1

WIN!the latest iPod shuffle

WHAT’S GOING ON WHERE YOU LIVE?

Find out what’s been happening in your area and events coming up soon

THE CLOCK IS TICKING!How your benefits are changing in April

CORRIE,KIDS &KENYAHow we’re helping street children in Africa

Residents’ Annual Report inside!

what we’ve been doing for you

over the last year!

2

REPAIRSFor more

information on how we’re improving our repairs service, turn to page 9.

For all Great Places residents (except South Yorkshire) call us between 8am and 6pm weekdays on:

0300 123 1966Press 1 for repairs. You can also use this number for out-of-hours emergencies.

If you live in South Yorkshire, call Kier between 8am and 4.30pm on:

0114 205 3600For out-of-hours emergencies, call:

0114 273 0101

NUMBERS YOU NEED TO KNOWOFFICE ADDRESSES

Phone our Customer Access Team from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday. It’s local rate. Call us on: 0300 123 1966 or simply text us on 07797 870 734 or email us at cat@greatplaces.org.uk

Blackburn officeBarnfield House (Suite 4 and 5)Groundfloor, Accrington RoadBlackburn BB1 3NYOpen Monday, 9.30am-5pmAppointment only at all other times.

Cheshire office106 Longridge, Knutsford, WA16 8PDOpening hours: Monday only, 9.30am to 4.30pm

Fylde office336 Talbot Road, Blackpool, FY1 3QUOpening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Great Places head officeSouthern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester M20 2LTOpening hours: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.30pm

Oldham office119 Union Street, Oldham OL1 1TEOpening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Salford office4th Floor, St James’s House, Pendleton Way, Salford M6 5FWOpening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Sheffield officeThe Quadrant, 99 Parkway Avenue, Sheffield SS9 4WGOpening hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

NOW YOU CAN FIND US ON SOCIAL MEDIA

LIKE US ON FACEBOOKWWW.FACEBOOK.COM/GREATPLACESHOUSING

FOLLOW US ON TWITTER@MYGREATPLACE

3

Welcome to the brand

new issue of My Great Place – your magazine. As you can see we’ve made quite a few changes since it last landed on your doormat! After listening

to what you wanted, we’ve simplified the layout, added lots more colour and hopefully made the magazine much easier to navigate. We’ve also introduced some new bits which we hope you’ll find fun, interesting and useful! Please let us know what you think of the new look. Your words might well be given Star Letter on our new letters page, My Voice, on page 4. You can contact My Great Place in a number of ways including through Facebook and Twitter. Find out more about how we’re using social media to talk to you on page 8. Money is the main theme of our cover story on benefit changes on pages 6-7. We give you a step-by-step guide on what they will mean for you and your family. We’ve also devoted four pages to your Neighbourhood news because you said that it was your favourite part of the magazine. Get writing to us if you don’t see your neighbourhood in there. We’ve also included our annual report to residents on pages 12-15 so you can see what we’ve done over the last year to support you! I really hope you enjoy your new-look My Great Place!

Rachel Machin, Editor

WELCOME TO

YOUR MAGAZINE!

Write to My Great Place at:CommunicationsGreat PlacesSouthern Gate729 Princess RoadManchester, M20 2LT

Email: communications@greatplaces.org.uk

Facebook us at /MyGreatPlace

Tweet us @MyGreatPlace

Access for AllWe’ve already sent a magnifying sheet to our visually impaired residents. Let us know if you need one. An audio version of My Great Place is also available.

Cover stars:

Deman Saed and her son Dillan on a residents’ trip to Southport. Read all about it on page 17.

WHAT’S INSIDE?Regulars4 My Voice: your new letters page. Write, email, Facebook or Tweet us about anything and everything

8-10 News: a round-up of Great Places stories

11 My money: hints and tips on how to make your money go further

16-19 Neighbourhood news: keeping you up to date with what’s been going on and who’s been inspirational in your area

20-21 Events: details of what’s coming up in your area

22 In the know: advice and top tips on everything from keeping warm to making up with your neighbours

23 My green place: helping you keep up with all things environmental

24 Competitions: win cash vouchers with our wordsearch and spot the difference

Features5 Home improvements: how we’re making your homes better

5 Tenant services – it’s all about you! learn how this important group gives your opinions a voice

6-7 The clock is ticking – don’t let benefit changes take you by surprise: all you need to know about the changes coming in April 2013

12-15 Great Places annual report for residents 2012: read how we’ve performed this year

21 We need your opinion! what you’ve been saying at our Local Area Forums

FSC AND WORLD LAND TRUST LOGOS

4myVOICE!We want to give you every opportunity to tell us your thoughts, ideas and

comments. As you’ll see on page 8, there are new ways you can contact us via Facebook and Twitter as well as by letter! Whatever way you choose to contact us, we want to hear from you. Tell us about your neighbourhood or give us your thoughts on anything Great Places-related!

@mygreatplaceMy Great PlaceCommunicationsGreat Places Housing GroupSouthern Gate729 Princess RoadManchester M20 2LT

Write to us at:

communications@greatplaces.org.ukEmail us:

Tweet us:

facebook.com/GreatPlacesHousingFacebook us at:

We also want to know what you

think about your new-look My Great Place. Let us know your thoughts on the new design and what you’d like to see more of in the next issue!

“Hi My Great Place, can you thank everyone involved with the story about Ethan swimming to raise money for charity in the last issue. He was over the moon with it and when he read it that made his day. Also, can you thank Stephen Porter when you see him for donating £100 for his fundraising mission for The Royal Manchester Children’s Cancer Unit.” Regards Edwin Green

Editor: So glad Ethan liked the story (August 2012 issue). We’re glad to hear he’s continuing with his swimming and fundraising achievements. To support Ethan visit: justgiving.com/ETHAN-EVANS

Every issue one of your letters, emails, facebook or twitter messages will be chosen as our Star

Letter and you could receive a £10 voucher.

STAR LETTER

WIN an iPod shuffle!KIDS’ COMPETITION

We’ve got a little challenge for the young ones in your household! Meet our little fishy friend Margaret Plaice, whose name is inspired by this very magazine. Margaret is hiding somewhere in the magazine! Can you find her? If you can, just email or write and let us know exactly where she is (make sure you put the page number) at the above addresses. The winning entry will get their hands on a cute little iPod worth £40 (in the colour of your choice) so get searching!

COMPETITION RULESTo enter you must be:• 16 or under• a Great Places resident

Entries must be in by 14th January 2013

5

159homes will get new fencing

HOME IMPROVEMENTSWe want to make sure your homes are as comfortable as we can

make them. That’s why we keep a check on what needs doing and, every year, spend thousands on improving what matters to you.

In the year up to March 2013, we’ll fit:

429new kitchens

62major roofing repairs

99new bathrooms

34new over-bath showers

219new external doors

165new gas AA rated boilers

207homes will get new double glazed windows

See our annual report to tenants pages 12-15 for more information on what we spent on your homes last year.

TENANT SERVICESIT’S ALL ABOUT YOU!Since 2010 we’ve been looking into improving the way we

do things, and what better way than involving you at the heart of our services. My Great Place finds out more about how the Tenant Services Committee (TSC) represent you.

So far the Tenant Services Committee (TSC), our gang of improvement crusaders, have been working hard making changes to make sure you receive the best-possible service from us. They’re fellow residents whose job it is to listen to what’s important to you and let Great Places know your views and ideas on a range of different issues. The great thing about the TSC is that they have the power to influence how Great Places does things at the highest level. Everyone who gets involved in tenant services will have the chance to be part of many different activities

including complaints, board away days, planning events, representing Great Places at scheme openings, and much more besides!Why not get involved?We’re always on the lookout for new recruits to join our quest, and if you’re interested, you’ll receive some great benefits, including some extra money in your pocket for the time you give up.If you’d like to help us make a difference, please contact customer involvement co-ordinator Pauline Heron on 0161 925 7938, or email goforitteam@greatplaces.org.uk

700+hours spent working for you

300+ hours training to

better understand the service areas that matter to you

£177k given to aids and

adaptations budget so you can stay in your home

£25k given to new

projects to help minimise the impact of welfare reform on you

6

DON’T LET BENEFIT CHANGES TAKE YOU BY SURPRISETHE CLOCK IS TICKING!

You’ll have been bombarded with information on the Welfare Reform Act lately but it’s really important that

you read and listen to everything because the changes the government is making in April will affect many of you on benefits. My Great Place talks you through them.

What is the bedroom tax?The bedroom tax is a government initiative, and not something introduced by Great Places. The change means that housing benefit will be cut if you’re seen to have more bedrooms than you need. For example, if you’re a single tenant living in a four-bedroom house, you may currently be getting your full rent paid by housing benefit – but as of next April, this will no longer be the case.Even if you use every bedroom in the house, you may still be classed as under-occupying. In many cases, brothers and sisters will be expected to share.

Who makes the decisions?Your council’s housing benefit department will make the decision.

Who will it affect?Everyone of working age on full or partial housing benefit. Disabled people and those who foster are not exempt.If you have reached pension credit age, you won’t be affected. This is going up every year, but in April 2013 it will be anyone over 61 years and six months. People with fair rent tenancies and those in shared ownership properties will not be affected.

• If you have two children under 10, you’ll be assessed as only needing one bedroom for them.

• The same assessment will be made if you have two children of the same sex under 16.

• You’ll need to pay 14% of the total rent if you have one spare bedroom – for example, if your weekly rent is £85 you’d have to pay £11.90 extra a week.

• You’ll need to pay 25% of the total rent if you have two spare bedrooms, so based on that same weekly figure of £85, you’d have to pay £21.25 extra a week.

• You’re allowed one spare room for an overnight carer, but they can’t be a family member.

• Students in temporary accommodation can still have a bedroom if your home is their permanent residence.

• Only the parent who claims child benefit for the child can claim their bedroom entitlement.

THE CHANGES IN A NUTSHELL

Look out for our Bedroom Tax newsletter. All those affected will receive a questionnaire asking how they intend to pay their rent and whether they want to move to a smaller property. Please help us by filling it in! If we don’t contact you, and you think you will be affected, please ring us on 0300 123 1966 or email cat@greatplaces.org.uk

“Downsizing was a quick and painless process for us. It only took about 10 weeks from start to finish... and it saved us a fortune!”

7

DON’T LET BENEFIT CHANGES TAKE YOU BY SURPRISETHE CLOCK IS TICKING! WHAT WILL YOUR BENEFITS COVER?

1x

1x

2x

2x

2x

3x

SINGLE ADULT OVER THE AGE OF 16: ONE BEDROOM

ADULT COUPLE: ONE BEDROOM

PARENT(S) WITH SINGLE CHILD: TWO BEDROOMS

PARENT(S) WITH TWO CHILDREN OF SAME SEX UNDER 16: TWO BEDROOMS

PARENT(S) WITH TWO CHILDREN OF EACH SEX UNDER 10: TWO BEDROOMS

PARENT(S) WITH TWO CHILDREN OF EACH SEX AGED 10-16: THREE BEDROOMS

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SAVE MONEY? If you do have to pay the bedroom tax, we have lots of ideas on how you can make savings elsewhere to cover the costs. Here are just a few of them...• It may be possible to take in a

lodger, but you must ask Great Places for permission first, and any income from a lodger may affect benefits.

• If you borrow from a credit union, you could save around £4-£5 per week on a £500 loan. Visit www.abcul.org.uk to find your nearest credit union

• You can switch your energy supplier(s), which can save you on average £4 per week.

• Budget properly – just thinking about what you spend your cash on and writing it down can save a lot.

• Great Places has a good value home contents insurance scheme which covers all the items in your house and is a lot cheaper than insuring items individually.

Great Places has a dedicated team of people that can help you to make the most of your money – call 0300 123 1966 or email financialinclusionteam@greatplaces.org.uk

OTHER THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW! The government is cutting council tax benefit. From April 2013, if you get all or any part of your council tax paid, and you are between 16 – 61 years of age, it’s likely that you’ll have to pay something towards your council tax. Each council will have different amounts, so you should check with

your local council tax department to find out how much you will have to pay. From April 2013 you will NOT be able to apply to the Job Centre for a Community Care Grant, Budgeting Loan, or Crisis Loan. Instead, you will have to apply to your local council for help. BUT your council will have less money and may only provide support for basic items.

The Stuart family have saved a lot of money on bills since they downsized

BEDROOM TAX&WELFARE REFORM

THE GOVERNMENT’S

HOW WILL YOU BE AFFECTED?

FOR INFORMATION & ADVICE CONTACT OUR CUSTOMER ACCESS TEAM 0300 123 1966 (option 3)

8

CORRIE TO

KENYA AND BACK!

Neighbourhood officer Ruth Dodman, ICT officer Steve Hampson and communications officer David Gennard, are heading off to Kenya to volunteer at The Walk Centre, which provides free education, food and support to children of the Hilton slum…but not before raising lots of money!The fundraising trio recently met up with Sue Cleaver who plays the popular Eileen Grimshaw in Coronation Street, who visited Kenya herself earlier this year while filming the documentary ‘Corrie goes to Kenya’.She gave them an insight into what life is like for some of the most deprived children in the world and gave her full backing to the project. “There are lots

of projects that are making a difference, this being one of them. I wish the three of them good luck!”Great Places staff have been raising money and volunteering at the Walk Centre for the past seven years in memory of the late Reverend John Banks who sadly passed away in 2004. Reverend Banks was the founder and once president of Manchester Methodist Housing Association, which has since evolved into Great Places Housing Group.

You can follow our trio’s fundraising efforts and journey to Kenya via Facebook and Twitter at:

facebook.com/ VolunteersForKenya twitter.com/@Vol4Kenya

NEWS COME AND SAY AN

ONLINE HELLO!You can now join us on your favourite social media sites, Facebook and Twitter! There you can discover all our breaking news, get tips on how to save money, see yourself in our photo galleries and be the first to hear about our latest events.All you need to do is log on to facebook.com/GreatPlacesHousing and click “like.” All our latest posts will then appear in your timeline.If you’d also like to see our daily tweets, you can do so by going to twitter.com/mygreatplace and hitting the follow button.If you have given us your email address and mobile phone number we will also be sending out more emails and text messages. If you’d like to update these contact details, or opt out of receiving non-essential communications in this way, email the Customer Access Team at cat@greatplaces.org.ukWe’ve also got a brilliant new website coming very soon, which will make it a whole lot easier for you to keep track of your rent payments and see what’s on offer for you in your area!So log on, like us and say hello. We can’t wait to see you online…

We might be raising money for Kenya but we also make sure

you get the money you need for the community groups you care about or to pay for life-changing experiences for you or a member of your family.You all had the opportunity to apply for a share of £145k through our Opportunities for All fund last month. Although the application date has now closed, in the next issue of My Great Place we’ll be sharing the inspirational stories of those who have been successful.Don’t worry if you missed out this time around. Opportunities for All is an annual thing so you can have a go next year!

9

Great Places has signed up to the Chartered Institute of Housing Responsive Repairs Charter. Why did we sign up?• Our repairs service is one of the

most important services we provide and the majority of our residents will experience this at some point

• The charter helps us focus on making sure we provide value for money

• Looking after our homes is critical so that we continue to provide the best homes for you

What are we committing to?• Delivering an effective repairs

service for you• Giving our staff the right skills and

resources to deliver• Providing a service that all of you

can access easily• High quality repairs• Offering good value for money• Understanding where we need to

improve

CAN WE FIX IT? YES WE CAN!

We want to include all our homes in this service so no matter where you live or when you need a repair carried out to your home, it will be done by our own repair team instead of people working for a contractor. This is what you’ve told us you want to happen, and we’ve done what you asked!This will mean jobs are done faster and will be carried out straight away rather than you having to be available for lots of different appointments. Warren Griffiths works in our repairs team, and he says the new way of working is making a massive difference to the service we offer. “Working for a contractor could sometimes be very frustrating for everyone involved. We now have the freedom to act on the

problem there and then which can halve the time needed to get repairs done!” We hope to have completed the switchover by 28 November in all regions apart from Sheffield (which will complete in April, as our current contract with Kier comes to an end). All residents affected by the changes in November will receive a letter from Great Places outlining the changes around 10 days before the switch-over. If you would like any more information once these letters have been received, please contact our repairs team on 0300 123 1966.

You’ll have seen in previous issues of My Great Place that we launched our in-house repairs service in September 2011

following feedback from you. It now covers 5,800 homes, and those of you that have experienced it say you’re really happy!

REPAIRS CHARTER

Hope you’re enjoying your new-look issue of My Great Place which is packed full of information.

The government are bringing in a wide range of welfare benefit changes, many of which start in April next year, and usually meaning cuts in benefits. It’s really important you read the feature on pages 6-7 to see how you may be affected.

We launched our in-house repairs service in September last year for nearly half our tenants and so far it’s been a fantastic success. So from 28 November we’ve decided that our in-house repairs service will cover all regions except for Sheffield (which will transfer over in April). This should mean that all our tenants will then experience a high quality and improved repairs service.

Stephen PorterChief Executive

STEPHEN SAYS...During the festive season you can contact us by calling: 0300 123 1966 e-mail: CAT@greatplaces.org.uk or text: 07797 870734

We’re open on:Christmas Eve between 9am - 1pm27 December between 9am – 4pm28 December between 9am – 4pmNew Year’s Eve between 9am – 1pm

We’re closed on:Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day

CHRISTMASOPENING HOURS

10

INSPECTORS FUEL FEEDBACK IN GAS CHECKSOur intrepid inspectors

have been out and about in your communities double-checking that we’re doing what we say we’re going to do. This time they got to experience how we’re keeping the gas supply safe in your homes.Shown the ropes by our Salford-based gas team and contractors Proline, the resident inspectors were taken out on a visit by gas manager Brian Ingham to experience a day in the life of

a gas contractor.Resident inspector Bev Norris was impressed by what she saw. “My day with the gas team was fascinating, reassuring and highly enjoyable. I cannot express how enlightening it is to see things in operation. The company Proline seem invaluable and while still in their infancy, have wonderful software packages set up to enable both theirs and Great Places’ roles to be effective and accountable.”

Resident inspectors work jointly with us to check the quality of services we deliver to you and make sure we do what it says on the tin. If you would like to join the team of inspectors, or just want to find out more about what is involved, please contact Tracy Gregory on 0161 925 7918 or email tracy.gregory@greatplaces.org.uk

FANCY GETTING ON THE CASE?

L VE YOUR LAPTOP

In recent issues of My Great Place we’ve asked for applications from you to receive one of 50 FREE laptops with internet access.The lucky winners have been chosen and received their prize at a series of recent training days to get them up and running. Our IT team were on hand to talk through the basics – how to get onto the internet and explain what keys do what.

Don’t worry if you didn’t win, you can still take advantage of the government’s ‘Race Online 2012’ scheme, where you can get hold of a PC or laptop in good condition, at the bargain price of £99! Contact 03719 100 100 to find out more.

LIVE AND LET LIVE!We want to make it as easy as possible for residents to start living in their home once it’s been given to them by Great Places. This is why we’re introducing new rules about our empty properties.At the moment we’re piloting the changes in Manchester, Oldham and Salford. Neighbourhood officers in these three regions will be taking on the role of ‘new homes officer’ from October and will work with the in-house repairs team to make sure new residents are involved in the re-letting process from the word go.

What are the changes?• Existing residents can leave their

property earlier than the current four-week notice period as long as it’s clear of rubbish and damage and all bills/rent arrears are paid.

• New residents can look at their property before any repairs are carried out and work with our repairs team to identify what needs doing before they move in.

How will they improve the service?• New residents will be able to get

settled in our properties quicker.• Reduces the number of repairs

after a resident has moved in.We’ll let you know how the pilot goes in the next issue of My Great Place.

11

Your quarterly statement provides a summary of

transactions made. If you require a more detailed breakdown of payments, you can request a statement.Please check your statement carefully when you receive it in case there are payments

missing. Also check your receipts against your statement. Make sure anything you send us clearly states your name and address. Please remember when you receive your quarterly statement it will not take into account any recent payments

made before it was printed.You can look at your statement on our website – just make sure you’ve registered with us for an online account. We can also email the statement to you.Please contact your local neighbourhood team if you want to query your statement.

If you have any ideas for improvement on the look of the statement, please contact Melanie Price, income manager on 0161 925 7985 or email melanie.price@greatplaces.org.uk

myMONEY

We offer many ways to pay your rent, but paying by direct debit is by far the easiest.

It saves you timeModern life is hectic – but direct debits help. They take away much of the hassle of paying bills and put an end to queuing at the bank and filling out cheques. They make it easier for you stay on top of bills and you’ll know exactly how much money is going out each month.We use a company called Allpay who collect your rent payment on any working day of the month to fit around you. It’s guaranteedDirect debit payments come with a guarantee so they’re automatically protected by three important safeguards:• An immediate money

back guarantee in the event of an error

• Advance notice if the date or amount changes

• The right to cancel at any time

It gives peace of mindDirect debit is one of the safest and most reassuring ways of paying bills.• Payments are made

automatically so bills are never forgotten, lost in the post or delayed by postal problems, and there’s no risk of late payment charges

• Organisations using the direct debit scheme have to pass a careful vetting process, and are closely monitored by the banking industry

• The Direct Debit Guarantee protects you and your money

Contact our Customer Access Team for further details on 0300 123 1966

ONE LESS WORRY

YOUR RENT STATEMENT

GREAT PLACES GETS TOUGH ON FRAUDSTERSWhat is tenancy fraud?• Not using your property

as the ‘main home’ including leaving the home, handing it to someone else after you’ve moved out, sub-letting all of your property to someone else.

• Trying to get a property using false information, like pretending you’re homeless.

• Trying to get a property with false documents eg using a forged passport or pretending to be someone else.

The law is changing….If the case goes to the Crown Court then there could be a a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of up to £50,000.

Tenancy fraud is costing you money!• National Fraud Authority

estimate the cost of tenancy fraud at £900m

• It costs £150k to build a property lost to tenancy fraud

• It takes over 4 years to replace homes lost through tenancy fraud

If you think tenancy fraud is happening near you, call 0300 123 1966, text us on 07797 870 734, or send us an e-mail to tenancy.fraud@greatplaces.org.uk. Or talk to your neighbourhood co-ordinator.

12 YOUR ANNUAL REPORT 2012

“

”

Welcome to our third annual report to tenants, your opportunity to find out more about what we do, how we’re getting on and what we are planning to do in the future. It is packed full of useful information which gives you a flavour of the range of things that Great Places gets up to.

The Tenant Services Committee (TSC) is our customer led decision making body within Great Places. The TSC is made up of a majority of residents, currently 10 out of the 14 members are tenants. It provides a forum for residents to review Great Places’ performance and steer the direction of services going forward.

We work hard to make sure there are continuous improvements to housing and property services. It’s great that we’re given so much authority to make key decisions on behalf of so many people. We are grateful to all those tenants whose involvement has helped to improve Great Places and its services.

Christine GouldenGreat Places board member and Chair of Tenant Services Committee (TSC)

TENANT SERVICES COMMITTEE MEMBERSChristine Goulden (Chair) Guy Cresswell Robin Gardner Janice Kay

Angela Lindsay Maureen McDermott Carol Neale Robin Ogle

Sajad Qureshi Brian Sedgwick Selvie Selvaetnam Geoff Simpson

Evelyn Uche Dereck Waters

Providing excellent customer service is our number one priority. We work tirelessly to maintain and improve the respected position we hold with you, our customers. This year we were rewarded for our hard work when we became one of only a few housing associations nationally to achieve a 100% success rate in the government’s Customer Service Excellence award. But we didn’t stop there. We have just been awarded Investors in Excellence, an award given to both public and private organisations that have a high standard of all-round performance. The feedback we received confirms that we have a “can-do” attitude, a clear commitment to improvement and that we are performing at a very high level.

We’ve always valued your views and put your needs and aspirations at the heart of everything we do. This year was no different. We held numerous focus groups, organised tenant participation events, carried out face-to-face visits and used digital media to communicate with you and we’ve listened to what you said.

We launched our Great Places mobile app which provides you with another way to contact us, report a repair, pay your rent and stay informed about our news

We introduced SATNAV, a tool that helps us see how satisfied you are and allows us to deal with your issues quickly

You can now contact us in more ways than ever before. We enhanced our customer access system which has recorded over 110,000 customer contacts to date, set to rise to over 200,000 by the end of the year

13

89%of you were satisfied with the overall service we provide

of you were satisfied with the quality of your home88%

of you were satisfied with our repairs service, up from 73% last year94%of you were satisfied with how your calls were dealt with94%

BASED ON OVER 600 RESPONSES SINCE APRIL 2012

The Go For It! team is made up of 10 staff and a fundraising co-ordinator working across 32 local authorities. They encourage you to get involved in improving services, re-energising your neighbourhoods, which in turn increases customer satisfaction. Since the team was set up, satisfaction with views taken into account has increased from 54% in 2009 to 85% in 2012. The team’s ‘Go for it - Get involved’ approach involves you in everything from formal meetings to fun days in the community and has had a positive impact on a range of initiatives from our fencing policy to our service standards.

GETTING YOU INVOLVED

We worked with more than 40 residents’ groups to secure external funding for community projects, totalling over £300,000

The Tenants Services Committee have re-directed of funds into new fencing £50,000

£90,000 towards helping you keep your home warmA

ND

For us, while building homes is a big part of what we’re about, we continue to put our money, time and energy into your communities long after the cement has dried.

for youth work in Levenshulme, Manchester towards a full-size football pitch in Knutsford

to help a Bury resident turn an old church attic into a fantastic community space

grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to create a people’s history project in Levenshulme

£30k£50k£60k£40k

GIVING BACK

of you got involved in community events over the last year1,727

young people have been helped into work through our Toolbox programme since it launched45

RESIDENTS AT THE ZOOWe held our last annual residents’ conference at Chester Zoo.

people came along to the day400

of people who went hadn’t been to any Great Places event before54%of the residents that came were under 55; the year before it was only 5%65%

residents and their carers came from 20 different supported schemes120

• High quality of service

• Delivering on promises

• At your convenience

SERVICE STANDARDS

• The personal touch

• Keeping you informed

We’ll tell you how we’re doing regularly in these five areas.

At the zoo we asked you about how we’re doing in several areas and continued these discussions at Local Area Forums throughout the year. We have now agreed on five priority areas:

14

Through our various money saving initiatives, this year we’ve saved you over

Great Places considers the broader aspects of value for money (VFM) where cost is only one element, and service, quality, customer satisfaction and sustainability are also crucial. We think about value for money in every decision we make especially in repairs, maintenance and the improvement of your homes. Our two main priority areas - providing excellent customer service and becoming financially stronger – both have value for money at their centre.

88% of you were satisfied that your rent was good value for money

£5 MILLIONspent on improving your homes this year, next year we plan to spend even more

£1 MILLION

We piloted a downsizing initiative to give up to 10 households the chance to move into a smaller home that’s cheaper to run. To encourage residents, we offered a range of incentives including up to £600 towards removal costs

In Salford, we helped residents reduce their rent arrears. The total amount raised during the project stands at £70,000 With Salford-based Footlights Theatre Company we staged an exciting performance of “Just A Few Quid”, a play about the dangers of loan sharks

34 residents were referred to our debt management team. We helped these residents increase their annual income by a collective total of

VALUE FOR MONEY

Our award-winning NHS No Smoking campaign helped residents kick the habit and save around £2,000 a year each

£27,000We help you to budget, understand benefits and to manange your bills. Last year we provided one-to-one support and advice to almost 1,500 tenants

HOW WE SPEND YOUR RENT

Surplus

22%

20%15%

13%

11%

10%9%

Fall in property value

Everyday repairs

Interest payments on loans

Services we provide to you

Staff & office costs

Planned or major repairs

because we’re a not-for-profit organisation, all of our spare cash goes back into improving your homes, funding our supported housing projects and creating new homes

THIS YEAR WE SAVED

£200,000through our grounds maintenance contract review, reducing the number of suppliers from 17 to 3

£100,000on the group’s gas & electricity contract for communal areas until 2015

£400,000a year for 7 years through a new deal with our bank

15

We invest in your homes to make sure they remain high quality and comfortable places to live. To help us do this we’ve introduced a computer system which allows our staff to access information on energy, adaptations and future home improvements, instantly. It provides us with information on when, and where, to invest in our stock. We also involve you in decision-making so we can spend money where you think it is needed, and develop standards we know we can afford in the future.

1792homes painted

641new kitchensinstalled

565A-rated boilers installed

289homes got new windows

163new bathroom suites fitted

109homes got new doors

55full heating systems installed

99%of you were happy with the work we did

41,138repairs carried out

96%of repairs completed on time

100%of our properties have a valid Gas Safety Certificate

98%of repairs appointments made & kept

85%of repairs completed on very first visit

94%of you satisfied with repairsREPA

IRS

STANDARD OF HOMES

100%of our homes meet the government’s Decent Homes Standard

OV

ER T

HE

LAST

YEA

R

We are always working to improve the general look and feel of your neighbourhoods whether that’s creating green spaces for all to enjoy or working closely with local organisations like the police, the fire service and local authorities to ensure our neighbourhoods are places you want to live in.

Your safety is also a major priority. Creating an environment where you can go about your daily business with confidence is what Great Places strives to do every day.

We have a dedicated anti-social behaviour team and we employ a fair but tough stance, tailoring action to individual cases. Recently we have developed a new way to identify which neighbourhoods are thriving and which need re-energising.

89%of you were satisfied with your neighbourhood, based on nearly 1,500 responses 84%

were satisfied with how the ASB case they reported was dealt with

NEIGHBOURHOOD STANDARDS

There have been many significant changes made recently by the government which will affect you and how you live. The most important is the Welfare Reform Act which will have an enormous impact on how much benefit you receive and how it’s given to you.

Great Places has been working hard to offer advice and guidance, putting you in contact with our financial inclusion team and supporting you to downsize or get back into work and we will be doing even more in the coming year.

Current arrears (including arrears due to housing benefit) 4%

Rent loss from empty properties 0.8%

Average re-let time was 22

DAYS

TENANCY MANAGEMENT

16

“Lights, camera, action” is set to be the mantra of Blackpool-born Philip Brown who is hoping to be the next Steven Spielberg as he leaves for Salford, the new home of the BBC.The 18-year old, who lives on the Winnipeg estate, will be studying

at Salford University for a BA in Television and Radio. He hopes to eventually get a job in TV or work towards his MA.Philip said: “I’ve always been interested in film and photography. I’m really excited about going to university – I’m the first in my family to go!”Voice, our staff consultation

forum, gave £250 towards the rent deposit for Philip’s first year in the student village.

NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

We’re always encouraging people to come out in force for our community clean-ups. Residents, both adults and children, of Yeadon Close, Accrington did their area proud by getting their hands dirty and were rewarded with a well-deserved ice-cream!

Kids get stuck in to community clean up!

How Hurtley gardens grow

Residents from the new Hurtley Street scheme in Burnley have got the gardening bug after we gave them a patch of land in their garden ready for “growing”.

Doin’ it for themselves

DIY TV shows may have died a death but our residents proved there was still a thirst for fixing things as they attended a course at Bowland House in Blackburn which covered plumbing, electrical and painting and decorating.

IT’S BEAN AN EDUCATION.Hundreds of you got involved in the Macmillan Coffee mornings to raise money for Macmillan Cancer support. Thanks to everyone who came together to make these events a success.

£173.06 at Openshaw Court in Manchester

£192.50 at two coffee mornings in Northmoor,

Longsight£148 in Crossley and

Primrose Bank, OldhamBURN

LEY

BLA

CK

BURN

BLA

CK

POO

L Budding film-maker heads to MediaCity

17

Joshua Fidler, along with the help of his mum Dawn, a Great Places resident in Bury, is creating a 2013 charity calendar that will hopefully be on sale in October ready for Christmas presents!Dawn said: “It’s all very exciting and is causing a stir already so we know it’s going to be very popular!”Joshua was three and a half when he suffered from recurring brain tumours. Now 12, he is unable to walk and talk which makes him completely

dependent on his family. Money is needed to help pay for adaptations to his home. Dawn and Joshua have already raised £7,000, with Great Places putting in £2,000 to help, but the target is £20,000.

If this is something you would like to help with or have any questions, Dawn would love to hear from you! Call her on 07548 991 609 or visit http://joshuas10kchallenge.weebly.com/

BURY Joshua’s

Christmas wish

Somerset House in Whalley Range lived up to its summery name recently when residents took part in a bulb-planting event organised by Great Places.

How does your garden grow?

MA

NC

HES

TER

Step aside Jamie Oliver. Northmoor Community Café in Longsight spent four weeks training 15 volunteers to create a sumptuous selection of healthy meals which were on the menu at a bargain price.

Thirteen of the volunteers gained a Basic Food Hygiene level 2 qualification.

Make sure you pop-in for more fun activities and tasty food!

Did you pop into the Northmoor pop-up café?

Chorlton Nutty Knitters, made up of a group of residents from Cooper Court, got a taste of the big time when they were invited to exhibit their knitted masterpieces at the Creative Crafts trade show at One Central in Manchester.

Don’t woolly – knitters are

back next year!

Buckets and spades were at the ready as 250 residents from Manchester, Trafford and Cheshire enjoyed a fun-filled day out in Southport.Echoes of Cliff Richard’s “we’re all going on a summer holiday” could be heard

as our residents boarded seven coaches to experience the thrills and spills of the Merseyside seaside town including the pier, boating lake, amusement park and of course the beach!

We do like to be beside the seaside

18 NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Twenty aspiring young Olympians from Spinners Mews in Oldham channelled their inner Mo Farrahs to take part in the egg and spoon race, 30 yard dash, tennis ball lob and relay race, that made up a mini-Olympics organised by Great Places staff, Felicity Kearney, Peter Knight and Naseem Ahmad.The children were so inspired that they now want to have taster sessions in athletics and set up a football team.

Oldham mini Olympics

OLD

HA

M

Wildlife enthusiasts in Oldham were

in for a treat at a nature event hosted by the RSPB, the charity which speaks out for birds and wildlife.Residents from the Coppice area watched a wildlife photo show, made nest boxes and followed a nature trail exploring the flora and fauna and naming the vast amount of trees within Grange Court. As evening descended, talk turned to the bat colony which live on the street!

Back to nature

The people of Preston came out in force for a street party to celebrate Preston Guild 2012, a historic celebration dating back to 1179.Great Places and Contour Housing residents from Maple Crescent and Bow Lane joined forces and enjoyed bouncy castles, face painting, a mobile zoo and a DJ for the day.

Dancing in the street

PRES

TON

Non-English speakers will

be able to communicate with us much better thanks to eleven residents who’ve completed a Community Interpreters course.The free course has helped residents gain new skills in return for giving up their own time to volunteer to help other local people who are not good English speakers.

Breaking down language barriers

If you can’t see your community or neighbourhood in Neighbourhood News, why not write to us, email, Facebook or Tweet us and let us know about what’s happening in your area, or tell us about an inspirational Great Places resident who lives near you. We’d love to hear your news!

HAVE WE MISSED SOMETHING?

Creative kids from St Hilda’s and Holy Cross Schools in Oldham have come up with some fantastic names for a new cul-de-sac of 28 Great Places homes off Rochdale Road which will be available in February 2013.

The children, who attend a Barnardos after school club, were given a list of surrounding street names for inspiration and came up with some fantastic ideas including Luxor Crescent which was inspired by Nile Street, Annie Grove, inspired by Annie Kenny who was involved in the suffragette movement, and Medina Grove, named with the holy Arabian city in mind.

Name that street!

19NEIGHBOURHOOD NEWS

Whole lotta love for Kellett St allotment

Record rain fall and flooding may have saturated the ground but it didn’t dampen the spirits of local volunteers, the Rochdale Youth Services team from Wardleworth and the Community Payback team, who joined forces to transform derelict land into a thriving garden and allotment at Kellett Street.

The spirit of neighbourliness was on show in Rochdale when over one hundred people got together to learn more about Islam and the practice of Ramadhan, and to celebrate the end of the festival of Eid.

Come together

ROC

HD

ALE

The community has pulled together to celebrate a multitude of events. Great Places has also sponsored a number of inspirational local groups who make a real difference.Residents are enjoying upgraded housing with improved streets, open spaces and a real community focus.

Above all, we want people to feel safe on Wybourn and have been working with the local police, schools, Sheffield City Council and Manor and Castle Development Trust to make sure we’re all working towards the same goal. Since Feb 2012 there have been three evictions for ASB and drug-related crimes.Intially 65% of residents were satisfied with Wybourn as a place to live but this increased to 89% in September 2012.

My Great Place wants to remind you of the great work that’s been happening behind the scenes and how the neighbourhood is changing.

What we’ve done in Wybourn

SHEF

FIEL

D

Three consultation events, one which featured lots of cake, took place recently to let Wybourn residents know about the

proposed new homes to be built on Wybourn House Rd. 110 were entered into a prize draw to receive £30 worth of vouchers and the lucky winner were: Mr George Chappell from Wybourn House Road.

Cakes and consultation

The community recently came together to view plans of proposed new housing between Richmond

Park Drive and Richmond Park Croft.25 two and three-bedroom homes will continue Great Places £18 million investment into Richmond Park creating much-needed family homes for the people of Sheffield.

Homes for everyone at Richmond Park

From Left to right: Norah Heath

– Best pots & hanging baskets, Pamela Cockman – Best garden, Karen Vogado – Most environmental garden.

Green-fingered gurus get prizes

As a nation we seem to have forgotten the “Keep Britain Tidy” slogan but residents of Richmond Park joined forces with ASDA and the woodland rangers to clean up their community recently.

Richmond Park gets tough on rubbish

20

Women’s Group, every Tuesday 1pm-3pm at Bangor Street community centre, Norwich, Street, Blackburn

WHAT’S ON WHERE YOU LIVE!BLACKBURN AND EAST LANCASHIRE

Festive family party, Sunday 2 December 2pm - 4pm at the Ace Centre, Cross Street, Nelson BB9 7NH. Help with transport if needed or free parking available

Fish ‘n Chip supper and get together, Thursday 24 January 5:30pm-7pm at The Parish Rooms, Victoria Road, Earby. All Goodall Close residents welcome

To book your place contact Nisha Esmail or Nosheen Mehrban on 01254 588756 or email merunnisa.esmail@greatplaces.org.uk or nosheen.mehrban@greatplaces.org.uk

Festive family party, Saturday 8 December 2pm-4pm at Westbury Gardens Church Hall, off Audley Range, Blackburn BB1 1XF

To book your place contact Tom Johnson on 01254 588751 or email tom.johnson@greatplaces.org.uk

Hot pot supper and welfare reform discussion including the new bedroom tax, provisional date is Wednesday 21 November. Bowland House community room, Lark Hill, Blackburn. All Bowland House residents welcome

For more details contact Naim Patel on 01254 588757 or email naim.patel@greatplaces.org.uk

BOLTON, BURY & CHESHIRE

Over 55’s Christmas party – Longridge/Shaw Heath, Monday 6 December 4:30pm-6:30pm at the Falcon Bearer Pub, Knutsford. Transport can be provided.

IT courses, every Thursday 2pm-3:30pm at The Open House, 106 Longridge, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8PD

Age Concern health walks, 28 November, 6, 12 December, 30 January, 27 February, 10:30am to 1:30pm at the Welcome café, 147 Longridge, Knutsford

For more details contact Lucy Beesley 07917 527280 or lucy.beesley@greatplaces.org.uk

FYLDE COASTGood neighbourhood agreement sign-up (for Elizabeth Street/Lawson Street and Atkinson Close), Tuesday 27 November from 1pm-2pm. Free prize draw for everyone who signs up at The Salvation Army Building on Harrington Street Preston PR1 7BN

Christmas card and decoration-making afternoon, Wednesday 28 November 1pm-3pm at the Talbot Road Office, Blackpool.

Winnipeg Christmas party Sunday 2 December 2pm - 4pm at the Community Flat on the Winnipeg Estate. All Winnipeg residents welcome.

Cooking classes at Winnipeg will start in January 2013. Further details to follow

SURGERIESCommunity Gateway, Thursday 24 January 1pm-2.30pm at Gateway Deltic House West Strand Preston PR1 8UY. All Preston residents. Contact Sue Watthey if you require transport.

Winnipeg surgery Thursday 6 December, 10am-11am

Grange Park surgery Tuesday 11 December 2pm– 3pm

For more details, or to book a place, contact Gillian Fernandez on 01253 750842 or email gillian.fernandez@greatplaces.org.uk

Festival craft event for children and adults at the Gurdwara Centre, Thursday 29 November 5pm to 7pm on Bow Lane Preston PR1 3YN. For tenants who live at Maple Crescent and Old Mill Stones

Christmas-themed surgery, Monday 10 December 1pm-3pm. All tenants from Langdale Court, Scotforth Court and Windmill Court are invited. A winter warmth goody bag from the Fire Service for everyone who attends.

MANCHESTEROver 55’s Christmas lunch, December 2012 – date and venue to be confirmed soon. Look out for the invites coming through your door.

Carols and mince pies, 19 December 2:30pm - 4:30pm at Rushford Retreat, Rushford St, Longsight M12

Northmoor Together meeting, Monday 21 January 2013 6pm at Northmoor Community Centre Residents group meeting.

Club 95 Youth Group every week on a Wednesday 7pm to 9pm at Northmoor Community Centre, 95-97 Northmoor Rd, Longsight, M12 5RT

For more details, contact Sarah Riley on 07929 651447 or email sarah.riley@greatplaces.org.uk

OLDHAMLevel 1 training academy Oldham every 4 weeks on Mondays at 10:30am to 3:30pm Oldham office – 119 Union Street, Oldham OL1 1TE

For more details, contact Naseem Ahmad on 07815 311125 or email Naseem.ahmad@greatplaces.org.uk

Bolton Wanderers community trust initiatives All residents who have put their children forward for the above sessions following July’s Local Area Forum, will be contacted shortly.

21WHAT’S ON WHERE YOU LIVE!SALFORD SHEFFIELD

Norfolk Park Rangers Football Team for U16’s, U14’s, U11’s & U8’s on Thursdays, U16 @ 4.30pm-6pm, U8 and U10 from 6pm-7pm, U11s Wednesdays at 6pm-7pm and U14s 6pm-7pm on Skye Edge playing field. Near the entrance on Boundary Road.

Coffee morning, first and third Tuesday of each month, 10am to 12pm at St Oswald’s Church Southend Road Wybourn.

Richmond Park youth activities every Tuesday 4:30pm-6:30pm at the Community Centre, Richmond Park Drive. Contact Kenny Stimpson on 07896 615412 or Tracy Gill on 07773 182855 for more information.

Manor luncheon club every Wednesday 10:15am-2:30pm at Anchor Court, 260 St Aidans Drive, S2 2ND. Members range in age from 70 years to over 90.

For more details, contact Philip Walker on 07815 311125 or email philip.walker@greatplaces.org.uk

New Year, New Start. Opportunities for All Event! February 2013 at Salford Reds! Opportunity to win match tickets and other prizes on the day! Watch out for poster nearer the time.

Radcliffe Surgery every Wednesday, 9.30am - 12.30pm at Radcliffe Housing Benefit Office, Whittaker Street, M26 2TD

For more details, contact Nicola Shea on 07929 666295 or email nicola.shea@greatplaces.org.uk

DATES FOR YOUR DIARYBlackburn Local Area Forum, Wednesday 30 January 5-7pm at Bangor Street community centre, Norwich Street, Blackburn BB1 6NZ. Hot food, public transport costs can be refunded or transport provided if needed, Urdu, Punjabi and Gujarati interpreters. For more details, call Louise Ramsay on 01254 588 758/07767 644352 or email louise.ramsay@greatplaces.org.uk

Local Area Forum for residents of Levenshume, Gorton, Beswick, Ardwick, Fallowfield, Didsbury, Moss Side & Rushholme. Tuesday 29 January 2013 6:30pm - 8:30pm at Nawaab Restaurant Bookings will be taken in January 2013. For more details, contact Sarah Riley on 07929 651447 or email sarah.riley@greatplaces.org uk

Blackpool and Fylde Coast Local Area Forum, Tuesday 5 February 2012 1pm - 4.45pm. Visit to Morecambe plus cream tea at the Midland Hotel, Morecambe. Places limited on a first come basis.

For more details, contact Gillian Fernandez on 01253 750842/07929 666483 or email gillian.fernandez@greatplaces.org.uk

WE NEED YOUR OPINION!

“Have at least one meeting per year in the evening to allow

those who work to come”

AT THE LAST LOCAL AREA FORUM YOU SAID:

“Use different locations and venues”“Need more time to discuss issues

with those leading the forum”“Had a lovely time mixing

with all of my neighbours”

You’re invited to discuss your

views with us at the Great

Places’ Local Area Forums

TIC

KET

22

WINTER IS COMING

IT DOESN’T COST THE EARTH TO BE WARM

We’re constantly trying to make sure you’re living comfortably

and that your homes are energy efficient and affordable to run. At the moment we’re working with Warm Front Ltd to make sure your homes are adequately insulated, targeting homes that currently have no, or very little, loft insulation. Warm Front may contact you to see

if they can come into your home and carry out an insulation survey. If you have any queries, or would like a more specific appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact them directly on the free number 0800 083 4333 or call our CAT team on 0300 123 1966.If you want some other company to insulate your home, please contact us before you go ahead with anything.

KEEP TOASTY!If you’ve been a resident with Great

Places for some time you might be aware of the You Can Glow campaign which we run every year. It’s a chance for us to provide our older and more vulnerable residents with information and advice on how best to keep warm and well over the winter months. If you’re over 65 and would like a visit please let us know and we’ll arrange to

come and see you. You’ll automatically receive our You Can Glow newsletter which will provide you with plenty of top tips on staying warm.We’ll also have a Winter adviceline (0300 123 1966) so you can ring if you’re concerned about anything: reducing your fuel bills, insulating your home, keeping warm!

IN THE KNOW. Advice and useful information

MyHomeChoiceFyldeCoast (MHC) is the new way to apply for all

social housing on the Fylde Coast.

You can apply online at www.myhomechoicefyldecoast.co.uk

WE CAN WORK IT OUT!

MANCHESTER MOVE

To find out more go to manchestermove.co.uk

The NEW place to look for a home!Are you looking for a home in Manchester? Look out for a great new website coming to your computer or mobile phone soon!

MY HOME CHOICE

Over 65?Want us to visit?

Having a problem with your neighbours?Mediation might be the answer.

We all experience conflict on a regular basis in our day to day

lives whether it’s in our families, a local club or group that you belong to, at work or with the neighbours. Most of the time, these conflicts (let’s call them arguments) are sorted and we get on

with our lives. But, just sometimes, the argument spirals out of control – what then?Mediation is about getting people to talk to one another again – we know it can be easier said than done! None of us want to lose face or feel we have

‘lost’. When you’re in the middle of a conflict it’s sometimes difficult to see a way forward. Smile mediators, which is completely independent of Great Places, work with people who are experiencing difficulties with neighbours, or within the family.

If you live in Manchester, Oldham or Blackburn and are interested in Smile Mediation, contact 0300 123 1966

23my GREEN PLACE

GREEN DEALThe government is launching the Green Deal, an initiative to make homes more energy efficient, so you may receive cold callers, both knocking at your door or on the phone offering you a Green Deal for your home.What is it?It’s a government initiative to improve the energy efficiency of UK homes at no upfront cost and is aimed at private owner occupiers and private residents rather than social housing.How does it work?The occupier of the property pays for the energy efficiency improvements, such as boiler upgrades and loft insulation, through a charge placed on their electricity bill. The charge stays with the property so if the current occupier moves out, the next occupier continues to pay the charge.What about Great Places homes?We have already, and will continue, to make energy efficiency improvements like boiler upgrades, insulation and heating controls to our homes

without requesting you to pay for anything. We do not think Green Deal is right for most of our homes as we have already made lots of improvements as part of our investment programme and repairs work. Can I sign up to a Green Deal?No – you must have written permission from Great Places before you can sign up to a Green Deal. I have been offered a Green Deal. What do I do?Email the environmental team at Environmental.Team@greatplaces.org.uk They’ll review the Green Deal offer and see if it’s value for money. They’ll also see if/when the work could be done as part of the Great Places planned improvement works at no extra cost to you.

Sales Assistant

Home

Care

Worker

Shop

Assistant

Aeronautical Engineer

Dental Nurse

Civil Servant

Butcher

Social

Worker

Engineer

Fire Fighter

Hospital

Porter

Care Assistant

Transport

Supervisor

Hotel Receptionist

Stock Manager

Paramedic

Aerona

utica

l

Engine

er

Factory

Worker

Dental

Receptionist

Hospital Porter

Software

Developer

Electrician

Stock

Manager

Clinical

Physiologist

Fire Fighter

Joiner

Home Care

Worker

Chef

Company

Director

Dental Nurse

Building Surveyor

Police

OfficerSolicitor

Sales

Assistant

Butcher

Electrician

Sales

Assistant

Building Surveyor

Police

Officer

Paramedic

Butcher

Factory Worker

Engineer

Joiner

Forensic Scientist

Sales Assistant

Engineer

Solicitor

Hotel ReceptionistSoldier

LecturerPolice Officer

Shop Assistant

Forensic

ScientistSolicitor

0161 447 5050www.plumlife.co.uk

it doesn’t matter what you do.we help people from all walks of life to buy their first homes.

24

AV Find and circle each of the words from the list below. Words may appear

horizontally, vertically or diagonally, but forwards only.

Word Search!Name: Date:

Copyright ©2012 WorksheetWorks.com

D

R

A

P

O

E

L

R

A

S

R

Q

Y

P

I

D

M

T

U

P

H

C

A

C

M

O

U

W

E

F

F

A

R

I

G

F

J

A

M

D

T

E

Y

V

G

M

N

N

A

E

U

N

X

D

N

A

F

M

T

O

A

R

L

S

N

O

L

A

F

F

U

B

C

I

I

E

N

P

D

B

K

S

C

U

U

E

R

R

P

N

I

C

D

U

M

O

E

C

R

O

D

H

U

M

K

E

R

R

E

T

C

O

B

A

A

L

I

W

M

U

V

U

I

K

S

I

R

N

U

E

A

S

A

B

M

O

M

P

X

P

T

U

S

O

X

D

K

K

U

A

N

O

I

L

P

L

Leopard Nairobi Rhinoceros Nakuru Safari Giraffe Mombasa Buffalo ElephantLion

MombasaNairobiNakuruSafariLion

GiraffeRhinocerosElephantBuffaloLeopard

COMPETITIONS!

Congratulations to last issue’s winners: Maurice Brennan, Blackpool Beverley Benson, Salford and Jen Yockney, Levenshulme

WIN £25 in vouchers in our wordsearch!

WORDSEARCH

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Send your entries by post to: FREEPOST, RLSC-HLLJ-EZRZ, Rachel Machin, Great Places Housing Group, Southern Gate, 729 Princess Road, Manchester M20 2LT.

Remember you don’t need a stamp!

Just circle the FIVE differences on picture number two, cut it out, pop in an envelope and send it in! You could be one of three lucky people to win £10 worth of vouchers.

Don’t forget to include your name, telephone number and address. The three winners will be drawn out of a hat so get your entries in by 14th January 2013.

Taken at The Walk Centre in Nakura (find out more about the work we’re doing in Kenya on page 8).

Words to find are:HAVE A GO AT THIS ONE!

All entries must be in by 14th January 2013