Aiming High!Inside Wigan Youth ZoneFREE Membership to the Youth ZonePages 6 - 7

Summer 2013

Pages 4 - 5

Welfare ReformWhat it could mean for you.

Could you be a member of our Board?Application details on page 11

We are consistently looking to improve services and value for money for our

tenants. One of the ways we could reduce cost is by reducing the amount

we spend on printing and delivering your Housing Matters magazine.

If you would prefer to receive a digital version of the magazine instead, please let us know by emailing

enquiries@walh.co.uk

Would you prefer to receive Housing Matters by email?

Better bathrooms by design.Wigan and Leigh Housing has begun a massive project to upgrade the bathrooms in more than 22,000 Council homes.

Surveyors are out assessing the condition of bathrooms in properties across Wigan Borough, meeting with tenants to discuss their individual needs and will be appointing other contractors to help deliver the programme with a big emphasis on local labour.

Trevor Smith, our Group Manager for Planned Works, explains: “We have signifi cant funding for the programme and are visiting properties and working with tenants to see which parts of their bathroom need updating or adapting.

“It could be that the some tenants will need a complete new bathroom suite. In other cases if improvements have recently been made, it could mean very little needs to be done, but we will be assessing each property on an individual basis.”

The £5million scheme is off to a fl ying start thanks to help from 40 tenants who took part in the pilot project.

The volunteers attended a consultation event to look at a number of fi xtures and fi ttings.

Having made their choices, they then agreed to have them fi tted in their homes. Pat Draper, a member of the Stock Investment Panel, was one of the tenants taking part in the pilot.

It was agreed that she and husband Jimmy needed a complete new bathroom at their Beech Hill home and the couple are delighted with the results.

“I was very surprised by the quality of the fi ttings” says Pat, “Once we had agreed what work needed doing and what fi ttings we wanted, they just got on with it. It was all done in about a week.”

Wigan and Leigh Housing is currently working with Leigh Building Services and several borough-based companies and will be appointing other contractors to help deliver the programme with a big emphasis on local labour, which means the work is also supporting the local economy.

“The contractors we had were from Power Plus, which is based in Wigan,” says Jimmy. “They discussed the job with us beforehand and kept us informed every step of the way. They were really friendly and the quality of the work is excellent.”

Chair of Wigan and Leigh Housing’s Board, Neil Turner says: “This is an exciting project which will see us investing signifi cant amounts of money in bringing all our bathrooms up to a modern standard.”

More information, including dates of when the work is planned for your area, is available on www.walh.co.uk

2 Customer ContaCt Centre: 01942 70 50 40

ContentsThanks to the extremely high levels of satisfaction reported by our tenants and our proven value for money services, I’m delighted to confi rm that Wigan Council has agreed to extend our contract to manage its housing stock of 22 000 homes.

This extends our contract for a further 10 years, meaning we can continue working together to deliver high quality services to tenants, build new homes, develop energy conservation projects and address homelessness. This also allows us to devote attention to building specialist housing for tenants with specifi c care needs, regeneration initiatives and creating wider training and employment opportunities.

We will, of course, continue to support our tenants in the face of the Government’s welfare reforms. To start with, please read pages 4 and 5 about the latest advice and information now available on our new website.

We are also delighted to be the fi rst founding patron of the fantastic Wigan Youth Zone, which we feel will have such a positive impact on the future of our Borough. As part of our commitment to brighter futures for all of our tenants, we are working in partnership with our contractors on youth outreach sessions on estates across Wigan and Leigh, enabling everyone to access amazing new facilities and opportunities, wherever they live in the Borough.

I am proud that Wigan and Leigh Housing has the vision to keep improving homes, communities and opportunities for its tenants. We’ve seen some great results and we will continue to see more.

Neil Turner,

Chair of Board Wigan and Leigh Housing

What it means to you and what you need to do

Including FREE membership opportunities

Find out what our Customer Inspectors do and how you can join the team!

How are we doing?

Be aware of the dangers and information about better ways of getting credit

Welcome to the Summer issue of our magazine for tenants.

3www.walh.Co.uk

2

3

8

9

18

19

20

10

11

16/17

12-13

14

15

4/5

Better Bathrooms by Design

Welcome

Pay Day Loans

Secret Diary of a Customer Inspector

Driving Ambition

Area Housing Forums and BNF Projects

Food Positive plus Recipe for Easy Tomato Soup

Kickz Project

Meet the Rents Team

Summer Safety AdviceGardening Corner

Measles AdviceSummer of SportNew Local Service to Combat Domestic Violence

Tenants Conference Contact details

Training Diary

Welfare Reform

Youth Zone6/7

Food Positive plus Recipe

4 Customer ContaCt Centre: 01942 70 50 40

WELFARE REFORMWhat does it all mean and what do you need to do?From April 2013, changes to benefits have been made which might affect anyone aged 16 – 64. To find out if you are affected, visit our new website - www.wiganwelfarereform.co.uk - which gives you a lot more detail about which benefits are affected and how. You can also get to the website from www.walh.co.uk. There is a link straight from our homepage into the new dedicated website about welfare reform.

12 13CUSTOMER CONTACT CENTRE: 01942 70 50 40 WWW.WALH.CO.UK

A new single monthly payment for people looking for work or on a low income is starting in July 2013. It is called Universal Credit and it will replace some of the benefits and tax credits you might be getting now. If you or your partner are claiming any of the following, you need to act NOW.

• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income Support

• Child Tax Credit

• Working Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit will be cut if you are considered to be - under occupying- your home under the new Government guidelines. To find out if this affects you, use the calculator on the wiganwelfarereform.co.uk website – it’s very easy to use and it will help you work out exactly if you are classed as - under occupying - and how much your benefits could be affected. This will help you find out what income you will have coming in and help you plan your budget.

Some of the changes from April 2013 include:-Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Council Tax Benefit is changing

Social Fund, Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants will stop and will be replaced by financial help from your local Council

www.wiganwelfarereform.co.uk will also tell you about the benefits and other support you may be able to get from now on. Visit it now and make sure you don’t lose out.

Tenants who do not pay their rent will have legal action taken against them and could be evicted. There is help for people who are struggling to pay their rent. It is important that you contact us BEFORE you try to borrow money from anyone. Information about the dangers of borrowing from payday loan companies or loan sharks is available on the website as well as some contact details of local credit unions who may be able to offer you a low cost loan and savings account.

The easiest way to pay your rent and avoid building up debts is to set up a Direct Debit payment from a bank account. If you don’t yet have a bank account, visit the website for information about the basic bank accounts available in Wigan and Leigh and how to set up a Direct Debit.

You probably will have a lot of questions about what’s involved and we have a whole section on Frequently Asked Questions about the ‘bedroom tax’, the Benefit Cap, Universal Credit and paying rent on the website.

Don’t forget – act NOW to make sure you don’t lose any benefits and to make sure you are claiming everything you should be. The information you need to know is on our website. You can also contact us at enquiries@walh.co.uk or call us on 01942 70 50 40.www.wiganwelfarereform.co.uk

Go straight to the site from the link at

www.walh.co.uk

Use the bedroom tax calculator on our website to find how the

changes affect you

We have a whole section on Frequently Asked Questions

about the ‘bedroom tax’

5www.walh.Co.uk

WELFARE REFORMWhat does it all mean and what do you need to do?From April 2013, changes to benefits have been made which might affect anyone aged 16 – 64. To find out if you are affected, visit our new website - www.wiganwelfarereform.co.uk - which gives you a lot more detail about which benefits are affected and how. You can also get to the website from www.walh.co.uk. There is a link straight from our homepage into the new dedicated website about welfare reform.

12 13CUSTOMER CONTACT CENTRE: 01942 70 50 40 WWW.WALH.CO.UK

A new single monthly payment for people looking for work or on a low income is starting in July 2013. It is called Universal Credit and it will replace some of the benefits and tax credits you might be getting now. If you or your partner are claiming any of the following, you need to act NOW.

• Income based Jobseeker’s Allowance

• Income related Employment and Support Allowance

• Income Support

• Child Tax Credit

• Working Tax Credit

• Housing Benefit

Housing Benefit will be cut if you are considered to be - under occupying- your home under the new Government guidelines. To find out if this affects you, use the calculator on the wiganwelfarereform.co.uk website – it’s very easy to use and it will help you work out exactly if you are classed as - under occupying - and how much your benefits could be affected. This will help you find out what income you will have coming in and help you plan your budget.

Some of the changes from April 2013 include:-Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is being replaced by a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Council Tax Benefit is changing

Social Fund, Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants will stop and will be replaced by financial help from your local Council

www.wiganwelfarereform.co.uk will also tell you about the benefits and other support you may be able to get from now on. Visit it now and make sure you don’t lose out.

Tenants who do not pay their rent will have legal action taken against them and could be evicted. There is help for people who are struggling to pay their rent. It is important that you contact us BEFORE you try to borrow money from anyone. Information about the dangers of borrowing from payday loan companies or loan sharks is available on the website as well as some contact details of local credit unions who may be able to offer you a low cost loan and savings account.

The easiest way to pay your rent and avoid building up debts is to set up a Direct Debit payment from a bank account. If you don’t yet have a bank account, visit the website for information about the basic bank accounts available in Wigan and Leigh and how to set up a Direct Debit.

You probably will have a lot of questions about what’s involved and we have a whole section on Frequently Asked Questions about the ‘bedroom tax’, the Benefit Cap, Universal Credit and paying rent on the website.

Don’t forget – act NOW to make sure you don’t lose any benefits and to make sure you are claiming everything you should be. The information you need to know is on our website. You can also contact us at enquiries@walh.co.uk or call us on 01942 70 50 40.www.wiganwelfarereform.co.uk

Go straight to the site from the link at

www.walh.co.uk

Use the bedroom tax calculator on our website to find how the

changes affect you

We have a whole section on Frequently Asked Questions

about the ‘bedroom tax’

The state of the art Wigan Youth Zone is now open and Wigan and Leigh Housing is extremely proud to be its first founding patron. With support from our Better Neighbourhood Fund, the Youth Zone is one of the biggest youth centres in Europe. With incredibly low admission prices – £5 for annual membership then just 50p for a day’s entry - the centre offers young people aged 8 – 21 the chance to access a huge variety of sports and arts opportunities.

Manager Simon Baker says: “The new Wigan Youth Zone will provide the town’s young people with somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to. Whether you are interested in sport, art, drama, music or just looking for a safe place to hang out, Wigan Youth Zone offers something for everyone, 7 days a week, 52 weeks a year.”

Neil Turner, Chair of Wigan and Leigh Housing’s Board, says: “The whole Board was united in support of this stunning initiative. We are proud to announce that the building contractors working in partnership with us donated almost £44,000 to fund the amazing climbing wall. The spirit of the centre is that every young person in the borough should benefi t from access to the incredible facilities and we are also delighted to fund outreach sessions on estates we manage across the Borough to bring as many Youth Zone activities to people’s doorsteps no matter where in Wigan or Leigh they live.”

wIGan Youth Zone Is oPen!

BeCome a memBer

For Free

It costs £5 to become a WYZ member for a whole

year and Wigan and Leigh Housing is giving 100 FREE

memberships to our tenants’ sons and daughters aged

8 – 21. The only criteria is you must not be in rent arrears

and must not have been involved with any anti-social

behaviour. Memberships will be allocated on a fi rst come,

fi rst served basis while stocks last.

To apply

for yours, email

enquiries@walh.co.uk

or inbox us on

Facebook.

For more information about the Youth Zone, visit www.wiganyz.org or call 01942 612061

6

Our Chief Executive Ashley Crumbley with Simon Baker

7www.walh.Co.uk

Your interest at heartthe dangers of a paYdaY loan

Your interest at heartthe dangers of a paYdaY loan

8

Need a loan? Most of us are aware of the dangers of doorstep lenders, but the small print on payday loans should make us wary too as one tenant in Wigan discovered to her cost.

Mary’s Story

Unable to work due to physical and mental health issues, and finding it difficult to cope financially, Mary took out a pay day loan for £400.

To begin with all was well. “I knew of the dangers of getting tied up with illegal money lenders because you hear some horror stories on the news,” Mary said, “So I thought a pay day loan company would be the more sensible and responsible way of borrowing money. The terms looked reasonable and the repayments didn’t seem too expensive.”

But with Christmas coming up Mary began to struggle to make the repayments. A closer look at the small print revealed a staggering interest rate of 4144% and inevitably, the charges started piling on, adding to the loan. Shortly afterwards the phone calls and letters demanding payment began.

“I felt totally isolated, depressed and more than a little ashamed as well,” says Mary. “But even though I was at my wit’s end, I didn’t bury my head in the sand. I desperately tried to resolve the issue but the company didn’t want to know. They just wanted their money.”

Three months down the line, the amount she owed had grown to more than £1200 and Mary's anxiety was now so severe she couldn’t bring herself to leave her home.

But there was hope. “I contacted Wigan Council Trading Standards and they were really helpful,” says Mary. “They pointed me in the direction of the Citizen’s Advice Bureau and advised me that if bailiffs did turn up, I should call the police. They put my mind at rest that I wouldn’t be prosecuted for not being able to repay.”

Julie Middlehurst, Trading Standards Manager says: “It turned out that Mary wasn’t the only victim of this company. They were doing the same to many other people across the country. The company is now being investigated by the Office of Fair Trading which can take their credit licence away or pursue them in the courts.”

Mary’s story is not unique. If you need to borrow money it’s always wise to shop around for the best deal.

Wigan Borough has two Credit Unions which both offer low cost loans and savings schemes. To find out more, contact them direct:

Welcome Credit Union: email info@welcomecreditunion.co.uk website www.welcomecreditunion.co.uk call 01942 828702 or 828611

Unify Credit Union: email info@unifycu.org website www.unifycu.org call 01942 701706 or 607002

If you do get into debt for any reason, help and advice is available from Wigan and Leigh Citizen’s Advice Bureau: Call 08448 26 97 13 or visit www.wigancab.org

Attends meetings to plan which services to check &

goes to training days to get up-to-date on all services.

9www.walh.Co.uk

JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM OF SECRET OF SECRET OF SECRET INSPECTORSINSPECTORSINSPECTORS

JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM JOIN OUR TEAM

What does a Customer Inspector do?

Visits open offi ces to check we are welcoming,

approachable, listening & helpful.

One of the best ways for us to check if our services are meeting the needs of our

tenants is to ask our customers to check up on us. Without ever revealing their

secret identity, a small team of Customer Inspectors act as ‘mystery shoppers’ on

our services to make sure we are delivering to the standards you expect.

Customer Inspectors have helped make big improvements to the services we

deliver to tenants. They work closely with our Tenant Scrutiny Panel, giving them

information for their reports and have helped us develop staff training.

Contacts us by email or phone to check

our response meets the customer care

standards set by tenants.

Checks our website is up-to-

date and useful.

Who can apply?You don’t have to be a Council tenant. Anyone living in Wigan Borough can apply and there’s NO age restrictions. You must be able to attend 3 meetings a year as well as some training sessions. Interested?Call us on 0800 389 7652 or email enquiries@walh.co.uk

Reports fi ndings and follows up to check if

improvements have been made.

We are always looking for more volunteers to get a new

perspective and more feedback on the services we

provide. We offer lots of training to help you in this role

and getting involved as a Customer Inspector is a great

asset on anyone’s CV, leading to more employment

opportunities.

Looks at letters sent by us to check we are resolving

enquiries and responding in full to concerns.

Since 2004 Fix-It UK, which is based in Spring View, has been running courses for any young people aged 14-16 interested in a career working on cars or bikes.

As well as hands on training and the chance to gain an extra qualifi cation, the students have also benefi tted from the professional environment they are working in. Ian Tomlinson, who runs the charity, explains: “As well as learning how to fi x cars, the students are also learning about the world of work. They have to be on time, work as part of a team, follow instructions and be aware of health and safety. Working together with the trainers, they are treated as adults and expected to behave like adults too. We see a huge development in the students’ communication skills and – most

includes essential skills for anyone looking to get work in today’s technology led motor industry. Ian says: “As well as an internationally recognised qualifi cation, this is an opportunity to really build up your CV and get some great references.

We also support anyone who struggles with reading and writing. The whole project is about breaking down the barriers into work and giving people the chance to experience the value of working hard in a job you enjoy. It’s not just about earning a wage – it’s about the person and the future they can see for themselves.”

Chair of our Board, Neil Turner said, “We were delighted to support this charity with our Better Neighbourhood Fund and promote it to our tenants. Training opportunities and help into work are the keys to a brighter future.”

A local charity which gives school kids the chance to learn hands on skills in motor vehicle repair is one of the latest projects to benefi t from Wigan and Leigh Housing’s Better Neighbourhood Fund.

Driving ambition

importantly- their own self esteem and confi dence. They know the value of working hard and the rewards it can bring. In today’s economy, young people need every opportunity they can get to develop all the skills they can. The motor vehicle industry is the second biggest employer in the UK and I’m proud to say that our students have gone onto college and into work armed with the skills they need to make something of their lives.”

With the support of our Better Neighbourhood Fund, Fix-It UKis now widening the training opportunities it offers. Now, anyone over the age of 16 who is looking for work can apply for a place on a new two day per week course running from July until December. The course is free and includes free boots and overalls, free lunch, free public transport and £180 achievement bonus. The course is run by industry professionals and

10

A local charity which gives school kids the chance to learn hands on skills in motor vehicle repair is one of the latest projects to benefi t

Driving ambition

Keep your car care costs down.Fix-It, based in Moss Street, also offers MOTs, servicing, bodywork repairs and resprays to the general public. Work is undertaken by fully qualifi ed mechanics at discounted rates and profi ts are returned to the charity to fund the delivery of training to young people. For more information, call 01942 864 936.

If you have a project, event or idea that will make your community better, safer or stronger, get in touch. All funding is agreed by tenants and residents at our Area Housing Forums and the next dates are:

Atherton Area Forum 12th August 10am – 12pm

Platt Bridge Area Forum 13th August 10am – 12pm

Wigan Area Forum 14th August 4pm – 6pm

Leigh Area Forum 15th August 6.15pm – 8.15pm

Pemberton Area Forum 16th August 10am – 12pm

Older Persons’ and Sheltered Forum 19th August 10am – 12pm

Over 100 local projects have been supported by our Better Neighbourhood Fund already this year, including training opportunities, social inclusion projects and diversionary activities to prevent ASB.

11www.walh.Co.uk

Better homes anD BrIGhter Futures

Why not come along? For venues and more information email enquiries@walh.co.uk or call 0800 389 7652.

Elections will soon be held for Tenant Board Members to represent our Wigan, Platt Bridge and Leigh housing management areas. If you are interested in being part of the decision making in your housing service and would like the chance to make a difference to tenants’ lives, why not apply?

We are looking for someone who is a current Wigan and Leigh Housing tenant and able to voice their opinion. You must be focused on the needs of tenants and committed to continuous improvement.

More information and an application form can be found on our website www.walh.co.uk or by emailing enquiries@walh.co.uk. All application forms must be received by Friday, 9th August 2013.

Your chance to speak up and be counted.

Photos of some of the communityprojects supported by our BNF in 2013:

(clockwise from top) Atherton Carnival 2013; Planting bulbs in Shevington, Joining Communities Day in Leigh

and Mobile Skate Park in Tyldesley

So why not take the plunge, get back into that kitchen and cook?

This is the idea behind a new course aimed at Wigan and Leigh Housing tenants that encourages parents to fi nd their own inner masterchef.

We are working with Ince based Food Positive to run training courses for tenants with pre-school children. The idea is a simple one – to show people how to make cheap, nutritious meals on a budget and help them rediscover the real joys of home cooking.

Food Positive director Shirley Southworth is on a mission to educate people in the basics of home cookery and make the ready meal history.

She says: “We want to show people that it is easy yet rewarding to make your own meals. The course will take parents through the basics and we’ll be trying out a few home cooking favourites for them to take home. We will also be getting the children in on the action by providing them with fun food-based activities while mum and dad are in the kitchen.”

Shirley says that part of the plan is to expose some of the misconceptions about home cooking.

“Many people think that it is expensive but the truth is that in many cases it’s actually cheaper,” says Shirley. “For example we have shown that people can make their own lasagne from scratch for about half the price of buying a jar of ready made sauce.

“And given the fact that you’ll be using fresh ingredients with no additives, it’s much better for you as well.”

The sessions are free and run 10am - 12pm every Thursday at Food Positive’s base at Ashland House in Ince. Booking essential.

FEEDING the family on a budget doesn’t have to be boring.

In fact if you do it yourself, it can be cheaper, healthier and lots of fun.

Positively Delicious! pic

This is the idea behind a new course aimed at Wigan and Leigh Housing tenants that encourages parents

pic

To fi nd out more, contact Shirley at Food Positive on 07727 057 129 or

email: shirley@foodpositive.co.uk

You can also fi nd out more about Food Positive at www.foodpositive.co.uk

The course will take parents through the basics

favourites for them to take home. We will also be getting the children in on the action by providing

truth is that in many cases it’s actually cheaper,” says Shirley. “For example we have shown that people can make their own lasagne from scratch

ingredients with no additives, it’s much better for

12

New courses starting in Platt Bridge

soon - contact Shirley for details.

Healthy and delicious food

Getting together to learn new skills

Feed your family for less

The Easiest Homemade Tomato Soup Ever! INGREDIENTS: • Some tomatoes (over ripe ones work well) enough to cover a roasting dish. • A clove or two of garlic • A red pepper if you’ve got one (leave it out if you haven’t) • Olive oil • Salt and pepper • Two vegetable stock cubes and some boiling water.

Halve the tomatoes and the pepper, place in an oven dish/tray, season and drizzle with olive oil, throw

in the garlic cloves and roast in the oven (200o/Gas Mark 6) until soft and slightly blackened round the edges. Put the lot in a pan, add the stock cubes and enough water to cover everything and simmer for 15-20 minutes with the lid on.

Using a hand blender, blitz the soup. Place a sieve over another pan or large bowl and pass the soup through the sieve, pressing the

pulp with a wooden spoon or ladle until all that’s left in the sieve are the seeds and skin. Check the

seasoning and serve piping hot with fresh bread. The small amount of oil used in this recipe means it is already low fat but you can miss out the oil completely if you wish. To add a little luxury if you are not concerned with fat content, add a swirl of double cream before serving.

If you enjoyed making and eating this, let us know!

This is a good way to use a glut of home grown tomatoes but also great for using softer tomatoes if they are going cheap in a shop.

The soup is a lovely winter warmer but can also be served chilled in the summer...not something we are used to in the UK but popular in hot European countries.

You can ring the changes by adding chillies at the roasting stage to give the soup a kick, posh it up by fl oating a basil leaf on top or sprinkling with some homemade croutons (see recipe).

It can also be adapted for other meals. Reduce it by cooking on a hot hob, stirring until thickened. Then add a pinch of Italian herbs to make a lovely fresh pasta sauce or a tomato sauce base for a delicious home made pizza.

13www.walh.Co.uk

Homemade CroutonsChop up some bread that’s past its best. Place in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil or vegetable oil, sprinkle with salt and some dried herbs. Mix and spread onto a baking tray. Place in the oven on 160 C or Gas mark 3 until crisp and golden. Store in a jar and use on soup or sprinkled on salads.

How did we perform in 2012/13 against the standards you have set us?

Service StandardskICkInG oFF on the roaD to wemBleYTwo young local football teams are set to follow the ‘Latics to Wembley after being crowned the champions of Wigan’s Kickz Cup 2013 qualifi cation event in May.

Teams of Under 14s and Under 16s from all areas across the Borough took part in the event at Central Park, Montrose Ave, Pemberton. Dance inclusion groups also came along to take part in a dance competition and the winning team from Stubshaw Cross performed for the crowd before the fi nal games of the tournament.

Congratulations to the Under 14s and Under 16s from Shakerley, who were victorious in both age categories and now have the honour of representing Wigan in the national fi nals.

Good luck lads!

Kickz began in London in 2006, using football to bring communities together and engage with young people. The local Kickz project is run by Wigan Athletic Community Trust.The vision is to ‘build safer, stronger, more respectful communities through the development of young people’s potential’.

Today there are 112 projects across England, with 45,000 kids engaged in their local community in just one year.

Sessions run for three nights a week, 48 weeks of the year

One of Kickz’s aims is to encourage volunteering and create routes into education, training and employment. More than 4,200 young people have volunteered at projects, with over 1,000 football-specifi c qualifi cations or accreditations achieved.

Almost 400 young people have gone on to gain employment within one of the 42 club community schemes.

14

% of reported repairs that are completed right

fi rst time

% satisfaction with the way case is handled

% satisfaction that rent represents value for money

% satisfi ed with the service provided by the Contact Centre

% satisfaction with grounds maintenance

service

% satisfaction that views are taken into

account

% of recorded actions where action

has been taken

% of actively involved tenants

ADDRESSING ANTI-SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR

VALUE FOR MONEY

CUSTOMER CARE

ESTATE MANAGEMENT

CUSTOMER INVOLVEMENT

% of responsive repairs where an appointment is made and kept

% satisfaction with communications

after improvement works

Target 95%

Actual 98%

Target 80%

Actual 86%

Target 79%

Actual 86%

Target 98%

Actual 100%

Target 72%

Actual 80%

Target 93%

Actual 83%

Target 95%

Actual 98%

Target 95%

Actual 99%

Target 1%

Actual 1.3%

Target 75%

Actual 68%

The team is not just responsible for collecting rents from over 22 000 Council homes. It is also deals with rent arrears and acts as a crucial lifeline for tenants who are struggling with fi nancial pressures.

Based in Worsley Hall, the team is out and about in the communities, meeting with tenants to discuss their particular issues and problems and striving to fi nd solutions together.

“People can get behind in paying their rent for many different reasons,” says Wendy Larty, who is a Team Leader with the Rents Team. “It is our job to identify them earlier so we can take action before the problem gets bigger.”

“Many of the tenants we deal with are struggling with multiple debts, credit card and store card bills, pay-day loans and even debts to illegal loan sharks, which they cannot pay.”

“We refer people to the places they can get help with managing their debts, such as the Citizen’s Advice Bureau.”

The team's workload has recently increased dramatically because of the number of tenants who are facing diffi culties as a result of the new Under Occupancy Charge, commonly known as the Bedroom Tax.

“We have seen an increase in the number of tenants in arrears since the introduction of the Government’s Welfare Reforms,” says Wendy. “But we would urge anyone who thinks they may be facing diffi culty to get in touch with us and we can start to help.”

Your rent covers the costs of the homes we provide along with repairs and maintenance. It also contributes to major improvement schemes such as the refurbishments of the multi-storey fl ats or the bathroom upgrades.

The ultimate sanction for anyone who doesn’t pay their rent is eviction and there has already been a large increase in the number of people evicted for rent arrears this fi nancial year. The Under Occupation Penalty and other changes to benefi ts are meaning that people have less

money than ever to pay their rent. This is why it is so important that people who owe rent arrears work with the rents team to make sure that they don’t become the next person to be evicted for not paying their rent. People cannot live “rent free” because this would not be fair to the vast majority of our tenants who pay their rent each week. We try our best to work with people in arrears but if they refuse to work with us we are prepared to take strong action and as a last resort, begin eviction proceedings

There are now more ways than ever to pay your rent. We are making the most of new technology to make it as easy as possible.

• Over the counter at your local Post Offi ce, Paypoint Centre or Life Centre.

• Online at www.walh.co.uk

• Over the phone.

• By setting up a Direct Debit or Standing Order. You can do this online or over the phone too.

• You can even have your rent deducted from your salary or wages.

Whatever way you decide to pay, the advice is still the same. If you need to talk to someone about problems paying your rent, get in touch! You can contact the team on

01942 705040.

Our Rents Team works hard to prevent people falling into arrears and facing legal action.

Meet the team -The Rents Team

Help whenrent’s due

Members of the team at work.

Out and about on our estates.

15www.walh.Co.uk

keeP saFe thIs summerat wigan and leigh housing, we know how valuable and important apprenticeships are – both for young people and the organisations they work for. we currently have eight apprentices working for us and are proud to work with contractors and partners who also invest in our young people.

keep your children safe this summer. make sure they know the dangers of swimming in open water.

Wigan teenager Caitlin Alcock is the youngest apprentice at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) and as the summer is upon us she’s spreading the message of water safety to other teens.

Aged just 17, Caitlin from Ashton-in-Makerfi eld, is one of 12 young people who are taking part in a year-long Community Safety apprenticeship scheme offered by GMFRS in conjunction with Salford City College and the National Apprentice Service.

Caitlin said: “I know that when it’s hot weather, young people are often drawn to open water. As part of my role with the Fire Service, I’ve been working with pupils at local schools across Wigan Borough to let them know how dangerous this can be.

16

Keep dandelions and other perennial weeds in your lawn under control cheaply and easily. Put a teaspoon of normal table salt directly onto the leaves to kill them off.

Mow your lawn regularly at this time of year but don’t be tempted to water or feed it. This will damage the roots and turn your grass brown.

Don’t forget to regularly deadhead any fl owers. This will make the plant produce more blooms and keeps the plant healthy.

If you are growing strawberries, cut the runners now to make new plants for next Spring.

Take soft wood cuttings of fuschias and peligoniums to give more new plants for free next year.

Sow your seeds for Spring now and plant next year’s cabbage, caulis and broccoli.

It’s also a good time to plant hyacinths if you want them to fl ower in time for Christmas.

Be sure to water plants early in the morning before the sun’s heat sets in.

Mow your lawn regularly at this time of Mow your lawn regularly at this time of

by Wilf Ford

1

2

3

4

5

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8can be.

Be sure to water plants early in the morning before the sun’s heat sets in.morning before the sun’s heat sets in.morning before the sun’s heat sets in.morning before the sun’s heat sets in.Be sure to water plants early in the morning before the sun’s heat sets in.Be sure to water plants early in the morning before the sun’s heat sets in.

keeP saFe thIs summer

keep your children safe this summer. make sure they know the dangers of swimming in open water.

Spreading the word. Caitlin by Seven Locks, a notorious spot for

dangerous swimming.

Why is open water dangerous?

• You never know how deep the water will be, especially further out.

• There’s no lifeguards to help you if get into trouble.

• The water’s often much colder than you expect, making even the best swimmers struggle.

• There is no way of knowing what’s underneath the water that could hurt you.

• If you jump in, you might not be able to get out because of steep slimy banks.

• If it’s polluted, it could make you ill.

• There could be hidden currents.

17www.walh.Co.uk

What is measles? It’s a nasty and contagious virus. Symptoms include a rash and a high-fever. It’s serious because it can lead to complications such as pneumonia, ear infections and brain swelling. In the worst cases, it can cause death but that is rare. Are any particular groups at risk? Yes – babies aged under the age of one, teenagers, and anyone with a weakened immune system. Measles in pregnant women is also really serious as it can affect the unborn baby. How easy is it to catch?Very. It travels through the air and is spread by people carrying the infection. It only requires the briefest contact with someone for them to pass it on. Is my child protected?Yes if they’ve had the MMR vaccine. It’s given to children aged 13 months with a booster at around three years and four months. If your child has had these two doses, then they are protected. What should I do if my child has never had the MMR vaccine? Contact your GP and arrange to get it as soon as possible.

18

There’s no reason to panic but it is really important everyone makes sure they – and especially their children – are protected.

Measles The facts

Summer of Sport is Set to Continue!

Wigan and Leigh Housing is working in partnership with Wigan Council, Greater Manchester Police and independent experts to improve support to victims of domestic violence.

Staff from Children’s Social Care, Probation and the Drug and Alcohol Teams are also part of the new team, which is based at Bamfurlong Police Station.

New project to protect victims of domestic abuse

Free multisports and dance sessions are set to continue until at least March 2014 thanks to extra funding from Wigan Council’s Wigan Together Area Managers Groups and continued support from our Better Neighbourhood Fund.

The activities originally began in 2011 as a ten week project during the school summer holidays. But they have been so successful and well attended, they have run continually ever since.

If you, or someone you know, want to join in with your favourite sport or try something completely new, why not call down to the session nearest to you?

Tuesdays - Higher Folds Community Centre

5pm – 6pm ‘Us Girls Dance’ 7pm – 8.30pm Multi-sports

Tuesdays - Dorset Road Community Centre, Hag Fold

5.30pm – 7.30pm ‘Us Girls Dance’

Tuesdays - Heywood Avenue Playing Fields, Golborne

5.30pm – 7pm Multi-sports

Wednesday - Shevington Youth Club

5pm – 6pm Dance

Thursday - Stubshaw Cross Labour Club

5.30pm - 7pm Dance

Thursday - Shakerley Community Centre

6.30pm – 7.30pm Dance

Friday - The Meadows, Worsley Hall

5pm – 6pm Dance and Multi-sports

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Discover the many benefits of getting online including saving time and money! Plus find out how we are using technology to help improve our customer service.

Demonstrations and help to support you to get online.

Everyone welcome.St Peter’s Pavillion, Hindley

2nd October 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm30th October 6pm - 8pm

If you have some news that you would like us to share, please email us at enquiries@walh.co.uk or call 0800 389 7652 or write to us at Wigan and Leigh Housing Company, Freepost, WN5327, Wigan, WN3 4BR.

Minicom users can contact us on 18001 01942 705040.

Information can be made available in large print or other formats. Please telephone 01942 705040 for more information. People with hearing diffi culties who have a Minicom can contact us through the typetalk operator by ringing 18001 01942 705040.

We can also be contacted by text on 07797 806546.

wigan and leigh housing Company ltd., Freepost WN5327, Wigan WN3 4BR

Visit our website at www.walh.co.ukYou can also e-mail general enquiries to enquiries@walh.co.uk

This newsletter is printed with environmentally friendly ink and on paper from a sustainable source.

Free Training for Tenants To book your place email enquiries@walh.co.uk or call 0800 389 7652

Course Venue Course Description

Literacy, Numeracy and ICT Level 1 & Level 2

Work Skills course in Customer Service BTEC level 2

Level 1 Intro to the Contact Centre Industry

Introduction to Aviation Industry (Level 1)

Award in Retail Skills (Level 1)

Level 1 Award in Customer Service

Understanding Employment, Business and Enterprise (Level 1)

Understanding and Exploring Entrepreneurship (Level 2)

Introduction to Web / Multimedia Development

Introduction to Fabrication and Welding (Level 1)

Group Triple P

Energy Saving Advice

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

VTCT NVQ Level 1 Certifi cate in Sport and Active Leisure

Carbon Monoxide - The Silent Killer

Level 1 - Preparing to work in Adult Social Care

Emergency First Aid

Platt Bridge Community Zone, Ribble Road, Platt Bridge

Platt Bridge Community Zone, Ribble Road, Platt Bridge

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh College

Wigan and Leigh CollegeStarts w/c 2nd September

Standish Library and Atherton’s Children Centre Starts 18th September

Call for details

Unit 16, Rose Bridge Court Rose Bridge Way Wigan

Wednesday 6th November

Wigan and Leigh College

Unit 16, Rose Bridge CourtRose Bridge Way WiganWednesday 4th September

Wigan and Leigh CollegeStarts 16th September

Wigan and Leigh CollegeTuesday 17th September

Free for people claiming benefi ts. Choose up to 3 courses from English, Maths, ICT or Work Skills.

Free for people claiming benefi ts. Help with fi nding and getting a job.

Develop the practical skills and know-how required in today’s contact centre industry.

Training for anyone wanting to work as a customer service agent or cabin crew.

Learn, develop and practise the skills required to work in the retail sector.

Develop the skills and knowledge you will need for working in a customer service job role.

Covering the basic principles of employment, business and enterprise.

This course has been developed specifi cally for people who are considering starting their own business.

This course explains how to set up a basic web server account and host created web pages.

This is an introductory qualifi cation designed to introduce learners to the Sport and Active Leisure sector.

Contact us for details

Essential advice on Carbon Monoxide safety.

Learn & develop skills required for employment and/or career progression in the Health & Social Care Sector.

This is an informative practical parenting course aimed at parents with children age 0 to 9 years old. Creche available.

Free for people in receipt of benefi ts.

Why we need to save energy, how we can save energy and available funding.

Essential advice on Carbon Monoxide safety.