Our City Issue 29

Stoke-on-Trent

OurCityStoke-on-Trent ISSUE 29: OCTOBER 2012

YOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUYOUFind out why on 1THERE ARE FREE GIFTS TOO!

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Under the ConsumerProtection fromUnfair TradingRegulations2008, it can bean offence torefuse to leavea propertywhen askedto do so.

NO COLD CALLERS!PLEASE LEAVE ANDDO NOT RETURN

INSIDECut-out windowsigns to keep yousafe at home








INSIDECut-out windowsigns to keep yousafe at homePages 7 and 8

Hi-tech treasure hunt makesmost of Hoard experience

view it

App’s the way to

Page 2

Our City p1 2/10/12 09:12 Page 1

Our City is printed onrecycled paper. Whenyou have finished withthis publication pleasehelp the environmentby passing it on to afriend or recycling it.

Facts showcouncil isdelivering onits promisesBy City Council LeaderCouncillorMOHAMMED PERVEZ

2 Our City O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2

THE city council speaks withpassion about its mission toimprove quality of life inStoke-on-Trent. But this issue ofOur City shows we are not justtalking the talk... we are definitelywalking the walk.

Take a look at the 21st Centuryschools which opened their doorsto students for the first time thisterm. Five of the Building Schoolsfor the Future projects that foryears were only a dream are now areality.

The smiles on the faces ofstudents and staff show how muchof a difference the £270 million ofinvestment will make to theseyoung people’s futures.

The city council publicises itsmission to give our young peoplethe best start in life and providefacilities to boost educationalachievement... we are deliveringon that promise.

In the last 18 months the citycouncil has spoken of its priority tocreate jobs to boost the economy,rolling out the red carpet to createthe right environment forbusiness.

Take a look on the pageopposite to see the facts... over1,100 jobs created in the last 12months, hundreds of them directlyas a result of the city council’s workto attract inward investment. Over700 new businesses have startedup during that time.

The Mandate for Change is notjust a paper exercise or talkingshop.The commitments we havemade are paying off for the peopleof our city, and we will never takeour foot off the gas.

Looking forward, our City Centrevision includes driving the CentralBusiness District as a great placefor business and employment.

Moving the council’s officesthere will not only be a shot in thearm for the City Centre, but it willalso enable regeneration of ourother town centres, especially forStoke.

We are delivering all this againstcontinuing financial pressureswhich are showing no sign ofeasing.

However, rest assured we aretaking a responsible approach tomanaging our budgets while alsoinvesting in our city’s future.

MEETINGS of the full council can now be viewed online. To see and hearthe debates and decisions which affect life in Stoke-on-Trent, visitstoke.gov.uk and click on webcasting.

A list of dates and times of council meetings and committee meetings can be found on our website at stoke.gov.uk/meetingdates

Live webcast of full council meetings Give us your feedbackon this issue of Our City by [email protected] or write to: FREEPOST Our City.

THREE years onfrom the discoveryof the Staffordshire

Hoard, visitors are nowbeing treated to thelargest exhibition of itspieces so far.

The Potteries Museum & ArtGallery has more than 225items on display, and attractsthousands of visitors from allover the world.

Exhibition spaces have beenenhanced with the addition ofiPads showing information andhigh-resolution photographs ofartefacts on display.

Interpretation Officer CathyShingler said: “It is now threeyears since the Hoard wasdiscovered and people areamazed by what is on display.Residents are extremely proudto have it in their city.

“Our exhibition runs for afurther year and I would urgepeople to come along. We arereceiving incredibly positivefeedback.”

Artefacts include parts ofweapons and crosses, many ofthem adorned in gold andgarnets and of quality suitable

for royalty of Anglo-Saxontimes. Magnifying glasses are onhand to give visitors a closerlook at items and replicas havebeen made of some of the most

popular pieces, which visitorscan touch and examine thedetail on.

Favourite items so far includean exquisitely decorated

seahorse, which may once havebeen a shield decoration.

Pieces will change over thecourse of the exhibition, whichruns for another year untilSeptember 2013.

An artist has also beencommissioned to create 10sculptures of animals featured inthe Hoard.

Funded by the Arts CouncilEngland, they are due to go ondisplay by the end of October.

Visitor Derek Wilde, 42, fromSandyford, said: “To have 200pieces like this on our doorstepis amazing. I appreciate somepeople won’t read informationboards, so it is good to have aninteractive way of viewing theHoard.”

Bob Biddulph, 62, whotravelled from Jersey to see theexhibition, said: “It is incredible.”

Public urged to vote in important policing election RESIDENTS across Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will get the chance to vote for theirfirst ever Police and Crime Commissionerlater this year.

In November, elections will take placeacross England and Wales to appoint to thenew roles, which will be accountable for howcrime is tackled in their police area.

Police and Crime Commissioners will beresponsible for a large range of decisions,affecting everything from CCTV and streetlighting to drug dealing and gang violence.

The role will also aim to bring

communities closer to Staffordshire Police,giving them a single point of contact and anopportunity to voice any concerns directly toan elected official.

Formal nominations of candidates can bemade between 8 October and 12 noon on 19October 2012. The first elections of Policeand Crime Commissioners will take place on15 November 2012.

Paul Hackney, Police Area ReturningOfficer, said:“These elections will form animportant part of how Staffordshire andStoke-on-Trent is policed in the future.

“It’s important that as many people aspossible take part in the voting process, togive the winner a clear mandate on how thecommunity wants the area policed.

“It’s also an opportunity for people toelect a directly accountable and accessibleofficial who will have a real influence on howcrime is dealt with in their area.”● For more information on thePolice and Crime Commissionerelections, visit stoke.gov.uk/elections, or find out more atwww.homeoffice.gov.uk.

Biggest ever Hoardshow draws crowds

MUSEUM visitors can go on their own treasurehunt with a new mobile phone application, or“app”. The free Huntzz app guides peoplearound the Staffordshire Hoard: Dark AgeDiscovery exhibition at The Potteries Museum &Art Gallery and the City Centre, combining clues,information on the Hoard and details of thepeople who have helped to make Stoke-on-Trentand The Potteries famous.

The app can be downloaded from:www.visitstoke.co.uk/Staffordshirehoard.aspxCOVER PIC: our cover shows local historian Fred Hughes andhis grandson Liam Hughes, aged five, enjoying the app.

InterpretationOfficer Cathy

Shingler uses one ofthe magnifying glassessupplied to visitors to

take a close look at oneof the Staffordshire

Hoard treasures.

Free hi-tech treasure hunt

Our City p2 1/10/12 16:11 Page 1

O C T O B E R 2 0 1 2 Our City 3

MORE than1,100 jobshave been

created in the city overthe last 12 months –with at least half dueto the city council’sMandate for Change.

Approximately 450 ofthese are through thecouncil’s inward investmentstrategy, which rolls out thered carpet treatment toencourage businesses fromoutside the area to relocateto Stoke-on-Trent.

The other 700 posts aresmall business start-ups in arange of professions fromwindow cleaning through tonew digital ICT companies.

Economic DevelopmentManager Jonathan Phippssaid: “Out of these 700start-ups, 120 are directlyattributed to city councilprogrammes and assistance,such as our team ofenterprise coaches andstart-up grants.

Dedicated hotline

“Mandate for Change hasmade a difference and it hashelped to ring fence fundingto continue these kind ofprojects into the future.

“The number of start-upshas considerably increasedcompared to previous yearsbut we are continuallylooking to improve thefigures.”

A dedicated hotline has been set up by the Stoke-on-Trent andStaffordshire LocalEnterprise Partnership toassist people looking to setup in business.

By calling the number –0300 111 8002 – people arereferred to enterprisecoaches who providetailored advice or signpostthem to other expert help.

Meanwhile, the InwardInvestment Team’s proactiveapproach towardsencouraging companies to

do business in the area ispaying dividends – not onlyfor the city but the whole ofStaffordshire.

John Willis, StrategicManager, InvestmentDevelopment, said: “The450 jobs were created bycompanies moving toStoke-on-Trent and thesurrounding area.

“We have workedintensively to supportcompanies consideringmaking an investment in thearea and to persuade themthat this is the right locationfor their business.

“We explain about thearea’s connectivity in termsof rail and roadcommunications, thestrength of the localworkforce as well as thepresence of a number ofmajor companies and supplychain opportunities thiscreates.

“Members of our teamhave spoken to around 750companies over the yearcontinually promoting these

key strengths. We are gaininga reputation for being goodfor business and for having acouncil dedicated toopening doors to helpcompanies seizeopportunities.”

In addition, major CityCentre projects such as thenew bus station, the CitySentral shopping centre andthe Central Business Districtwill have a huge impact oninward investment too.

Key anchor tenants havealready been secured forCity Sentral, includingMarks & Spencer and VueCinema, but experts believethis is the tip of the iceberg.

John added: “City Sentralwill be a game changer forthe city and surroundingarea. It will make it one ofthe top 30 locations in theUK for retail and willencourage people to live andwork here.

“It will certainly make it amore attractive propositionin terms of inwardinvestment.”

HUNDREDS of people have shown interest inan innovative housing programme which willsee empty homes renovated and broughtback to use.

The £3 million scheme, believed to be a UKfirst, will see two clusters of 124 long-termempty homes of which 35, which are council-owned homes, will be sold for a nominal priceof as little as £1. New owners will also be offeredsubstantial interest-free loans of up to £30,000so they can make essential repairs and bring theproperties up to Decent Homes standard.

The initiative could especially help workingfamilies who live and work in Stoke-on-Trent,are on low income and have already struggledto get a mortgage.

The programme will target two areas inStoke-on-Trent – Portland Street in the CityCentre and Bond Street in Tunstall.

Councillor Janine Bridges, the council’sCabinet member for Housing,Neighbourhoods and Community Safety, said:“This is a daring and innovative scheme whichwe are developing to bring empty propertiesback into use and improve living standards, akey goal of the city council’s Mandate forChange.”

‘Daring’ homes scheme attracts families

Red carpet leads to hundreds ofjobs and start-ups CAMPAIGNERS have been

urged to ensure they include

all the necessary information

before submitting petitions

to the city council.

Petitions can be about any

council services or issues,

but must include

information on what people

want the council to do, as

well as the name, full

address and signature of

those who support it.

Nathan Dawkins,

Democratic Services Officer,

said:“Petitions with at least

100 signatures allow the

organiser to speak at full

council for three minutes,

and those with 5,000 or

more signatures will trigger

a full debate and the

organiser can speak for five

minutes, but all the right

information needs to be

there.”

Paper and

electronic

petitions are

acknowledged

within 10 days,

and investigated by officers.

● For more information, call

01782 233540 or visit

stoke.gov.uk/petitions

Advice givenon drawingup petitions

Hairdresser Melanie Adams, of Tunstall,who has launched the Hair and Beyondsalon with the help of the Citywide Grantfund. Inset, Former bookmakers assistantDenise Keen, of Norton, whose children’sclothes retail business, Jaynise, has takenoff with the help of the grant funding.

Food outlets, such as restaurants,takeaways and pubs, are inspected byfood safety officers from Stoke-on-TrentCity Council to check that their hygienestandards meet legal requirements. Zeromeans urgent improvement necessary,five means very good.

To find out about the hygienestandards of your local food outletsvisit food.gov.uk/rating or downloadthe app.

Our City p3 2/10/12 09:20 Page 1

Apermanent tribute will be paid to victims of the

Lidice tragedy when astreet in Stoke-on-Trentis named after the CzechRepublic village.

The access road to thenew bus station in the CityCentre will be called LidiceWay (pronounced Li-dit-se).

Its name has beenannounced as part of eventsto commemorate the 70thanniversary of the launch of‘Lidice Shall Live’, a fund-raising campaign by people fromStoke-on-Trent to rebuild thevillage after it was razed tothe ground and hundreds offamilies were massacred onthe orders of Adolf Hitler.

Dramatic results

Councillor Ruth Rosenau,Cabinet Member forRegeneration, Planning andTransportation, said:“Stoke-on-Trent should be proudof its historic link and ongoingrelationship with Lidice. Naminga street by our modern, landmarktransport hub – next to theVictoria Hall where BarnettStross rallied support for thevillage – is a lasting, very visibleway of marking that specialfriendship.”

A delegation from the village –including three survivors andMayor of Lidice Veronika Kellerová– visited Stoke-on-Trent for theanniversary to celebrate the stronglinks between the two places.

During their five-day visit, theywere given a special preview of theBarnett Stross and Lidiceexhibition at the Potteries Museum& Art Gallery, were shown a Lidicedocumentary by local film-makerInspired Film &Video, took partin a question

and answer session and signed aMemorandum of Understandingbetween Stoke-on-Trent andLidice.

The visitors were also amongguests at a concert in the VictoriaHall featuring performances fromthe Ceramic City Choir and theFlorence Brass Brand and guestspeakers including the LordMayor Councillor Terry Croweand historian Fred Hughes, who

has written a book on Lidice,titled Roses to Ashes.

After the concert, a plaque wasunveiled at the Victoria Hall tohonour campaign leader SirBarnett Stross, who in 1942enlisted the help of coalminers toraise £32,000, and the generosityof people from Stoke-on-Trent.

The Lidice Story at thePotteries Museum & Art Galleryruns until 4 November.

4 Our City OCTOBER 2012

Mayor of Lidice VeronikaKellerová addresses the

concert audience.

A performerfrom the

Florence BrassBand.

THE Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent’stwin city was given a tour ofimportant sites during athree-day visit to the area.

Mayor Siegfried Balleis,from the Bavarian city ofErlangen, in Germany, wasshown around the Centre ofRefurbishment Excellence inLongton; Wade Ceramics inEtruria; and the research anddevelopment company,Ceram in Penkhull.

He was also taken to seethe Staffordshire Hoard: DarkAge Discovery exhibition atthe Potteries Museum & ArtGallery and visited theengineering facility at Stokeon Trent College’s Burslemsite.

Before returning home,Mayor Balleis gave a lectureto the business communityon his work to makeErlangen one the lowestunemployment rate andwelfare rates in Germany.

Twin city’smayor visit

VOLUNTEERS are needed for a new service for primaryage pupils in Stoke-on-Trent which aims to helpyounger children recognise and protect themselvesfrom all forms of abuse – including bullying.

The city’s Safeguarding Children Board is supportingthe innovative new ChildLine Schools Service, whichaims to help nine to 11 year olds understand whatabuse is, how to protect themselves and how to seekhelp if they need it – including through the ChildLineFreephone number (0800 1111).

Anyone volunteering will be subject to a CriminalRecords Bureau (CRB) check.

Research undertaken by the NSPCC shows that themajority of children who contact ChildLine for advice,information and support are over 11 years old, thoughthe majority of children on a child protection plan areunder 11 and may find it more difficult to speak up.

Volunteers will be central to the delivery of this newservice. They will be trained to deliver safeguardingassemblies and interactive workshops in primaryschools across the Potteries, should have goodcommunication and presentation skills and becomfortable talking to children.

They need to be available during school hours of9am to 3pm. All materials will be provided andvolunteers will be given regular training and support.

● To find out moreabout the new ChildLineSchools Service andvolunteeringopportunities visitwww.nspcc.org.uk/schoolsservice

New service willsupport pupils inprimary schools

TAXI drivers are receiving helpas part of work to stop peopleborrowing from illegal moneylenders.

The city council hasbecome one of the firstauthorities in the country touse money taken fromconvicted loan sharks to addcash bonuses to credit unionsaver accounts for taxi andprivate hire drivers. Researchshows the drivers are proneto becoming victims to loansharks.

The scheme allows them tosave to pay for running

costs, obtain creditfrom mainstream

sources andreduce theirhaving tocarry large

amounts ofcash in theirvehicles bybeing ableto make

deposits into their savingsaccounts late at night.

The first 15 drivers to signup were given a £15 bonus ifthey continued to save for sixmonths.

Karen Jones, Investigationand Consumer ProtectionManager, said: “This schemewill help to support our localtaxi traders, preventing themfrom falling prey to loansharks and providing a safesystem for takings to bedeposited.

“We welcome this initiativeand will be encouraging taxidrivers in the city to considerhow it can be of benefit tothem.”

Taxi driversprotectedfrom sharks

Street name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live foreverStreet name will help Lidiceto live forever

www.safeguardingchildren.stoke.gov.uk

Our City p4 1/10/12 16:18 Page 1

STAFFORDSHIREPolice is celebratingits 170th anniversary

by becoming the firstforce in the UK to chartits history using the socialnetworking websiteFacebook.

People can now look atpolicing across the decades byvisiting a dedicated site atwww.facebook.com/staffordshirepolice and examinethe Force’s timeline.

Users can concentrate on aparticular period or scroll all theway back to when the first(Metropolitan) police force wasestablished in 1829 by the thenHome Secretary Sir Robert Peel– who lived in Tamworth.

People can experience awealth of history includinglandmark documents aboutsetting up local policing in the19th Century.

Locally, the County Policewas established in 1842. Shortlyafter, people from the Potteries’towns called for their own localforce stretching from Goldenhillto Trentham.

They asked for an Act ofParliament to be passed toenable its establishment and

suggested a local tax of 6d (oldpennies) in the pound to belevied to pay for it.

The Hanley Borough Policewas formed in 1870 and in1910, following the Federationof the Six Towns, the Boroughof Stoke-on-Trent Police cameinto being.

Visitors can see a host ofmemories associated withStaffordshire Police – such aswhen the first dog branch wasestablished and why there was amounted branch.

People can also read aboutfilm star William Shatner, whofamously played Captain Kirk inthe Star Trek TV and film series,throwing his weight behind theforce’s SPACE scheme in the1980s.

Staffordshire Police ChiefConstable Mike Cunninghamsaid: “The website includes awealth of history and chroniclesthe evolution of theStaffordshire Police force overits 170 year history.

“There are many photographs including officersin a variety of uniforms as theychanged over the years,police cars, police stations and the first three dogs withtheir handlers – who formed thefirst dog branch.”

Everyone canfeel the buzz!Why our cityis definitelygoing placesBy City CouncilChief Executive

Johnvan deLaarschot


IT is hard to believe such a spectacularsummer of Olympic sports has come toan end.

But here in Stoke-on-Trent, we carriedon the sports theme with yet anotheramazing event – the arrival of the Tour ofBritain.

For the fifth year, and the only stage tohave a start and finish, our city was hostto cycling super star legends like formerWorld Champion Mark Cavendish andTour de France and Olympic gold medalwinner Bradley Wiggins.

It just can’t get any better than that,except it did, when Wiggo said:“It’s agreat race in Stoke-on-Trent and I amhappy to be here.”

As a city we need more complimentslike this from world famous people andbusinesses. We want people shoutingabout how fantastic Stoke-on-Trent is.

Our Mandate for Change is starting todeliver, to make a real difference.

Multi-million pound projects toregenerate the City Centre are underway and will benefit people living andworking in the whole of Stoke-on-Trentwith the potential to create thousands ofhigh quality jobs.

Dramatic results

Major high street names such as TKMaxx, Superdry and Topshop, are alreadybeing lined up for the £350 million CitySentral shopping complex.

City Sentral will be providing highquality shops, restaurants and leisurefacilities, and is being built on the oldbus station site, attracting inwardinvestment and significant employmentopportunities.

The new bus station – based on theformer John Street open car park – willbegin operating in early 2013.

Investment in City Centre gatewayprojects are well underway too,including imaginative public realmschemes in Albion Street, Percy Streetand Tontine Street.

Our top priority of makingStoke-on-Trent a great working city isbecoming a reality. The Central BusinessDistrict has the potential to create 4,500new jobs for the people of Stoke-on-Trentbringing money into the local economy.

The additional increase in incomegenerated through business rates willallow vital services to be protected.

The news is good, but we can’t do thisalone. We need your help; we need youto get involved.

So join in the push to drive our cityforward by visiting stoke.gov.uk/mandateand filling in the form to get involved. Bepart of the buzz. Stoke-on-Trent isdefinitely on the up!

Self-help books give support on mental health issuesTHE city’s Library Service is working withhealth partners to provide books andinformation which can help people livingwith mental health issues.

The Books on Prescription scheme aimsto increase access to psychologicaltherapies and self-help guides.

The project forms part of a package oftreatment to deal with a range of commonmental health problems. Books covertopics ranging from anxiety, depression

and panic and can be borrowed free fromany Stoke-on-Trent library.

Library Health Information DevelopmentOfficer Richard Marsland said:“About one infour people seen by their GP has a mentalhealth problem and many local people arereferred to the Healthy Minds Network.

“The self-help books have beenrecommended by mental healthpractitioners and can help people tounderstand their conditions and learn to

manage their problems at their own pace –and in privacy. The books can also beuseful to help relatives, friends or carersunderstand a condition that a loved onemay be suffering from.”

Copies of the books are available in theHealth Zones of all city libraries. Books andleaflets on health and well-being are alsoon offer along with free internet access touse resources and sign-posting to self-helpand support groups.

Proud force history celebrated in

21st Century style

Above...PC Dave Barrowwith a personal

computer system andBodycam which ispart of a modern

police officer’skit.

Right, oneof the firstCountyConstablesJohn HayesHatton, in1842.

Left, Policeofficerspictured in the19th century.

Anyone who has a photograph or story they would like to add to the StaffordshirePolice timeline should email it to [email protected]

Our City p5 1/10/12 16:21 Page 1


LEGENDARY athleticssupporter Tom Brennanhas been immortalised atNorthwood Stadiumwhere he championed thebuilding of the grandstandand running track morethan 20 years ago.

A stone plaquecommemorating theformer Lord Mayor’scontribution has beenunveiled at the site –fittingly just next to thetunnel entrance.

Now in his late 70s, Tomis still heavily involved atNorthwood. He still serveson the facility’s StadiumDevelopment Group andis a strong advocate ofexercise, especially in the wakeof the Olympics.

Tom, pictured by the plaque,said:“It was a fantastic surprise.You do voluntary work over theyears and then for them to say

‘thank-you Tom’ in this way wasa tremendous honour.”

Site Manager Carl Adamssaid:“Tom’s obviouslyinspirational. His support forathletics in Stoke-on-Trent iswell-known.”

Plaque honour for unsung hero

A major ceramics conference is being staged to helpgrow the pottery industry to provide jobs andprofits for our city for years to come.

Ceramics 2012 will focus on forging links andpromoting advances in technology within theindustry – as well as showcasing Stoke-on-Trent’smost successful brands and projects.

Cllr Mark Meredith, the council’s Cabinet Memberfor Economic Development, said:“Stoke-on-Trent isproud of its history and tradition of producingworld-class pottery and the Made in the UK

campaign is close to its heart. The emphasis for 2012will be on helping to build a sustainable ceramicsindustry for the 21st Century by providing jobs andmoney for the UK economy.”

The event, which takes place at theBritannia Stadium on 25 October, willalso celebrate the industry’s mostsuccessful brands and products underthe Made in the UK banner.

For more information or to registerto attend please visit www.a-new-era.org.uk

Pottery industry plans for jobs and profitability

Public asked for views onCity Centre nightsEVERYONE with an

interest in the night-timeeconomy in the City

Centre is being asked tooutline their experiences aspart of a city council review.

This could include revellers,businesses, licensees and healthand police officials.

The consultation has beenlaunched at an exciting time in theCity Centre with the new busstation, new public spaces,shopping, and leisure and office

complexes planned in the next fewyears.

The review is to ensure the cityhas a vibrant and safe night-timeeconomy offer. It will examine:● The benefits of the night-timeeconomy to the city and CityCentre.● The licensing position in theCity Centre and the nationalpicture.● The reasons for the reduction inthe number of visitors to the CityCentre at night.

● Ways everyone can support avibrant and safe night-timeeconomy.

Councillor Matt Wilcox,chairman of the review group,said: “Historically, Stoke-on-Trenthad some of the best activities andevents in the evening but that hasdwindled over the past 10 years.

“We feel it is important to lookat what we can do to create athriving economy once again andwe would like to hear from asmany people as possible.”

● What is your experience of a night out in the City Centre?

● If you don’t visit the City Centre in the evenings, what would need to happen to encourage you to visit?

● How can the city council and its partners support a safe environment and a vibrant economy?

● How do you find working or running a business in the City Centre?

CouncillorAmjid Wazir, Vice

Chairman of the CityRenewal Committee,

pictured in theCity Centre.

Please tell us: You can tell us by:An on-line form at:stoke.gov.uk/scrutiny

Email: [email protected]

Facebook:www.facebook.com/sotcitycouncil

Telephone Paul Baddeley:01782 232723

SPACE age and futuristic – thenew Learning Tower at HaywoodEngineering College, picturedabove, wouldn’t be out of placeon the set of Star Trek and isalready helping students boldlygo to lessons like never before.

Students designed the ETshaped teaching space – alreadycasting an iconic silhouette onthe Potteries skyline – after visitsto famous architectural sitesacross the UK. They call it “a crossbetween a Norman Fosterbuilding and a spaceship”.

Haywood describes itself as‘A School of the Future’ so thetower is the perfect place tostimulate inquiring minds and,

with its huge glass windows andpanoramic views, encouragestudents to explore the worldaround them.

Part of the school science andtechnology courtyard, it’s used asa classroom and a conferenceroom and aptly encapsulates thecity council’s Building Schools forthe Future ethos with its cuttingedge looks.

Assistant Head Chris Chapmansaid:“The city council set out totransport learning acrossStoke-on-Trent into the 21stCentury but the Learning Towerat Haywood has teleported itinto another universealtogether.”

Beam me up to the classroom

Assistant Headteacher Chris Chapman with students ChloeMarshall, 14, Akash Vigneswaien, 14 and Kati Adams, 12 in frontof the futuristic learning tower.

Our City p6 2/10/12 09:31 Page 1

ANOTHER fiveschools have beencompleted for the

start of the autumn termas part of the £270 millionBuilding Schools for theFuture programme inStoke-on-Trent.

It means six of the 18 newbuilds and refurbishments arenow being used by students while all theother projects designed to take cityeducation into the 21st Century are ontrack for completion by September 2014.

Tracy Penrose-Gould, BSF ProjectDirector, said: “This programme is at theforefront of the council’s Mandate forChange – raising aspiration and improvingattainment is a high priority for the city –and we are delighted at the progress that isbeing made with our contractors, schoolstaff and students.

“The inspirational facilities now availablewill make a big difference to the learningexperiences and life chances of all childrenand young people in Stoke-on-Trent.”

The latest to be completed includePortland School and Specialist College,previously known as Aynsley School.Re-opening in June at its original site afterspending a year at Longton, the school for

80 students with behavioural, emotionaland social difficulties now has newbuildings for Key Stage 3 pupils, improvedaccessibility and a new sports hall.

The Co-operative Academy of Stoke-on-Trent officially replacedBrownhills High School in September2010 and has now moved into its brandnew £22 million building.

The old high school buildings are nowbeing demolished. Regarded as theflagship project of the BSF programme,students now learn in a curved hubincorporating a street area and internalcourtyard.

There is a new four-court sports hall,activity studio, dance space and changingfacilities as well as an external all-weatherpitch. The state-of-the-art facilities willalso be available for use by the localcommunity.

Dramatic results

Haywood Engineering College hasbeen transformed with a mix of new buildand refurbishment work costing £8.3million delivering a re-vamped science,technology and music area, a re-modelledgeneral teaching block, an iconic LearningTower designed by students and a newsports hall.

Work to remodel Trentham HighSchool, now a Co-operative Trust sciencecollege, started in April 2011. It nowboasts an external courtyard with acanopy called Times Square, refurbishedscience laboratories, upgraded changingfacilities for PE and swimming and a re-vamped art and technology block.

A three-phased redevelopment atBirches Head High School has giventhe school a refurbished LearningResource Centre, a new kitchen, sevenscience labs and new special educationalneeds and inclusion facilities.

The sixth completed project is the pupilreferral service unit Reach at Trent Vale.The school opened its iconic brand newbuilding on one of the main gateways intothe city in March.

OCTOBER 2012 Our City 7

Anya Hocknall,aged 15, shows

Lord Mayor CouncillorTerry Crowe the

stylish atrium at theCo-operative Academy of

Stoke-on-Trent.

Under the ConsumerProtection from

Unfair TradingRegulations

2008, it can bean offence torefuse to leavea propertywhen askedto do so.

NO COLD CALLERS!PLEASE LEAVE AND

DO NOT RETURN

✃

Big celebrations markour new schools

Saying ‘no’ tocold callersSTOKE-on Trent’s successful NoCold Calling initiative has beenrolled out to Weston Coyney tohelp people feel safer in theirhomes.

The partnership projectalready operates in otherareas of the city to help people– in particular elderly andvulnerable residents – dealsafely with doorstep callersand reduce their fear of crime.

Street signs and stickers inlocal people’s windows orfront doors identify the zonesand leaflets have beendistributed advising residentshow to deal with “cold callers”at their homes and to reportanyone who ignores thesignage to Police or TradingStandards so they caninvestigate.

The Weston Coyney zonescover Holyhead Crescent,Stranraer Close, Princess Drive,Queen’s Walk, The Moat andField View.

Other initiatives include abooklet produced by PublicProtection and distributed topolice officers to promoteawareness of the criminalnature of rogue trading.● Residents who want to detercold callers can cut out anddisplay the flyer below.

Year 7 pupils Geraldine Chong and MacKenzieBennett, aged 11, in the new Times Squarearea at Trentham High School.

Our City p7 2/10/12 09:39 Page 1


FRESH safety warnings are being issuedacross Stoke-on-Trent by the Safer CityPartnership ahead of Halloween and

Bonfire Night.Elderly and vulnerable members of the community

are being advised to display ‘No Trick or Treat’ postersin their windows if they do not want to be disturbedon 31 October.

A small poster that people can cut out and displayin their windows is printed at the foot of the page. Atthe same time, young people are being urged to stayas safe as possible by observing the followingHalloween Code:● Always go trick or treating with an adult.● Only knock at houses where the resident

is known.● Respect ‘No Trick or Treat’ signs.● Stay in well-lit areas, with friends and

in a group.● Never talk to strangers or go into houses.● Be careful not to frighten elderly or

vulnerable people.● Look carefully before crossing a road.● Do not vandalise anything.

With Bonfire Night also on the horizon,the partnership is urging people to followthe Firework Code.

Staffordshire Fire and Rescue Service inparticular is encouraging people to attendorganised bonfire and firework displays andmake sure children are supervised at all times.

If you belong to a sports club, communitygroup or public house and are planning to organise abonfire and firework display, further advice is availablefrom www.hse.gov.uk/fireworks/using.htm or bycontacting [email protected]

■ Protect your property■ Consider your neighbours

INTRUDERALARMSIf your burglar alarm goes off and continues to sound when you’renot home, the city council may need to contact you, or someonewho has a key and can get into the house to turn off the alarm.

If you have a home burglar alarm, please provide the followinginformation:

Details of the person(s) we can contact if your alarm sounds fora prolonged period:

■ Address where alarm installed

■ Key holder 1

■ Name

■ Address

■ Contact Numbers

■ Key holder 2

■ Name

■ Address

■ Contact Numbers

■ Owner/Occupier’s name

■ Contact numbers

Cut this form out, put it in an envelope and post it to FREEPOST OURCITY (no stamp needed) or email: [email protected]

RESIDENTS are being urgedto let the city council knowwho has a key to theirhouse so that steps can betaken to silence theirburglar alarm if it goes offby mistake and continues tosound.

The council receivesnumerous complaints aboutnoise from alarmsmalfunctioning or trippingout. In cases where no keycan be located and thenoise is causing a nuisance,a public protection officer isobliged to silence thealarms, which could lead toa £100 bill for the occupier.

An automatic cut-offdevice should be fitted tostop the alarm ringing after20 minutes and at least onekey holder who can switchoff the alarm in the owner’sabsence should beregistered confidentiallywith the council.● Details of key holders canbe emailed with a resident’sname, address and contactdetails to [email protected], or fill in theform below right.

Warning isissued overalarm noise

✃ ✃

ResidentMargaret Carr, 77,

with the leaflets beinghanded out in an

initiative launched bythe city council,

Staffordshire Police andStaffordshire County

Council.

Residents given posters to stoptrick or treat calls

Our City p8 1/10/12 16:34 Page 1


I became interested inlocal affairs as a

teenager involved incommunity groups.

This showed me how onlythe Labour Party couldrepresent ordinary workingpeople and I was determined tomake a change for the better.

When I lived in Cobridge, Igot involved in somecommunity activities there andfelt I could add to that work bybeing an elected member of thecouncil.

I was a councillor in Stoke-on-Trent for 10 yearsthen. More recently, when thecouncil moved to single-memberwards last year, I was worriedabout what would happen if acandidate got elected anddidn’t do the best job possibleso I put myself forward to be acouncillor again.

Involvement in politics isabout attempting to deliver anagenda and being a councilloris about putting that intoaction and trying to do the bestyou can for the peopleyou represent.

My understanding ofwhat it means to be a

councillor has been developedthrough many years ofworking with and forcommunities, both within avoluntary and professionalcapacity, in local government,the third sector and throughtrade union work.

Public services, in my view,are not owned by professionalsor commissioners, but are ashared responsibility withcommunities. This is theapproach I take in my role as acommunity councillor.

Besides being a councillor,which in itself keeps me busy,my present work includessupporting policy-makers inthe UK to improve publicservices. I am also an editor ofan international policyjournal. At present, I amsupporting the development ofa residents’ association inSandford Hill. If you wouldlike to be involved please donot hesitate to contact me. Asalways, I can becontacted regarding anyissues you may have.

This is my first time asa councillor though I’ve

always been heavily involved inmy community so people havealways come to me with theirproblems.

I don’t even answer thedoor, I just say come in.

It all started when I becamea governor of the primaryschool my two childrenattended about 20 years ago. Iwas chair of the Trent ValeNeighbourhood Support Teamfor four or five years and alsoinvolved with the communitycentre and the church.

People had been asking meto stand for years but I’dalways said no, thinking Iwasn’t qualified.When I did itjust felt right. I felt veryhumbled that everyone puttheir faith in me.

I’ve been through trainingand my first meetings and I’mnow putting my energy intolots of queries from people. I’llalways respond and try myvery, very best for them andalways keep incommunication.”

Service is in my blood.We’ve had two MPs on

the Wedgwood side of thefamily while my uncle wascouncillor for Bentilee for 23years. My grandad was acouncillor in Northwood.

I stood for election in 2011because I wanted to givesomething back and use myskills as an economist to helpmake Stoke-on-Trent abrilliant place to live andwork. I want to put us on themap nationally.

I have a strong affinity forBentilee and Ubberley. I’mparticularly proud of thelaunch of the new Friday nightKickz youth club in Bentileeat the Neighbourhood Centreand the Prince’s Trust trainingprogramme.

But I want to seeimprovements in servicesacross all our communities. Wemust also use the Olympics toinspire the next generationbecause our Olympians haveshown hard work, motivationand can docommitment.

Councillor

LeeWanger City IndependentsTunstall

Councillor

AndyPlatt LabourBoothen andOakhill

Councillor

OlwenHamer LabourSandford Hill

Councillor

JackieBarnes City IndependentsSpringfields and Trent Vale

Councillor

AlisonWedgwood LabourBentilee and Ubberley

I was first elected in1998 and have been a

serving councillor since then,apart from one year.

I was motivated to stand bywanting the best for my area.

I love Tunstall and I loveStoke-on-Trent.

A lot of people knock thearea and put it down, but ithas a lot going for it.

It is an honour to be acouncillor because people puttheir trust in you.

Every time I have helpedsomeone, they have become afriend.

I now have lots of friendsin the Tunstall area and Ican’t walk down the streetwithout someone stoppingme.

I work really hard and doeverything to the best of myability.

I always try to go the extramile and make myselfavailable. It is a very diversejob and a lot of people don’trealise some of the things youget involved in, but Ienjoy it all.

“

”

“

”

“

”

“

”

“

”

Councillors come from diverse backgrounds and bring a wide range ofexperience and skills to their roles as they serve their communities. HereOur City talks to another five councillors about their lives in politics...

Councillor Olwen Hamer. Councillor Alison Wedgwood. Councillor Lee Wanger.Councillor Andy Platt. Councillor Jackie Barnes.

Contact your councillor... see page 23 for telephone numbers and email addresses

Our City p9 1/10/12 16:35 Page 1


NEW life has already beenbreathed into 18 buildingsand sites in Longton with a

£950,000 project that is part of thedelivery of a regenerationmasterplan for the town.

Around £800,000 has already beenspent as part of the three-year grant-aided Partnership Schemes inConservation Areas programmeinvolving Stoke-on-Trent City Council,English Heritage and building owners.The aim is to improve key historicbuildings, bring neglected propertiesback into use, create and safeguard jobsand attract new investment.

The biggest single scheme has seenextensive renovation of the MethodistCentral Hall. The Grade 2 listedLongton Market building has also beentransformed in a package including newand attractive illuminated signage andrenovation of 14 shop units along TheStrand.

The scheme is also helping withexternal repairs to the former Martin’sBank in Market Street where the owneris working to establish new shops andresidential accommodation.

This was an unsightly and dilapidatedbuilding which is now undergoingcomplete renovation including restorationof an unusual Victorian cast iron façade.

The former Phoenix Pottery Works inKing Street is undergoing a £100,000facelift to create a retail and office

complex with the potential to createbetween 80 and 100 jobs.

Mark Milner, director of thecompany overseeing the project, said:“We are extremely grateful to beincluded within the scheme, whichhas already brought dramaticimprovements to the town centre.”

Other work completed includesimprovements to put in newcobbles along the historicHandcart Lane and work onGoslings Butchers in The Strand.

Dramatic results

Longton Regeneration Officer JoeDevlin said: “Many interesting buildingsin the town centre were deterioratingand at serious risk of costingsignificantly more torepair and restore.Thisscheme has produceddramatic results alreadyespecially since businesses,despite tough economic times, did their bit to part-fund the work.

“It’s really brought everyonetogether from single buildingsowned by a pensioner to othersmall businesses who wanted tohelp regenerate the town. That’sbeen one of the really hearteningaspects. And we have more work to dobefore next year. There are alreadyplans for another couple of schemes.”

Please call 01782 235020or visit stoke.gov.uk/adoption

Keeping brothers andsisters together...where they belong

Adoptionfor Stoke-on-Trent

Could you adopt?

MORE people are being encouragedto consider fostering to adopt.

Those looking to adopt youngchildren can foster a child from anearly age, with a view to adopting ifthe child is not returned to the birthfamily.

Social worker Adam Datoo said:“People interested in fostering toadopt need to understand the risk thechild might go back to his or her birthfamily but there are many benefits.Children are usually placed with afoster carer and then move to livewith adoptive parents. This schemereduces moves and confusion duringan important time in the child’s life.”

Through Stoke-on-Trent AdoptionService, James and Jill Wilson (nottheir real names) fostered their sonwhen he was seven days old with thehope of adoption. Six months later, hewas legally their son.

James said:“Having him from ababy gave us the chance to do thingssuch as feeds which we neverthought we would be able to do.

“That was really special. It was hardknowing he could go back to his birthfamily, but we wouldn’t change athing. Our home is all he has everknown and he has been part of ourfamily from the start.”

● For more information, call01782 235020.

Fostering canlead to the joyof adoption

£800,000 town centre boost for

shops and jobs

Make sure you are not missing outFrom September 2012, the Government has made access to earlyeducation even more flexible.

All three and four year old children are entitled to free early education(15 hours per week for 38 weeks per year) and some early educationproviders are now able to offer the entitlement between the hours of7am and 7pm giving families more flexibility.

For more information, including details of eligibility and a list of yourlocal early education providers, please contact the:

stoke.gov.uk/fis [email protected]/StokeFISor search for Stoke Family Information Service on:www.facebook.com

0800 015 1120 or

01782 232200

MarkMilner, whose

company isoverseeing the project

to convert the oldPhoenix Works at KingStreet, Longton, into a

shops and officecomplex.

Our City p10 2/10/12 09:41 Page 1


UPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATETel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 238989

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 236655

Tel: 01782 238352

Tel: 01782 236333

Tel: 01782 234357

Tel: 01782 237100

Tel: 01782 231815

Tel: 01782 596421

Tel: 01782 237650

Tel: 01782 233775

Tel: 01782 234024

Tel: 01782 233670

Tel: 01782 237500

News and information from Stoke-on-Trent’s Children’s Centres October 2012

Bite-sized news from your children’s centres... turn to page 14

There is something for everyone at Stoke-on-Trent’s children’s centres... but don’t take our word for it.

Families from our city have told how visiting their children’s centre has changed their lives for the better.

Children’s centre teams want more people to find out how joining in can improve their lives in many ways.

So everyone who pops into their local children’s centre to register will receive a special FREE GIFT...

I‘m ready tostart at school andcarry on learning

We learnedto have fun

together as a family

“”Sophie Wightmanaged three, from Birches Head

Megan Backhouseaged three, from Bentilee

“”Neive Sherrattaged seven, from Meir

Mum of Isabelle Devilleaged 15 months, from Tunstall

We’re reallyhappy becausemy dad has a job

“”Our house is asafe place to live

“”

My mum helpsout and we’vemade lots of friends

“”Lottie Dysonaged five, from Meir

“”

Archie Johnsonaged two, from Berry Hill

My mumknows if I makea mess or knock mybricks over whenI’m playing I’mhaving fun andlearning

“”My daddy and Ilove Saturdads and

spending time togetherjust the two of usNathan Verney-Kennyaged three, from Norton

“”Mum of Oscar Woodwardaged nine months,from Trent Vale

Oscargot thesupport heneeds to develop

Children’s Centre

You need your children’scentre... three-year-oldDylan Mutseriwa, who

attends Fenton Children’sCentre, points the way

for parents.

I’m learninglots and getting onwith my friendseven betterTheo Toussaintaged two, from Fenton

“”

Our City p11 2/10/12 10:04 Page 1

* Referral Only. ** Bookable places with Play & Learn team. ■ Book at Reception. ▲ Appointments Only.

MONDAYReady Steady Learn 1-3pm(Transition based group)ESOL

■9:30-11:30am

TUESDAYHome Play Sessions 9:30-12:30pmGrowing Together

■1:15-2:45pm

(PICL.0-2yrs)

WEDNESDAYParent Time (17 Oct, limited Crèche)Little Stars* 9:30-11:30amPlay Together Drop-In 1:15-2:45pm(PICL.0-5yrs.Held at TBCC)Play Together Drop-In 1:15-2:45pm(PICL.0-5yrs.Held at Joiners Square)

THURSDAYDove Service* 9-11amCook and Eat

■9:30-11:30am

Health Visitor and Baby WeighingGroup Drop-In 1:30-2:45pm

FRIDAYReady Steady Learn* 9:30-11:30amRegistration Drop-In 10-2pmTiny Talkers 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICESSpeech and Language Support* Play and Learning in the Home* Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

0178223633301782

238352

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE SOUTH OF THE CITY

01782233775

01782596421

MONDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-3:30pm

Baby Jabadao 1-2:30pm(0-First steps)

TUESDAY

Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am

WEDNESDAY


Baby Massage ■

1-2:30pm(0-12mths)

Parent’s Forum 9:45-11am(17 Oct,16,30 Nov)

Literacy 9:30-11:30am(Please book with Emily Peters)

Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm(Please book with Emily Peters)

Start Up – SMILE 10-12pm(SMILE Training & Employment Drop-In)

Half Term Disco■

1-3pm(31 Oct)

THURSDAY


Fitness Group ▲ 10-11am

Growing Together** 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Moss Green Growing Together**(Riverside Housing Office) 9:30-11am


Play Together 12:30-2pm

Antenatal Group 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche (Mon,Wed,Thur)

Playspace 9-3pm(Mon,Tue,Thur,Fri.Open to the public)

Start-Up Courses available(Term time only)

Volunteering Programme

01782237650 01782

234024

01782233670

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE NORTH OF THE CITY01782231096

MONDAY

Stay and Play■

9:30-11amMatths Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

TUESDAY

Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In(Childminders only) 9:30-11:30amParent Forum Meeting (Every secondTuesday of the month) 9:30-11:30amBaby Massage 11:30-12:30pmDrop-InJumping Beans

■1:30-2:30pm

(Music and movement)

WEDNESDAY

Adult Learning and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

Mum 2 Mum Breastfeeding CaféDrop-In 9:30-11:30am

THURSDAY

Stay and Play■

9:30-11amYoung Parents Group 10-NoonMidwife Antenatal▲ 9:30am-4pmEnglish Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

FRIDAY

Busy Babies Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)Growing Together * 1:30-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Nibbles and Giggles Café (Mon-Fri,open to the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads #Tiny TalkersSensory GroupLet’s Get CreativeFamily Support Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program #Toy Library #

01782231096 01782

232977

01782238989

01782236655

MONDAY

Stay and Play■

(PICL,2-5yrs) 9:30-11am

Growing Together ■

1:15-2:45pm(Baby Stay and Play for 0-12mths)

Midwife Clinic ▲ All Day

TUESDAY

Transition ▲ 9:30-11:30am

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-12pm

Stay & Play■

(PICL,1-2yrs) 1:15-2:45pm

Midwife Clinic ▲ All Day

WEDNESDAY

Chill and Chat 9:30-11:30am(10,17,24 Oct)

Parent Forum (31 Oct) 9:30-11:30am

New Birth Registration Drop-In (31 Oct,Trent Vale Health Centre) 10-11am

THURSDAYHealth Visitor Drop-In (0-5yrs) 9:30-11amNew Birth Registration Drop-In (25 Oct,Penkhull CC) 9:30-11am

Stay and Play■

10-11:30am(PICL,0-5yrs,St John’s,Trent Vale)Midwife Clinic ▲ All Day

FRIDAYSinging Sunflowers

■9:30-10am &

(0-5yrs,Stoke Library) 10:15-10:45amNew Birth Registration Drop-In (26 Oct,Stoke Library) 11-1pmTiny Talkers* 1-2pm

OTHER SERVICESToy LibrarySensory Room (By request)Speech and Language Support*Play and Learning in the Home*Family Support in the Home*Volunteering Programme

MONDAY

Jo Jingles■

10-10:45am(£2 per family)

Parent Forum 9:45-11:30am(Runs every fortnightly)

Baby Jabadao Drop-In 1-2:30pm(0-First steps)

TUESDAY

Child Health Clinic 9:15-11:30am

Play Together 9:15-11am(0-5yrs.Weston Coyney Infant School.Please book via 596848)

Play Together Drop-In 9:30-11:30am

Busybodies 9:30-10:15am(£2.The Grange Children’s Centre)

Spooktacular Party 1-2:30pm(30 Oct.Disco,Games,Fancy Dress)

WEDNESDAY

Triple P 9:30-11:30am(For more information or to bookcontact First Steps on 0300 123 0977)

Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)

THURSDAY

Child Health Clinic 9-11am(Weston Heights Community Centre)

Numeracy 9:30-11:30amLiteracy 12:30-2:30pm(For more info speak to Caz 596421)

FRIDAY

Fitness/Zumba ■

9:45-10:45am(Cèche places are limited)

Growing Together ** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs.PICL)

OTHER SERVICES

Crèche Training,Volunteering andRespiteMon,Wed,Thur,Fri 9-11:30amThur 12:30-3pm

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-1pm(Tue,Wed,Thur)

Dads Saturday (3 Nov) 10-12pm

Volunteering Programme(Please speak to The Community &Economic Development Officer CazGotham)

MONDAY

Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11amFenton Book Buddies 11:30-12:30pm(Meet monthly,next meeting 22 Oct)Growing Together* (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm

TUESDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11:30amBusybodies (£2 per family) 1-1:45pmBaby Massage * 1:30-3pmSpooky Funday (30 Oct) 10-Noon

WEDNESDAY

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-NoonVarious Training Courses (6wk courses.Limited Crèche places) 12:45-2:45pmTeenage Pregnancy Group * 1-3pm

THURSDAY

Coffee Morning Drop-In 9:30-11:30amPlay Together (0-5yrs) 12:30-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30m(19 Oct,16 Nov,30 Nov)Fenton Families First 9:30-11:30m(26 Oct,9 Nov,23 Nov,7 Dec)Baby Jabadao (0-Walking) 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES

Toy and Book LibraryCommunity GardenPlay and Learning Home VisitsSensory Room

■

Volunteering ProgrammeOutreach Drop-In at FenparkPlaygroup23 Oct 10-11am8 Nov 10-11amOutreach Drop-In at Clarice Cliffe18 Oct,appontments only please speakto Sam Hudson 9:30-10:30am15 Nov,Stay & Play 9:30-10:30am

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11amAdult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pmParent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(Whitfield Valley.Last Monday of everymonth)

TUESDAY

Messy Monkeys Baby Group (0-18mthsor confident walkers) 9-10:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9-10:30amStay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am(Whitfield Valley)English Course and Crèche #

12:45-2:45pm

WEDNESDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30-11am

THURSDAY

Maths Course and Crèche #9:30-11:30am

Tiny Talkers # (Building language skillsand early communication) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Walking Group # 12:30-2:30pm(All the family can take part in walksaround the locality)Growing Together * 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES

Rumble Tummies Café (Mon-Fri,opento the public) 10:30am-1:30pm Saturdads #Jumping BeansYoung Parents GroupSensory GroupLet’s Get CreativeFamily Support Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program #Toy Library #

MONDAY

English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm

TUESDAY

Sweet Peas Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)Midwife Antenatal▲ 9:30-4pmYoung Parents Group 10-NoonAdult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm

WEDNESDAY


THURSDAY

Childminders Stay and Play Drop-In(Childminders only please) 9:30-11amGrowing Together * 1-2:30pm

FRIDAY


Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(Third Friday of every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads #Jumping BeansSensory GroupTiny TalkersLets Get CreativeFamily Support Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program #Toy Library #

MONDAY

Play Together 9:30-11am

Baby Jabadao 12:30-2pm

TUESDAY

Growing Together** 9:30-11am

WEDNESDAY

Crèche for Training and Parent Forum

9:30-11am

Parent Forum 9:30-11am

Pandas Group (0-5yrs) 12-2:30pm

Family Support Drop-In 2:30-3:30pm

(Priory Primary School,term time only)

THURSDAY

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon

Midwife Clinic ▲ 10:30-2pm

Health Visitor Drop-In 2-3pm

(1st and 3rd Thursday in the month)

Growing Together** 1:30-3pm

FRIDAY

Play Together (0-5yrs) 9:30-11am

Foster Carers’Group Noon-3pm

(12 Oct,23 Nov)

OTHER SERVICES

Outdoor Play Area


MONDAYPlay Together 9:30-11:30amTwins and More Siblings 10:30-NoonIntroductory Teaching 12:45-2:45pmAssistant Course (Starts 1 Oct, for 6wks.Speak to Andy for more information)Halloween Themed Play Together(29 Oct) 9:30-11:30am

TUESDAYPost Natal/New Baby 10-11am(Mums and Babies up to 9mths)Busybodies 11:30-Noon(£2 per session.Term time only)Baby Clinic ▲ 4:30-6pm(First Tue of every month)Pumpkin Carving

■9:30-10:15am

(30 Oct) 10:30-11:15am

WEDNESDAYSpeech & Language Therapy ▲ 9-5pmDevelopment Checks ▲ 9:30-1pmPlay and Sing Together 1-2:30pmHalloween Party (Arts & Crafts,FancyDress,Outdoor Play,Disco,Face Paintingand Party Games.31 Oct) 1-3pm

THURSDAYBreastfeeding Cafe 10:30-NoonBaby Clinic 1-2:45pmBaby Jabadao (0-First steps) 1-2:30pm

FRIDAYParent Forum (19 Oct) 9:30-11:30amBaby Massage ▲ 10-NoonGrowing Together 1-2:30pmJunk Modelling (2 Nov) 9:30-11am

OTHER SERVICESSoft Play Area (Mon-Fri) 8:30-5pmESOL (Tue,Thur,Fri) 9:30-11:30amMidwife Clinic (Mon-Fri) ▲

Crèche Training,Volunteering and RespiteMon 12:30-3pmTue-Fri 9-11:30mAsian Ladies Advice Group Drop-In(18,23 Oct) 11:30-1:30pmPlay and Learning Home Visits(Mon,Wed,Thur,Fri)Volunteering ProgrammeEarly Intervention TeamTraining and Employment Support

CHILDREN’S CENTRES IN THE CENTRE OF THE CITY

Families welcome totake part in packedactivity programme EVERY family in Stoke-on-Trent canmake the most of a great range ofservices and facilities at the city’schildren’s centres.

The teams reach out into theirlocal communities to supportfamilies and give children the verybest start in life.

Anyone is welcome to pop intotheir local centre and take part inone of the activities featured on thispull out and keep special.

Children’s centres provide a rangeof services including:● childcare and children's learning

and development● health services● family support

● specialist support for childrenwith additional needs

● outreach workers● information for parents● activities to help

parents and carersback to work.Each children’s centre

also delivers additionalservices tailored to meet localneeds.

There are even opportunitiesto volunteer and learn new skillsthat could lead to qualifications, ajob or career change.

Contact details are included witheach centre’s calendar. alternatively,follow your centre on Facebook.

PULL OUT GUIDE TO CHILDREN’S CENTRES ACTIVITIES

■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. ^ Limited crèche available. * Referral Only. PICL – Parents Involved in Children’s Learning.■ Book at Reception ▲ Appointments Only. * Referral Only. # Ask at reception.

MONDAY

Stay and Play Drop-In 9:30–11am

FRIDAY

Little Sprouts Sensory Stay and Play 1-3pm

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads #Jumping BeansYoung Parents GroupTiny TalkersLets Get CreativeFamily Support Outreach #Play and Learning Outreach #Volunteering Program #Toy Library #

MONDAY


Stay and Play Drop-In 1-2:30pm

TUESDAY

English Course and Crèche # 1-3pm

Growing Together * 1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Baby Massage Drop-In 9:30-10:30am


THURSDAY

Tiny Explorers Baby Group 9:30-11am(0-18mths or confident walkers)

Adult Learning and Crèche # 1-3pm

FRIDAY

Lets Get Creative Stay and Play (Messy play,please bring a change ofclothing) 9:30-11:30am

Parent Forum Meeting 1:30-2:30pm(First Friday of every month)

OTHER SERVICES

Saturdads #

Jumping Beans

Sensory Group

Young Parents Group

Tiny Talkers

Family Support Outreach #

Play and Learning Outreach #

Volunteering Program #

Toy Library #

MONDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-1pm

Jo Jingles ■

11:15-Noon(1-5yrs,£2 per family,term time only)

Growing Together** 1-2:30pm(0-5yrs)

Family Support Drop-In 2-3pm(Blurton Primary School,term time only)

TUESDAY

Play Together Group ■

9:30-11am

Start Up Literacy 12:30-2:30pm

WEDNESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9-11am

Baby Jabadao■

(0-First steps) 9:30-11am

Baby Clinic 1:30-3:30pm(Blurton Health Centre)

Start Up Numeracy 12:30-2:30pm

Parent Forum (fortnightly) 1-2:30pm

THURSDAY

Baby Clinic 11-Noon

Baby Massage ■

1-2:30pm

FRIDAY

Family Support Drop-In (NewsteadPrimary School,term time only) 9-10am

Growing Together** 9:30-11am(0-5yrs)

Play Together (Newstead PrimarySchool,term time only) 1:30-3pm

Birth Prep (book with Midwife, firstFriday of the month)

OTHER SERVICES

Family Kitchen

Indoor and Outdoor Playspace(open Monday to Friday) 9-4:45pm

Crèche (Available for parentsundertaking Parent Forum,Volunteering,Training and Respite)Mon 9:30-11:30amWed 12:30-2:30pmThur 9:30-11:30am

Baby Massage* (one-to-one sessions)


Taining Programme

Sensory Room

01782231815

AUTUMNACTIVITIES

For the latest newsabout autumn events,

pop into your localChildren’s Centre.

01782237100

MONDAY

Family Links Course 12:45-2:45pmwith Crèche *

Growing Together * 10-11:30am

TUESDAY

Baby Weighing Clinic 9-10:30am

Midwife Clinic 9-12:30pm

Chill & Chat 1-2:30pm(Sorry no crèche facility)

Time to Talk Communication &Language Group * 10:30-11:30am

WEDNESDAY

Play Together (PICL) 10-11:30am

Baby Massage* 1-2pm

THURSDAY

Midwife Clinic ■

All Day

Ready Steady Learn * 9:30-11:30am

Baby Weighing 1:30-3:30pm(Abbey Hulton Clinic)

FRIDAY

Parent Forum 9:30-11:30am(First Friday of every month)

Breastfeeding Café 10:30-Noon

Volunteering Group 9:30-11:30amwith crèche(Weeks that Parent Forum not on)

Growing Together * 1:15-2:30pm(Abbey Hulton)

OTHER SERVICES

Toy Library (By request)

Sensory Room■

Speech and Language Support*

Play and Learning Home Visiting

Kingsland Kindergarten (Day Care)

Job Centre (every Thursday)

Rhyme time Craft■

(25 Oct)


MONDAY

Play Together Drop-In 9:15-11:15am(0-5yrs)

Outreach Drop-In 9-10am(Grange Nursery School.Term time only)Spooktacular Party 1-2:30pm(29 Oct.Disco,Games,Fancy Dress)

TUESDAY

Midwife Clinic ▲ 9:30-1pm

Parent Forum 10:30-Noon(Every fortnight.Limited crèche)

Busybodies 9:30-10:15am(£2 per session)

WEDNESDAY

Growing Together ** 9:30-11am(0-5yrs)Baby Massage (6wk course.Invitationonly.Contact Hayley on 596421) 1-3pm

THURSDAY

Jo Jingles ■

10-10:45am(£2 per family)

Child Health Clinic 1:15-2:45pm

FRIDAY

Baby Jabadao Drop-In 9:30-11am(0-First steps)

Growing Together (0-5yrs) 1-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICES

Dads Saturday (3 Nov) 10-12pm

Volunteering Programme(Please speak to The Community &Economic Development Officer CazGotham)

Ball Green Primary School, Whitfield Road, Ball Green ST6 8AJ Vale Park, Hamil Road, Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 1AW

St Nicholas Avenue, Norton, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 8JWBishop Road, Chell Heath, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6QW

Woodland Street, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent ST6 6AP

Eaves Lane, Bucknall, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 9ASGreatbatch Avenue, Penkhull, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 7JU

College Road, Shelton,Stoke-on-Trent ST4 2DQ

Garth Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent ST1 2DA

01782234357

MONDAYPlay Together 9:30-11am(18mths-5yrs)Health Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30amLet’s Get Healthy with HENRY

■

Chill & Chat 1-3pmPlaygroup(Portland Street,Community Centre)Etruscan Primary Toddler Group(Etruscan Primary School) 1-2:45pm

TUESDAYConnect Group ^ 9:30-11:30amHealth Visitor Drop-In 9:30-11:30am(Hanley Health Centre)Story Bears 11-11:30am(City Central Library)Growing Together* (0-1yrs)1-2:30pm

WEDNESDAYPlay Together (0-18mths) 1:30-3pmGrowing Together* 1:30-3pm(Portland Street,Community Centre)ZUMBA at the PARC (Portland Street,Hanley,£3 per session) 7-8pm

THURSDAYReady, Steady, Go* 9:30-11:30am(Transition crèche to NEG/School.)Hands from Around the World

10:30-12pmBouncing Bears 11-11:45am(City Central Library)Incredible Years (Delivered by Connect,CAMHS & First Steps Please contact:0300 123 0987)

FRIDAYTriple P* 9:30-11:30amMandarin Group 12:30-2pmParent Forum (1st Fri of every month,limited crèche available) 1-2:30pmPlay and Learning in the Home*

1:30-2:30pmBabble and Speak* 1:30-2:30pm

OTHER SERVICESPlay and Learning in the Home*Saturday Story Time 11-Noon(City Central Library)Volunteering Programme

Dawlish Drive, Bentilee, Stoke-on-Trent ST2 0HW

Buccleuch Road, Normacot,Stoke-on-Trent ST3 4RF

01782 237500

Jubilee Road, Trentham ST4 8EFNormacot Grange Road, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 7AWTravers Court, Temple Street, Fenton, Stoke-on-Trent ST4 4NR

Oakwood Road, Blurton, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 3ARPinewood Crescent, Meir, Stoke-on-Trent ST3 6HZ

Our City p12-13 1/10/12 16:38 Page 1

Children’s Centre Children’s Centres in Stoke-on-Trent are having a big impact on the lives of families

across the city. Here, Our City gives some bite size news of what’s happening around

the centres – families can pop in or call to find out more.


UPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATEUPDATE

Tel: 01782 238989

Tel: 01782 231096

Tel: 01782 232977

Tel: 01782 236655

Tel: 01782 238352

Tel: 01782 236333

Tel: 01782 234357

Tel: 01782 237100

Tel: 01782 231815

Tel: 01782 596421

Tel: 01782 237650

Tel: 01782 233775Tel: 01782 234024

Tel: 01782 233670

Tel: 01782 237500

Children and parents at Hope Children’s Centrelooked after caterpillars during the summer andwatched them grow and change into butterflies,learning about nature as they went. Contact thecentre to find out about more activities.

Burslem Children’s Centre are delivering anumber of courses including strengtheningfamilies/strengthening communities coveringparenting skills, relaxation, anger managementand problem solving. Contact the centre forother courses available.

Come along and join the fun with the FitnessClub at Treehouse Children’s Centre, everyThursday, 10-11am (limited creche facilitiesare available).

Take a trip down Kingsland Children’s Centre’sJungle Trail and try to spot all the animals. Theydon’t bite! Jump into the river boat and counthow many animals you can see. Visit our islandsand have fun playing with animals and puppetsor looking at books reading about theiradventures. Bring your Mummy or Daddy sothey can join in the fun too.

At Thomas Boughey we are redesigning a partof the crèche garden to ensure children havethe opportunity dig, plant, and find out whathappens to the area as the seasons and theweather changes. The area will be a ‘findingout’ area and motivate children to becomeyoung explorers. Who knows, maybe we willinspire the scientists of tomorrow!

Penkhull’s 10-week Family Links grouphelps parents understand how childrenbehave, the feelings behind behaviour,different approaches to discipline,helping children to co-operate and theimportance of nurturing little ones. Popin for more information.

Busybodies – at FentonChildren’s Centre – is a funsession with music, rhymeand physical playtime forparents and children aged0-5. The session takes placebetween 1pm and 1.45pmevery Tuesday and costs£2.00 per family.

We have started a ‘youngparents-to-be’ group with themidwife and other partners tohelp young parents to be, bothmothers and fathers, preparethemselves for the arrival of theirbaby.

Over the summer parents atTunstall worked withPartners in Creative Learningto plan and put on a Wet andMessy Play day for families inthe area.

Popular Saturdads sessions are going out onthe road to venues across the north of the city.The first session will take place on Saturday 3November at the Sandyford Community FireStation between 10:30am and noon. All dadsand their children aged 0-5 are welcome.

Come along for a coffee, chatand meet other parents at theBreastfeeding Café at HanfordChildren’s Centre, every Thursdaybetween 10:30-Noon.

Local Business Enterprise Support is starting atBlurton Children’s Centre in October. Enterprisecoach Julie will be there to answer questionsabout self employment. Everyone is welcometo get involved in a range of centre activities.It’s a great way to develop skills, meet newpeople and most importantly, to make sure theChildren’s Centre meets your family’s needs.

There’s a new sensoryroom at Westfield thatfamilies can book. It’sgreat for children aged0-5 years (no age limitfor children withadditional needs). It’sfree to book. Justcontact reception.

Come along to Baby Jabadao at TheCrescent Children’s Centre onMondays 1-2:30pm (0-first steps). Aswell as being an opportunity to mixwith other parents, this is a parentand child interaction session whichpromotes movement and sensoryplay, encouraging development ofthe brain and body through play.

The Grange Children’s Centre has launcheda new Parent Forum. Anyone who wouldlike to share ideas to help develop thecentre – working with staff and otherparents – should pop in for a chat.

Our City p14 1/10/12 16:39 Page 1

Students gobehind thecivic scenes

ELDERLY patients, pregnantwomen and people with long-term medical conditions

have been reminded to book in fortheir flu jabs.

The vaccine is offered free to peopleat risk of catching flu and developingserious complications.

As flu strains can change from year toyear, and antibodies gradually decreaseover time, vaccinations must be takenevery year to ensure the best protection.

Dr Chandra Kanneganti, ClinicalDirector of Urgent Care atStoke on Trent Clinical CommissioningGroup, said: “We usually get around 75per cent of the people who are invitedcoming for their flu jabs.We would like toboost that number this year. A commonmisunderstanding is that the vaccinationgives someone flu.What it actually does isprovide the antibodies to fight the virus.”

Anyone who develops flu-like symptoms hasbeen urged not to go to A&E. Flu patients donot always need to see their GP either. Advice isto rest at home, keep warm and drink plenty ofwater to avoid dehydration.

Help by not spreading the virus

Dr Kanneganti added: “Not everyone with fluneeds to seek medical help, most people can lookafter themselves. As well as taking plenty of fluids,people can help by not spreading the virus.Thisincludes practising good hand hygiene, carryingtissues to cover a cough and catch sneezes withand disposing of used tissues properly.”

Complications such as bronchitis andpneumonia can arise in those with long-termmedical conditions including chronic respiratory,heart or kidney disease, or a weakened immunesystem.

People aged 65 or over, those in long-stay carefacilities and the main carers of elderly or disabledpeople are also advised to have the vaccination.

Anyone who has not been called for a flu jab butwho thinks they need it should contact their localGP surgery or health centre.

Over 100 sign up to innovativedesign and build homes planMORE than 100 peoplehave registered aninterest in designingtheir own dream homein Stoke-on-Trent.

Seven plots of land inPenkhull and 13 plots in Hanford arebeing made available for homebuilders tocreate custom-designed properties withfour or five bedrooms.

The scheme is an important element ofStoke-on-Trent City Council’s Mandate forChange and aims to provide moreexecutive housing in the city.

The Penkhull site, off Newcastle Lane, isexpected to move forward fordevelopment first, with prospective buyersalready being invited to discuss potentialplots.

Prices for individual plots are expectedto start at £35,000.

Programme manager Philip Brundrettsaid: “Interest has exceeded ourexpectations and shows there is a marketfor larger and more executive housing inthe city. The custom homes scheme isgoing to be something different, butexciting for the city.”

Plots on Wilson Road, in Hanford, areowned by the national housing andregeneration delivery organisation, theHomes and Communities Agency, and willbe marketed later in the year.● Anyone who wants to find out moreabout the custom homes scheme shouldcall Philip Brundrett on 01782 234850.

Lord MayorCouncillor Terry

Crowe is given hisflu jab at the Harley

Street MedicalCentre in the

city centre.


“”Not everyonewith fluneeds to seekmedical help,most peoplecan look afterthemselves.

Succeeding Together

O P E N E V E N I N G F O R 2 0 1 3 - 1 5 I N T A K E

www.trinity6.com

St Margaret Ward Catholic CollegeLittle Chell Lane, Tunstall, Stoke-on-Trent, ST6 6LZT: 01782 234477 F: 01782 234483E: [email protected]: www.st-margaretward.stoke.sch.uk

St Thomas More Catholic College Longton Hall Road, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 3NJT: 01782 234734 F: 01782 234898E: [email protected]: www.stmcc.net

St John Fisher Catholic CollegeAshfields New Road, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Staffordshire, ST5 2SJT: 01782 615636 F: 01782 346339E: [email protected]: www.sjfcc.net

Maryhill High School Media Arts CollegeGloucester Road, Kidsgrove, Stoke-on-Trent, ST7 4DLT: 01782 296751 F: 01782 296771E: [email protected]: www.maryhill-high.co.uk

The Trinity Sixth Form is an innovative and exciting development for theprovision of post-sixteen education in your local area.

JOIN US AT ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OPEN EVENINGS:Tuesday 16th October 2012, 7pm at St John Fisher Catholic CollegeWednesday 17th October 2012, 7pm at St Thomas More Catholic CollegeTuesday 23rd October 2012, 7pm at St Margaret Ward Catholic CollegeWednesday 24th October 2012, 7pm at Maryhill High School

Public remindedover seasonal

flu jabsCHILDREN and young peopleare being given a behind-the-scenes tour of the Civic Centreas part of a campaign to raisetheir awareness of how theirlocal council operates.

Stoke-on-Trent City Councilis hosting a series of eventsduring Local Democracy Weekbetween October 15 and 20.

Events are being held toencourage children and youngpeople to discuss the Mandatefor Change with councillorsand explore what is importantto them.

All year round the citycouncil encourages youngpeople to:● Get to know their localcouncillors and learn abouttheir roles and responsibilities;● Be listened to, and expresstheir own views on politicalroles; and ● Find out about thedemocratic anddecision-making processes,and how they can take part inthem.● For further informationplease contact MemberServices on (01782) 232751, orby email to [email protected]

Our City p15 2/10/12 09:59 Page 1


THE Government isabolishing the currentCouncil Tax Benefit

system. From 1 April 2013Stoke-on-Trent City Council,like all other local authorities,must replace this system with anew local Council Tax Supportscheme on a much reducedbudget.

This is a major change made byGovernment that will have asignificant impact on both thecouncil’s budget, and the pocketsof families and individuals acrossour city.

This Our City feature gives yousome information to help youunderstand the proposed changesand how you will be affected.

It also tells you where to go forfurther information and advice.

Under the new scheme,

pensioners who are receivingCouncil Tax Benefit will beprotected and the councilproposes to protect severelydisabled claimants and under25s actively seeking work.

This means it is very likely thatmost people of working age willhave to pay something towardstheir Council Tax bill.

For some this will be the firsttime they will have a Council Taxbill. How much the bill is willdepend on individualcircumstances.

The council is already looking atways of providing additionalsupport to those in the greatesthardship.

As this is such asignificant change, itis essential that localpeople play a realand meaningful partin shaping our newCouncil Tax Supportscheme.

During thiseight-week consultation we will beengaging with residents, partnersand voluntary organisations tounderstand the impact thesechanges will have on local people.

Your views and feedback willhelp us to shape the final localCouncil Tax Support scheme forthe residents of Stoke-on-Trent. Iurge you to please fill in thequestionnaire on the right andsend it back to us.

Alternatively you can complete itonline at stoke.gov.uk

THE city council started talking tothe public on 21 September 2012and the consultation will continueuntil 16 November 2012.

There are lots of ways to have asay and help shape the new scheme:

Questionnaires: A questionnaireis printed on the next two pages.Further copies of the questionnairewill be available at council venuesincluding local centres, one stop

shops, children’s centres andlibraries.

Or you can call 01782 234577or email us [email protected] andwe will send one to you.

If you need help completing thequestionnaire, please call us on theabove number.

Please return completedquestionnaires, no stamp required, to

Council Tax Support Consultation,FREEPOST ST16 49, StaffordshireObservatory, Staffordshire CountyCouncil, Wedgwood Building,Tipping Street, Stafford ST16 2BR.Partner Agencies: Organisationswho work closely with the citycouncil will be encouraging theirmembers or customers to completesurveys as part of the consultationexercise. In some cases they willprovide help with completing thesurvey.Online: Visit stoke.gov.uk whereyou’ll find all theinformation about theconsultation and alsobe able to complete thequestionnaire online.Survey: We will beusing a market research company totalk to a sample of Council Taxpayers and residents to find out theirviews.

By Councillor Paul Shotton

Deputy Council Leader

Different ways the public can havea say on the impact of the plans

REMEMBER: pensioners claiming pension credit will be protec teto protect people with a severe disability and young people

Views will shape responseStoke-on-Trent City Council’s proposals for working under theGovernment’s changes are aimed at protecting the most vulnerablepeople in our communities.

But the public’s views on how the changes will affect them willhelp the city council fine tune its plans, and make sure those whocan least afford to pay are protected.

Any feedback received will be used to help shape a local CouncilTax Support scheme for Stoke-on-Trent.

How the Government’s changpayments could affect differ

Big welfare shake-up willhit home finances

Under the new scheme, pensionerswho are receiving Council TaxBenefit will be protected and thecouncil proposes to protect severelydisabled claimants and under 25sactively seeking work. The councilis already looking at ways ofproviding additional support tothose in the greatest hardship.

Existing Council Taxdiscounts and exemptions,such as the 25 per cent SinglePerson Discount and theexemption for people who areseverely mentally impairedand live on their own havenot changed and are not partof this consultation.

79p A WEEK WORSE OFF

Single person,living alone in aBand A propertyclaiming DisabilityLiving Allowance(Care Component– highest rate)and IncomeSupport.

Couple livingin a Band Eproperty.One workspart-time.One claimsEmploymentSupportAllowance.

A working manliving alone ina Band Aproperty witha weekly wageof £121.60.

Government changes to benefits – 2012

£4.79 A WNO CHANGE – will not pay any contribution

£12.68 A WEEK WORSE OFF £4.56 A W

£11.59 A WEEK WORSE OFF £6.40 A W

A 56-year-old manliving alone in aBand A property,claiming Invalid Care Allowance and receiving a small works pension,with £11,200 savings.

£5.64 A W

Our City p16-17 2/10/12 10:40 Page 1

ec ted and the council proposes ople actively seeking work.

Single person withtwo children,

not working and claiming

Income Support.


Q1 Are you answering this survey as...?■■ An individual ■■ An organisation representing a community

Q2 If you are answering this survey as an organisation, which group/membership does yourorganisation represent?

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

PRINCIPLES

To what extent do you agree with the following principles?

Q1 Every household with working age members should pay something towards theirCouncil Tax bill.■■ Strongly agree ■■ Agree ■■ Neither agree/disagree ■■ Disagree ■■ Strongly disagree

Q2 The local Council Tax Support scheme should encourage people to work.■■ Strongly agree ■■ Agree ■■ Neither agree/disagree ■■ Disagree ■■ Strongly disagree

OUR PROPOSALS

Proposal 1Current scheme: Under the current scheme,the Council Tax Benefit entitlement can be up to 100 per centof the Council Tax bill for all claimants.

Proposed new scheme: Pensioners who claim Council Tax Support will continue to receive help for up to100 per cent of their Council Tax bill as they have been protected by the Government under a nationalscheme. In the draft local Council Tax Support scheme, we also propose to protect working age claimantswho are classed as severely disabled and entitled to Severe Disability Premium and claimants who areunder 25 and actively seeking work.

QP1 How reasonable do you think this proposal is?Very Reasonable Neither reasonable Unreasonable Very

reasonable nor unreasonable unreasonable

Protecting ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■severely disabled

Protecting ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■under 25s actively seeking work

QP1a Please use the space below for any comments you may have.

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 2Current scheme: Under the current scheme, child maintenance is not included as income whencalculating a claim.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to keep this the same.

QP2 How reasonable do you think this proposal is? Very Neither reasonable Very

reasonable Reasonable nor unreasonable Unreasonable unreasonable■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 3Current scheme: Under the current scheme, if someone receives a War Disablement or War Widow(er)’sPension from the Department for Work and Pensions, it will not affect the amount of Council Tax Benefitthat they can receive.This is because none of the War Pension is counted as income.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to keep this the same.

QP3 How reasonable do you think this proposal is as a way of contributing to the savingsthat need to be made?

Very Neither reasonable Veryreasonable Reasonable nor unreasonable Unreasonable unreasonable

■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 4Current scheme: We currently disregard any child care costs when calculating Council Tax Benefit. Thismeans we deduct the amount of money a claimant pays for their child care before calculating their CouncilTax Benefit entitlement.This is to ensure that working parents are no worse off than someone on the samelevel of income who does not work.

Proposal: We propose to keep this the same.




............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 5Current scheme: Under the current scheme, Council Tax Benefit can be given to those of working age forup to 100 per cent of their Council Tax bill.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to reduce this to 65 per cent in the local scheme.This means that allworking aged claimants who are not protected (protected claimants are those classed as severely disabledand in receipt of the Severe Disability Premium and those under 25 actively seeking work) would beexpected to pay at least 35 per cent of their Council Tax bill.

QP5 How reasonable do think this proposal is as a way of contributing to the savings thatneed to be made?


■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 6Current scheme: In the current scheme, a person could get 100 per cent Council Tax Benefit no matterhow large their house is.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to change this so that Council Tax Support is limited to the level thatwould be given for a smaller house.We propose to limit the amount of Council Tax Support someone willget to 65 per cent of the Council Tax charge for a band D property.

QP6 How reasonable do think this proposal is as a way of contributing to the savings thatneed to be made?


■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 7Current scheme: Some residents are not entitled to Council Tax Benefit in their own right because theirown income is too high or they have too much in savings. However, they can claim a Second Adult Rebate,for a reduction of up to 25 per cent off their bill, because they have another adult living with them who ison a low income.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to remove Second Adult Rebate.



■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 8Current scheme: Under the current scheme, claimants are able to have savings of up to £16,000 and stillreceive support towards their Council Tax bill.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to reduce this limit to £6,000.



■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Local Council Tax SupportScheme ConsultationFeedback provided on this form will be used to help shape thefinal local Council Tax Support scheme

nges to benefiterent people.

A woman living in aBand B property

with her 21-year-oldson. She works 20

hours a week earning £121.60.

Her son earns £200 a week.

Continued overleaf

A WEEK WORSE OFF

A WEEK WORSE OFF

A woman workingfull-time, whose

sister who receivesIncome Support

lives with her,in a Band A

property.

A WEEK WORSE OFF

A couple living in aBand A property

with three childrenaged 11, nine and

five. One adultworks 35 hours a

week and theyreceive Tax Credits and

Child Benefit.

A WEEK WORSE OFF

✃

Our City p16-17 2/10/12 10:26 Page 2


Youngpeoplehave keypanel role

Proposal 9Current scheme: Under the current scheme, Child Benefit is not included as income when calculating aclaim.

Proposed new scheme: For the new scheme, we propose to include Child Benefit payments as incomewhen calculating the claimant’s Council Tax Support.



■■ ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■


............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 10Current scheme: To provide an incentive for working, we disregard a certain proportion of a workingclaimant’s earnings so they will be better off than someone on the same level of income who does notwork.Under the current scheme, this is £5 per week for single claimants, £10 per week for couples and £25per week for lone parents.

Proposed new scheme: To make the new scheme simple and to provide an additional incentive to work,we propose to introduce a flat rate of £25 per week whether you are single, in a couple or a lone parent.




............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 11Current scheme: Council Tax Benefit is assessed on the needs of the claimant, partner and dependantchildren. Council Tax Benefit is reduced if you have other adults (called non-dependants) living in thehousehold.The amount of deduction depends on their income.

Proposed new scheme: Current rules that some adults do not trigger a deduction will be retained. Wepropose that Council Tax Support will be reduced for any other non-dependants living in the claimant’shousehold. If the non-dependant is not working or earning a very low wage then the deduction would be£5 per week.If the non-dependant is working and earning a higher wage then the deduction would be £10per week.

QP11 How reasonable do you think this proposal is as a way of contributing to the savingsthat need to be made? Very Neither reasonable Very



............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Proposal 12Current scheme: Under the current scheme, claimants who are suffering extreme financial hardship canclaim a Discretionary Housing Payment to help with their Council Tax.The Government is changing the rulesso this will no longer be possible.

Proposed new scheme: We propose to establish a small, cash limited hardship fund to help supportthose claimants who are in extreme financial hardship.




............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

IMPACT OF THE CHANGES

Q1 Does your household receive Council Tax benefit?■■ Yes ■■ No ■■ Don’t know

Q1a What impact will the proposed changes have to your financial situation, or the financialsituation of those communities you represent?■■ Very high ■■ High ■■ Medium ■■ Low ■■ Very low

Q1b Please use the space below for any comments you may have.

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Q2 We are aware that some groups of people may be more affected than others when thelocal Council Tax Support scheme is introduced in April. We have identified a few groupsthat may be affected by these changes. Please tell us whether you think the changes wehave proposed will have a high, medium or low impact on each of these groups.

High Medium Low Don’t knowFamilies with children ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■Lone parents ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■Carers ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■Part-time workers ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■Full-time workers ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■People who are disabled ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■Single people and couples without children ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■People who are unemployed ■■ ■■ ■■ ■■

Q3 Please tell us about any other groups who may be affected by the changes.

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Q4 How are the groups you have told us about affected by the proposed changes? If you areanswering as an organisation, please tell us how these changes would affect thegroup(s) you represent.

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Q5 If you are answering as an organisation, please tell us how these proposed changeswould impact on the services you provide?

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

Q6 What do you think we could do to ensure a smooth transition into the new scheme forthose people affected by the changes we propose?

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

ABOUT YOU

Q1 Are you a resident of Stoke-on-Trent? ■■ Yes ■■ No Postcode ........................................................

Q2 Are you submitting your views as... (tick all that apply)■■ A Council Tax Benefit claimant ■■ Voluntary organisation■■ A relative of a Council Tax Benefit claimant ■■ Community group■■ A friend of a Council Tax Benefit claimant ■■ Housing association■■ Nationally or locally elected member/MP ■■ Partner organisation■■ Resident outside of Stoke-on-Trent ■■ Private landlord■■ Resident of Stoke-on-Trent ■■ None of these ■■ Other

If other, please specify .......................................................................................................................................................................................

Q3 Does your name appear on the Council Tax bill for your household?■■ Yes ■■ No ■■ Don’t know

Q4 Does anyone in your household receive any of the following benefits? (tick all that apply)■■ Council Tax Benefit ■■ Carer’s Allowance ■■ Child Tax Credit■■ Attendance Allowance ■■ Disability Living Allowance ■■ Income Support■■ Housing Benefit ■■ Job Seeker’s Allowance ■■ Child Benefit

Q5 Would you say that any of the following describes your household?■■ Family with one or two dependant children ■■ Family with three or more dependant children■■ Lone parent household ■■ Single person household or a couple without children■■ Household includes someone who is disabled ■■ Household with full and/or part-time workers■■ None of these

Q6 Do you regularly provide unpaid support caring for someone? ■■ Yes ■■ No

MONITORING QUESTIONS Giving the following information is optional but it will help us to use the information you have providedmore effectively.

Q1 Are you male or female? ■■ Female ■■ Male ■■ Prefer not to say

Q1a Is your gender identity the same as the gender you were assigned at birth?■■ Yes ■■ No ■■ Prefer not to say

Q2 What is your age? ■■ 18-24 ■■ 25-34 ■■ 35-44 ■■ 45-54 What is your age? ■■ 55-64 ■■ 65-74 ■■ 75+ ■■ Prefer not to say

Q3 What is your ethnic origin? ■■ Asian or Asian British ■■ Black or Black British ■■ Mixed Heritage ■■ Chinese ■■ White – British ■■ White – Other ■■ Prefer not to say ■■ Other


Q4 Do you consider yourself to have a disability or long term health condition? ■■ Yes ■■ No ■■ Prefer not to say

Q5 If yes, please specify ■■ Communication ■■ Hearing ■■ Learning ■■ Mental healthIf yes, please specify ■■ Mobility ■■ Physical ■■ Visual ■■ Other


Q6 What is your sexual orientation?■■ Bisexual ■■ Gay woman ■■ Gay man ■■ Heterosexual ■■ Prefer not to say ■■ Other


Q7 Are you receiving a Retirement Pension or Pension Credit?■■ Yes ■■ No ■■ Prefer not to say

Q8 What is your relationship status? ■■ Single ■■ Civil Partnership ■■ Living as a couple ■■ Married ■■ Prefer not to say ■■ None of these

Thank you for completing this survey. Please post your completed survey form to us (no stamp needed) at:Council Tax Support Consultation, FREEPOST ST16 49, Staffordshire Observatory, Staffordshire County Council, Wedgwood Building, Tipping Street, Stafford ST16 2BR.

✃

YOUNG people in care andcare leavers play a key role ininterviewing thousands ofpeople for different kinds ofjobs within Children andYoung People’s Services andStoke-on-Trent City Council.

Through the Young People’sPanel, they give anotherperspective during theinterview process whilehelping lay the foundations fora good relationship beforestaff are appointed to workwith them.

The interview panels alsobenefit those young peopleinvolved as they have theopportunity to learntransferable skills such asgood communication andorganisation.

The panel takes part notonly in job interviews but alsowhen the council puts serviceslike specialist educational oradvocacy services out tocontract.

Young people also interviewprospective foster carers andtheir views are taken intoaccount by the formalFostering Panel whenconsidering applicants asfoster carers.

Very professional

Many interviewed by theYoung People’s Panel havegone on to be appointed asSenior Managers, SocialWorkers, Residential CareWorkers and Child ProtectionManagers.

In May 2012, the panelhelped interview candidatesfor the position of theAssistant Chief Executive.

Carers Angela and Colin,who were interviewed by theYoung People’s Panel, said:“The interview panel was veryprofessional and the questionswere well thought out andrelevant. The young peopletried to draw out the reasonswhy we wanted to foster.”

Jasmine, 17, who has beendoing interviews for fouryears, said:“I actually ended upinterviewing my own socialworker and he is a very goodsocial worker. I’m happy thathe got the job”.

Beate Wagner, AssistantDirector, Vulnerable Childrenand Corporate Parenting, said:“The young people have madea fantastic contribution to ourrecruitment processes. Theyare asking extremely probingquestions and give us very fullfeedback.

“This is helping us toidentify and select the highquality candidates we need toserve the city.”

Our City p18 2/10/12 10:03 Page 1


BUSINESSES are being urged to show theirsupport for farmers and workers indeveloping countries by using or sellingFairtrade products.

Stoke-on-Trent is one of over 750Fairtrade towns and cities and the citycouncil uses Fairtrade products inmeetings, schools and sells them throughretail outlets. The Fairtrade mark appearson goods including tea, coffee and freshfruit, guaranteeing that producers receivefair pay for their work.

Sue Steele, a partner of Café Divine, inHartshill which serves and sells Fairtradedrinks and confectionery, said:“We useFairtrade products because we want otherpeople to know about it. Our customers areimpressed and it shows we are a caringbusiness.”

Ann Worthington, Chair of FairtradeAction in Stoke-on-Trent, said:“The helpfarmers get from Fairtrade can change theirlives. Not only does it provide them with ahigher, steady income, but it also allowsthem to better their standards of living andhelp the communities in which they live.”

● For more information, visit AnnWorthington at the Fairtrade Centre,Gitana Street, City Centre, or call 01782 817720.

MORE than 400 private landlords have nowsigned up to a scheme jointly run by the citycouncil, which is designed to give people livingin rented properties peace of mind.

The Landlord Accreditation Scheme, a jointinitiative involving the council andneighbouring local authorities as well as the

North Staffordshire Landlords Association,aims to improve the quality of rentedhousing stock and boost the propertymanagement skills of members.

Benefits include certificates to recognisegood property standards, free promotion of

vacant properties, development training,tenancy advice and periodic inspections.

Tunstall landlord Dee Jones, the scheme’s400th member, said:“I’m passionate aboutpeople having good, sound homes which lookreasonable and function well. I like to do thingswell and the scheme gives members access tosome excellent support and information.”

Councillor Janine Bridges, the council’sCabinet member for Housing, Neighbourhoodsand Community Safety, said:“The schemeprovides encouragement, support andincentives to members whose membershipsends out a clear message to their tenants thatthey are willing to achieve and adhere to goodproperty standards.”

For more details contact the scheme co-ordinator Erica Deaville on 01782 232271 oremail [email protected]

Need job advice? Speak to JETPEOPLE who need advice on gettingback into training or finding a job havebeen urged to contact the city council’sJobs, Enterprise and Training (JET)service.

JET client Amanda Freeman hasbacked the service after it helped hercomplete an IT course and start anotherin Business Administration, beforestarting to volunteer in anadministrative capacity.

Amanda said: “If anyone asked me ifit was worth calling the JET team Iwould tell them to do it. I was nervousbut the advisor made me feel at easeand helped me to overcome my nervesby concentrating on what I needed anddidn’t just treat me like a number.

“Things started happening straightaway and they just keep getting better.”

● For help or informationcall 01782 233530, popinto The Store on Tontine Street or seewww.jet2work.org.uk

CYCLESTOKE is urging everyoneon two wheels to get training andtake the necessary precautions

as it backs Olympic gold medallistBradley Wiggins for highlighting cyclesafety.

Free tuition for children is available inschools and there are confidence campsfor adults – all at a time when the cityhas an expanding 160 kilometres of safecycling routes with 50 per cent of themoff-road.

Wiggins put cycle safety on the agendawhen he suggested making cycle helmetscompulsory during his Olympic pressconference after a cyclist was killed in anaccident at London’s Olympic Park.

Brian Edwards, Team Manager for thecouncil’s Safe and Sustainable TransportScheme, said: “All cyclists should havethe correct cycling accessories includinghelmets, lighting and hi-viz clothing and,as motorists, we should drive in a safeand responsible manner, payingparticular attention to vulnerable roadusers such as cyclists.”

Free cycle helmet

CycleStoke stages cycling safetyinitiatives each year like the ‘Be Safe, BeSeen’ campaign as well as ‘Dr Bike’maintenance sessions.

A free adult commuter confidencesession is being staged at the CivicCentre, Kingsway, on 24 October withfree children’s cycle training taking placeat Fenton Manor Leisure Centre on 2 January 2013.

To book a place on these sessions,which can last up to two hours, contactCyclist Training Ltd on 01785 818193.Adult cyclists who book a place receive aCycleStoke high visibility jacket whilethe first 50 children who book forJanuary receive a free cycle helmetsuitable for seven to nine-year-olds.

See page 24 – Tour of Britain success.

For more information go tostoke.gov.uk/cyclestoke and lookunder Get Trained or [email protected]

Landlords sign up toregister which givestenants quality mark

Firms urged to joincity Fairtrade drive

Keen cyclistJohn Mollart rides

to work throughBurslem. Inset,

Olympic and Tour deFrance hero Bradley

Wiggins.

Sue Steele, of CaféDivine in Hartshill,

enjoys a cup ofFairtrade coffee.

City cycling safety boosted by

the ‘Wiggo’ factorCity cycling safety boosted by







the ‘Wiggo’ factor

The Job Enterprise Training team (JET) based in the Store, the former post office inthe city centre offers a range of free individually tailored services from job searchand work related training for people from Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffordshire.Our picture shows JET client and volunteer Amanda Freeman, left, EmploymentAdvisor Julie Moran and JET Team Leader Diane Wardle, right.

City cycling safety boosted by

the ‘Wiggo’ factor


STOKE-on-Trent has one ofthe highest rates of alcohol-related harm in the country,

together with greater than averagelevels of social deprivation.

The Alcohol Liaison Service at theUniversity Hospital of NorthStaffordshire, is seeing an increasingnumber of patients admitted with alcohol-related problems along with a rise in thenumber of 20-30 year-olds with liverdisease caused by drinking.

The service, launched in August 2011with funding and support from the Stoke-on-Trent Safer City Partnership,consisted of one liaison nurse initially andhas since expanded into a team of three,with one nurse funded by NewcastlePrimary Care Trust. The team seesapproximately 125 referrals a month.

Lead Alcohol Liaison Nurse Angela

Hulstone said: “Alcohol is a huge problem,particularly in areas such as Stoke-on-Trentwith high levels of poverty. Drinking abovethe recommended daily guidelines hasgreat impact on the health and well-beingof the population.”

Previously ward manager of thehospital’s liver ward, Angela worked onthe ward for 11 years and nursed manypeople severely affected by alcohol withliver disease and saw many deaths.

Fantastic opportunity

“I have seen the devastation anddestruction alcohol causes,” said Angelawho assesses and plans the care ofpatients with complex needs due to heavydrinking. My new role is a fantasticopportunity to be able to influence andreduce the rate of harm and deaths byproviding support and referral to servicesfor ongoing assistance.”

Angela and colleague SamanthaRowland, work across UHNS’s wards,whilst Rachael Swift is based in A&E.Samantha and Rachael were Staff Nurseson the liver ward and A&E respectively, soalso have a wealth of experience.

Patients referred to the service areassessed for their alcohol use to determinethe level of support and intervention theyneed. For instance, anyone physicallydependent on alcohol may requiredetoxification to safely manage withdrawalsymptoms. In some cases the nursesfacilitate continuing treatment at homewith support from Stoke on TrentCommunity Alcohol Service.

The team is also training staff to screenpatients for alcohol use and enable themto give brief advice on units andrecommended daily limits. Once training iscomplete, all patients admitted to UHNSwill be screened for alcohol use and givenadvice if shown to be at risk of harm.

“Alcohol misuse not only affects aperson’s health and well-being but it alsoaffects all aspects of their life includingrelationships, housing and employment.Often, people need lots of support to dealwith a number of issues,” Angela added.

The service operates Monday to Fridayand has links with other services providingon-going support and promoting recoveryincluding Aquarius, Adsis, RIOT,community detox nurses, matron for thehomeless, Arch and Brighter Futures.

A recent Government-funded review ofalcohol liaison services in the Midlandspraised the UHNS service, stating: “Thealcohol team in the hospital presents avery positive picture. The lead clinicianhas an abundance of energy, good ideasand clearly already has a presence in thewards and on A&E.”

A pilot scheme to find a community-mindedway of dealing with offences such asantisocial behaviour, damage to propertyand shoplifting, is about to start in thenorth of the city.

Sixteen volunteer residents have beentrained to take part in NeighbourhoodResolution Panels, which will include thevictim, the offender and on occasionmembers of the community, with the aimof looking at cases of lower level crime.

Staffordshire has been chosen by theMinistry of Justice to be a pilot for itsRestorative Justice Programme in whichvictims get the opportunity to telloffenders about the impact of their crimeand help decide on an appropriatepunishment. It also offers offenders,particularly first-time entrants, analternative resolution to the criminaljustice system.

Dawn Cliff, Reducing Re-offendingProgramme Lead for the Safer CityPartnership said:“The pilot aims to find amore community-minded way of how wedeal with offending. Taking part isvoluntary and offenders and victims bothhave to agree to participate. If either feeluncomfortable, the case won’t be referredto the pilot and will be dealt with in thetraditional way.”

Supportive environment

The pilot has three distinct levels. Levelone is “street level” – handed out by policeofficers for offences such as dropping litteror shoplifting, if this is in line with thestore’s own policy. The third and highestlevel is also run by appropriately trainedpolice officers and is for offenders whohave had a previous prison sentence.

The Neighbourhood Resolution Panel isthe second level and brings together thevictim and offender in a supportiveenvironment. The panel is facilitated bytwo community volunteers and its aim isto set out an agreement signed by allparties that outlines a restorative action tobe taken by the offender.

This could be something as simple as awritten or verbal apology from one partyto the other. Typically, the panel will discussand decide on neighbour disputes, lowlevel antisocial behaviour or criminaldamage by a young person, for examplegraffiti in a local park.

“We anticipate the panels will look attheir first cases this autumn. At themoment referrals are being made by thepolice and the Partnership but in time willcome also from housing officers andschools,” added Dawn.

The pilot is part of an IntegratedOffender Management project, whereStaffordshire Police work in partnershipwith Victim Support and the local authority.● For more information about the pilotcontact Elizabeth Nock, Victim Support, on(01785) 711406 or 07415559112.

Volunteers inpilot schemeto help reducere-offending

Hospital centre supportspatients with alcohol issues

Case studySONIA* aged 31, started drinkingheavily after finding herself in aviolent relationship with an alcoholic.She was referred to the alcohol liaisonservice at UHNS in December 2011 andsays that was the turning point.

“If I hadn’t met Angela, I would neverhave known what I was doing tomyself and I wouldn’t have stoppeddrinking. Angela has been more thanjust a nurse, she’s visited me inhospital when I have been admittedwith other problems and alwaysexplains everything to me, like what

blood tests are for and what happensnext. I know I wouldn’t be here if itwasn’t for her support.”

After more than six months alcohol-free, Sonia was put on the list for aliver transplant. She has undergoneextensive liver assessment and iswaiting for a suitable donor.

“When I was accepted for atransplant, Angela was the first personI rang with the news. I wouldn’t havegot this far without her.”● To protect identity, name has beenchanged.

AlcoholLiaison NurseSam Rowlandcarries out an

assessment with apatient in the day

room of Ward230.

Our City p20-21 1/10/12 16:57 Page 1

THIS year sees twomajor developmentsopen their doors to

women and children in thecity who are victims ofdomestic violence.

Julia House, the city’s firstpurpose-built refuge, opened inBurslem in April, while theSunrise Centre, thought to beamong the first of its kind in thecountry, will provide a range ofsupport to survivors of domesticviolence.

The centre, in Lichfield Street,Hanley, is on track to open nextmonth.

Domestic violence is on the risenationally and Stoke-on-Trent, inline with other areas of socialdeprivation, has a higher-than-average percentage ofperpetrators.

Julia House provides 11 self-contained apartments for womenand their children escapingdomestic violence.

Wendy Wainwright, Head ofDomestic Violence Services forArch (North Staffs), a charitysupporting families affected bydomestic violence and whichmanages the refuge, said:“Women are referred to therefuge by other services but theycan also refer themselves.

“They all have individual needsbut they stem from domesticviolence –homelessness,benefits, legalissues, theirchildren andpossiblyparentingmatters, anda variety ofhealth

needs whether physical,psychological or emotional.

“The refuge aims to provide asafe and supportive environment.The average stay is between threeand four months, although somewomen stay longer perhaps due tolegal reasons such as an ongoingrequest to remain in the country,or housing difficulties.”

The Sunrise Centre is adifferent type of domesticviolence service as it is for womenwho are not in crisis and whohave left a violent relationship –but who still may need support

to deal with the aftermath.“These are women who may be

suffering from a severe lack ofconfidence, low self-esteem and alack of self-worth and who mayfeel socially isolated having lostcontact with family members or

friends,” added Wendy.“And they mayhave left a violentrelationship years

ago and appearto have dealt

with theimpact,

butin

reality they have not.”The centre will offer a range of

services to women, children andyoung people, who have surviveddomestic violence, includingsupport, practical advice,counselling and both social andtherapeutic activities such as artsand crafts.

It will also offer a newaccredited domestic violencerecovery course covering areasincluding effectivecommunications and dealing withdifficult people to employabilityskills.

“Participants may go on towork as volunteers in thedomestic violence service or topaid employment.

“The opening of the Sunrise isa personal dream.

“I am so excited and pleasedto see it finally coming tofruition and my hope is thatwomen will be encouragedto come forward andbenefit from the serviceson offer,” Wendy added.

Women can referthemselves to eitherservice.● For informationcontact: SunriseCentre, email:[email protected]● Julia House refuge,call: 01782 817055


Studentsocial worker

Trish Frain in thekitchen of one of the

flats at a refugefor the victims

of domesticviolence.

Refuge namedafter managerJULIA House replacesaccommodation known asThe Bluebell or The PotteriesWomen’s Refuge in WaterlooRoad, Burslem.

It is named after JuliaWatson, the late manager ofThe Bluebell, who workedfor over 30 years in the city’sdomestic violence serviceand was herself a survivor.

“Naming it after mum is afantastic tribute,” said herdaughter Michelle Byrne,who followed her motherinto the domestic violenceservice and is a projectofficer at Julia House.

“The Bluebell was sixbedrooms and mum foughtfor years to keep it goingand for better facilities.

“The new refuge is exactlywhat she would havewanted. It’s sad she didn’tlive to see her hard workcome to fruition but I knowshe would have been soproud.”

Julia had left an abusivemarriage and taken herthree children including heryoungest Michelle, thenaged nine, to a domesticviolence refuge at Penkhull.

She later became avolunteer for the service andeventually manager of TheBluebell. She retired fiveyears ago but died just fiveweeks later.

“”The opening of theSunrise is a personaldream. My hope isthat women will beencouraged to comeforward and benefitfrom the services onoffer.

domestic violencedomestic violencedomestic violencedomestic violencedomestic violencedomestic violencedomestic violencedomestic violence

Extra support for victims ofdomestic violence

ProjectManager Vicky

Evans in theactivity room at

the women’srefuge.

Our City p20-21 2/10/12 10:25 Page 2


TRAINING and support is on offer for peopleacross Stoke-on-Trent who want to improvetheir communities by setting up their ownvoluntary organisations or residents’associations.

Help is available to homeowners andtenants and over 60 groups already operatearound the city as people dedicate theirspare time to improving their areas or just

making sure people are heard. Mark Bournefrom the city council’s Northern areaInvolvement Team said:“Many of the groupsthat we already support have made a positivedifference to their area – why not follow theirlead and see just how much you can achieve?

“Setting up a group or residents’association is easy to do and you can reapsome real benefits from being involved.”

● For advice contact Mark on 01782 238515,[email protected], Linda Daviesfrom the Central area on 01782 238969,[email protected] or Paul Capewellin the Southern area on 01782 237870,[email protected]. Furtherinformation is available atstoke.gov.uk

ONE of Normacot Residents’Association’s greatest successeshas been the creation of acommunity garden fromderelict land between MeirRoad and Ludwall Road.

“The land had been adumping ground, a localeyesore, and is now a beautifulgarden,” said Barrie Harrington,chairman of the association.

“We brought in three localschools – Alexandra Infants andJunior and St Bartholomew’sand Belgrave Junior – and thepupils have helped withlitter-picking and planting. Oneschool has even planted flowersgrown in their own greenhouse.

“We are very proud of thissuccess which is a fantastic assetfor the whole community.”

Two years ago the associationsuccessfully bid for a grant todouble the opening hours of theQueensberry Youth Centre tofour evenings a week. Cut-backshave since caused the centre torevert to its original hours but,says Barrie: ”We feel our effortshave really contributed tokeeping the centre open asothers have had to close.”

The committee works closelywith residents and officials andhas forged strong links with thepolice and its local citycouncillor, Councillor Bagh Ali.

ESTABLISHED in 2008, TunstallNorth Residents’ Association isrelatively new but is already makingits mark in the community, havingsuccessfully campaigned to getsingle yellow lines removed along astretch of High Street.

Treasurer John Bannister said:“The lines were outside terracedhomes so the people who live theredon’t have drives and had to parktheir cars on the opposite side ofthe road.

“This was very inconvenient foranyone with young children orshopping as they had to cross a busy

road to get from their car to home.“The lines weren’t necessary as

the road is wide enough and wepetitioned to get them removed.”

The committee has also organisedcommunity skips for residents todump their rubbish and is currentlycampaigning to get the derelictHancock Pottery warehouse – atarget for vandals – demolished.

“Our aim is to improve theneighbourhood and localenvironment and also to signpostresidents who have problems orconcerns to the services that canhelp them,” he added.

FOURTEEN years ago stalwart Meirresident Janet Bellis provided theenthusiasm to get BroadwayCommunity Association off the groundand since then she and the committeehave notched up many improvements.

“We’ve had a lot of success withparking and highway problems,” saidJanet.“We campaigned to get BrightStreet made one-way because after thetunnel was closed to traffic, driversstarted using the very narrow Box Laneas a rat-run.

“We also successfully campaigned forchanges to parking restrictions whichwere affecting local retailers as driverscouldn’t pull up outside their shops,and managed to get uneven flagstonesreplaced with tarmac along the entirelength of Broadway. And we have builta good relationship with LongtonPolice and worked closely with officersto close two houses being used fordrugs,” she added.

Then there is Meir’s display ofhanging baskets and the annualChristmas tree lighting, which up to1,000 people a year have enjoyed forthe past dozen years.This year’s switch-on takes place at Meir CommunityEducation Centre on 7 December.

She added: “We have done a lot ofwork and I feel proud of what’s beenachieved. But we now need an injectionof young blood to keep the associationgoing.”

SET up a decade ago,Townsend CommunityResidents’ Association is

proud to be different. It has asocial responsibility ethos and isfull-on in supporting those in need.

The association provides a foodredistribution service, buying food andmaking up parcels of eight items thatresidents on low income can collect for£2. It also runs a recycle-reusescheme, and a “green and grow”project in the back garden of 7Theodore Road, its community base.

“Residents can work the garden andlearn how to grow things and inexchange for their labours they get freeproduce,” explained chair KarenBowen. “We have had Social

Enterprise funding and money fromthe local councillors’ ward budget forsome of our projects,” she added.

“The council owns our communityhouse and we don’t pay rent orCouncil Tax but we pay all the otherbills by fundraising.

“The committee made the decisionnot to get involved in tacklingresidents’ problems like parking but wedo support people.

“Our trained volunteers do benefitchecks to ensure residents get whatthey are entitled to, and we helpasylum-seekers living in thecommunity complete paperwork.

“And there is a Friday night playclub at St Mary’s church hall whichhas over 100 members, of which weare very proud.”

THE residents’ association in theconservation area of Penkhull is oneof the oldest in the city, with a 35-yearhistory of improving the village’senvironment.

The long list of achievementsranges from planting hundreds ofdaffodil bulbs to publishing ThePenkhull Recorder, delivered free to allhomes three times a year, throughadvising on wheelie bin issues andplanning permissions, to developinghistorical signs and a heritage trailaround the village.

“The PRA, as it is known, is one ofthe most active and respectedresidents’ associations in the city,” saidnew chairman Dr Charles Pantin.

“This is largely due to the passionand commitment of the previouschairman Richard Talbot who retiredin February after 11 years at the helm.

“The committee liaises closely withour local councillor, CouncillorRandolph Conteh, and we fund theRecorder and improvements throughdonations from residents, plus grantsfrom the city council.”

Does your residents’ association have a story for Our City? email the details to [email protected]

Spotlight onour city’sRESIDENTS’ASSOCIATIONS

Support for people wanting to set up a new group

Pride in theirachievements

Improvementsover 35 years

Ethos is to helpthe needy

Eyesore transformed into community garden

Successful parking campaign

Townsend Residents’ Association volunteersElaine Spackman and Martin Meigh pack food

parcels for local people who need them.

Association Chairman Barrie Harrington with ImaanShamkez and Taban Shahusmani, both of AlexandraJunior School in the community garden in Normacot.

AssociationTreasurer John

Bannister in HighStreet wheresingle yellow

lines have beenremoved from

the road.

Our City p22 2/10/12 10:36 Page 1


YourCouncillors

Abbey Hulton and Townsend

GWEN HASSALL(Labour)(01782) 26316607557 [email protected]

ADRIAN KNAPPER(Labour) 07714 [email protected]

Bentilee and Ubberley

SHEILA PITT(Labour)07957 [email protected]

ALISON WEDGWOOD(Labour)07968 [email protected]

Hanford and Trentham

TERENCE FOLLOWS(City Independents) (01782) 31812707944 [email protected]

PETER HAYWARD(City Independents) (01782) 64405207920 [email protected]

Great Chell and Packmoor

JANINE BRIDGES(Labour)(01782) 85184207989 385631/07717 [email protected]

ANN JAMES(City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

Baddeley, Milton and Norton

JACK BRERETON(Conservative)07855 [email protected]

ANDREW LILLEY(Labour)07717 [email protected]

DUNCAN WALKER(Labour)(01782) 91242207748 [email protected]

Birches Head and Central Forest Park

PAUL BREEZE(Unaffiliated)(01782) [email protected]

MARK MEREDITH(Labour)07717 [email protected]:@markmeredith01

Blurton East

GLENYS WARD(City Independents) (01782) 31267007922 [email protected]

Blurton West and Newstead

NEIL DAY(Labour)(01782) 59884407796 [email protected]

Bradeley and Chell Heath

GURMEET SINGHKALLAR(Labour)07900 [email protected]

Burslem Park

JOY GARNER (Labour)(01782) 768846 07986 [email protected]

Dresden and Florence

SHAZAD HUSSAIN(Labour)07899 [email protected]

Broadway and Longton East

TOM REYNOLDS(Labour)07850 [email protected]:@longtontom.

Burslem Central

ALAN DUTTON(Labour)(01782) 82405107982 [email protected]

Boothen and Oakhill

ANDY PLATT(Labour)07919 [email protected]:@CllrAndyST4

Fenton West and Mount Pleasant

KAREN CLARKE(Labour)07917 [email protected]

Ford Green and Smallthorne

MATT WILCOX(Labour)07810 [email protected]

Etruria and Hanley

MAJID KHAN(Labour)07989 [email protected]

Fenton East

PAUL SHOTTON(Labour)(01782) 434445paul.shotton@ stoke.gov.uk

Eaton Park

TERRY CROWE(Labour)(01782) 26942207818 [email protected]

Joiner’s Square

ALASTAIR WATSON(Labour)07736 [email protected]:@CllrActional22

Lightwood North and Normacot

BAGH ALI(Labour)(01782) 34324607973 [email protected]

Hartshill and Basford

SHAUN PENDER(Labour)(01782) 63210407825 [email protected]

Hollybush and Longton West

KATH BANKS(Labour)(01782) 39975907790 [email protected]

Hanley Park and Shelton

AMJID WAZIR(Labour)07747 [email protected]

Meir Park

ABI BROWN(Conservative)07793 [email protected]

Meir South

DEBBIE WHEELDON(Labour)(01782) 59504307870 [email protected]

Meir Hay

MUHAMMAD AUMIR(Labour)07886 [email protected]

Meir NorthRUTH ROSENAU(Labour)(01782) 50194007870 [email protected]:@CllrRuthRosenau

Little Chell and Stanfield

DAVID CONWAY (City Independents) (01782) [email protected]

Sneyd Green

DEBRA GRATTON (Labour)07917 [email protected]:@debra_gratton

Springfields and Trent Vale

JACKIE BARNES(City Independents)(01782) 845619 /07813 539410 [email protected]

Penkhull and Stoke

RANDOLPH CONTEH(City Independents) (01782) 256869 07920 [email protected]

Sandford Hill

OLWEN HAMER(Labour)07717 [email protected]

Moorcroft

MOHAMMED PERVEZ(Labour)(01782) [email protected]:@pervezstoke

Weston Coyney

MATTHEW FRY(Labour)07826 [email protected]

Tunstall

LEE WANGER(City Independents) 07971 [email protected]

Goldenhill and Sandyford

MARTIN GARNER(Labour)(01782) [email protected]

Information on city councillors was correct at the time of going to press.

For more information on your councillors go to stoke.gov.uk/councillorsCouncillors can also be contacted through the Councillor and Civic Support Team whocan take messages and forward them on. They can be contacted on (01782) 231922 or 231924.

Cabinet meetings are scheduled at 5.30pm:25 October 2012, 29 November 2012 and 13 December 2012.

Full City Council meetings arescheduled at 5.30pm: 18 October2012 and 6 December 2012.

FORTHCOMING PUBLIC MEETINGS AT THE CIVIC CENTRE, STOKE:

Our City p23 1/10/12 17:01 Page 1


THE Stoke-on-Trent stage of theTour of Britain has been given aseal of approval by Tour deFrance winner and four timeOlympic Gold medallist BradleyWiggins.

The 32-year-old Tour de Franceand Olympic gold medal winner –known affectionately to his fansas Wiggo – suffered during thegruelling 147 kilometre stagethis year and bowed out of therace afterwards through illness.

But that was not before hesaid: “It’s great to race inStoke-on-Trent and I’m happy tobe here. Stoke-on-Trent is a greatstage of the Tour of Britain.”

Thousands turned out to seehim line up alongside WorldChampion Mark Cavendish forthe stage, which was eventuallywon by Dutchman Marc de Maar.

His trophy was a pottery charger

created by renowned local

ceramic artist Anita Harris.

Beforehand both Wiggins and

Cavendish were presented with

paintings produced by Hanley-

based artist Paine Profitt.

They were handed over by

junior riders from the local Lyme

Racing Club. Members were also

given the honour of leading out

the race at the start of the stage.

One of them, 15-year-old Sallie

Birchall, said: “It’s an opportunity

that won’t come round much –

being able to talk to them, have a

laugh with them and present

them with stuff.

“It’s been really good. They’re

definitely heroes.”

See page 19 – cycling in city

boosted by the ‘Wiggo” factor.

NEW look NorthwoodStadium is undergoing arevamp as part of a major

push to improve its services andmake it more sustainable.

The stadium’s Development Group hasworked in partnership with Sport andLeisure Services at the city council tocome up with improvements includinga new assault course, extended gymfacilities, squash court makeovers and a new programme of activities.

More than 60 volunteers fromLoveStoke also spent three days on sitepainting railings and steps, weeding andedging and repainting changing roomsand toilets.

Councillor Mark Meredith, the CabinetMember for Economic Development,Culture and Sport – who took theopportunity to try out the gym and assaultcourse – said: “It’s really exciting and wehave lots of new facilities to offer. We wantto excite people and get them interested inexercise and challenge the perception thatit’s an old site. We’ve already come up withhuge improvements and plan moreupgrades as we go along.”

Phase one of the scheme started with thecomplete refurbishment of a squash court,including replastered walls, redecorationand a revitalised wooden floor, as well asrepairs to a second court to make itplayable.

A third squash court has been convertedinto a new gym and comes complete withstate-of-the-art weights machines and anarea for free exercise. The site’s existinggym, home to rowing and runningmachines, has new carpets and has beenredecorated.

Former Royal Marine Commandos havehelped design a 20 obstacle assault coursearound a 500 metre track in the site’s lowerfield which includes waist-high walls andbalance beams, U-shaped trails and evencrawl nets.

New indoor exercise classes with musicare being launched including Athlefit,involving athletic-style equipment like foamjavelins, and a Cardiotennis class, which isan aerobic work-out using tennis racketsand balls.

Phase two of the improvement scheme atNorthwood involves plans for a new heavyweights room and the Development Groupis looking at launching monthly disabledsports sessions.

Newly launched services areaccompanied by a special offer in placeuntil 1 January 2013 of unlimited access toclasses, facilities and car parking for£12.50 a month or £15 for additional useof the site’s running track. Customers canalso use the city council’s re-launchedEnergise card for even more value. Andthere are other exclusive offers anddiscounts from selected partners.

The card is free while Energise Pluscosts £5.75 a year for eligible individuals

and comes with additionalbenefits.

Councillor Meredith said:“These offers represent fantasticvalue for money compared to alot of other gyms in the city.

“We are bringing facilities at Northwoodbang up to date and plan for a future withhopefully many more people enjoying funand stimulating exercise classes.”● To find out more call 01782 234400 oremail [email protected]

Wiggo’s approval bodeswell for city’s Tour future

World ChampionMark Cavendishis also pictured

at Trentham.

UPAND OVER:

Councillor MarkMeredith tackles theassault course and,

inset left, Marktrying out the

new gym.

Cyclinglegend BradleyWiggins at the

start of the stagein Trentham

Gardens.

Stadium isgiven newlease of life

We want to excite people and get them interested inexercise and challenge theperception that it’s an old site.

“”

Our City p24 1/10/12 17:02 Page 1

Our City Issue 29

Documents

Transcript of Our City Issue 29