Our House, Autumn 2012

News from around the Group

Lovell, the Accord Group’s repairs contractor,

will use hand-held devices to help solve repair queries, confirm that jobs have been completed and allow residents to give instant and confidential feedback about the service that they’ve received.

A new comprehensive appointment planner will also allow Lovell to offer residents a wider range of appointments, including

early evening and Saturday morning visits.

Lovell will undertake day-to-day repairs and provide a 24-hour a day reactive repairs service to residents of Ashram, Caldmoreaccord and Moseley and District housing associations and some bchs tenants.

Wayne Davies, Head of Business Development for Lovell, said: “Many residents gave up a considerable amount of time during the procurement of the

contract and we are very grateful for this.

“We are committed to providing an excellent service and are looking to recruit residents to a scrutiny panel where they will sit on our performance meetings and business improvement sessions.”

For more information on how to get involved in the scrutiny of the repairs service, contact the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 or email [email protected]

Getting a repair done in your home is to be made even easier thanks to the roll out of new, innovative technology.

OCTOBER2012

Resident annual report out now

A report by residents for residents outlining how

well the Accord Group has performed this year is out now.

Called ‘Made by You’, the residents’ annual report, which you’ll find with this newsletter,

includes features about topics ranging from repairs to community involvement.

To give your feedback on ‘Made by You’, please fill in the form (enclosed in

the report) and return it to the Resident Engagement team, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QG or email your comments to [email protected].

Bedroom tax – your questions answered

Apprenticeships for 16-24 year olds

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Prizes up for grabsResidents create garden

p16

News from the Accord Group

If you haven’t already, you still have time to nominate a neighbour or fellow resident for a Great Resident Award.

The closing date is Wednesday, 3 October and the awards celebrate the achievements of residents from across the Accord Group over the last year.

To see the full list of 10 categories and download a nomination form, go to accordgroup.org.uk

To nominate, call the Resident Engagement team on 0300 111 7000 extension 2014 or email [email protected]

Last chance to nominate a ‘Great Resident’

Repairs made easy with new cutting edge technology

OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 2012

H ello and welcome to the October edition

of your newsletter, Our House.

You may not know this, but Our House is put together with the help of a group of residents who meet four times a year. They have a say on everything from how the newsletter looks to

the content and their feedback is invaluable.

Just like the newsletter, residents have played an integral part in this year’s residents annual report, ‘Made by You’, in fact they have written it, designed it and even took the photographs. You’ll find a copy of the report with this newsletter, so please let us know what you think.

On page 3, you’ll find the latest update about changes to benefits and how this will affect you. Some of the changes may seem a long while off, but it’s vital that if you receive benefits that you prepare for them now. We can support you through the changes and there is information and advice on your association’s

website. Finally, don’t forget to

enter our competitions on page 16 and if you have a story to share with us or a comment about Our House, email me at [email protected] or call 0300 111 7000 extension 2340.

Message from the Editor

News from the Accord Group News from the Accord Group

2 3

Bedroom tax – think it won’t affect you?

In less than eight months, new rules will come

into effect which will mean that if you are judged as living in a home that is too big for you; your Housing Benefit payment will be reduced.

From April 2013, the Government is introducing strict new rules regarding the size of properties, these rules are also known as the ‘bedroom tax’.

The rules will assume that couples and single adults need their own bedrooms. However, for children who live in the home full time it

will be expected that:• Two boys or two girls

aged under 16 can share a bedroom

• Boys and girls aged under 10 can share a bedroom

• No exceptions will be made if you need an extra bedroom because of a disability, for foster children or for a child who does not live in the home full-time.

If you think that you’ll be affected by the changes, it’s important that you contact your housing officer now to discuss your situation. They can offer you

support and advice before the changes come into effect.

To contact your housing officer, call our Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000 or email [email protected]

Surveyors from the Accord Group may

soon be knocking on your door as part of a project to update information about the homes that we manage.

Over the coming 12 months, we will be looking at all sorts, from how much insulation you’ve got in the loft to where your water stopcock is.

The information will help us to improve our services and prioritise where we’re going to spend money, not just this year, but over the next 30 years.

You will receive a letter from us if we will be visiting you. For more information, call Colin Maltby on 0300 111 7000.

Apprenticeship opportunities up for grabs

A new initiative is offering apprenticeship

opportunities within a host of Walsall-based businesses to scores of young people.

Called Walsall Works, the Walsall Council scheme is open to anyone aged 16-24 who lives in the borough. To find out more, call 01922 653 151 or visit

walsall.gov.uk/walsall_works

To find out about job opportunities at the Accord Group, log onto accordgroup.org.uk/vacancies

I have two children, an eight year old boy and a four year old girl. We live in a three bedroom house, our rent is £85 a week and we receive full Housing Benef it. How will the new rules affect me? Marie* from WalsallBecause your children are both under 10 years old they will be expected to share a bedroom under the new rules. You will be considered to be under-occupying, so your housing benefit will be reduced and you’ll have to pay an extra £11.90 a week to cover your rent. It’s important that you get in touch with your housing officer now to discuss your situation.

We are married and have two boys aged 14 and three. We live in a three bedroom house, pay £80 per week rent and get full Housing Benef it. How will we be affected? Dan and Julie* from Birmingham Children aged under-16 who are the same sex will be expected to share a bedroom under the new rules. You will be judged as under-occupying, so your housing benefit will be cut and you’ll have to pay an extra £11.20 a week to cover your rent. It’s important that you get in touch with your housing officer to talk about your circumstances.

Your questionsansweredVisits to update home information

Your resident engagement team

1,2,3 and 4. Accord Group Louise Creswick, Joan Halstead, Abdul Mumith and Zak Salim 0300 111 7000 extension 2064, 2067, 9031 or 9032 or email [email protected]

5. Caldmoreaccord (Darlaston)Paula Southall 0300 111 7000 extension 3938 or email [email protected] 6. Ashram Housing AssociationGopal Karir 0300 111 7000 extension 3828 or email [email protected]

7 and 8. bchsChrissie Muirhead and Phil Brown email [email protected] or [email protected] or call 0121 764 3808

9. Caldmoreaccord (Caldmore Green)Nazir Ahmed 01922 728 235 or email [email protected]

10. Fry Housing AssociationKimberley Evans 0121 559 9081 or email kimberleye @fryha.org.uk

2 and 3. Moseley and District Housing AssociationAbdul Mumith 0300 111 7000 extension 9031 or email [email protected]

Joan Halstead 0300 111 7000 extension 5006 or email [email protected]

11. Redditch Co-operative HomesHazel Lengden 01527 591170 or email [email protected]

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11

An appeal for residents to join a

brand new ‘decision making’ panel has seen scores of people get in touch with us to express their interest.

Nearly 30 residents contacted us after seeing an article about the new Scrutiny Panel in the July edition of Our House. Potential panel members

are now undergoing training before the Scrutiny Panel is officially launched early next year.

The Resident Engagement team is also now in the process of recruiting more improvement and scrutiny advisors, who will work alongside the Scrutiny Panel to examine services provided by the Accord Group.

For more information on becoming an improvement and scrutiny advisor or joining the Scrutiny Panel, call Frances Broomhall on 0300 111 7000 extension 2087 or Abdul Mumith on 0300 111 7000 extension 9031 or email [email protected].

Appeal for panel members’ sparks scores of enquires

OCTOBER 2012 OCTOBER 20124 5

Railway trip is just the ticket bchs’s services endorsed by Confederation

New app helps and rewards consumers making ethical choices

News from bchs

Bchs has been recognised with a

prestigious national accreditation for the services that it delivers to co-operatives.

Following an assessment in August, bchs is now accredited by the Confederation of Co-operative Housing.

This means that the co-operatives that bchs works with can be assured that it is providing services that the Confederation of Co-operative Housing believes are effective and meet specific standards.

Carl Taylor, Director of bchs, said: “We are delighted to have received this accreditation and it means that the co-operatives that we work with can be reassured that they are working with an organisation that meets very specific criteria and that has been independently assessed.”

Redditch Co-operative Homes has also received the accreditation. To find out more about it, go to cch.coop/cch/accreditation.html

A new app will help consumers

wanting to support co-operative and ethical businesses, by allowing them to search for local providers offering a wide range of products and services.

The app, called Co-operate, will also allow users to unlock discount vouchers for use in over 14,000 independently owned co-operative outlets included in the app which cover every postcode in the UK, including food stores, pubs, restaurants, energy providers and travel companies.

It has been created by Co-operatives UK, the trade organisation

for the co-operative sector that campaigns to encourage greater co-operation, and is intended to tap into a growing desire from consumers to support socially responsible businesses.

The launch of the app is one of the initiatives to support International Year of Co-operatives, helping to highlight the size and diversity of the co-operative sector.

To find out more go to, uk.coop

More than 100 residents and co-

operative members attended bchs’s family fun day at Bridgnorth and the Severn Valley Railway.

Resident of Bordesley Green Co-operative, Yvette Thompson was just one of those who enjoyed the day. She

explains more about the fun-filled trip.

“On Sunday, 19 August, 125 bchs tenants and co-op members travelled on coaches to Bridgnorth for a trip to the Severn Valley railway.

The trip included a visit to the engine house museum, an adventure playground for the children, the opportunity

to take in the beautiful surroundings of the riverside walks and not to mention relaxing at the riverside pub ‘The Inn’.

Everybody had a fun and enjoyable day out and residents were treated to a ‘goodie bag’ from the Midlands Co-op Society and a picnic lunch from bchs.”

Over 80 residents met at the fifth

annual Residents Conference to discuss the topics that matter to them and launch a brand new training programme.

Held at the Paragon Hotel in Birmingham, the conference saw residents from across the Accord Group talk about everything from the future of social housing to tenant empowerment. There were also hands-on workshops covering healthy eating and digital inclusion.

The event also featured the launch of this year’s resident’s annual report, ‘Made by You’, and a brand new resident training programme, that

will offer you the chance to learn new skills or simply spend a couple of hours enjoying a fun activity.

Louise Creswick, Resident Engagement Co-ordinator, said:

“We would like to thank everyone who attended the conference. It was fantastic to see what has been achieved this year and to launch the new

training programme which couldn’t have been developed without the help and support of residents.”

To view the training programme go to accordgroup.org.uk/residents or request a copy from the Resident Engagement team by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 111 7000 extension 9031.

New training programme launched at Resident Conference

Improving customer service for you

W e have launched a new Accord

Group-wide customer service strategy and complaints and compliments policy, to make our services better for you.

The new initiatives will give you more choice about the services that you want and when and how you’d like them delivered.

Our complaints policy will now allow you to choose when you want a response to a complaint and how you want it fedback to you.

We are also using your comments to shape services.

Recently, we removed

the voice activation system as some customers felt that it didn’t work, or frustrated them. However, this change made the service worse as it took longer to answer calls. We have now reinstated voice activation but shortened and changed the message to allow customers to dial a direct number if they know it.

What is the Green Deal?

The Green Deal is a Government initiative to improve the energy efficiency of the country’s homes by helping people to install ‘green’ technologies. It is set to start this month (October).

How does it work?If you’re interested

in having ‘green’ technologies fitted, a Green Deal advisor will carry out an assessment of your home and a schedule of works will be agreed.

How much does it cost?

There are no up-front costs. You pay back the cost of the work through your energy bills over a period of time. Unlike a conventional loan, if you move out of the property the bill for the work stays with the property, not the bill payer.

What work can be included?

All sorts, from cavity wall and loft insulation through to gas boilers, double glazing and heat pumps.

What should I do if I am interested in the Green Deal?

If you’re interested in the Green Deal or are thinking of having a Green Deal assessment carried out, it’s important to talk to us first. It’s possible that this type of work can be carried out free of charge, either through the Energy Company Obligation-ECO or our planned maintenance programme, so please call us to discuss.

Who should I contact at Accord Group?

You can call Umair Ayaz on 0300 111 7000 extension 3924.

The Green Deal – what you need to know

W ith the colder months just

around the corner it is really important that you make sure that your heating system is working now.

If you haven’t already, we recommend that you turn your heating on to check that it is fully functioning.

Testing your heating now will give us time to arrange to get it fixed if there are any problems before the colder winter months set in.

For more information about what you can do to keep warm this winter, read the leaflet that you’ll find with this newsletter or call the Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000.

Prepare now to stay warm this winter

What is your name and what do you do?My name is Angela Ghose and I am a part time Assistant Repairs Officer.

What does your job involve?My job involves lots of different things, from dealing with day-today repairs, processing invoices to answering calls and dealing with enquiries. I do a bit of everything.

How long have you worked in your current job and what did you do before?I have worked for bchs for eight years now. Before that I was a

committee member for 16 years for Victoria Tenant Co-operative, and worked in shops and brought up my children.

What do you enjoy about your job?I like the people that I work with and the tenants that I deal with. I also like the variety of the job that I do.

How can I contact you?You can call me 0121 764 3851 or email me at [email protected]

60 seconds with...

News from the Accord Group

All aboard for fun day. Smiles all round as kids went free.

Rain didn’t dampen the spirits

Conference asked for your thoughts.


News from Ashram Housing Association

An Ashram sheltered housing

scheme is hoping to start serving up its delicious homemade dishes to the local community by throwing open its doors.

Ghulab Ashram, in Hall Green, has already trialled its ‘Tasty Thursday’ scheme with other sheltered housing complexes and plans are now underway to open it up to the local community.

Fresh and tasty meals, which include Asian cuisine, are served daily at Ghulab Ashram, which caters for people aged over 60.

To read more news from Ghulab Ashram, turn to the Care and Support section of this newsletter.

Meal scheme set to be rolled out to community

Going for gold! Over 100 compete in games

The London 2012 Olympics may be over but we

are still celebrating after more than 100 of you took part in our special sports days.

We ran events in Birmingham and Coventry during the Games to give residents, service users and the wider community the chance to try a host of fun activities.

At the Alan Higgs Centre in Coventry, budding golfers tried their hand at mini golf while the more energetic gave dance craze Zumba a go. In Birmingham, participants played basketball, took part in a penalty shoot-out and even had a go at inflatable darts.

All those who took part in the events, which were held in July and August, refuelled with

a complimentary jacket potato before being presented with medals.

Zakir Salim, Resident Engagement Apprentice, said: “We would like to thank everyone who took part in the events. There was a great sense of community spirit at the games and one of the highlights was watching younger and older people try sports like mini golf together.”

Y oung people are being invited to say

what it means to be a Brummie in 2012 as part of an online campaign to celebrate the rich diversity of the city.

Online hub Social Breakfast is asking 16-25 year olds for a creative snapshot of what it’s like to live in Birmingham, as part of its ‘We Are The One Mil’ campaign.

Young people are invited to have their say through a range of genres including music, rap, poetry, photography and blogs, creating a unique and interactive snapshot of life in the country’s second city in 2012.

Jennifer Smith, Community Organiser for Social Breakfast, said: “There are over one million people living in Birmingham, hence the name of our campaign, and as a city of migration, we are famed for our rich cultural diversity and heritage.

“We Are The One Mil campaign aims to increase opportunities for positive interaction in a fun way to promote exploration, recognition of commonality and ultimately greater tolerance.”

To upload your contribution to the campaign, go to socialbreakfast.org

Bringing young Brummies together to celebrate second city

Dishing up meal help with food bank

H ave you suddenly lost your job or are

waiting for benefits to come through and are struggling to feed yourself or your family? Then we may be able to help.

Ashram Housing Association is now a referral agency for the Sparkhill foodbank, which means that we can issue vouchers for food parcels. Once issued with a voucher, people can redeem it for a food package at the foodbank.

Each food parcel is made up of three days’ worth of meals and is nutritionally balanced, with options for people with special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian or Halal

needs.Asmat Jabeen,

Community Floating Support Worker at Ashram Housing Association, said: “By becoming a referral agency for the Sparkhill foodbank, we are able to offer short term support to those most in need until they get back on their feet.

“Even if you don’t need this service yourself, you may

know a friend or a neighbour in need of support who you can recommend it to.”

The Sparkhill foodbank is based at 6a Bard Street, Sparkhill. To receive a food parcel, you must be referred via a referral agency.

To be referred via Ashram, call Asmat Jabeen on 0121 764 3810 or email [email protected]

Asmat Jabeen (R) with staff and food donations for the foodbank.

News from Ashram Housing Association

A free family fun day with a healthy

twist will be held in Birmingham this October and all residents are invited.

Organised by Ashram and Solihull Community Housing, it will take place on Saturday, 20 October at The Loft, West Mall, in Chelmsley Wood.

There will be a host of activities, ranging from face painting and creative workshops for children to hair braiding demonstrations, hand massage and henna, plus lots more.

Health will also be on the agenda,

with stalls promoting various ailments and there will be a special appearance from the ‘Diabetic Diva’ who will be cooking up treats from her new Caribbean cookbook ‘Sugar, Sugar’.

The event will mark two major awareness events taking place during October, Black History Month and World Mental Health Day.

To find out more about the event, contact Joyce Wallace, Health and Wellbeing Activities Co-ordinator, on 0121 770 8570.

Did you know that you can get

information and news about Ashram at the click of a button?

All you need to do is log onto ashramha.org.uk to find updates about changes to benefits, report a repair or look for a new home.

Family fun with a health twist

Ashram just a click away

What is your name and what do you do? My name is Emma Cunningham and I am a Trainee Maintenance Surveyor.

What does your job involve?My job involves visiting residents in their homes to diagnose repairs, quality checking work carried out by our contractors, site visits, insurance cases and anything else that comes into the Assets team.

How long have you worked in your current job and what did you do before? I have been in my current post for three months. Before becoming a Trainee Maintenance Surveyor, I worked in a number of different positions in the Assets team and at Moseley and District Housing Association, which is also part of the Accord Group.

How as a resident can I get involved in your work?

We are currently working with Lovell (who you can read about on the front page of Our House) to recruit two resident representatives to get involved in monitoring the repairs service and suggest ways that it can be improved. If you’re interested in getting involved, we would love to work with you.

How can I contact you? You can contact me by calling 0300 111 7000 or email [email protected]

60 seconds with...

Resident bowled over with new job

A resident is bowled over after securing

a job at a cricket ground thanks to the help she received from Ashram’s employment and skills service.

Cherise O’Conner asked for support from the service earlier this year after receiving a promotional flyer through her door.

A specially qualified jobs and skills coach worked with her to make her CV stand out from the crowd and showed Cherise new ways of looking for job opportunities.

After two months of searching, Cherise went for an interview for a position working in the event team at Edgbaston Cricket Ground.

Not only was she successful but after a few weeks working within the team she was offered a full time, permanent position.

Cherise said: “I’m enjoying every

moment of my job and I’m thankful for the support I received from the employment and skills service.”

If you’d like one-to-one employment coaching in the comfort of your own home, call 0121 764 3811 or 07876 034517

Former Mayor of Solihull, Councillor Irene Chamberlain at last years event.

Cherise at her new job.

OCTOBER 2012

News from care and support schemes across the Group

New state-of-the-art care scheme set to open soon

Hampton House will feature 32 apartments

for rent and to part buy/part rent and will be managed by the Abbeyfield Society, in close partnership with Solihull Council.

Care at the complex, which will cater for older people with a range of needs and disabilities, will be provided by the Accord Group.

David Williams, Director of Care and Support for the Accord Group, said: “We are delighted to be providing the care

and support service at Hampton House and to have created 30 new and permanent jobs, of which five will be apprenticeships.”

Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Bob Sleigh said: “This new extra care service will significantly increase the choice available for older people in the borough. Hampton House will provide a type of service people are increasingly requesting because it will help them to maintain independence and

increase control over their daily life.”

Hampton House, on Hampton Lane, Solihull, is a purpose build development by the Abbeyfield Society, in partnership with Solihull Council.

This extra care scheme will provide an alternative to residential care and features a host of onsite amenities, including a hairdressers, well-being centre, restaurant and a 24-hour emergency alarm system.

A brand new extra care complex is set to open in Solihull.

Centre blooms thanks to gardening workshop

Scheme hosts comedy sessions

Seaside trip enjoyed by all

Focus on... Showell Court

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News from Care and Support

CareSupportand

8

The achievements of young, homeless people in Walsall who have been helped to get back on their feet by Caldmoreaccord have been celebrated.

Caldmoreaccord Housing Association hosted an achievement day at its Haydn Sanders Square scheme to showcase the talents and skills young people have learnt over the last year.

Stacey Pearce, a Support Worker for Caldmoreaccord Housing Association, said: “Some of our young people have learnt practical skills such as cooking and crafts while others have decided on a career path and are now starting training at college.

“We are proud of all the young people that we support and are confident that with our continued support that they will achieve their hopes and aspirations.”

Achievements of young people celebrated

Ticket to success - young people celebrate achievements.

News from Redditch Co-operative Homes

Get dialling when things change

Do you receive benefits and your

circumstances have changed? Then it’s really important that you contact the council’s benefit team as soon as possible.

If you don’t, the council may end up paying you too much benefit. If an overpayment happens, the council will ask you to pay the money back.

If you feel that you have contacted the council promptly about a change in circumstances and have still been overpaid, you can appeal.

One Redditch Co-operative Homes tenant successfully appealed an overpayment after proving that she had provided details to the council.

She had kept all the receipts and had phone bills to prove that she had spoken to the benefit’s department on a number of occasions to query the original entitlement calculation, after providing all the relevant information.

The benefit’s department reviewed the claim and the appeal against the overpayment was awarded in the

tenant’s favour. Hazel Lengden, Office

Manager at Redditch Co-operative Homes, said:

“It is essential to provide the benefit department with all relevant information immediately if any changes happen and to keep receipts and records when you have done so.”

For more information, go to redditch.whub.org.uk/cms/advice,-benefits-and-council-tax/benefits.aspx

Cottage pie

What you’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

• 1 onion, chopped • 1 1/2 lb of minced

beef • 2 tablespoons of

plain flour • 1 cup of beef stock • 2 tablespoons of

tomato puree • 2 teaspoons of

Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon of fresh

thyme • 2 bay leaves• Salt and pepper to

taste • A cup of frozen peas• 1 1/2 lb of white

potatoes, peeled and cut in halves

• 2 oz of butter • 1/4 cup of milk

What to do:

Heat some water and once it comes to the boil, add the potatoes and cook until soft.

While the potatoes are cooking, heat the oil in a frying pan over a medium heat and add the minced beef.

Cook the beef over a medium heat, stirring occasionally until browned.

Add the onions and peas and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until soft. Stir in the flour and cook for a further 1 minute.

Remove from the heat stir in the beef stock. Bring back to the boil and stir occasionally until thickened.

Add the tomato puree, Worcestershire sauce, bay leaves, and fresh thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, mash the potatoes with the butter and milk until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 180°C or Gas Mark 5.

Transfer the meat mixture to an ovenproof dish. Spoon over the mashed potato and fluff with a fork. Place in the oven for 30 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

Make keeping a pet purr-fect

All Redditch Co-operative Homes

co-operatives have agreed that members are allowed to keep pets in their homes. However, it’s important to remember your duties as an owner.

As per your tenancy agreement, animals must be kept under

control, especially in communal areas. If you would like a dog as a pet, you must seek the permission of your co-operative first.

For more information on pet ownership in your co-operative, speak to the chair of your co-operative or contact Redditch Co-operative Homes on 01527 591 170.

Report repairs all hours

Don’t forget, you can report repairs

around the clock using an out-of-hours telephone number.

To report emergency repairs and incidents of anti-social behaviour

after 5pm, when the Redditch Co-operative Homes office is closed, you can call 0300 111 7000.

During normal office hours, 9am to 5pm, you should continue to call 01527 591 170.

RecipeOCTOBER

2012



What is Showell Court?

Showell Court is a sheltered housing complex made up of 44 one-bedroom apartments and 20 two-bedroom apartments. Each home features an emergency alarm system, giving residents peace of mind that help and support is never far away.

Where is it? The complex is

in the Low Hill area of Wolverhampton.

Close to local shops, amenities and the newly opened Showell Court Social Centre which offers a nail bar, hairdressers, a beauty salon and a fully equipped gym. It is also a bus ride away from Wolverhampton city centre where you can visit various attractions.

What else can you tell me about Showell Court?

As well as providing privacy and independence through

your own apartment, Showell Court also has a host of communal facilities including, an eat-and-meet café, lounge, meeting rooms and internet access.

How can I find out more about it?

To find out more about the complex, call 01902 739 599 or go to accordgroup.org.uk/showell

Budding comedians at a Birmingham

extra care scheme have been honing their skills with help from a community comedy club.

Residents at Carpenter Place in Sparkbrook took part in a series of workshops led by comedian Barbara Nice of the Women and Theatre’s Community Comedy Club. Barbara supported residents to write and practice

their material before they performed it live on stage, alongside a professional headline act in July. The show, which was attended by nearly 50 people, also included a special meal for residents and the local community.

For more information about the Women and Theatre Community Comedy Club visit womenandtheatre.co.uk

A sheltered housing scheme in

Birmingham threw open its doors to the local community to promote the activities and services it has on offer.

Ghulab Ashram, managed by Ashram Housing Association, hosted an open day on Friday, 27 July from 10am to 4pm.

Nearly 60 people attended the event to find out about the range of daily activities and services on offer at the complex in Whisley Brook Lane.

Activities and services include coffee mornings,

benefit advice sessions, health awareness workshops, arts and crafts, baking and Bhajans (holy hymns).

As well as showcasing what is on offer at Ghulab Ashram, there was also face painting and a bouncy castle, refreshments, information stalls, complimentary pampering treatments and advice on health and well-being.

Caroline Treanor, from Ghulab Ashram, said:

“The highlight of the open day was seeing everyone getting on so well together and having such a good time.”

Residents in Telford have been getting

out and about, enjoying a host of day trips as part of their scheme’s ‘you said, we did’ approach.

Trips to the Llangollen and Stourbridge canals and a day out at a candle factory were planned for residents

of Cartlidge House and their loved ones.

The trips were organised by staff at the Accord scheme following requests and feedback from residents.

To find out more about Cartlidge House, go to accordgroup.org.uk/cartlidge.

Focus on…Showell Court

Laugh out loud – scheme hosts comedy workshops

Sheltered complex opens its doors to local community

You said, we did - summer outings

Hello and welcome to the October

edition of Our House Care and Support. This section of Our House is especially for residents of our care and support schemes and for people who use our support services.

We may not have had the best of weather this summer, but that hasn’t stopped you getting involved in all sorts of activities. From day trips to workshops, there’s been the chance to try all sorts of things.

On page 3, you can read all about residents at Carpenter Place in Birmingham who have been writing and

performing their own comedy and residents of Ghulab Ashram who threw open their doors to welcome members of the local community to a fun day.

If you want to find out what personalisation is and what it will mean to you turn to page 4 where you can read all about it.

Finally, don’t forget to enter our two

competitions on page 16 where you could be in with the chance of winning some top prizes.

If you have a story to share with us or a comment about Our House Care and Support, please call me on 0300 111 7000 extension 2340 or speak to your scheme manager.

Message from the Editor


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A Caldmoreaccord young parents’ scheme is happy to announce that it now has more space to deliver its services, thanks to a new extension.

A nearby three-bedroom house has been converted into office space to allow staff at Haydn Sanders Square more room to provide services to the young people that it supports.

The additional office space will also allow the

scheme to take on more volunteers and student placements.

To find out more about Haydn Sanders, go to accordgroup.org.uk/young_parents

Young parents’ scheme expands Residents benefit from spending time with volunteers

V olunteers are lending a hand at a

Moseley and District extra care scheme, giving residents the chance to benefit from a range of services.

Carpenter Place, in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, is currently working with a number of volunteers who give their time for free.

Kassim Raja, a qualified beautician, volunteers by providing manicures, pedicures and other beauty treatments to

residents while volunteer Sharon Lynch provides a befriending service to residents, assisting them with tasks and generally being a friend.

She also provides gardening tips on Sundays, making flower beds with the residents who enjoy getting out into the garden.

Dorrell Townsend, Care and Support Operations Manager, said.

“The volunteers give added value to the residents and they always look forward to the volunteer’s visits.”

Happy reading

An Ashram-managed community

centre was awash with flowers recently thanks to an Urban Gardening workshop delivered by environmental charity Groundwork West Midlands and sponsored by Marks and Spencer.

Bosworth Drive Community Centre’s Thursday lunch club, members of the local community and service users from Colebrook Trust Day Centre, enjoyed an afternoon creating flower baskets and socialising as part of the project.

Joyce Wallace, Health and Well-being Activities Co-ordinator at Bosworth Drive, said: “It was wonderful to see people of different ages,

levels and backgrounds enjoying learning, supporting each other and producing something beautiful they can feel proud of.”

Centre blooms thanks to gardening workshop

Showell Court, Wolverhampton.

Flower power at gardening workshop.

Carpenter Place.


Lights, camera, action – scheme stars in film

A Moseley and District extra care scheme

will feature in a film being produced by a group of young people.

Young people from the Challenge Project, which supports 16 year olds to work on community projects, visited Carpenter Place to make a film which highlights the subject of dementia.

Other teenagers from the initiative visited Moseley and District’s young people’s Portland Road scheme where they will be creating a large mural to go on display there.

Moseley and District has worked with the Challenge Project for the past two years, completing a range of activities that have benefitted both residents and young people.

Shadow Housing Minister visits Walsall development


Seaside trip enjoyed by all

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The Shadow Housing Minister

Jack Dromey MP visited Walsall to tour a brand new development of 90 low carbon timber homes which will be run by residents.

Pattern Gardens, in Darlaston, is the first housing development to be built using timber panels manufactured at the Accord Group’s LoCaL Homes factory in Beechdale.

Work started on the site off Richards Street in January and the first phase of the innovative energy efficient homes is now completed. In total the development, which will be run as a co-operative, will create 106 homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale.

Jack Dromey MP, Labour’s Shadow Housing Minister and Birmingham Erdington MP, said:

“Accord’s pioneering project is good for local people, creating badly needed homes and jobs, and good for the environment, building low carbon timber homes.

“As a co-operative, it will also give those who live in Pattern Gardens real ownership over what will be a real community.”

If you are interested in renting or buying a home at the Pattern Gardens development, go to caldmoreaccordha. org.uk/homes

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News from Caldmoreaccord

Members of a support group

for people with dementia and their carers enjoyed all the fun of the seaside after they organised a day trip to Blackpool.

Around 20 members of the Accord Group’s Dementia Café support groups attended the visit to the well-known coastal town in July.

Janine Hayes, who co-ordinates the Dementia Cafes, said: “Some of our members used to go to Blackpool regularly before they were diagnosed with dementia.

“The group decided

to organise the trip so that people could get to know one another better. It was a big success, so hopefully another trip will be organised later in the year.”

Dementia Café support groups are held in Walsall, Sandwell and Dudley and are open to anyone who is living with or cares for someone with dementia.

For more information, or to register your interest in attending future cafés, call Janine Hayes on 0300 111 7000 or 07557 153 571 or email [email protected]

New installation service launched

A new installation service for

gas appliances such as cookers and fires is now available from your landlord.

For a competitive price, Caldmoreaccord can now fit and service your appliances, ensuring that they are safely installed and ready to use.

The new service follows tours held in September to raise awareness of the dangers of using ‘cowboy’ gas fitters.

To mark national Gas Safety Week, staff visited homes in Vicarage Place, Sister Dora Gardens, Pleck Road, Hatherton Street, Buckle Close and Lower North Street.

As well as raising awareness of the dangers of employing unqualified gas fitters to carry out work, staff also promoted free annual gas safety checks.

To find out more about the new service, which is open to leaseholders and owner occupiers

who live in an Accord Group home, call Jim Williams, Gas Supervisor, on 0300 111 7000 extension 7300.

Caldmore celebrates its 40th anniversary.

What are your names and what do you do? We are Jill Sargeant (L)and Theresa Bickford (R), and we’re your Jobs and Skills Coaches. We work within the Transformation team and offer support, advice and guidance on pre-employment opportunities and helping people back into work. We work in partnership with the Accord Group’s Addventures scheme,

which supports people to start their own businesses.

What sort of things do you do day-to-day? We assist residents and their families to get back into work, whether by helping them up skill, finding a suitable training course, or getting them into volunteering, work placements or paid work. Our day can consist of one-to-one coaching,

helping residents to complete a CV or a job application form, teaching interview technique or simply building people’s confidence.

What do you enjoy most about your job?Everyone we work with is different and has specific needs, so no two days are the same. We enjoy being able to help residents overcome barriers that are preventing them from achieving their potential. It’s satisfying to make a difference to someone’s life.

How can I contact you? You can call us via the Customer First contact centre by calling 0300 111 7000.

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Personalisation – what it means to you

Y ou may have heard or seen the word

personalisation and wondered what it means to you. Personalisation is about giving you more choice and control over the services that we provide to you.

If you receive care or support from us, we will be working with you to understand your needs and offering you services to achieve what you want, in a way that suits you.

If services are provided to you through the council’s social care teams, in the future you’ll be able to choose how the money available for your care is spent and we are looking at how we can make our services more flexible to fit your choices.

Even if you don’t get funding from the council to provide your care, we still want to make sure that our services are tailored to meet your needs and we will be talking to you further about what services you would benefit from and

how you would like them organised.

Over the coming months, we will be offering lots of opportunities for you to talk to us about personalisation. Your views will be crucial in helping us to develop services that meet your needs and goals.

To find out more about personalisation and what it will mean for you and the services you receive, call Kathy Jones on 0300 111 7000 extension 2057 or email [email protected]

Movie fans enjoyed two nights

of film fun when a scheme transformed itself into a cinema.

Residents from the Accord Group’s Highmount, St Brides and Ipstones Avenue

schemes gathered at West Avenue for the movie nights held throughout July.

As well as watching a selection of films, residents also tucked into popcorn, sweets and a fish ‘n’ chip supper.

Popcorn time as movie night premieres at scheme

New storytelling project launched

A new storytelling project has

been launched in Telford to encourage residents with dementia to share memories with each other.

Starting this month and running until December, Shared Reading will see a librarian from Telford and Wrekin library visit the Accord Group’s Millbrook and Bennett House to share snippets of short stories and poetry with a group of up to 10 people.

The aim of the innovative initiative is to stimulate conversation, relieve stress and help people with dementia to reminisce about the past.

(L-R) Chris Handy, Chief Executive of the Accord Group, Jack Dromey MP and Valerie Vaz MP.

Beside the seaside - day trip to Blackpool.



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Fly tipping – why turning a blind eye can cost you

Fly-tipping and dumping rubbish is not

only anti-social but it’s also illegal and a breach of tenancy conditions.

The cost of removing rubbish is expensive and can result in an increase in your service charge.

To tackle the problem, we need your help. If you see anyone dumping rubbish, you can report it anonymously by calling our Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000 from 8am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

What to do, and what not to do, when reporting fly-tipping:

Do: • If this can be done

safely and discreetly, write down the registration number and vehicle type of the van or car that has dumped rubbish

• Again, if this can be done safely and discreetly, take photos of the dumped rubbish

• Pass all this information onto us

Don’t:• Approach the

perpetrator or put yourself in danger

• Make it obvious that you are taking details or photos

For more information about fly-tipping, call our Customer First contact centre on 0300 111 7000 and ask to speak to your housing officer.

Each month we tour your estates and

neighbourhoods as part of our Walk and Talk events.

At these visits, you can raise concerns about everything from litter to anti-social behaviour and get information on jobs and skills and volunteering.

This autumn and winter, we’ll be visiting:

September – December 2012Friday, 28 September 10am-1pm Wave Close, Walsall

Wednesday, 24 October 10am-1pm Newmore Gardens, Walsall

Monday, 26 November 10am-1pm Camden Street & Laurel Court, Walsall

Friday, 21 December 10am-4pm Schoolgate Close, Fern Close, Litchfield Road, Green Lane, Walsall

January – February 2013Tuesday, 29 January 10am-4pm Adam Court, Cannock

Thursday, 28 February 10am-4pm Eyland Grove & Lower Rushall Street, Walsall.

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

Caldmoreaccord help football club stay top of their game

Caldmoreaccord Housing Association is playing its part in helping local community projects by supporting a women’s football team.

The housing association has pledged to sponsor Reedswood Ladies Football Club by funding their strip for the upcoming season.

Based in Walsall, the club rely heavily on sponsorship to meet the financial demands of running a football club and paying for annual pitch hire, league fees, insurances and other running costs.

Wendy Powell, Director of Transformation, said:

“It’s important to us that we do more than just provide homes and that we support community-based initiatives where we can ensure that we meet our pledge of being committed to communities.”

Last season, the club reached the Staffordshire

Women’s Challenge Cup and League Cup Final and were crowned West Midlands Division One North Champions, gaining promotion to the West Midlands Premier League.

For more information on the club, go to fcreedswood.co.uk

from Naz

My name is Naz Ahmed

and I am the Resident Engagement Officer for Caldmoreaccord, based at the Caldmore Green office.

Resident engagement is all about giving you the chance to get involved in our work and this column explains how some residents are already doing this.

In previous editions of Our House, you may have read about the Caldmore area Customer Panel, which was launched last year.

Recently the panel have been undertaking some training to learn about the work of Caldmoreaccord and the structure of the Accord Group.

Once this training is completed, members of the Caldmore area

Customer Panel will join with the Darlaston area Customer Panel, to form one group that will represent all residents of Caldmoreaccord.

Joining the panel will not only give you an insight into the work of the Accord Group and its services but it’s also an opportunity to develop skills in a friendly environment.

In other news, our Walk and Talk events are gathering pace with even more planned throughout the winter and into the New Year. You can see all the dates and areas that we will be visiting below.

If you would like more information about the Customer Panel, or resident engagement, please call me on 0300 111 7000 extension 7235 or email [email protected]

Walk and talk dates for your diary.

Ask us - your questionsansweredQ: I want to pay my rent with a cheque, who should I make it payable to now that you’ve changed your name to Caldmoreaccord?

A: You should continue to make your cheques payable to the landlord with whom you have your tenancy agreement, so this will either be Accord Housing Association or Caldmore Housing Association. Whilst Accord and Caldmore have now come together to become Caldmoreaccord, your tenancy will still be with one of the two organisations.

Have you got a question to ask us? Then email it to the editor at [email protected] and we’ll answer it in this newsletter.

It was buckets and spades at the ready for families

of Caldmoreaccord as they enjoyed a day at the seaside to celebrate a milestone anniversary. Caldmore Housing Association, which partnered with Accord this year to become Caldmoreaccord Housing Association, organised the trip to Southport to mark its 40th year.

Three coaches full of residents made their way to the seaside resort in August where they enjoyed all the delights of the town, including a walk along the beach, arcades and shopping.

Nazir Ahmed, Resident Engagement Officer at Caldmoreaccord Housing Association, said: “Caldmore Housing Association was set up in partnership with residents 40 years ago, so we wanted to

celebrate our milestone anniversary with them in a special way.

“Residents told us that they wanted to do something affordable yet fun, which is why we decided on this trip. It was a great opportunity to visit a glorious coastal resort and enjoy all the wonderful sights and attractions it had to offer.”

Sun, sand and celebration as residents mark anniversary

Community spirit blossoms with creation of new garden

A new garden patio area has been created

at a housing complex in Halesowen after a resident worked to transform an “unmanageable” space in the communal grounds.

Francis Court is made up of 15 apartments over two storeys. The ground floor apartments each have an allocated individual patio area, however some residents felt that those living on the upper level had limited garden space.

Resident David Priest booked annual leave from his job and set to work to create a small additional garden area

with a raised patio and flower bed with bloom filled pots. Once completed a bistro table, chairs and a bench were added for upper level residents to enjoy and use.

Other residents then weeded and planted up existing borders and worked alongside each other to enhance and improve the remaining communal areas within the grounds.

Sue Priest, Resident Chair at Francis Court, said: “It has made a huge difference and helped to create a real sense of community spirit, it was really important to us that upper level residents

should have the same opportunity to have an outside area to be enjoyed as the lower level residents.

“We often all come together for community social events and BBQ’s, but now have the advantage of an additional patio-garden area for residents to enjoy.”

Have you made a difference in your neighbourhood? Then why not share it here in the newsletter by calling Editor Claire Morrall on 0300 111 7000 extension 2340 or email [email protected]

(L-R) Michelle Connoughton, David Priest and Linda Lowe in the new garden.


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Reedswood ladies football club.


Congratulations to green-fingered

residents Mr and Mrs Struczynska who scooped the top prize in our annual gardening competition.

Mr Struczynska was presented with his prize, £50 worth of shopping vouchers, by the judging panel, which included residents Ann Delaney and John Gray and Chair of the Moseley in Bloom

Dr Carol Miller.Runners up, who have

also won prizes were, Mr Parkes, Mr Matlin, Ms Short, Mrs Bibi and Mrs Begum.

The competition was re-launched this year following requests from residents and saw projects from hanging baskets to full-sized gardens entered. Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter the competition.

Help on your doorstep as new hub launches

Fun day brings community out to celebrate

News from Moseley and District Churches Housing AssociationNews from Moseley and District Churches Housing Association

An advice hub and foodbank has opened

its doors in Balsall Heath, offering those in need access to support and food parcels.

The Balsall Heath foodbank and Help Point has been launched to meet an increased demand for food parcels at the nearby Sparkhill foodbank, run by charity Narthex Sparkhill.

As well as distributing food packages, agencies like Moseley and District will be on

hand to offer advice on topics like housing and benefits, health, debt and personal safety.

The Help Point is open every Thursday from 10am to 12pm and is based at the Church Community Centre in Edward Road.

Food parcels can also be collected from the centre; however you must be referred via a referral agency before being issued with a voucher to redeem at the foodbank.

Peter Helly, Housing Officer at Moseley

and District Housing Association, said:

“This new hub is playing a vital role in helping some of the most vulnerable in the community to get access to basic, nutritious food as well as vital advice and help about a range of concerns.”

To be referred to the foodbank via Moseley and District, call referral officers Peter Helly, Samantha Price or Sharon Willis on 0300 111 7000.

Residents of a Birmingham housing estate

came out to enjoy a fun-filled community event organised by Moseley and District.

The event, which took place in Clent Way in Bartley Green, saw children get their faces painted and take part in a range of games and activities.

Free food and refreshments were served, a cake competition was held and there were promotional stalls highlighting a variety of topics, from repairs to benefits.

There was also the chance for residents to talk to staff and local police officers as well as meet the new contractors we have chosen to carry out

repairs. The event took place

in August and was attended by around 80 residents from Clent Way, Sovereign Heights and Bedlam Wood Road.

Moseley and District decided to host the event after residents said that they wanted more interaction with the Association at a local level.

Sunny Sandhu, from Moseley and District’s Communities team, said: “We thought a fun day would be the perfect opportunity for residents to meet staff whilst coming together as a community.

“We were really pleased with how the day went and how many people attended. Thank you to everyone who helped to make it such as a success.”

M oseley and District Housing

Association have appointed a new Head of Locality to oversee the day-to-day running of the organisation.

Francis Healy, who has nearly 30 years of experience in housing, will manage the day-to-day running of the organisation to ensure that we are providing the right services for you.

Some of you may have already met Francis as he has been out and

about meeting staff and residents and attended the Clent Way fun day, which you can read about on the next page.

Francis said: “I am looking forward to improving Moseley and District’s collaborative working in communities and neighbourhoods.”

Moseley and District welcome new locality boss

W e are committed to providing

opportunities for you to get involved in our services and in turn improve them and the communities you live in.

To make these opportunities as accessible as possible, the Chairs of the Repairs Steering Group, Community Action Group and the Income Recovery Steering Group have agreed to join together to form a new Residents’ Focus Group.

The new group will launch in November, with

group members keen to start looking at new ways of working and new community initiatives to benefit all residents.

John Gorman, Chair of the Repairs Steering Group, said “The new Residents’ Focus Group will represent views of all the residents jointly and I believe that we could work far better jointly, avoiding any duplications.”

If you’re interested in joining the group, call the Service Improvement team on 0300 111 7000 or email ServiceImprovement [email protected]

Members needed for new focus group

Residents worried about anti-social

behaviour in their neighbourhoods can raise their concerns at a support group.

We have launched the group, which will meet up to four times a year, in partnership with the local police and other organisations.

It is open to any Moseley and District resident who is experiencing, or has come across, anti-social behaviour in their community.

Attendees will be able to get confidential information and support at the meetings as well as listen to guest speakers from other organisations.

Peter Helly, a Housing Officer for Moseley

and District Housing Association, said: “From time to time some of our residents may experience anti-social behaviour, which can range from fly-tipping to noise nuisance.

“We want residents experiencing this kind of behaviour to feel confident in reporting it to us and we also want them to understand what we can do to resolve problems.

“We take anti-social behaviour very seriously and we are committed to working in partnership with other housing organisations and the police to tackle it.”

For more information about the support group, or to attend the next meeting, call Peter Helly on 0121 442 5030 or email [email protected]

Help on offer for victims of anti-social behaviour

What is your name and what do you do? My name is Aukse Drungilaite and I am an Assets team Admin Assistant.

What does your job involve?My job mainly involves dealing with repairs and

inspections, but as an assistant almost every day I have to do something different. My main duty is to provide administration support to my team.

How long have you worked in your current job and what did you do before?I have worked for Moseley and District for nearly six months. Before coming to Moseley and District, I lived in London and whilst there I worked in a few different sectors like sales and catering, but mainly I worked in logistics.

What do you enjoy about your job?I enjoy office work like completing tasks and doing other office duties, but I also like attending various events for residents. I enjoy being involved in things that make residents happy and keep us all smiling.

How can I contact you?You can call me on 0300 111 7000 extension 5034 or email [email protected]

60 seconds with...

Winners of gardening competition revealed

Mr Struczynska (centre left) is presented with his award by the judging panel. Francis (L) at the Clent Way fun day.

Clent Way fun day hailed a success.

We host regular

walkabouts in your neighbourhoods for you to flag up any concerns that you may have with us.Walkabouts take place every other

month, starting at 10am, and dates are advertised in communal areas where possible and at our office. To take part, simply contact your housing officer by calling 0300 111 7000.

Walkabout with us

Olympic inspired cake was a hit.


Events and activitiesUp and coming dates for your diary from around the Group and your community.

OctoberSaturday, 6 October

Really Green Team: Wild Food (join rangers for a foraging expedition and learn to cook your own wild food), Pelsall North Common, Wood Lane, Pelsall, Walsall. Ages 8-16. £2.50 per child. To book your place, call 01922 459 813 or email [email protected]

Saturday, 13 October‘What’s love got to

do with it?’ (Exploring the subject of love, life and relationships for young Asians today), Birmingham Library Theatre, Paradise Place, Birmingham. 2pm-3.30pm. Free. To book, call 0121 236 4455 or visit birminghambook festival.org

Sunday, 14 OctoberWorld War II afternoon

(a nostalgic look back at life during World War II), Haden Hill House Museum, Halesowen Road, Cradley Heath, Sandwell. 2pm-4.30pm. Free entry but small charge for some activities.

Monday, 15 OctoberForest Over 60’s Club

(every Monday), Forest Community Centre, Hawbush Road, Walsall. 1.30pm. For details, call 01922 654 555.

Wednesday, 17 October

Big Brum Antiques Forum, Bull Ring Rag Market and Open Markets, Birmingham. 7.30am-1.30pm.

Friday, 19 OctoberAmblecote Writers

Group (every Friday), Holy Trinity Church Hall, Vicarage Road, Amblecote, Stourbridge. 9.30am-11.30am. For details and prices, call 01384 372573 or email [email protected]

Saturday, 20 OctoberOne Solihull event

(celebration of Black History Month and World Mental Health Day), The Loft, 10 West Mall, Chelmsley Wood Shopping Centre, Chelmsley Wood. 12pm-3.30pm. Free.

Wednesday, 24 October

Take the Ghost Train, Severn Valley Railway, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. For details, call 01299 403816.

Monday, 29 October(until 1 December

2012). Man of Note exhibition (celebration of artist Harry Eccleston OBE), Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Wolverhampton. For details, go to www.wolverhamptonart.org.uk

NovemberFriday, 2 November

Bonfire and Fireworks display, Hickman Park, Bilston, Wolverhampton. Adults £4, Children £2.50 and free for under two’s. Gates open at 5.30pm. For details, email: [email protected] or call 01902 552 099

Saturday, 3 November

Fireworks Night, Blists Hill Victorian Town, Legges Way, Madeley, Shropshire. For details call, 01952 433424

Wednesday, 7 November

Farmers Market, Upper New Street, near Victoria Square, Birmingham. 9am-6.30pm.

Friday, 9 NovemberWalsall Synchronised

Swimming Club (Junior), Walsall Gala Baths, Tower Street, Walsall. Every Friday and Saturday. For details, call the head coach on 07545 787150 or email [email protected]

Saturday, 10 November

Willenhall Bonfire and Firework Display, Willenhall Memorial Park, Pinson Road, Willenhall. Gates open at 6pm. £3 per adult, £1 per child and under 5’s free. For details, call Walsall Council on

07736 388409 or 07736 388418.

Tuesday, 13 November

Dementia Café (support group for carers and people with dementia), 53a Third Avenue, Pensnett Trading Estate, Kingswinford, Dudley. 2pm-4pm. For details, call Janine Hayes on 0300 111 7000 or 07557 153 571 or email [email protected]

Thursday, 22 November

Self Defence Class (every Thursday until 20 December), Webheath Village Hall, Heathfield Road, Redditch. 7pm-8pm. For details and prices, call 07810522173.

Friday, 23 November

Friends of Merrions Wood: Litter Pick, Merrions Wood Local Nature Reserve, Chapel Lane, Great Barr, Walsall. 11am-12pm. For details, call 01922 459 813.

Sunday, 25 November

Christmas Craft Fayre, Highbury Hall, Yew Tree Road, Moseley, Birmingham. 11am-4pm. Free entry.

DecemberSaturday, 1 December – Sunday, 2 DecemberChristmas Craft Fair, St Leonard’s Church, Bridgnorth, Shropshire. 10am-4pm.

Thursday, 6 December

Zumba class (every Thursday), Halesowen Cornbow Hall, Hagley Street, Halesowen. 6.30pm-7.30pm and 7.45pm-8.45pm. £4 per class. For details, email [email protected]

Saturday, 8 December

(until 20 January 2013). Jack and the Beanstalk, Wolverhampton Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton. For details and prices, visit www.grandtheatre.info

Saturday, 8 December

Natural Christmas Decorations workshop, Collingwood Centre, Collingwood Drive, Pheasey, Walsall. 10am-12pm. Free. To book your place, call Martin Harrison, Barr Beacon Community Liaison Officer, on 077910 70929 or email [email protected]

Sunday, 9 DecemberChristmas Carol

Service, Lodge Hill Crematorium Chapel, Weoley Park Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham. 2pm-3pm. Free.

Events and activities

14 15

News from Fry Housing Trust

BromsgroveIn this edition

of Our House, clients and

staff from our Bromsgrove scheme tell you all about the town in Worcestershire.

Tell us about Bromsgrove?Bromsgrove is a town in Worcestershire which is about 13 miles away from Birmingham city centre.It has a rich history and is home to Grafton Manor which dates back to the 14th century. There is a statue of Alfred Edward Housman in the high street, which was erected in 1985. There is also a sculpture of a dryad and boar.

Where are the best places to eat? There are lots of traditional style shops in the town centre, such as ‘The Sweet Shop’ which sells traditional style pick and mix sweets. There are also a few nice places to eat and lots of variety, from Pizza Express to Maekong Tai, there is something for everyone.

What else can I do in Bromsgrove? Bromsgrove has lots of open spaces where you can have a nice walk. There are three parks in the town which have recently been awarded the prestigious Green Flag status, which recognises and rewards the best green spaces in the country.

Grafton Manor, Bromsgrove.

W ith 2012 being such a

significant year for sport, with the EUROs and the Olympics both taking place, we wanted to encourage you to get active and you did.

More than 50 clients and staff from Fry Housing Trust took part in our inter-scheme, five-a-side football tournament this summer.

Hosted at the Nechells Community Sports Centre, schemes battled it out against each

other for a place in the final. Awards were also given to the top goal scorer of the competition, Bobak Ghelichkani, and to the player of the tournament Richard Payne.

Michelle Martin, Resident Engagement Officer at Fry, said: “We are hoping for this to now become a regular commitment and hold a tournament every year. We’d also like to give a special thank you to Dean Mckeown who assisted with planning such a great day.”

Goal! Football tournament hailed a success

Winner of art competition revealed

In the last edition of Our House, we told you all

about a self-portrait competition, which featured some fantastic entries.

We are now pleased to announce that the winner was Dean Mckeoan from Leamington. The runners up were Chris Bishop and Andy Sinclair, both from Nuneaton. Thank you to everyone who took part in the competition.

What is your name and what do you do?My name is Sara Hunt and I am a Support Worker at the Nuneaton scheme.

What does your job involve?My role involves supporting clients’ needs, supervising activities at the scheme and some housing management, such as making sure repairs are done and carrying out health and safety checks.

How long have you been doing your current job and what did you do before?I’ve been at Nuneaton since the beginning of March this year and I previously worked as a Police Community

Support Officer (PCSO) in Nuneaton for five years.

What do you enjoy about your job?I enjoy the support side of my job and the resident engagement side.

How can I contact you?You can call the Nuneaton scheme on 02476 3473330 or email [email protected]

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The winning team celebrate.

OCTOBER 2012

CompetitionsQuiz

Wordsearch

Simply answer the following 10 questions

correctly to be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love2Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores.

Send your completed questions to, The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, West Midlands, B70 6QG or email them to [email protected] by Friday, 23 November 2012.

Remember to include the name of the competition that you are entering, your name, address and a phone or email contact. One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

Simply find the word that is NOT in

the wordsearch to be in with the chance of winning a £20 Love2Shop voucher, which can be redeemed at over 20,000 stores.

Send your answer to The Accord Group, c/o Claire Morrall, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, west Midlands, B70 6QG or email [email protected] by Friday, 23 November 2012.

Remember to include the name of the competition that you are entering, your name, address and a phone or email contact. One winner will be chosen at random from all correct entries.

The Accord Group, Tel: 0300 111 7000 Email: [email protected] Write to: Customer First, 178 Birmingham Road, West Bromwich, B70 6QGOn request, we will do what is practical to translate information into different formats including large print, Braille and other languages. If you need a document translated into a different language or format, call Customer First on 0300 111 7000.

Competitions

1: Pumpkin

2: Skeleton

3: Vampire

4: Witch

5: Spider

6: Cobweb

7: Trick

8: Treat

9: Skull

10: Sweets

11: Bats

12: Broomstick

13: Ghost

B R O O M S T I C K E F V

T K M S I W E H S A O A J

R S U F Y I K E P A M A U

I S W E V T A R E P S N C

T R E A T C E M I D G T O

N A P D F H T R O E S S B

I L B A P O E K S T I O W

K F A D R T R R C B N H E

P Y T B E E D D C I R G B

M D S I D S M L A E R D V

U N E I T N Y Y U O A T U

P U P M N O T E L E K S H

S S H A C K S K U L L P S

16

1: Who is the famous television presenter wife of Vernon Kay?

2: In which city was the passenger liner the Titanic built?

3: Who wrote the book The Catcher in the Rye?

4: What three colours make up the flag of Norway?

5: Who was the first person to walk on the moon?

6: Name the actor who plays Batman in the Dark Night trilogy?

7: How many gold medals did Great Britain win at this year’s London 2012 Olympic Games – was it 12, 29 or 34?

8: What two main toppings does a Hawaiian pizza usually consist of?

9: Which former Spice Girl, married to David Beckham, is now a famous fashion designer?

10: You’ll find the next answer in this newsletter: What is the name of the 2012 residents’ annual report?

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Our House, Autumn 2012

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Transcript of Our House, Autumn 2012