Your Home Winter 2025

YOUR NEIGHBOURHOODS KEEP YOUR HOME DAMP, MOULD AND TEAM AND REPORTING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR CONDENSATION SAFE

Pages 6 & 7

Pages 12 & 13

SUPPORT SERVICES FOR YOU IN YOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

Page 16 & 17

Pictured: Shaun Larcombe and Kieran Murphy our Advanced Multi Skilled Operatives in our Voids team

Welcome

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elcome to this Winter edition of our customer magazine Your Home.

It’s great to have the chance to share some updates with you and let you know what’s been happening.

We’ve recently received the results from our 6-month Tenant Satisfaction Measures, and we’re really pleased to see improvements in almost every area. One of the biggest jumps was in repairs satisfaction – time taken to carry out your repair, which has gone up from 74% to 85%. That’s a big step forward, and it shows how hard our teams are working to make sure repairs are done well and on time. We want to thank you, our customers, for answering these survey questions and feeding back to us. Your views are important to us, they help us improve our services and make sure we are focusing on what is important to you.

We also want to let you know about the start of Awaab’s Law, which is all about making sure homes are safe and healthy. A key part of this is tackling damp, mould and condensation (DMC). If you spot any signs of DMC in your home, please report it straight away. We take these reports very seriously and will act quickly to put things right. Call us on 0300 303 9848, email enquiries@wvht.co.uk or visit www.wvht.co.uk. All of our staff have had extra training in Awaab’s Law and what it means to you, you can also speak to any of our staff if you have any questions or concerns about DMC. Everyone deserves to live in a safe, secure home, and we’re committed to making that happen for all our customers. Thanks for reading, and thanks as always for being part of our community.

Best wishes, Gary Hood Director of Property Weaver Vale Housing Trust

www.wvht.co.uk Page 2

Are you thinking about swapping homes?

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f your housing needs have changed or you’re simply looking for a fresh start, you might want to consider a Mutual Exchange.

A Mutual Exchange is when you swap homes with another tenant—whether they’re with Weaver Vale Housing Trust, a local council, or another housing association. You take over each other’s tenancy agreements and switch houses.

How it works: •

Find a match: To begin the process, you need to find someone you’d like to swap homes with. There are lots of available properties on www.HomeSwapper.co.uk or you can check out local Facebook groups. (Please note: these groups aren’t managed by Weaver Vale, so please be careful with the information shared.)

•

View each other’s homes: Once you’ve found a home you like, arrange a time to look at each other’s properties to make sure it’s the right fit.

•

Apply for the exchange: If you’re both happy and want to make the swap, both of you will need to complete a Mutual Exchange form. If the other tenant isn’t with Weaver Vale, they’ll need to apply through their own housing provider. You can find our application form at www.wvht.co.uk/mutual-exchange.

•

Send us your forms: Once completed, email your forms to lettings@wvht.co.uk or post them to: Lettings Team, Weaver Vale Housing Trust, Rudheath Way, Gadbrook Park, Rudheath, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7LL. Please don’t make any moving arrangements until you’ve received written permission from us.

Once we’ve received your application and all the documents, one of our Lettings Advisors will be in touch. We aim to make a decision within 42 days of receiving everything we need. For more information please call 0300 303 9848, email lettings@wvht.co.uk or visit www.wvht.co.uk/mutual-exchange.

You can begin your property search by visiting www.HomeSwapper.co.uk.

Find out more by visiting www.wvht.co.uk/mutual-exchange Page 3

Our team are here for you

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ur teams offer confidential, personalised advice for you. We know that everyone’s circumstances are different and we understand that asking for help isn’t always easy, but having a conversation can provide clarity and a way forward. We’re here to support you, not judge.

Our teams can help you: • • • • • • •

Increase your income by applying for additional benefits.

Work with partner agencies to support your benefit claims.

Refer you to relevant agencies for specialist support.

Find the right debt solution for you with other organisations.

Support you with budgeting and managing your money effectively.

Help reduce and understand your utility bills.

Offer guidance and support whenever you need.

If you’re facing difficulties, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help. Call our team on 0300 303 9848 or email rentfirst@wvht.co.uk.

Tracey recently got in touch to share her story.

rentfirst@wvht.co.uk Thank you for your support I wanted to say thank you for everything you’ve done for me over the past couple of years. When I first moved into my home, I was told about the Rent Support and Money Matters team, but I didn’t realise the help was available to me personally. Once I found out, I got in touch straight away. I needed support filling in a PIP form for myself and Disability Living Allowance forms for my children.

Since then, you’ve helped me with so many benefit claims, including my Universal Credit application over Christmas. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you. I was overwhelmed and confused by all the paperwork, it felt like I was drowning, but you reassured me that everything would be okay, and it was.

You’re still helping me with my Universal Credit claim to make sure I’m receiving everything I’m entitled to, and I’m so grateful. Whenever I need financial help, I know I can pick up the phone and you’ll be there. You’ve supported me through so much, and I truly would be lost without you. You’re absolutely brilliant, and I recommend your service to everyone I know.

Tracey

For more information please visit www.wvht.co.uk/your-rent Page 4

Important information about Universal Credit

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ave you received a letter about moving to Universal Credit? If so, it’s important to act quickly to make sure you keep receiving financial support. You need to submit your Universal Credit claim within three months of the date on your letter.

If you’re unable to claim by the deadline, don’t wait, get in contact with the Universal Credit Migration Notice helpline by calling 0800 328 5644. The call is free, and they can guide you through your next steps. You can also visit www.gov.uk for more information and to make your claim online.

If you need help or have concerns our Rent Support team are here to assist you in the claim process. You can call us for free on 0300 303 9848 or by emailing rentfirst@wvht.co.uk.

Changes to the Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) in April 2026.

If you become entitled to the Limited Capability for Work Related Activity (LCWRA) benefit element on or after 6th April 2026 then the amount you will receive will be £217.26 per month (approx. half of the previous rate) and this rate will be frozen for 4 years*.

There will be a ‘protected LCWRA amount’ for those who have been continuously entitled to the LCWRA before 6th April 2026. This is currently £423.26 (plus the increase for inflation)*.

If you are on Universal Credit and you have a health condition that affects you more severely. You, following an assessment process, could be classed as having a ‘Limited Capability for Work and Work Related Activities’ (LCWRA) and have an additional element added to your UC award.

To maximise your income and not receive the new lower rate in April 2026, the sooner you claim, the better. In order to gain support with this contact the Rent Support team on 0300 303 9848 or email rentfirst@wvht.co.uk. To find out more about the Rent Support team please visit www.wvht.co.uk/your-rent.

*If you meet the ‘severe conditions criteria’ or are ‘terminally ill’ ie. meets the Department for Work & Pensions’ special rules for end of life, you will have your benefits protected.

For more information please visit www.wvht.co.uk/your-rent Page 5

Changes to our Tenancy team

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ur Tenancy team has recently changed to make sure you’re getting the best possible support.

The Tenancy team has split into two teams, the Neighbourhood Housing team and Safer Neighbourhoods team.

The Neighbourhood Housing team are actively working within our communities to address anti-social behaviour issues and tenancy breaches. We work with internal and external partners to support you.

The Safer Neighbourhoods team focus on more serious tenancy breaches and high-risk, criminal antisocial behaviour (ASB) that requires legal enforcement action. The team also lead on investigating and tackling tenancy fraud in our communities.

By having two teams, you receive a more personalised and effective service based on the type and severity of your issue. We focus our resources and skills in the right areas to you, our customers.

What does this mean to you?

Customers dealing with neighbourhood or tenancy concerns where there is no criminal behaviour or immediate threat, will receive early intervention from the Neighbourhood Housing team who will have more time to spend working on solutions for you.

Customers facing serious anti-social behaviour will receive specialist support from Tenancy teams who will be able to focus on quick and appropriate legal solutions to keep you and our communities safe.

Our aim is that everyone will benefit from a clearer, fairer process that’s easy to understand and use. We want to support customers and to build safer, more connected communities for everyone.

Here are your Neighbourhood Housing Officers. Pictured left to right clockwise are Andrea, Jayne, Lyn, Daniel, Suzanne, Zosia and Lena. You will see them out in our communities, if you have any issues, get in touch with them by calling 0300 303 9848 option 3 or email neighbourhoods@wvht.co.uk.

To find out more visit www.wvht.co.uk/neighbourhoodhousingteam Page 6

Reporting anti-social behaviour

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e take all reports of anti-social behaviour (ASB) seriously and our Neighbourhood Housing team and Safer Neighbourhoods team will work with you, and other agencies if needed, to help fix the issues.

Anti-social behaviour is anything that causes alarm or distress to one or more people in another household.

This could include: • • • • •

Fly-tipping Public drunkenness Excessive noise, including constant barking from dogs Graffiti Abusive behaviour

This is not a full list of anti-social behaviour, if you’re unsure if your issue is ASB please get in touch with the team.

What is a Hate Crime?

A Hate Crime is any incident that someone believes was driven by prejudice or hatred toward a person’s race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or transgender identity.

Have you seen or experienced incidents of hate crime or discrimination?

Report it to the Police. If the situation feels like it could get violent or someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

You can report Hate Crimes by visiting www.cheshire.police.uk.

Many local councils, charities and community groups also offer support and can report Hate Crimes on your behalf.

To report anti-social behaviour or talk to our team about issues in your neighbourhoods, please call 0300 303 9848 option 3, email neighbourhoods@wvht.co.uk or visit www.wvht.co.uk/anti-social-behaviour.

To find out more visit www.wvht.co.uk/anti-social-behaviour Page 7

Manage your tenancy through My Account

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ou can report repairs, pay your rent and more through our free to download My Account app.

Here’s everything you can do on the My Account app: • • • • • •

Pay your rent, including how to set up direct debit options.

Book and reschedule home repairs without having to call or email us.

Check your rent balance.

Update your contact details.

See your scheduled home improvements.

Report any damp, mould or condensation in your home.

To get started with My Account, scan the QR code below or visit myaccount.wvht.co.uk.

Did you know you can set up a Direct Debit through the My Account app?

Direct Debit is a cost effective and trouble free way of paying rent from your bank account and makes rent payments more convenient for you. For weekly, fortnightly or four week payments you will pay on a Friday. For monthly payments you will pay on a date set by you. You can set up Direct Debit payments by calling 0300 303 9848 or through the My Account app.

Here are some other ways to pay your rent: 24 Hour Automated Payment Line - Call us at any time to make a payment by calling 0300 303 0309.

Rent Payment Card - You can pay with cash, debit card or cheque at any Payzone or Post Office using your rent payment card.

If you need help, or are worried about paying your rent, our Rent Support team are here for you. You can contact the team by calling 0300 303 9848 or emailing rentfirst@wvht.co.uk. For more information visit www.wvht.co.uk/rent-information.

Get started with My Account by visiting myaccount.co.uk Page 8

Electrical safety and energy saving

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e all want to save money on our utility bills, especially in the winter when we’re at home more.

By making some small changes in how you use your household appliances, you can cut some costs on your electricity bill.

Here are some simple tips to help reduce your energy costs: • • • • • • •

Your mobile phone only takes three hours to charge - try to not leave it plugged in all night to save electricity.

Defrost your freezer on a regular basis to help it to run more efficiently and put your fridge in a spot where air can circulate behind it, reducing the amount of energy it uses.

When buying new appliances such as televisions, washing machines or dishwashers, look out for the Energy Saving Trust “recommended” logos.

Turning your heating down by just one or two degrees can make a big difference to your heating bill and you won’t even notice the drop in temperature.

When boiling the kettle, only fill it with as much water as you will actually use, but be sure to cover the metal element at the base.

Wait until you have a full load before putting on a wash, two half loads use more energy, and water, than one full load.

Light bulbs make up one fifth of a household electricity bill. Use low energy bulbs and make sure you turn lights off when they are not needed to help reduce the bill.

If you are worried about the costs of utility bills this winter, please get in touch with our Rent Support team, who can take a look at your household budgets and offer advice. You can contact the team by calling 0300 303 9848, emailing rentfirst@wvht.co.uk or visiting www.wvht.co.uk/your-rent.

It’s important to stay safe when using electricity, please follow these tips to stay safe electrically: • • • • • •

Make sure not to overload plug sockets, especially for things like Christmas lights.

Follow all manufacturing instructions on your electrical appliances.

Keep water away from electrical outlets.

If buying or using E-bikes or E-scooters, only buy from a reputable source and never leave them to charge overnight.

Look for signs of wear and tear on wires.

If something is overheating or smoking, stop using it immediately.

For more electrical safety advice, please visit www.wvht.co.uk/electrical-safety.

Find out more by visiting www.wvht.co.uk/electrical-safety Page 9

Heat your home for less

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s the chill creeps in, you might be looking for ways to stay warm on a budget. By following a few of these smart tips, you can keep your home cozy and your heating costs under control.

Use draft excluders and close doors Heat can escape through gaps around windows and doors. To stop this use weather stripping or draft excluders to stop the draft. A well-sealed home keeps the heat in, keeping your doors closed will also help a room stay warm.

Layer up It may seem an obvious answer, but extra layers will help keep you warm. Pop on jumpers, fluffy socks and blankets. You can also invest in some extra layers for your home by buying thermal curtains and rugs for hardwood floors.

Lower the thermostat Turning your thermostat down by just 1°C can reduce your heating bill by up to 10%. Most people won’t notice the difference, especially if you’re dressed warmly and your home is well-insulated. Did you know the best way use your boiler is to set your heating timer to come on based on your daily routine? It will then work when needed, this prevents heating your property unnecessarily when you are not at home.

Use the sun Open your curtains in the daytime to use the sun to naturally heat your home. Close them again at night to trap heat in and make sure your curtains are not covering any radiators.

Heating your home helps reduce damp, mould, and condensation by maintaining warm surfaces and lowering indoor humidity levels. You can find out more about damp, mould and condensation on pages 12 & 13.

If you are worried about the costs of utility bills this winter, please get in touch with our Rent Support team, who can take a look at your household budgets and offer advice. You can contact the team by calling 0300 303 9848, emailing rentfirst@wvht.co.uk or visiting www.wvht.co.uk/your-rent.

For more information visit www.wvht.co.uk/gas-servicing Page 10

Staying safe in your home this winter

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inter and the festive period can become hazardous in a household. Whether you’re preparing for seasonal weather or simply enjoying the comforts of your home, here are some essential tips to help keep your space safe and secure.

Don’t overload your sockets With Christmas trees and extra lighting outside your home, heating appliances, and kitchen gadgets in use, it’s easy to overload plug sockets. Stay safe by checking plugs regularly or wear and tear, avoid plugging multiple high-wattage appliances into the same socket and turn off all lights and devices when not in use, especially overnight or when leaving the house.

Be careful when using candles Candles are popular for creating a warm atmosphere, but they can be dangerous if you don’t use them correctly. Keep candles away from flammable materials like curtains, paper, and upholstery. Always place candles on a stable, heat-resistant surfaces and keep them out of reach of pets and children.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. If you are worried, a battery-operated alternative might be a safer option for creating the atmosphere without the risk.

Protect your home Winter months can see an increase in home burglaries, especially when homes are left empty for travel or social visits. Keep your home safe by locking all doors and windows securely, including garages and outbuildings. Avoid sharing travel plans publicly on social media and keep any Christmas gifts out of windows.

A safe home is a comfortable home. By taking a few simple steps, you can enjoy the winter and Christmas season knowing your space is secure, warm, and protected. For information about how we keep your home safe visit www.wvht.co.uk/building-safety.

For extra peace of mind in your home, have you considered getting home insurance? Contents insurance helps protect the things you care about like your furniture, gadgets, clothes, and more should something bad happen. For just a few pounds a month, you can avoid the stress of replacing everything. We have teamed up with Thistle Tenant Risks to offer you affordable home insurance. For more information about our home insurance visit www.wvht.co.uk/homeinsurance.

information about visit our Mutual Exchange visit www.wvht.co.uk/mutual-exchange For more information www.wvht.co.uk/building-safety Page 11

Know the signs of damp, mould and condensation

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e want you to live in a home that is safe and clear of any damp and mould. We take damp, mould and condensation very seriously, if you spot any in your home, report it immediately.

Here is what to look out for in your home: What is damp?

Damp is moisture or humidity of the walls inside homes that does not dry out.

This could be because of insufficient air circulation or because of a continued source of moisture, either inside or outside the property. Damp usually looks wet or appears as discolouration on walls and ceilings. If you see signs of damp, please report this to us.

What is mould?

Mould is a fungus that grows when there’s too much moisture in the air which creates damp and wet conditions. Mould is usually black or dark green in appearance and grows around damp areas such as windows but can also be visible on ceilings and walls, and often behind furniture too. If you spot mould, please report it to us.

What is condensation?

Condensation looks like water droplets, or wet, around windows, glass or colder surfaces. If you spot this, wipe it dry to help prevent damp and mould.

In the colder months you might notice more condensation in your homes.

Condensation is completely normal. It is caused when hot air meets cold surfaces, such as windows, and forms water droplets. There are many ways to help reduce condensation in your home, the most effective being to wipe away any water droplets first thing in the morning.

If you spot any damp, mould or condensation in your home please get in touch by calling 0300 303 9848, emailing enquiries@wvht.co.uk or visiting www.wvht.co.uk/damp-mould-condensation.

Report damp, mould and condensation at www.wvht.co.uk/damp-mould-condensation Page 12

Awaab’s Law and what we do for damp, mould and condensation

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waab’s Law came into effect on 27th October 2025. It was introduced after the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, caused by prolonged exposure to mould in his social housing home.

The law sets strict rules for how social landlords, like us, must respond to serious hazards like damp and mould, and homes are safe to live in.

What Does Awaab’s Law Require?

Social landlords must: • Investigate any potential emergency hazards, and if deemed an emergency fix them within 24 hours.

• Investigate significant damp and mould hazards within 10 working days (of becoming aware of them).

• Share a written summary of findings with the customer within 3 working days.

• Undertake any relevant safety works within 5 working days of an investigation if a significant hazard is identified.

• Begin or take steps to begin further supplementary works within 5 working days and to complete within 12 weeks.

• Keep customers updated and provide safety advice.

• Secure the provision of suitable alternative accommodation if relevant safety work cannot be completed within the timescales.

What we’re doing We meet these requirements and have strengthened our processes. We’ve updated our repair priorities, improved how we communicate with customers, and trained our teams to act quickly and with care.

Why it matters Everyone deserves a safe, healthy home. Awaab’s Law helps make sure that serious issues like damp and mould are never ignored. At Weaver Vale, we’re committed to doing the right thing, not just following the rules, but putting people first.

If you spot damp or mould in your home, report it and we will: • Ask a series of questions to help understand the situation and the location of the damp and/or mould • We may initially send a staff member to undertake mould removal works if the issue is in a certain area of your home.

• We will send out a surveyor to assess the issue and determine the best course of treatment to fully resolve the problem.

• Throughout this we will ensure we provide you with support until the works are completed.

If you spot any damp, mould or condensation in your home, or you need to report a repair, please get in touch by calling 0300 303 9848, emailing enquiries@wvht.co.uk or visiting www.wvht.co.uk/repairs.

To report a repair visit www.wvht.co.uk/repairs Find out more by visiting www.wvht.co.uk/damp-mould-condensation Page Page 13 13

Our 6-month performance update

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e previously shared our yearly Tenant Satisfaction Measures (TSM’S) FOR 2024/2025. We also get a 6-month update and we’re delighted to report our TSM measures have increased.

Tenant Satisfaction Measures are important for how we measure our service delivery across key areas like neighbourhood satisfaction, repairs, safety and communication.

There are 22 TSM’s in total: • 10 Management Information Measures: Collected and reported directly by us.

• 12 Perception Measures: Gathered through our STAR (Survey of Tenants and Residents) survey, conducted twice a year by an independent research company.

These surveys give our customers a voice and help us pinpoint where we’re doing well, and where we need to improve, and our 6-month results are in.

Tenant Satisfaction Measure

2024/2025 score

2025 6-month score

TP01 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied with the overall service from their landlord How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 71.3%

84%

87%

TP02 - Proportion of respondents who have received a repair in the last 12 months who report that they are satisfied with the overall repairs service How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 72.3%

82%

86%

TP03 - Proportion of respondents who have received a repair in the last 12 months who report that they are satisfied with the time taken to complete their most recent repair How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 67.4%.

74%

85%

TP04 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied that their home is well maintained How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 70.8%

79%

81%

TP05 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied that their home is safe How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 76.6%

86%

89%

Find out more by visiting www.wvht.co.uk/performancePage 14

Tenant Satisfaction Measure

2024/2025 score

2025 6-month score

TP06 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied that their landlord listens to tenant views and acts upon them How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 60.4%

77%

79%

TP07 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied that their landlord keeps them informed about things that matter to them How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 70.3%

86%

88%

TP08 - Proportion of respondents who report that they agree their landlord treats them fairly and with respect How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 76.8%

90%

90%

TP09 - Proportion of respondents who report making a complaint in the last 12 months who are satisfied with their landlord’s approach to complaints handling How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 34.5%

45%

57%

TP10 - Proportion of respondents with communal areas who report that they are satisfied that their landlord keeps communal areas clean and well maintained How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 65.1%

79%

78%

TP11 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied that their landlord makes a positive contribution to the neighbourhood How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 63.1%

74%

84%

TP12 - Proportion of respondents who report that they are satisfied with their landlord’s approach to handling anti-social behaviour How we compare against over 1,000 other Housing organisations. The average (median) score across other housing organisations is 57.8%

73%

82%

To find out more about how we are performing, please visit www.wvht.co.uk/performance-. To speak to a member of our team about our services, please call 0300 303 9848.

For information ourwww.wvht.co.uk/performancesupport team visit www.wvht.co.uk/performanceFind out more byabout visiting Page 15 15 Page

Her-Place in Winsford is here for you

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er-Place (formerly Motherwell), moved into our community bungalows on Greenfields Estate in Winsford earlier this year. Her-place is a wonderful organisation for women and girls and offer a wide variety of workshops, activities and assistance.

Here are some of the things on offer at Her-Place. For a full calendar of their monthly activities, please visit www.her-place.co.uk.

Training courses: Her-Place offer free training courses in both their Winsford and Crewe hubs. Some of the courses include Mental Health training, Wellbeing and relaxation courses,plus more. These courses are open to anyone aged 19+ and are free if you are unemployed or earn under £25,750.

Baby clothes: The Winsford hub has a wide variety of clothing swaps, including baby bundles. You can request a baby bundle by popping into the hub at 15-17 Finsbury Walk, Winsford CW7 2YA, calling 01606 557 666 or emailing hub@her-place.co.uk.

Workshops and groups: Her-Place has many different workshops and groups including sewing, family open days, legal and financial advice drop ins plus more. These workshops are free and open to all women and girls.

Edna’s Laundrette: Edna’s Launderette is a free washing machine and tumble dryer open to anyone in the local area. It is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30am - 2pm. You can use the facilities whenever you need and they even provide free detergent and softener. This service has kindly been provided by People’s Health Trust and The Health Lottery.

You can visit Her-Place’s Winsford location at 15-17 Finsbury Walk, Winsford CW7 2YA. To find out more call 01606 557 666, email hub@her-place.co.uk or visit www.her-place.co.uk.

Find out more by visiting www.her-place.co.uk Page 16

All about Changing Lives Together

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hanging Lives Together is a charity based in Winsford who aim to improve the lives of local people and protect the environment. Their team is passionate about helping people and creating positive change in communities.

They offer a wide range of services, including: • Family support and help schemes.

• Community hubs and groceries.

• Surplus food distribution.

• Reuse shops for paint, furniture, appliances, and bikes.

• Bulky waste collection.

• Wellbeing services like mental health support, befriending, and “Men in Sheds”.

• Training, volunteering, and job opportunities.

Changing Lives Together supports people facing challenges such as isolation, unemployment, or disadvantage. The team work with people of all ages and abilities and a lot of their services are free.

Community grocery: The Very Green Grocery aims to reduce food waste and provide affordable food options. They work with local supermarkets, food distributors and haulage companies to make sure good food doesn’t go to waste and offer huge discounts to you. You can sign up to become a member for free and can visit twice a week to pick up a bag of groceries for just a £7 donation!

The two community groceries can be found at: Winsford - The Winsford Community Hub, High Street, CW7 2AS Northwich - The Old School House, Manchester Road, CW9 7NN How can I get involved?

You can find Changing Lives Together at The ReUse Warehouse, Unit 12, Road Two, Winsford Industrial Estate, CW7 3QL. The team often host clubs and support services, as well as the community grocery at The Winsford Community Hub, High Street, CW7 2AS. If you need to contact a member of the Winsford Community Grocery please call us on 01606827121 option 3.

To find out more about their services visit www.changing-lives-together.org.uk.

For information www.changing-lives-together.co.uk Find out more byvisit visiting www.changing-lives-together.org.uk Page 17

Introducing Thrive360°

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hrive360° is a wellbeing programme kindly funded by Fusion 21. Thrive360° is a new addition to the programmes delivered by our Employment Support team, who are here to help you gain employment, find volunteering opportunities and boost your confidence.

Thrive360° are free, bitesize workshops which run for approximately 2 hours and will give you ideas and strategies to help develop your employability skills, improve your wellbeing and make your money go further.

There’s no need to book and you don’t need to attend them all — just pick and choose what works for you!

Here’s some of the things the friendly team will be delivering in the Thrive360° programme: • • • • •

Improving your financial health.

Benefits of budgeting.

Eat well for less.

Using the internet safely to save money.

Making work, work.

• • • • •

Volunteering.

Believe in yourself.

Marketing your small business.

Successful job searching.

Plus much more!

To view the full timetable of Thrive360° and where we’ll be in your local area, visit www.wvht.co.uk/thrive-360 “I’m excited and looking forward to delivering the Thrive360° sessions funded by Fusion 21. It’s a privilege to work in the community supporting people with their wellbeing, employability skills and budgeting.

The sessions are fun and informal and it’s great when groups come together and form connections, it makes us realise we are not alone with our worries and helps us to find ways to manage them and move forward.”

- Sarah Grindley, Employment Support Team Mentor To find out more, please contact the Employment Support team by calling 0300 303 9848 or email workteam@wvht.co.uk.

To find out more about the work of the Employment Support team, please visit www.wvht.co.uk/employment-support.

Find out more by visiting www.wvht.co.uk/employment-support Page 18

What our Open Space team do in the winter

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id you know, our Open Space team carry out different jobs in each season? With the weather turning colder, the teams daily tasks change to our autumn and winter work.

Across the next few months, our team will be doing the last of the grass cutting. As you may know from your own gardens, grass grows much slower in the winter due to the cold and reduced sunlight, so many areas won’t need another cut until next spring.

The team also begin hedge and tree cutting, did you know our teams don’t cut trees and hedges in the spring and summer because of bird nesting season? Now the birds have flown away, this essential maintenance can continue. If you are trimming your own gardens, double check for any nests, signs of birds flying in and out of trees or hedges and any warning cries just in case some birds are still nesting.

Here is a full list of all our autumn and winter works: • • • • • • • • • • •

Hedge and shrub bed maintenance.

Leaf clearance.

Litter picking.

Hard surface maintenance.

Fly-tipping removal.

Spring bulb planting.

Tree planting.

Pathway edging.

Low level tree pruning.

Tree surveying.

Play area inspections and maintenance.

Our autumn and winter works will take longer in some areas than others which means you may not see the teams as often as in the summer months.

To find out more, please contact the Open Space team, call 0300 303 9848, email enquiries@wvht.co.uk or visit www.wvht.co.uk/openspace.

Find out more by visiting www.wvht.co.uk/openspace Page 19

Pop the kettle on

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ake a break with a brew and some brain teasers! Relax and enjoy this fun word search and sudoku challenge. There’s an extra word in the wordsearch, if you find it you could win a £20 Amazon gift voucher! To enter message us on our Facebook with the extra word you found or post your completed word search to: FREEPOST WVHT. If you are posting your completed puzzle, please provide your contact details. The competition closes on 2nd March 2026.

For information about our support team visit www.wvht.co.uk/support www.wvht.co.uk Page www.facebook.com/WeaverVale 19