Graphic Design Work

If you are interested, or for more information email [email protected] or call 07973 139068

Everyone is welcome!

Community Allotment, Scott Avenue, Chorlton

SATURDAY STARTING AT 11 AM,SUNDAY STARTING AT 2 PM &

WEDNESDAY STARTING AT 6 PMSessions run for around 90 minutes

Meet at the allotment, follow the sign on the gates atthe end of Scott Avenue, Chorlton.

If you are interested in a community allotment where you can growvegetables, fruit and flowers, learn about wildlife gardening and find out what it is like to work on an allotment we would love you to join us.

Then come and see Julieat the Stockport Homes gazeboabout a project foryoung people.

1Stockport Credit Union - Your money in safe hands

Don’t let yourmoney go downthe drain...

...start savingtoday withStockportCredit Union

2 Stockport Credit Union - Your money in safe hands 3Stockport Credit Union - Your money in safe hands

Children can join too!

Children can save as much as they like in their accounts - there’s no minimum amount they have to pay in. A number

of Stockport’s schools operate a Credit Union young savers scheme. Pupils from years five and six at Cale Green Primary School have been training as collectors, which fits in with the school’s aim to give children the life skills they need to become citizens of the future.

The school council organised a fantastic assembly to promote their ‘super savers’ scheme. Some dressed up as coins and others demonstrated what they would like to save for; swimming lessons, holiday spending money and computer games were among their suggestions.

Joining and saving

Stockport Credit Union is a not-for-profit community savings and loans cooperative which is owned and controlled by its members. If you live or work in Stockport you can join.

To become a member and open an account, you will need to show proof of who you are and where you live. You will also need to pay a joining fee of £1.20 and pay at least £1 into your account. After that, you can save as little or as much as you like. The maximum amount you can save in your account is £10,000.

The Credit Union is for people of all ages. Members aged 0-16 need to open the account with an adult and also needs to sign for any withdrawals the young saver wants to make. Your savings are secure with the Credit Union: the Financial Services Compensation Scheme guarantees your money, the Credit Union is insured against theft and fraud. The Financial Services Authority regulates us and approves the volunteers that serve on the various committees.

See how your savings could grow with the Credit Union

The Credit Union’s running costs are kept very low. At the end of each year, any surplus income is paid back to members as a “dividend” on their savings.

Pay into your account at a local collection point or by standing order.

Easy and flexible ways to save for whatever you like.

Free life insurance on savings and loans (age limits apply).

Low cost loans available to members who are regular savers.

The Credit Union is regulated by the Financial Services Authority and is part of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme, so your money’s safe with us.

Five good reasons to join

1

2

3

4

5

Amount savedeach week

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

£2 £5 £10 £20

£104 £260 £520 £1,040

£208 £520 £1,040 £2,080

£312 £780 £1,560 £3,120


Low Cost Loans

Members aged 18 plus who are regular savers with the Credit Union build up a savings record with us and can borrow from the Credit Union at a very low rate of interest – just 1% per month on the reducing balance (that’s an APR of 12.68%). If you borrow £1,000 it will cost you less than £60 in interest to repay the loan within a year (based on regular weekly or

monthly payments). There are no arrangement fees and no penalty fee if you decide to repay your loan early.

We asked members to share their comments on why Stockport Credit Union’s saving and loan scheme is helping them budget and manage everyday matters.

Some found having access to loans for household emergencies like replacing expensive electrical items or central heating boilers gave them peace of mind. Car expenses such as Tax, Insurance and MOT wereeasier to manage spread over the year. Home improvements, seasonal football tickets, holidays and Christmas time were high on the list for members wanting to access loans for these costly times of year. All members agreed, it’s nice to know that they have savings to rely on and they can access low cost loans* *Loans are subject to individual members’ savings.

Looking ahead

Life Savings and Loan Protection Insurance at no extra cost to members.

Life Savings Insurance - The Insurance policy is based on your age when you put the money into your savings. As long as you have not withdrawn the money since your 80th Birthday, the insurance will pay a sum to your next of kin if you die while you are a member.

Loan Protection Insurance - Loans for all members up to the age of 70 are insured so that if you die before your loan has been repaid, your loan will be cleared in full. Certain exclusions apply - if you have a pre-existing medical condition your loan will be insured after six months.

Family Protection Plan

“Did you know that the average funeral in the UK costs £4,500? Could you find this amount of money if the worst was to happen? You could get life cover for up to six members of your immediate family with one convenient monthly payment to your Credit Union”.

The family protection plan covers you and five members of your immediate family whether or not they are members of the Credit Union. It costs as little as £9.60 per month payable through the Credit Union - working out at just 5 pence per person per day!

The policy is underwritten by CUNA Mutual Life Assurance (Europe) Ltd, the Credit Union movement’s own insurance provider. No medical questions or examinations will be required. In the event of a death of any of the people on

Amountborrowed

£100

£500

£1,000

50 weeklypayments of

£2.12

£10.60

£21.20

Total amountpaid

£106.00

£529.98

£1,059.95


The money saved by not smoking could make a big difference to you and your family: • Holidays or family days out• Home furnishing and DIY projects• Buy bicycles for family fun!• Savings for a rainy day

For full details on Stop Smoking, please call Stockport Stop Smoking Service on 0161 426 5085 for local support or contact the NHS Free Smoking Helpline on 0800 022 4 332 or visit www.nhs.uk/gosmokefree

Volunteering for Stockport Credit Union

Directors to Collectors! Stockport Credit Union is looking for business professionals, Community Champions and people with leadership qualities who are willing to share their knowledge and skills and volunteer their time. Whether you have a few hours or can commit more of your time, there are plenty of different volunteer roles you can become involved in at Stockport Credit Union. Here’s what some of our volunteers have to say:

“It gives me a break from home life”.

“I like the variety of work within my Credit Union role”.

“I’ve picked up a lot of new skills”.

If you would like to find out about becoming a volunteer for Stockport Credit Union, you can contact Tina or Bev at our head office at:

First House, Brinnington Tel: 0161 430 5808 Email: [email protected]

“When I stopped smoking, I wanted to be able to save up all the money I’d have spent on cigarettes so I could see how much it had been costing me. I opened a Credit Union account because once you put your money in, you have to give a week’s notice to take it out again – for me this was a great way to make sure I’d save the money. I was amazed that after only a month I’d saved over £150”.

the plan, a cash lump sum will be paid to you, the policy holder to put towards the cost of the funeral or to cover the cost of organising or attending the funeral. The plan promises to make a payment within two working days of any claim. Members who are interested in the Family Protection Plan can contact us at:

First House, Brinnington Tel: 0161 430 5808Email: [email protected]

Not a member yet? Find out how to join on page 3.

Don’t let your money go up in smoke

Stockport Credit Union and the Stop Smoking Service are working in partnership to promote the benefits of a healthier lifestyle. Imagine how much you could be saving by joining your local Credit Union. Some members of the Credit Union have been able to use their savings account to help them to give up smoking. This is what one member had to say:

Going smoke free is the one single thing you can do to dramatically increase your chances of living a longer life.

8 Stockport Credit Union - Your money in safe hands

Accessing our servicesIf you would like a copy in large print, Braille, on audiotape or CD, please contact the Service Improvement Team on 0161 474 2860, email:[email protected],text: 07891 949 399 or fax: 0161 474 2869

Stockport Credit Union is working in Partnership with your landlord.

Please contact us for details of local collection points:Stockport Credit Union Ltd, First House, 367 Brinnington RoadBrinnington, Stockport SK5 8ENTel: 0161 430 5808 Email: [email protected]

www.stockporthomes.org

“What is CustomerInvolvement?”

Customer Involvement is what happens whencustomers tell us what they think about the services theyreceive and have a chance to influence the decisions thataffect their home and neighbourhood.

In order for Stockport Homes to improve the services weoffer to you, we need to know what you think. There aremany ways to help make this happen and this leafletwill give you brief details of the options available. Youcan choose to be involved as little or as much asyou like depending on your own interests and thetime you have to spare.

We’re here to help youStockport Homes has a Customer InvolvementTeam dedicated to helping you get involved in anyway you choose. We will be happy to provide youwith information, advice, support and development.We offer training where necessary and we willreimburse out-of-pocket expenses, we can also helpwith taxis for people with mobility needs andchildcare or carers’ costs.

Contact us on:Telephone: 0161 474 2862Email: customer.involvement

@stockporthomes.orgText: 07891 949 399Fax: 0161 480 4358

Customer Involvement Your Home, Your Voice, Your Choice2

3

“I would like to do something,but I don’t know what!”

The homebirds pages 5-7Customer Readers’ Group, Post andTelephone Surveys, Comments,Compliments and Complaints (includingon-line), Mystery Shopping TelephoneCalls and Email Surveys.

The locals pages 8-11Block Champions, EstateWalkabouts, Area Forums, Tenantand Resident Associations and theAnnual Customer Event.

The advisors pages 12-15Working Groups, Customer ActionGroups, Hot Topic Meetings, VIPs andthe Customer Newsletter Editorial Team.

The investigators pages 16-17Quality Panel (Mystery Shopping, PeerReview, visits / reality checking andreviewing of documents).

The decision makers pages 18-20Stockport Tenants’ Federation,Stockport Homes’ Board and theComplaints Appeal Panel.

Customer Involvement Your Home, Your Voice, Your Choice

There are lots of different ways you can have your say andwe’ve grouped them together to make it easier. Some youcan do from home and take a small amount of your timeand others require more commitment. It’s up to you!

4 Customer Involvement Your Home, Your Voice, Your Choice

“Involvement is your chance to

have a say andmake a difference”

The clocks give you an idea ofhow much time is needed fordifferent activities. The moreclocks you see, the moretime is needed.

You will see some clocks used throughout this leaflet, whichtell you how much time the activities will take.

Key to symbols

Whether you can spare a fewminutes or would like to be a little

more involved, its entirely up to you.

You choose how much or how littleyou would like to take part.

Do you find that you can’t get outmuch or do you like to make adifference from the comfort of yourown armchair? If this sounds likeyou then the homebirds mightbe just what you’re looking for.

5Customer Involvement Your Home, Your Voice, Your Choice


Customer Readers’ Group

If you enjoy reading and want to keepup-to-date with new information we produce,then you can join the Stockport Homes’Readers’ Group. Members read over any newdocuments we are producing to make surethey are customer friendly and easy to read.If you are happy with them, they are given thecustomer approved logo.

Comments, Compliments and Complaints

We welcome your feedback and would like you to tell us about the goodservice you have received, or if you have a particular concern or issueyou would like us to look into. Compliments, comments and complaintshelp us to identify where we need to improve and what we are doingright. Customer feedback cards are available from Area Housing Officesand the Housing Information Centre at 1 St. Peter’s Square. You canpost them back to us free of charge or complete them on StockportHomes’ website.

Mystery ShoppingTelephone Calls

You can use your telephone to call StockportHomes’ numbers to find out how good we areat answering your queries. We can supply youwith a brief form to give us your feedback andwe will always keep you informed about howthis has improved the service.

Post, Telephone and Email Surveys

We will send you a postal survey which you can complete and return in apre-paid envelope or we will carry out a survey with you over thetelephone or you can take part in an online survey on our websitewww.stockporthomes.org

This is a good way to give your views if you don’t have much time tospare or find it difficult leaving your home.


“I love doing this! It’s like using a fresh pair of eyes. Welet them know what should be where. You get to see thepublications before everyone else, it’s really great.”Member of the Customer Readers’ Group.


Do you like to get out and about inyour neighbourhood? If the answeris yes, then the locals might befor you. Be a part of somethinggreat and make a difference towhere you live.


Estate Walkabouts

Get together with area housing staff to inspectthe area around your neighbourhood, identifyany problems and agree actions andtimescales for solutions. You can look at otherareas as well as your own.

We will keep you informed about the changeswe have made as a result of you taking part.

Area Forums

Regular Forums are held in the East and Westareas of Stockport and give you the chance tofind out what is happening in your area. It isalso an opportunity to influence how money isspent on improvements where you live. You willhave the chance to meet other people in yourarea and talk to housing staff to find out howwell we are working for you.

“I love the Estate Walkabouts. You get the chance to seethe parts of estates that you wouldn’t normally do andmeet new people in your community.”Estate Walkabout participant.


Tenant and Resident Associations

There are a number of Tenant and Resident Associations acrossStockport and these are a great way to get together with yourneighbours, discuss any problems affecting your area and makesuggestions for how these can be resolved. Some groups are lessformal than others and if there isn’t a group in your area already then wecan help you to set one up. We can provide a start-up grant, supportand training.

Annual Customer Event

Each year Stockport Homes holds an event forall its customers. This can be a fun andinteractive conference at a central locationsuch as Stockport County’s Banqueting Suiteor a Road Show visiting different locationsaround Stockport. These give you the chanceto meet staff at all levels and get answers toyour questions. Come along and join us, we’dreally like to see you there.


“There is only one way to improve your area.Get involved and work with Stockport Homes.”Area Forum attendee.

Block Champions

If you would like to represent the flats or theroad where you live, then becoming a ‘BlockChampion’ may be for you.

You would feedback important information toyour neighbours and report issues relating tocommunal areas such as the cleaningstandards or broken entrance locks.

You will receive support and valuable training tohelp you get the most from this important role.

Why just keep your thoughts toyourself? Come along to one of thecustomer groups and share themwith others. By taking part in theadvisors activities, you can reallyhelp shape services for the future.



Working Groups

Customers get together on a regular basis todiscuss issues that affect a particular project orarea of service. These groups include:• Sheltered Housing Working Group (SHWG)• Temporary Accommodation Expert Panel(TAEP)

• Focus On You – made up of customersof the Resettlement Service.

Stockport at home CustomerEditorial Team

Stockport at home is our quarterly borough-wide customer newsletter which keepscustomers informed about Stockport Homes’services and activities. As part of the EditorialTeam, you would go through the newsletter tomake sure it is easy-to-read.

“The Customer Action Groups give you a chance to giveyours views, hear other people’s ideas and meetlike-minded people.”Member of a Customer Action Group.


Hot Topic Meetings

These are one-off meetings on different topics that may be a matter ofconcern to many customers. This is a great way to share your views withothers.

Customer Action Groups (CAGs)

CAGs are made up of customers andStockport Homes’ staff who work together toimprove services by regularly reviewing policiesand procedures, and making sure all ourservices are customer-focussed. These groupscover a wide variety of service areas including:• Customer Involvement• Diversity and Access• Income Management• Leasehold Management• Tenancy and Estate Management• Stock Investment and Repairs• Anti-Social Behaviour.


“Don’t just moan, help make a difference.”Customer Action Group attendee.

VIPs

Are you aged 18-25 and livein a Stockport Homes’ property?

Would you like us to:

• Arrange a free session where you can learnnew and exciting skills?

• Enter your details into a free draw for somegreat prizes such as an ipod?

• Organise a free social event such as ameal or trip where you cantell us what you would like to do in the future?

All we ask is that now and again you let us know what you think byhelping us with a survey or getting together to chat to like-mindedpeople your own age about the things that matter to you. You can bringa friend along and make some new ones too!

Stockport Homes will pay for any reasonable out-of-pocket expensessuch as bus fares and childcare (full details are available from theCustomer Involvement Team).

If you would like to find out more, then we’d love to hear from you.So please contact Customer Involvement on 0161 474 2862 oremail us at [email protected]

Are you a bit of a SherlockHolmes? You could investigate theservices we provide and tell uswhat you’ve found. If this soundslike you, then you might enjoy oneof the investigators activities.



Quality Panel

The Quality Panel is a group of customerinspectors that inspect services in various wayssuch as:• Mystery Shopping - Customers can test arange of Stockport Homes’ services throughvisits and phone calls by acting as a‘Mystery Shopper’. You will be given trainingand expenses. It can be done from thecomfort of your home and doesn’t have totake up a lot of your time.

• Peer Review – Pairing up with anotherorganisation to inspect each other’sservices.

• Visits to Area Housing Offices to check onthe service.

• Reviewing customer documents to ensurequality.

• Estate Walkabouts to highlight any areas ofconcern in neighbourhoods. Please noteyou do not have to be a member of theQuality Panel to take part in an EstateWalkabout.

Any customer can join the Quality Panel.

“It’s great meeting different people, and to have thechance to see what is going on at Stockport Homes.”Member of the Quality Panel.


Do you like to speak up for otherpeople, helping their voices to beheard? If the answer is yes then thedecision makers might just befor you. The activities in this sectionhave a great impact on the futureof Stockport Homes.


Complaints Appeal Panel

The Complaints Appeal Panel is made up oftwo trained customers who, along with aService Director assess complaints that havebeen taken through the two stages ofescalation but still have not been resolved tothe customer’s satisfaction. They review all theinformation and agree a final written response.

Stockport Homes’ Board

Stockport Homes’ Board ensure that theorganisation is meeting the missions and aims.Of the 13 members on the Board, five aretenants. The Board meets five to six times ayear and members of the public can attend.However, only members of the Board will beallowed to speak or vote at the meetings.

“Being on the Stockport Homes’ Board, you are able tomake a real input into the decisions that are made andyour views are listened to.”Member of Stockport Homes’ Board.


Stockport Tenants’ Federation

The Federation is made up of representativesfrom the Tenant and Resident Associations(TRAs) across Stockport and co-optedmembers from areas without TRAs. They workin partnership with Stockport Homes andStockport Council to improve life for tenantsand leaseholders and meet once a month. TheFederation is based at our customer resourcecentre which is available for use by allcustomers of Stockport Homes.

Customer Resource Centre

The customer resource centre is manned by the Stockport Tenants’Federation and is available to all Stockport Homes’ customers foraccess to extra help and advice about the services you receive andcomputer and internet facilities. The centre is located at 3, RatcliffeTowers, Bosden Fold, Middle Hillgate, Stockport SK1 3PB. Tomake an appointment to visit the centre please call 0161 477 3590 (24hour answer phone) or email [email protected]. Thecentre is open Tuesdays 10am – 12pm and Thursdays 4pm – 6pm.


If the idea of learning some new skillssounds good then perhaps our freecustomer training sessions willappeal to you.

Our customer training programme, called Skillsfor Life, is full of interesting and useful sessionsand is free to all Stockport Homes’customers. There’s no limit to the number ofsessions you can attend and they includeGardening, First Aid and Chairperson Skills toname but a few. The sessions are split into twosix-monthly programmes with a new leafleteach time to let you know what is available.

After attending training sessions, somecustomers have gone on to become membersof Stockport Tenants’ Federation.

“I have gained experience, learnt from othersand I am now using my new skills.”

“I started my course as I needed to increasemy skills.”

“I have been hooked on these courses sincethe first one I attended.”


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This leaflet gives you information about how you can getinvolved with Stockport Homes. If you would like a copy inlarge print, Braille, on audiotape or CD, please contact theSocial Inclusion Team on 0161 474 2860 or email:[email protected]

“We look forward to hearingfrom you soon!”

If you are interested in any of the options youhave seen, please contact the CustomerInvolvement Team in any of the ways below,leaving your name and contact details, and wewill be happy to help you.

Telephone: 0161 474 2862

Email: [email protected]

Text: 07891 949 399

Fax: 0161 480 4358

You can also send us your details online atwww.stockporthomes.org

Ref:409/July2009

Get involved at theheart of StockportHomes’ decision -making...

... become a member of theStockport Homes’ Board.

www.stockporthomes.org

The Board are a group of people who arecollectively responsible for managing StockportHomes.

This means that they set the strategic directionof the company, monitoring performance, settingbudgets and approving policies and procedures.

However the Board does not get involved in theday-to-day running of the organisation.

32

This booklet gives you the opportunityto find out more about the role ofStockport Homes’ Board, especiallyfor those who are interested inbecoming a Board Member.

Stockport Homes has achieved a lot since itwas formed in 2005, and the Board haveplayed a key role in ensuring that we deliverexcellent services to customers.

Becoming a Board Member can seem daunting, but it is agreat opportunity for anybody who has a few hours to sparea month, lots of enthusiasm and a commitment toimproving the services Stockport Homes deliver tocustomers. One of the best ways to find out what theBoard does, is to come to one of our Board meetings. Theyare open to the public and I would encourage you to comealong. I hope to see you there soon!

Roger PhillipsChair

Stockport Homes are an Arms Length ManagementOrganisation (ALMO) owned by Stockport Council.

Stockport Homes are responsible for the management andmaintenance of over 11,000 homes owned by StockportCouncil and also provide a number of other key housingservices on behalf of the Council including homelessservices and sheltered housing.

Message from the Chair

Who are Stockport Homes?

What is the Board?

“It’s so interesting being aBoard Member, as you learnwhat is happening rightacross Stockport. You areable to make a real input intothe decisions that are madeand your views are listenedto.”

Aline Cleary

There are thirteen Board members, who come from anumber of different groups:

• Two tenants from the East Area (David Kirwan andMaureen Rowles)

• Two tenants from the West Area (Farrokh Shahriaryand Alex Todhunter)

• One tenant nominated by the Tenants’ Federation (AlineCleary)

• Four Councillors (Cllrs Chris Baker, Christine Corris, AndyVerdeille and Ann Smith)

• Four independent members who bring expertise in keyareas such as housing management, development andfinance (John Bowker, Sharon McCambridge, RogerPhillips and David Wright).

The Chair and Vice-Chair of the Board are elected everyyear by the Board, and any Board Member can stand foreither of these roles. They are currently Roger Phillips (Chair)and David Kirwan (Vice-Chair).The Board has delegatedresponsibility for some duties to smaller Sub-Groups. Thereare four Sub-Groups who meet three to four times a year,and each group focuses on a specific area of responsibility:

• Finance and Audit;• Human Resources;• Maintenance and Investment; and• Performance.4 5

The Board’s decision-making has a real impact on usdelivering services to customers for example:

• Agreeing how over £84 million of funding will be spenton improving homes throughout Stockport.

• Driving improvements in performance which has resultedin Stockport Council being rated in the top 10 authoritiesfor housing improvement and performance.

The main duties of the Board are conducted through regularBoard and Sub-Group meetings. The Board meetsapproximately five times a year, and Sub-Groupsmeet three or four times a year.

• Supporting andapprovingproposals tobuild morehomes to rentin Stockport,starting withthe firstdevelopment of17 homes atDorset Avenue,Brinnington.

The Board decides how over£84 million of funding willbe spent on improvinghomes throughoutStockport.

How do the Board’s decisions impacton Stockport Homes?

How is Board business conducted?

Stockport Homes’Board in action.

6 7

Board Members receive a set of papers a week in advanceof meetings, and are expected to read the reports andconsider the main issues. They then come to the Boardmeeting with questions, comments and suggestions aboutproposals and reports.

Stockport Homes is governed by the Companies Act, whichbrings with it some legal responsibilities. Board Membershave to ensure that they act in the best interests of theorganisation, exercise independent judgement, act in goodfaith, use reasonable care, skill and diligence and act withintheir powers.

As Board Members are company directors, some peopleare not able to be Board Members, they are:

• someone who is or becomes bankrupt or who makes avoluntary arrangement with creditors;

• someone who is suffering from a mental disorder andeither:

a. is admitted to hospital under the Mental Health Act1983; or

b. has a court order made relating to the illness or toappoint someone to look after their property or otheraffairs; or

• someone who is subject to a court order disqualifyinghim or her from serving as a Board Member of acompany (as regulated by the Company Director’sDisqualification Act 1986).

What are the legal responsibilities ofthe Board?

The Board have beeninstrumental in drivingimprovements inperformance, which hasresulted in StockportCouncil being rated in thetop 10 authorities forhousing improvement andperformance.

At times, it may be necessary to recruit an independentBoard Member with specific skills, however for tenant BoardMembers no specific experience is needed. Full training anddevelopment will be provided, but we do ask that all BoardMembers:

• are enthusiastic;

• have basic literary and numeracy skills;

• are able to ask questions and make decisions; and

• comply with thecode of conductand equality anddiversity policy.

• attend Board and Sub-Group meetings whereverpossible (there is an attendance target of 80%);

• send apologies in a timely fashion if you are unable toattend a meeting;

• actively participate at Board meetings;

• undertake a full induction programme after joining theBoard;

• take part in an annual Board review; and

• attend relevant Training and Development sessions.

All Board Members are eligible to receive a package ofsupport to help them in their role, this includes:

• a full induction programme;

• Training and Development opportunities both on anindividual basis and on a collective basis;

• monthly allowance to cover any costs incurred whileundertaking Board duties, including travel, subsistence,caring responsibilities, internet and phone charges; and

• computers can be provided to Board Members who wishto have one to assist with their duties.

8 9

Are there any special skills orexperience needed?

As a Board Member you will beexpected to:

What support is offered to BoardMembers?“I would encourage anyone to

be a tenant Board Member.It is an important role.An important aspect is takingpart in the decision making.You get lots of advice andsupport. I have found otherBoard Members helpful andfriendly as well as staff. I reallyenjoy being a tenantmember.”

Alex Todhunter

If you are interested in becoming a Board Memberor just want to find out more about the Board ingeneral, please contact Naomi Stocks,Governance Manager on 0161 474 2850 or [email protected]

We will be holding a training session for anybodyinterested in becoming a Board Member on Wednesday1 April 2009, 2-4pm. This is a great opportunity to findout more, talk to current Board Members and ask anyquestions. We will also be running a Skills for Life sessionon the role of the Board and what it means for StockportHomes on Tuesday 20 October, 2-4pm.

You will need to get the signatures of five tenants orleaseholders living within your area who support yourapplication. Once you have these, please complete andreturn the application form to Fergus Evans, BusinessSupport Assistant, Stockport Homes, 1 St. Peter’sSquare, Stockport SK1 1NZ. A postal ballot will then beheld, with all tenants and leaseholders in your area giventhe opportunity to vote.

As well as becoming a Board Member, there are plenty ofother opportunities for customers to get involved withStockport Homes, including Customer Action Groups,the Quality Panel, Young Tenants’ Group, mysteryshopping and area forums. If you want further informationon Customer Involvement, please contact a member ofthe team on 0161 474 2862 or [email protected]

10 11

Where can I get more information?

What is the election process for tenantBoard Members?

How else can I get involved inStockport Homes?

Who should I contact for moreinformation?

“Being a tenant BoardMember puts you at the heartof Stockport Homes; youunderstand the aims andobjectives. It helps you seethe bigger picture.I particularly enjoy workingwith the Sub-Groups as youcan see all the hard worktaking shape to improvethings and you can challengeany of the reports.”

David Kirwan, Vice-Chair

12

This leaflet gives you information about StockportHomes’ Board. If you would like a copy in largeprint, Braille, on audiotape or CD, please contactthe Service Improvement Team on 0161 4742860, email: [email protected],text: 07891 949 399 or fax: 0161 474 2869

Accessing our services

Ref: 349/January 2009

Temporary and supportedaccommodation in andaround Stockport

Housing Options

“Here to help”

SHLOption10

2 Housing Options - Temporary and supported accommodation

Contents

Introduction

AlcoholDaisy BankDocherty House

DrugsBrydon Court

Employment and HomeEmmaus

GeneralCatholic Children’s Rescue SocietyContact HostelLorna LodgeSalvation ArmyThe Depaul TrustThe LimesThe Wellspring

Mental HealthGreystonesHeaton Lodge and Clyde HouseNext Step

3

445

66

77

8891011121314

15151617

3Housing Options - Temporary and supported accommodation

Introduction

This booklet describes some of thetemporary and supportedaccommodation in and aroundStockport, which is designed tomeet the needs of a wide range ofpeople.

All the temporary and supportedaccommodation we list offers arange of support including:• access to local communityorganisations;

• emotional support;• help in setting up andmaintaining homes or tenancies;and

• developing social skills

Our Housing Options Officers canwork through all the optionsavailable to you. This is not acomplete list of services.Information on all Supporting

People funded services can befound in the Supporting Peopledirectory of services at:www.stockport.gov.uk/supportingpeople.

The Housing Support Point servicecan also help you access short-term (up to two years) SupportingPeople funded services. You cancontact this service at theHousing Information Centre orby calling 0161 474 3719.

If you require accommodation dueto fleeing domestic violence,please contact the HousingOptions Team. If you would likemore information, please contactthe Housing Options Team.

Housing Options TeamStockport Homes1 St. Peter’s SquareStockportSK1 1NZTel: 0161 474 4237Fax: 0161 474 1934Email: housing.options

@stockporthomes.org

Out-of-hours emergency number:0161 477 2626


Alcohol

Service

Provider

Who can theservice providerhelp?

Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Supported accommodation (alcohol)

Daisy Bank (English Churches Housing Group)paid for partly by the government’s SupportingPeople fund.

Single homeless young men with alcoholdependency issues.

18+

Up to two years.

Newbury House, 80 Daisy Bank Road,Victoria Park, Manchester M15 5GJTel: 0161 224 5729

By referral through the Housing Options Teamor other statutory and voluntary agencies such asProbation, Social Services, Citizens AdviceBureau and the National Health Service.

There may be a waiting list.


Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Supported accommodation (alcohol)

Docherty House (Manchester MethodistHousing Association).

Single homeless young men and women withalcohol dependency issues.

18+

Up to two years.

Docherty House, 400 Great Western StreetManchester M14 5HATel: 0161 248 9069

By referral through the Housing OptionsTeam orother statutory and voluntary agencies such asProbation, Social Services, Citizens AdviceBureau and the National Health Service.

Alternatively you can apply direct yourself,depending on your circumstances.



Drugs

Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Supported accommodation (drugs)

Brydon Court (English Churches HousingGroup). Paid for partly by the government’sSupporting People fund.

Single homeless young men and women withdrug dependency issues.

18-25

Usually up to two years, but may be longer.

Brydon Court, 3 Union StreetArdwick, Manchester M12 4JDTel: 08450 707 071

By referral through the Housing Options Teamor other statutory and voluntary agencies suchas Probation, Social Services, Citizens AdviceBureau and the National Health Service.



Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Employment and home

Emmaus

Single, homeless and jobless men who aredetermined to work and move on in life.

18+

As long as possible.

Longlands Mill, Queen StreetMossley, Oldham OL5 9AHTel: 01457 838 608

Queen Street is a steep cobbled street leadingoff Manchester Road almost opposite MossleyRailway Station. Hourly trains from ManchesterVictoria and Huddersfield stop at MossleyRailway Station and there are frequent busesfrom Ashton-under-Lyne.

By referral through the Housing Options Team orother specified agencies. Alternatively you canapply direct yourself.

Admission is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Employment and home


General

Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Supported accommodation (general)

Catholic Children’s Rescue Society. Paid forpartly by the government’s Supporting Peoplefund.

Single, homeless, pregnant young women withor without a child.

16-25

Up to two years.

390 Parrs Wood RoadDidsburyManchesterM20 5NATel: 0161 445 7741

By referral through the Housing OptionsTeam or other statutory and voluntaryagencies such as Social Services, Probation, theNational Health Service, Midwife,Connexions and the Citizens Advice Bureau.



Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes


Contact Hostel.

Single, vulnerable, homeless young women notseeking to live with a partner or dependant.

Usually 16-19 (may accept over 19’s)

Up to two years.

339 Wilbraham RoadWhalley RangeManchesterM16 8GLTel: 0161 861 9806

By referral through the Housing Options Team orother statutory and voluntary agencies only.



Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes


Lorna Lodge (Manchester Methodist HousingAssociation). Paid for partly by thegovernment’s Supporting People fund.

Homeless pregnant women and women withchildren under five years old. Single women willalso be considered, depending on the availabilityof space.

16-25

Up to two years.

133-135 Barlow Moor RoadDidsburyManchesterM20 2PWTel: 0161 448 1071

By referral through the Housing Options Team orother specified agencies. Alternatively you canapply direct yourself.



Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Supported accommodation (general).

Salvation Army. Paid for partly by thegovernment’s Supporting People fund.

Single homeless young men with or withoutsupport needs.

18+

Up to two years.

1 Wilmott Street, ManchesterTel: 0161 236 75371 James Street, SalfordTel: 0161 831 7020Providence House, 2 High Street, RochdaleTel: 01706 645 151

By referral through the Housing OptionsTeam orother statutory and voluntary agencies.Alternatively you can apply direct yourself.

First-come, first-served basis (subject toplaces being available).


Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes


The Depaul Trust. Partly paid for by thegovernment’s Supporting People fund.

Single homeless young women, with or withoutchildren.

16 - 25

Up to two years.

88 Burnage LaneManchesterM19 2WLTel: 0161 224 5403

By referral through the Housing Options Teamor other specified agencies such as SocialServices and Probation.



Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes


The Limes (Christian Alliance HousingAssociation). Partly paid for by the government’sSupporting People fund.

Single homeless young men at risk.

16 - 30

Up to two years.

The Limes,76 Daisy Bank Road, Victoria Park,Manchester M14 5GLTel: 0161 224 5883

By referral through the Housing Options Teamor other statutory and voluntary agencies.If you make an application yourself, this maybe accepted depending on yourcircumstances.



Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Day Centre: provides free food, shower andclothing (general)

The Wellspring.

Anyone.

Any

As above.

The WellspringFletcher StreetStockportSK1 1WZTel: 0161 477 6344

Direct access when open.


Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes

Supported accommodation (mental health)

Greystones. Partly paid for by the government’sSupporting People fund.

Single, homeless, male applicants with low tomedium mental health needs.

35+

Up to two years.

215 Mossley RoadAshton-under-LyneOL6 6LXTel: 0161 330 1557

By referral through the Housing Options Teamor other statutory or voluntary agencies suchas Social Services, the National Health Serviceand the Community Practice Nurse (CPN).


Mental Health


Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes


Heaton Lodge and Clyde House. Partly paidfor by the government’s Supporting People fund.

Men or women with medium to high mentalhealth problems.

25 - 65

Up to two years, but can be more.

320 / 330 Wellington Road NorthHeaton ChapelStockportSK4 5BTTel: 0161 432 880

Apply through the Housing Options Teamwith help from the Community Practice Nurse(CPN) or through your Social Worker.This is to ensure that if you are assessed aseligible we can apply for and get more moneyfrom Supporting People and Social Services.Otherwise you would usually have to pay ahigher charge due to the high level of service.

No wating list is held.


Service

Provider


Age range

Length of stay

Contact details

How to apply

Notes


Next Step (Manchester Methodist HousingAssociation). Partly paid for by the government’sSupporting People fund.

Men with enduring mental health needs.

30+

Up to two years.

38 Palatine RoadWithingtonManchesterM20 3WJTel: 0161 446 2097

By referral through the Housing Options Team orother statutory and voluntary agencies such asthe Mental Health Team, Probation, CitizensAdvice Bureau, National Health Team oryou can apply direct yourself.



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SHL Option 1 Your Housing Options in Stockport


There are other leaflets in the series that you may find helpful:

SHL Option 2a Homechoice and other social housing- getting registered

SHL Option 2b Homechoice - How do I get a property?

SHL Option 3 Are you a young person being asked toleave home?

SHL Option 4 Looking for private rented accommodation?Struggling to find a deposit?

SHL Option 5 Housing Options for young parents

SHL Option 6 Housing Options for older people

SHL Option 7 Housing Options for people leaving prison

SHL Option 8 More than a home - A guide to with work,education and training

SHL Option 9 Are you homeless in Stockport?

SHL Option 11 Moving home or staying put- we can help

Accessing our services

This leaflet gives you information about temporary and supportedaccommodation in Stockport. If you would like a copy in large print,Braille, on audio tape or CD, please contact the Social Inclusion Teamon 0161 474 2860 or email: [email protected]

Ref:406

/July2009

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