits. Trafford Housing Trust provided an activity tent for pumpkin designing and apple bobbing, with a Halloween-themed music system playing all the favourites over the day. Sport Trafford provided sports sessions and a special opportunity to try a new variation of street cricket hosted by Street Chance. SureStart were on hand to support families and promote its services to all involved in the event.

Woodsend Community Group are developing new links and partnerships as more people and organisations see the great work they are doing in the community. Woodsend Community Group are looking forward to building a comprehensive events calendar for 2013 but need the help of Urmston and Trafford residents to offer any support possible to develop the group. Leon Pietrzak, Youth Involvement Officer for Trafford Housing Trust, supported the group with this second event and believe that through the promotion of these activities, Woodsend is gaining access to various events that would not be possible without this partnership and the volunteers of the Woodsend Community Group.

Ray Howarth, Chairman of the Woodsend Community Group said “It was an event that we wanted to stage but have previously struggled to fund or staff through volunteers. This event was part funded by the Urmston Community Panel and we thank them for seeing our vision.

We hope to build on the funding provided so that we can grow the programme of events. It’s great to see so many new residents and community partners getting involved and making the event worthwhile and I thank everybody involved in the planning and delivery of this event and hope that in 2013 we can develop these events through local people and networks.�

For more information on how to get involved in the group, resident involvement, volunteering or sponsoring please contact woodsendcg@gmail.com or search on Facebook for our information page.

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LEASEHOLDERS TOGETHER Leaseholder Questionnaires You will shortly receive the annual leaseholder questionnaire. The comments you provide in the questionnaire will help us pull together a leaseholder action plan to work on next year. Without your comments, we can only guess what you would like us to work on here at the Trust. However, with your comments, we can concentrate on the leaseholders’ issues that you really care about.

S20 Consultation – any works over £250 Frank Lee, Assets Regeneration Manager and I have been visiting leaseholders, where we are planning to carry out major works in the future. Where there are over 10 leaseholders on an estate, we have also attended group meetings with you. What has become apparent, as well as some confusion over the lease agreement, is that some of you do not understand or had not heard of the S20 consultation process, so we would like to explain this to you.

The term “S20” refers to Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, (as amended by S151 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002) which contains the primary legislation about how landlords (the Trust) must consult you before carrying out major works, that will result in costs of more than £250 per leaseholder.

The whole process may take several months to complete. We have to serve notices on leaseholders at the following three stages before any major works can be carried out: 40

n Stage

1 - The Notice of Intention This is a notice setting out what works are proposed and why the works are required, inviting comments from leaseholders and inviting nominations for contractors from leaseholders

n Stage

2 - The Statement of Estimates Once estimates for the works are obtained, this is a notice about the costs, how leaseholders can inspect the estimates and inviting any comments from leaseholders

n Stage

3 - The Notice of Reasons For awarding the contract, which will confirm which contractor has been appointed to carry out the works and/or reasons for their appointment

The S20 procedure is described in detail in regulations issued by Government. Detailed regulations have been produced under Section 20 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 (as amended by S151 of the Commonhold and Leasehold Reform Act 2002) which set out the precise procedures landlords (the Trust) must follow. These are the Service Charges (Consultation Requirements) (England) Regulations 2003 (‘the Regulations’). Further information may be obtained by contacting the following independent organisation which provides free advice:

Leasehold Advisory Service (LEASE) Tel: 020 7383 9800 Email: info@lease-advice.org Website: http://www.lease-advice.org/

If you do not have access to the internet and you would like to obtain any of this literature, please contact us and we shall arrange to send the documents to you.

The S20 consultation is a formal process and must not be confused with our meetings with you to discuss the proposed major work. Our meetings with you are an informal process. We are carrying out these meetings as a direct result of listening to leaseholders who quite understandably, have asked us to inform them of any planned major works when we are aware of it, without waiting for the formal S20 consultation, when they will have less time to plan their financial affairs. We sincerely hope that these visits have been beneficial to you and helped you to plan ahead for your future.

Further information is also available in a publication provided by the Communities and Local Government entitled ‘Residential Long Leaseholders - A guide to your rights and responsibilities’ which is available via their website: www.communities.gov.uk/publications/housing/booklet We also provide information regarding S20 consultation notices on our website: www.traffordhousingtrust.co.uk/your-home/ leaseholders/leaseholders---major-works www.traffordhousingtrust.co.uk/your-home/ leaseholders/leaseholder---service-standards

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Leaseholders Together Meeting – Your Lease Agreement

The next meeting will be held on Wednesday 27th February 2013 at 7pm at our offices at Sale Point. We will discuss your lease agreement and the obligations and requirements to you and the Trust. Although we have carried out a presentation regarding your lease agreement at a previous meeting, it became apparent during leaseholder visits with Frank Lee, to discuss the forthcoming major works, that some of you were not aware of the lease requirements or what we could charge under the terms of your lease. This is of particular concern to us, so we are going to carry out an updated version of the previous presentation. If you have anything that you would like me to include in my presentation or if you are unsure of anything regarding your lease, please get in touch.

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Finally, please remember that you can contact us anytime to discuss leaseholder issues and you do not have to wait until the Leaseholder Together meeting.You can contact us on 0161 968 0164 or you can email Mia James, Leaseholder Lead: mia.james@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk

VIPAR (Visually Impaired Parent and Relatives) Group Once a month (term time).

Alternating between Merseyside and Manchester.

Support for children and families dealing with visual impairment In each issue of Pulse we’ll be focusing on a different part of what Henshaws does in more detail. This time it’s the Children and Families Team, who specialise in working with children and parents with sight loss, often with complex needs and additional disabilities.

The Children and Families Team offer: •A n Asian Family • Advice and support Worker who speaks • L inks to other families Urdu and Punjabi and parents • The chance for young •H ome visits people to take part in • A hospital service the Duke of Edinburgh • Activities and days out Award At the Henshaws Resource Centre in Old Trafford you’ll find: •C hildren’s soft play and toy area •U se of a fully equipped sensory and light room • Toy lending library • S upport groups Parent and Toddler Group Every Thursday 10am – 12pm (term time).

Manchester Resource Centre, Old Trafford.

A free weekly group for parents to meet other parents, and an informal way to talk with professionals and get advice, information and emotional support.

A chance for visually impaired parents to socialise with others who understand and share their experiences.

Muslim Women’s Group Monthly group (term time).

Meeting in Manchester.

A group of visually impaired Muslim women who meet to share experiences, and go on outings.

You can drop into the Henshaws Resource Centre in Old Trafford to have a chat about your needs, meet the team and see the facilities, or give Henshaws a call or email to find out more and to arrange a time to visit.

88-92 Atherton House, Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester M16 0GS 0161 872 1234 cfmanchester@henshaws.org.uk www.henshaws.org.uk

“We have been part of the Henshaws Children and Families Service for six years, which has been an absolute lifesaver. The staff are invaluable and have been extremely supportive to our family”. Jane – Mum to Faith 43

CALENDAR OF EVENTS Your input is invaluable to us to help improve the services we offer.

We invite you to get involved and have your say. Feel free to come along to any of the listed events.

Quality and Insight Panel

Customer Action Group (CAG)

QIP: Quality

Places Customer Action Group

Property Customer Action Group

Community Panel

Customer Involvement Leaseholders

Name of Date Time meeting People CAG Tuesday 8th 5.30pm – January 2013 8pm

Venue

What’s it about?

5th Floor, Sale Point

QIP

Wednesday 9th January 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

Places CAG

Wednesday 9th January 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

Property CAG

Monday 21st 5.30pm – January 2013 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for how Customers Access our Services, Customer Involvement and Community Engagement, Older People’s Services and Rents and Financial Inclusion.

This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Grounds Maintenance, Caretaking, Anti-Social Behaviour, Lettings and Estate Management.

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Regenerations and Repairs.

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Name of meeting QIP

Date

Time

Venue

What’s it about?

Wednesday 23rd January 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

6pm – 8pm

To be confirmed

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

QIP

Wednesday 5.30pm – 6th February 8pm 2013

5th Floor, Sale Point

Places CAG

Wednesday 13th February 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

Property CAG

Monday 18th 5.30pm – 8pm February 2013

5th Floor, Sale Point

Customer Involvement Open Day

Wednesday 20th February 2013

Urmston Tuesday 29th Community January 2013 Panel People CAG Tuesday 5th February 2013

12.30pm – 2pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for how Customers Access our Services, Customer Involvement and Community Engagement, Older People’s Services and Rents and Financial Inclusion.

This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Grounds Maintenance, Caretaking, Anti-Social Behaviour, Lettings and Estate Management.

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Regenerations and Repairs.

Would you like to know about how you can get involved with THT? This open day will give you an overview of customer involvement activities.

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Name of meeting QIP

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Date

Time

Venue

What’s it about?

Wednesday 20th February 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

Leaseholders Wednesday Meeting 27th February 2013 People CAG Tuesday 5th March 2013

7pm – 9pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

QIP

Wednesday 6th March 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

Places CAG

Wednesday 13th March 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

Property CAG

Monday 18th 5.30pm – March 2013 8pm

QIP

Wednesday 20th March 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on QIP policies and service improvements for how awaiting details Customers Access our Services, Customer logo plus Involvement and Community Engagement, Older People’s Services and Rents and Financial Inclusion.

5th Floor, This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders Sale Point whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

5th Floor, We need your customer perspective to help Sale Point improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Grounds Maintenance, Caretaking, Anti-Social Behaviour, Lettings and Estate Management.

5th Floor, We need your customer perspective to help Sale Point improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Regenerations and Repairs.

5th Floor, This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders Sale Point whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust.The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

Name of meeting Urmston Community Panel People CAG

Date

Time

Venue

Tuesday 26th 6pm – March 2013 8pm

To be confirmed

Tuesday 2nd April 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

QIP

Wednesday 3rd April 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

Places CAG

Wednesday 10th April 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point 5th Floor, Sale Point

Property CAG

Monday 15th 5.30pm – April 2013 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

QIP

Wednesday 17th April 2013

5.30pm – 8pm

5th Floor, Sale Point

What’s it about?

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for how Customers Access our Services, Customer Involvement and Community Engagement, Older People’s Services and Rents and Financial Inclusion.

This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Grounds Maintenance, Caretaking, Anti-Social Behaviour, Lettings and Estate Management.

We need your customer perspective to help improve our services. This meeting focuses on policies and service improvements for Regenerations and Repairs.

This is a scrutiny panel of tenants and leaseholders whose role is to examine the services provided by Trafford Housing Trust. The QIP analyses current practice to make suggestions for improvements on specific services.

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EVERYONE HAS THE

RIGHT TO BE SAFE Freedom Personal Safety is a non-profitmaking social enterprise based in Trafford.

We are passionate about crime prevention and personal safety and deliver lively, interactive and skill-building sessions where participants learn useful information and techniques to stay safe in a relaxed and enjoyable environment.

You Can’t Fool Me This is primarily for older people and deals with street crime, distraction burglars, rogue traders and mail scams. We want people to enjoy themselves and participate using visual prompts and bingo style games to get important messages across.

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Thanks to funding from the Community Panels for both Sale and Urmston, Trafford Housing Trust residents are learning how to reduce risks to their personal safety and avoid becoming victims of crime. We try to make our sessions as interesting and fun as possible. Workshops that we are offering at the moment include:

Stay Safe This is a series of workshops for women delivering information and practical techniques for keeping safe when socialising, out and about, online and in relationships. We also include simple but effective physical techniques to stop someone hurting you.

Sessions are still in planning and we will be working in partnership with the Sale Talkshop, Davyhulme Youth Centre and other groups. All workshops will be advertised locally and online.

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‘I enjoyed it’, ’I learnt a lot’ and ‘very informative’. Some of the comments made by participants at the sessions delivered in Chapel Walks and Townscroft Lodge in Sale.

Sessions are planned for Newhey, Manor Court, Bramhall Close and Ashbourne, Buxton Crescent on 5th December. Dates and times will follow for the schemes in Urmston in the New Year.

Contact Elaine Howard for further information:

Tel 07786 174 241 Elaine@freedompersonalsafety.co.uk www.freedompersonalsafety.co.uk

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HATE HATE CRIME 192 crimes were reported in September 2012 within 1 mile of Stretford M32 0PS, UK. ...How many were not reported?

This chart shows that crime fell both between the years ending March 2010 and March 2011, and between the years ending March 2011 and March 2012. In the last year, crime was above the national average.

What is a Hate Crime?

Hate Crime is any crime that you feel was motivated by hatred or prejudice regarding someone’s age, sexual orientation, race, religion or gender. The crime or incident can include but not limited to: • S pitting •P hysical attacks

•O ffensive letters, leaflets, emails and texts

• Verbal abuse

•B ullying and threats

•D amage to property

•A busive gestures

Anyone can be a victim of Hate Crime, and it is vital you report if you are a victim, no matter how minor you feel it is.

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Why report?

Because it makes a difference

76 57 38 19 0

2009-10

2010-11

2011-12

Crimes per 1,000 population

Crime appears to be falling in Stretford which is great news, but my question is do you feel safer? ...Or are you not reporting crimes?

From informal chats with residents in Stretford and across Trafford some people have said that they don’t report what they consider ‘minor’ incidents, but in reality some of these unreported crimes are Hate Crimes. I am concerned that if people don’t report incidents like verbal abuse, these crimes will evolve into violence.

By reporting a crime that you witness or are a victim of, you help give the local police a better understanding of crime hot spots. By reporting what you may feel is a minor incident could prevent someone else being a victim to a violent crime.

How to report a Hate Crime: •O nline at True Vision • At any police station • Lesbian and Gay Foundation (LGF) •H elpline 0845 3 30 30 30 (local call rate) •1 0am-10pm (Staffed) •1 0pm-10am (automated system) •w ww.lgf.org.uk At any of 14 non-police reporting centres across Trafford (full listing on www.trafford.gov.uk/ communityandliving/communitysafety/hatecrime/) 49

Consider others during the festivities During the festive period it is common that people have parties, play music and generally enjoy themselves with family and friends.

Whilst Trafford Housing Trust hopes that tenants and residents enjoy themselves and have a great time, they also need to act responsibly to ensure that they are not making other residents lives a misery by causing anti-social behaviour or noise nuisance.

Dealing with crime Linette Segree – Grafton Court, Old Trafford On 23rd September 2012, we applied for an emergency injunction to protect the contractors working on the Old Trafford masterplan, following threatening behaviour by Ms Segree.

In the days leading up to the incident, the contractors had been working on the outside of Pickford Court, completing regeneration work. However on 19th September 2012, Ms Segree approached the workman completing the work outside her window with a knife. Ms Segree then cut the wires on the power tools that the workman was using.

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It is important that if you are planning or already have planned a party and that this may affect your neighbours that you show consideration to those living around you.

You need to be aware that whilst you are enjoying yourself, others may be looking after small children or your neighbours may be elderly and that by partying into the earlier hours you may affect their sleep or normal routines.

The court felt that it was appropriate to grant an injunction against Ms Segree to protect the contractors and staff of Trafford Housing Trust from further incidents.

The injunction is to remain in place until 24th September 2013.

If you are planning a party then we advise that you approach your neighbours to let them know you are having a party.

Trafford Housing Trust wants everyone to enjoy the festive period however, we have a duty to allow those who choose not to have parties to enjoy themselves without being fearful of problems from their neighbours.

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Helen Anthony – Keswick Road, Altrincham On 9th July 2012, Trafford Housing Trust obtained possession of Ms Anthony’s property, but this was suspended for 5 years providing that Ms Anthony and her son abided by particular terms.

The order was granted following local residents suffering anti-social behaviour from Ms Anthony and her son’s for a number of years. The behaviour included shouting, screaming, slamming doors, banging and loud music. In addition to this, Ms Anthony’s son, Ben was convicted of a number of offences in the area around the property and this included racially aggravated public order.

The Order will remain in place for 2 years and expires on 1st May 2014.

Benefit fraud conviction - Robin Tams On Friday, 23 November 2012 62-year-old Robin Tams of Grange Avenue, Timperley was convicted at Trafford Magistrates Court of dishonestly obtaining Employment Support Allowance, Housing and Council Tax Benefit amounting to £13,172.60.

Mr Tams pleaded guilty to failing to report changes in his circumstances to Trafford Council’s benefits department and the Department for Work and Pensions. He failed to declare paid employment and receipt of an occupational pension.

He must repay all monies falsely claimed.

Mr Gibson – Clifford Court Mr Gibson started to cause nuisance by playing loud music at unreasonable hours. Mr Gibson refused to stop after he was warned on several occasions by Trafford Housing Trust with the support of Greater Manchester Police Community Support Officers. Mr Gibson refused to adhere to the warnings of court action taken against him.

In July 2012 Trafford Housing Trust attended a hearing for an application for injunction at County Court which we successfully obtained until July 2013.

In September, Mr Gibson continued to breach the terms of the injunctions.

In November 2012, Trafford Housing Trust attended Court with the evidence provided by witnesses we applied for Committal Hearing. Trafford Housing Trust successfully obtained a 2 year injunction which includes clauses forbidding Mr Gibson from entering Old Trafford Office, Pickford Surgery and Contractors site cabin.

Anonymous Following an incident in July 2012 where a male resident had threatened other residents in the Lostock Area, Trafford Housing Trust immediately went to Court to apply for an Emergency Injunction; this was granted for a two week period. At Court it was agreed by the Court, the perpetrator and Trafford Housing Trust that we would accepted a 12 month Undertaking with the same terms as the Emergency Injunction.

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Here’s a round-up of recent Trafford Partnership projects over the last quarter.

Getting the Pulse of Trafford Racing A new organisation has just joined Trafford charged with creating a thriving voluntary and community sector in the borough. Led by Managing Director, Chris Hart, Pulse Regeneration is a specialist social enterprise and community regeneration organisation with a strong track record.

Their expertise will combine with the local knowledge of Trafford Housing Trust. Read about their plans by following this link to the presentation given to the Trafford Partnership Executive.

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Turning Troubled Families into Strong Families Across the country there are 120,000 families frequently described as “Troubled”. These families often pass damaging behavioural patterns from one generation to another and demand resources from multiple agencies. Trafford has its share of these families and the Trafford Partnership is uniting to help these families become stronger. A Stronger Families Lead has been appointed and a detailed service delivery plan drawn up. MARAT is central to this and will be broadened and strengthened for the challenge.

It’s time to get local

• S erious crime down almost 11%

Trafford is setting up four Locality Boards across the borough. These will be based in the four areas of Trafford and made up of Elected Members, Statutory Bodies and Community Champions. Each Board will be supported by a range of community engagement methods, such as forums and social media.

• Theft down almost 9%

Trafford is getting safer The Safer Trafford Board reported high performance with crime statistics falling • All crime down 14% • Anti-social behaviour down almost 31%

Have you visited the Hub, Altrincham’s bright and vibrant community centre?

With a coffee lounge and meeting rooms, it is the perfect place to meet colleagues.

It also offers social activities, care and support and volunteering opportunities. www.altrinchambaptist.org/TheHub

• Violent crime down almost 7% • Criminal damage down just over 20%

Benefit Reform is coming 2013 will see a lot of changes to the welfare system. Anyone receiving benefits may be affected.

The first change is Under Occupancy, also referred to as ‘the bedroom tax’ which will be introduced in April 2013.

For more information about the Trafford Partnership go to http://traffordpartnership.org/

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THE OLD TRAFFORD MASTERPLAN FINISHING OFF WHAT WAS STARTED IN 1970 An article in the Stretford and Urmston Journal from 3rd May 1967 proudly announced the launch of a ‘multi-million scheme for Old Trafford.’ This included developing new family accommodation and building the tower blocks on the Tamworth Estate in order to create high quality accommodation for ‘couples with no children’. 40 years on and Trafford Housing Trust and Trafford Council are continuing to invest in the area and are working to ensure that local people can continue to live in high quality accommodation in Old Trafford. Many of you will have already started to see major change over the past 2 years and by 2014 the Trust will have invested at least £30m in the local area.

The majority of this work is still ongoing and is starting to make a real difference to the area.

By the beginning of 2013 local people will see massive changes to the landscape of Old Trafford

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as Osprey Court will have been demolished and we will be well under way with demolishing Raven Court. Next year we will move onto demolishing the remaining two blocks in order to make way for new, high quality, 2, 3 and 4 bedroom properties to better meet the needs of Old Trafford’s changing population.

Furthermore, we have fitted new kitchens and bathrooms and completed the external work to the 3 tower blocks on the Tamworth Estate and are well on the way to completing the external work at Princess and Empress Courts with kitchens and bathrooms to follow after April 2013. Once this work has been completed they will be real show piece blocks that local people will be even more proud to call home. We hope that this will go some way to fulfilling the legacy that started in the 60’s and deliver on the promise to make Old Trafford ‘an ultra modern estate.’

The Trust and Council has gone much further than refurbishing our existing homes and are also in the process of building impressive new 2 bedroom properties on previously derelict land. In the summer edition of Pulse we also announced the exciting news that Essex Way had been granted planning permission. Things are really moving along on this site and Cruden Construction is making great progress building the first new homes as part of the Old Trafford Masterplan. These homes will be completed in July 2013 and will really make a big difference for some local people in Old Trafford. These properties will be advertised via HOST early in the New Year and the aim is to prioritise local people for these homes. It is our intention to give priority to those with a connection or commitment to Old Trafford and as such priority will be given, in no particular order, to current tenants living in Old Trafford but require bigger or smaller housing, applicants who are living in Old Trafford, applicants who work or have children at school in Old Trafford. If anyone is interested in renting these homes please register with HOST and keep monitoring both Trafford

Housing Trust and HOST’s website.

You can see how the scheme will look in the image below. The aim of this site is to create an impressive gateway to Old Trafford so that people entering the area see it as a great place to be.

The Trust and Council are keen to finish what was started in the 1960’s and continue to invest in Old Trafford and create high quality, mixed tenure estates and to tackle issues of deprivation that exist in this area to improve residents’ quality of life, increasing access to jobs and training and building a strong, more self-sufficient community with better access to health provision. We hope that what we have done so far will go some way to supporting these changes but there is much more to come...

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Trafford College £9m Investment

£9m Talbot Road Site Investment Trafford College is investing £9m into a new Science, Engineering and Technology centre for Greater Manchester. The project taking place at the Talbot Road site will see extensive redevelopment and modernisation of the existing building to accommodate new and specialist facilities for the Science and Technology sector. Key features of the build will include world class Engineering and Motor Vehicle workshops, cutting edge Science laboratories, modern classrooms with advanced technology, as well as a specialist Green Room for the latest renewable energy resources.

“The redevelopment will not only allow us to continue to provide the highest standard of teaching and learning for our students, but it will also act as a resource for the whole community, bringing access to state-of-the-art facilities and training opportunities to local residents.”

Trafford College Principal, Sir Bill Moorcroft

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Trafford College has a long standing reputation for high quality Science and Technology training delivery.

The new facility aims to further meet sector demands and prepare future generations with the skills and knowledge to ensure Trafford and Greater Manchester stay at the forefront of Science and Technology innovation.

The project is due for completion by the end of 2013.

It is a busy time with traffic and pedestrians needing to gain access to the site. ISG construction services are working with Trafford College to reduce the impact of parking needs inside and outside the grounds. ISG has a full time Gateman who is monitoring the traffic to ensure that the leisure centre car park is not used and to reduce congestion on Briggs Road.

Large deliveries to site are coordinated outside the morning and afternoon rush hour periods.

ISG are also encouraging car sharing and the use of the local metro link for people coming to work on the project. ISG are participating in the Considerate Constructors Scheme and posters are displayed around the site perimeters with contact details for site staff.

Getting involved We are keen to maximise the economic, social and environmental benefits to the local community of Trafford and Manchester as a whole and plan to engage the students, staff and the local community on this project as much as possible.

Open Day The College held an Open Day on Saturday 10 November at its Technology Centre and Altrincham sites to provide visitors with an insight into the wide range of courses on offer, along with guided tours of the facilities.

Representatives from the ISG team were on hand to provide an update on the new development.

This well attended event proved to be a great opportunity for visitors to view artist impressions and ask questions about the building works.

View the site progress We will be capturing every stage of project development via a webcam and a series of progress shots.

The College will display the updates along with a summary of the works on a special project website to help keep you up to date at all times. Please visit: www.trafford.ac.uk/talbot-road

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Citizens Advice Trafford has a New Smartphone App! Working with a company called Reason Digital, Citizens Advice Trafford has launched a free Smartphone app to help you answer some of these queries.

The app helps people in Trafford to find the most local source of advice and information on a range of topics from benefits, to employment and health issues. The app is simple to use and is available on both Apple and Android mobiles.

Ed Cox from Reason Digital said, “The app was originally developed by students who had worked with social workers. They told us that they found it difficult to access this support for clients. I then met Dale from Citizens Advice Trafford who was really

keen to develop it for everyone in Trafford”.

Dale Maskell, Chief Officer of Citizens Advice Trafford said “Trafford CAB has been giving advice and information in the Borough for over 70 years. We’re always looking for new ways of helping people and supporting our face-to-face and telephone services. The app complements our local website, www.traffordcab.org.uk and our national site, www.adviceguide.org.uk.

We want to add as many organisations as we can and encourage people to download the app.”

To download the app, visit iTunes and search ‘helpinhand’.

THT staff have been trialling the use of the app to support tenants and have already found it really useful. An explanation of how the app works can be found on the Citizens Advice Trafford’s website.

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APP-TASTIC RECRUITMENT TOOLS It’s not easy finding a job at the moment, and it’s the time when we all need one most.

Searching for a job can be a daunting task but you are not on your own. We have a dedicated team who are always on the look-out for new ways to help you develop skills and improve your chances of recruitment.

There are 3 main stages to applying for a job: n

Find a position that suits you

n

P repare your CV and apply

n

P erform well at the interview stage

1 Job Centre Plus – for iPhone (FREE)

4 CV Library - for iPhone and iPad (FREE)

The Jobcentreplus app allows you to search all available positions at Job Centres nationwide. This gives you access to a huge number of vacancies.

Search more than 50,000 real-time jobs, receive a free CV review on registration and access recruiters from more than 70 industries.

Go to the app store and search ‘jobcentreplus’.

Go to the app store and search ‘cv library’.

2 Pocket CV – for iPhone and iPad (£1.99)

5 LindedIn - for iPhone and iPad (FREE)

Pocket CV helps you Once you’ve created create the perfect CV. a profile and made It automatically splits contacts, you can create the file in to seven areas, and you a virtual CV for potential simply fill in each section.You can employees to view. review your finished CV by hitting Request recommendations from ‘Preview’. It couldn’t be easier. people you have worked with.

We’ve tracked down the Top 5 Go to the app store and search Go to the app store and search mobile applications for your iPhone ‘pocket cv’. ‘linkedin’. or iPad which can help you find the right position 3 Monster Jobs - for iPhone and iPad (FREE) and manage This app complements the current Monster website which your CV has been running for years now. It allows you to search for appropriately. roles by keyword, location and other specific filters. It also allows you to set up your own profiles so you can view ‘saved’ jobs at a later date. If you already have a Monster account, you can access your current CV through the app.

Go to the app store and search ‘monster jobs’.

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Trafford Housing Trust Head Office Trafford Housing Trust, Sale Point, 126 -150 Washway Road, Sale M33 6AG Customer Hub Number:

0300 777 7777

www.traffordhousingtrust.co.uk

Registered in England No: 04831118 • Charity Registration No: 1106967

C21/1212/103233/x,xxx