Your customer newsletter
Issue 57 | February 2022
See Page 4 Read how we’re Keeping our Communities Safe on Pages 8-9
Covid-19 Vaccination Information
Page 16
Clothing Project A new clothing project offering a bundle of 10 items of children’s clothing that are new or nearly new for £2.00 has been set up. All clothes have been donated by tenants, colleagues at Stockport Homes and the local community. Tenants from our sheltered schemes have also assisted with sorting through the items of clothing, washing and bundling the clothes into age groups, which they have thoroughly enjoyed. A big “thank you” to those who have been supporting us. Watch out for a pop-up project coming to your area. The money raised from the project will go towards intergenerational activities in the community. If you would like to purchase a clothing bundle or donate any items of children’s clothing, please visit Lancashire Hill on Tuesdays 2pm - 5pm or Brecon Towers on Thursdays 2pm - 5pm, where the Independent Living team will be running the project. Alternatively, please contact the team on 0161 474 3773.
News We had our largest number of applications to the Community Fund in October following the ‘Funding the Future’ event, which brought a range of fundraisers and community groups together.
This led to the customer panel awarding
£26,258.80
to 18 successful applicants, including a gardening club, an online festival, day trips, art projects and sports projects. For more information or to apply for funding visit Foundations Stockport please click here or call 0161 218 1091 to speak to a member of the Customer Engagement and Inclusion Team
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With the cost of living increasing, we know many people are worried and struggling to make ends meet. Your Local Pantry is here to support you to access affordable, healthy food. For a membership fee of just £3.50 you can access food up to approximately £20. We also offer a family membership at the pantries for households of three or more people. It’s £6.50 for double the amount of food items in a standard pantry shop. In addition to the £6.50 family shop, we are offering families additional food shops during half-terms – be sure to become a member to receive these goods! Woodley Pantry (Woodley)
Penny Lane Pantry
(Lancashire Hill)
Mottram Street Pantry (Town Centre)
Pantry at Number 5
(Bridgehall)
Brinnington Pantry
Tuesday 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Tuesday 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Thursday 3.30pm – 5.30pm
Thursday 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Thursday 3.00pm – 6.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am – 1.00pm
Wednesday 10.00am – 11.30am
Friday 10.00am – 11.30am
(Brinnington)
Friday Friday 10.00am – 1.00pm 10.00am – 1.00pm
To sign up, head to our social media or go to www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk to become a member
Your Local Pantry is looking for volunteers. We are looking for:
• Driver volunteers able to collect supermarket donations and drop off at the pantries • Pantry shop assistants to open the pantry, support people shopping, replenish shelves and ensure the pantry is clean and tidy
Free training is provided in Food Hygiene and Manual Handling, plus various other training opportunities through Stockport Homes. Volunteer today to give something back to your local community.
• Pantry delivery assistants to put away all the food stock delivered before the pantry opens *Opening times correct at time of going to publication
Volunteering at the pantries offers a great experience, opening up lots of great employment opportunities to you.
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Email pantry@foundations-stockport.org or contact the Pantry Operations Officer on 07970 434134.
Our annual STAR awards took place at Offerton Community Centre on Friday 19th November 2021. These awards recognise local people who go above and beyond to support their communities to thrive and grow. All the nominees attended a glitzy evening awards event to celebrate the work of volunteers and community groups from across Stockport. The quality of nominations was very high, making it difficult for the judges to decide on the winners. After much deliberation, the very deserving winners were: Most dedicated Volunteer Award
Bernadette Sutton Special Recognition Susan Murphy Long Service Victoria Bundy Winner Community Project Award
Romney Way Residents SILVER Winner Heaton Norris Pavilion ESOL group BRONZE Winner
Green Thumbs GOLD Winner
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Young Person Award
Henry Jackson Special Recognition Hanna Ajaz Special Recognition Kaitlin Ten-Pierick Winner Covid Community Heroes Award
Your Local Pantry Volunteers Special Recognition
Sarah & Andrew Hardy Winners Personal Achievement Award
Community Group Awards
Lyndsey Edwards
Stockport Together
Winner
Winner
Keep a lookout on our social media sites and on our website this summer for nominations opening for this year’s awards!
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GREENSPACE Update Our Greenspace service delivers a range of services to customers in conjunction with our contractors and partners across Stockport.
Grounds Maintenance Update This service is delivered in partnership with Glendale and preparation work is currently underway to schedule the start of the annual grass cutting cycle and shrub/hedge maintenance works. If you would like to know when your next scheduled maintenance visit is due, please visit Glendale Local
stockporthomes.glendalelocal.co.uk
Community Centre Update Why not visit your local community centre! There are lots of great activities taking place – such as yoga, dancing and art classes, and they’re venues for local Scout groups and choirs. If you are interested in using one of the venues for community activities or to host an event, get in touch or visit our dedicated website stockporthomes.communitybookings.co.uk To take a virtual tour of the centres or to arrange a visit, get in touch via email: venues@stockporthomes.org or tel: 0161 474 2222.
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Tree Service Update During winter, in partnership with the Stockport Council arborist (tree surgeon) team, over 10,000 trees had a survey carried out on them. A new tree contractor ‘idverde’ was appointed following a successful procurement exercise to carry out a programme of tree maintenance works. As part of the Stockport Climate Strategy and ‘CAN’ (Climate Action Now) project, we have teamed up with the Stockport Council arborist (tree surgeon) team to deliver a programme of tree planting over the next ten years.
During Spring 2022, this will include the planting of over
150 trees.
If you would like to find out more, please visit www.stockport.gov.uk/stockport-climate-action-now-can-fund
REMINDER
Get Ready! Stockport Homes Annual Garden Competition 2022 will be launching soon, look out for further information on our social media pages and website.
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New Anti-Social Behaviour Strategy for 2022-25 We are passionate about ensuring our communities are safe for our customers.
Our three-year ASB Strategy and Action Plan outlined a number of actions which have now been completed, these included launching our ReMote reporting app, delivering ASB prevention activities for young people and investing in our CCTV systems across Stockport. Our 2022-25 ASB Strategy has now been developed, following customer focus groups and online consultations. We want to thank all the customers and partners who helped us develop the strategy, ensuring we continue to keep your neighbourhoods safe.
The strategy and action plan will come into force in April 2022. If you would like to see a copy, please visit www.stockporthomes.org/asb or contact asbteam@stockporthomes.org.
New Rapid Deployable CCTV Systems We have invested in new ‘Rapid Deployable Cameras’ (RDCs). These cameras are available to be deployed in areas of concern where residents are affected by serious anti-social behaviour. The first set of cameras were installed on lampposts in neighbourhoods in January 2022, where it is hoped they will capture quality evidence for enforcement action, or act as a deterrent to those wishing to carry on their involvement in ASB. We are delighted that we have been able to improve our CCTV offer to customers and aim to continually install these cameras across Stockport neighbourhoods over the coming months. 8
Guidance for Domestic CCTV systems including Doorbell Cameras Anyone who owns and operates CCTV cameras or any other CCTV technology including doorbell cameras needs to be aware of data protection law. If you set up your system so it captures only images within the boundary of your private domestic property (including your garden), then the data protection laws will not apply to you. But if your system captures images of people outside the boundary of your private domestic property – for example, in neighbours’ homes or gardens, shared spaces, or on a public footpath or a street then the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA18) will apply to you, and you will need to ensure your use of CCTV complies with these laws. We would advise that you inform your immediate neighbours if you are installing one in order to reassure them that their properties are not being recorded and what you will do with images recorded.
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An exciting range of training was delivered in 2021 and we look forward to welcoming you back or meeting you for the first time in 2022. Our Training Team delivers multiple sessions covering our themes of Employment, Health & Wellbeing and Community; make 2022 your year of learning and development. Here is a small selection of what’s happening in the coming months: • Mindfulness – a fantastic suite of sessions that support you to channel your inner calm. • Manual Handling & Safeguarding – Excellent accredited single sessions which can be a great addition to your CV. • Volunteer Induction – If you would like to get more involved in community activity, learn what makes a great volunteer and how you get the best from all the opportunities out there.
Speak to one of the team at customer.training@stockporthomes.org or call us on 0161 474 2862 for a full schedule of upcoming training. If all that training is making you think of a new career, sign up to work with our Employment Team! Our Employment Team helped 293 people into work last year. Our free service is available to everyone in the Borough and the team are on hand to help you to super charge your CV, streamline your job searching, submit that quality application and then prepare for the all-important interview.
Interview coaching and preparation is often the difference between success and disappointment – contact the Employment Team on 0161 474 2862 or email us on employmentsupport@stockporthomes.org and make 2022 your year for success!
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Community News Mobility Scooter Remindervice (GMFRS) to ensure
r Fire and Rescue Ser We work closely with Greater Mancheste all fire safety regulations. blocks of flats that we manage meet all times to rnal communal areas remain clear at It is essential that corridors and all inte . allow for a safe exit in the event of a fire
in corridors or Mobility scooters cannot be stored in any internal communal areas.
. If this is not possible, you must speak flat own r you in with t kep be lly, idea , These should e. who will provide advice on safe storag cer, Offi sing Hou d hoo our ghb Nei r you to tinue to or, Neighbourhood Housing Officers con ess ass risk nt nde epe ind our with ng Alo g scooters will pay particular attention to ensurin complete safety visits in all blocks and are stored safely. to oter, consideration should be made as sco y bilit mo a ting get ring side con If you are and charged. how and where it will be safely stored nal areas not be granted to store these in commu Please be aware that permission will under any circumstances. (option 4) to d Housing Officer on 0161 217 6016 Please contact your Neighbourhoo and financial loss. discuss your options to avoid upset
Are you eligible for a Hom
e Fire Safety
Assessment? We work in close partners hip with Greater Mancheste r Fire and Rescue Service to ensure that the risk of fire (GMFRS) posed to our customers is minimised. GMFRS provides a Home Fire Safety Assessment (H FSA), the HFSA is a free vis home by the Fire and Resc it to your ue Service. During the visit, they will provide fire safety and equipment depending advice on risk. They will also talk to you about your health, ho environment and your daily me activities in order to underst and your fire risk and provid best advice for you. e the If you are concerned that your physical or mental he alth, home environment or daily activitie s might increase your fire risk or reduce your chances of escape, yo u may be eligible for a HFSA . To find out whether you are eligible for a HFSA, fol low the link below and complete the online home fire safety ch eck
www.manchesterfire.gov .uk/your-safety/hfsa/
If you are unable to acce ss the online tool, you ca n contact GMFRS by phone on 0800 555 815.
We will keep your identity confidential where possible.
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Community News Investment in Fire Precaution ks Works to Tower Blocenh ancements mme We have been delivering capital progra ty of customers at to improve the fire precautions and safe ckport. all 22 high rise tower blocks across Sto risk of a fire spreading These works are aimed at reducing the er properties within to communal areas and from custom d the installation of blocks. As such, the work has include ectors, the renewal of sprinkler systems, heat and smoke det es and cross corridor fire accredited flat entrance doors/fram doors/frames. ivered works to The programme has successfully del 1,571 homes in high-rise blocks. r a two-year period, with These works have been delivered ove difficult periods, such as several contractors delivering during . during Covid-19 lockdown restrictions
Did you know that an unchecked gas appliance can possibly emit dangerous fumes such as carbon monoxide?
Did you know that an unchecked or altered electrical wiring system may be the cause of electrical fires? We ask that when you receive an appointment letter from Stockport Homes requesting access for these free Safety Checks, that access is given promptly to avoid any possibility of a safety incident occurring.
It is in your interest as well as ours to keep safe, so take advantage of these free checks.
If you require assistance in arranging an appointment, dealing with fuel bill debts, or you require advice on what you need to do, please do not hesita te to contact the Customer Safety Team.
The Customer Safety Team hold records of all due dates and send appointment letters in good time to allow you to prepare. Help us to help you stay safe.
Telephone: 0161 218 1944 Email: Customersafety.domestic@stockporthomes.org.
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w that last year ve home? Did you kno Are you looking to mo ge than through mutual exchan more customers moved realistic a rs offe ge han Mutual exc through transferring? area. No new a to ze or simply move way to upsize, downsi you don’t as m, ble pro a t No ? list priority on the transfer ge. able to mutually exchan need any points to be ther ano with e ere you swap your hom . A mutual exchange is wh ant ten n atio oci ass sing es or hou council, Stockport Hom
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Facebook page to see ‘Like’ our Homechoice hange adverts exc l tua current mu mechoicestockport ww w.facebook.com/ho
4
Register free on HOUSE
EXCHANGE
move outside of (Especially if you want to
.org ww w.houseexchange
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tion to tch or need more informa Once you have found a ma hange Exc l ase contact the Mutua progress your search, ple rg s.o me ho ort kp ange@Stoc Officers on mutualexch t por sup and ice adv or 0161 217 6016 for to find a mutual exchange.
Are you looking to move house soon?
Whether you are looking to tran sfer into another Stockport Homes property or are moving away from Stockport Homes, it’s worth tak ing some extra time to make sure you leave your hom e clear and free from rubbish to avoid unnecessary and sometimes costly recharges. Properties must be free from rub bish; this includes items you may have left behind neatly bagged up. If you are transferring to anothe r Stockport Homes property and have items you will struggle to remove, please talk to your Neighbourhoo d Housing Officer when they come to carry out your property inspection. If you are leaving Stockport Homes, your housing officer is still able to give you advice on how best to leave your property to avoid unnecessary charges.
ess
Safeguarding is everyone’s busin on or vulnerable adult is being
d, young pers If you are concerned that a chil
harmed or abused you must act.
d includes:
Abuse can take many forms an
red • Being physically beaten and inju sed • Being left alone and not supervi ied and • Being called names, being bull humiliated loited • Being sexually abused or exp
basic needs • Being neglected by not having and comfortable safe and such as food, clothing surroundings provided or income • Misusing someone’s property in all settings • People from all walks of life and can be abused
harm) ble adults (i.e. protecting them from era vuln and ple peo ng you n, dre Safeguarding chil s this information on. you have concerns you must pas is everyone’s responsibility and if ice on 999. danger then please ring the pol ate edi imm in is e eon som k If you thin l you should still pass the If your concerns are not at that leve en) ial Care on 0161 217 6029 (Childr information on by contacting Soc you with ns cer y will discuss your con and 0161 217 6028 (Adults) - the e of wish to raise a concern outsid and advise on next steps. If you 8 (Children and Adults). office hours contact 0161 718 211 h are when raising concerns althoug You do not have to say who you nt tion, however the most importa this does help to confirm informa ns on. thing is that you pass your concer
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We are proud to be part of Houseproud NW which looks at LGBT+ issues in the social housing sector across the North West. As part of this initiative, the customer group ‘Rainbow Roofs’ has been set up for LGBT+ tenants. The group meets once a month and focuses on raising the voices of LGBT+ customers and the issues that may affect them. For more information please contact martin.handley@stockporthomes.org For further information please see the following on Twitter
@RoofsRainbow
@Houseproud_NW
Getting in touch
Our teams are always on hand to help with any questions you have. You can get in touch with us via our social media channels, which are monitored 7 days a week between 9am and 10pm.
@StockportHomes You can also contact us through our webchat function on the Stockport Homes website during office hours. Our reception is now back open to customers; check our website for the latest opening hours. You can also contact us on
0161 217 6016 and then select the option you need. Hi! My name is
Webster
Stockport Homes’ new chat bot. How can I help?
Click on Webster’s image in the bottom right-hand corner of our website www.stockporthomes.org to get speedy answers to your queries. Webster is available to answer your queries 24/7, 365 days a year.
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Lancashire Hill
To residents of our Lancashire Hill estate, we are pleased to announce that we have secured £245K funding to install new equipment to improve your heat network! This will improve system performance, efficiencies and aim to reduce your heating costs. You can read more about the fund here.
Government Consultation
New Stockport Homes website - A chance to have your say
The Government is consulting on a new set of measures that enable tenants to understand how their landlord is performing on 22 measures across the five themes of: keeping properties in good repair, maintaining building safety, effective complaints handling, respectful and helpful tenant engagement and responsible neighbourhood management.
We are excited to say that we will be launching a new Stockport Homes website in the Spring. We want to make it even easier and quicker for you to find the information you need. We have listened to feedback that you have already provided on the existing website to put together some ideas for improvements. This is where we need your help! We would like to run some ideas past you.
The Government is asking for the views of landlords and tenants. Stockport Homes would be interested in your views on the proposals, which can be accessed on the Government website by going to shorturl.at/cnyOT and there are a range of questions within the consultation document.
If you would like to be involved, you can email marketing@stockporthomes. org with the subject ‘Stockport Homes website consultation’ and we will send you the details. Or keep an eye on our website and social media channels for more information.
If you have any views on the proposal that you would like Stockport Homes to incorporate, please email them to Rob.lloyd@stockporthomes.org, or alternatively you can respond directly to the Government.
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Covid-19 Vaccination The Covid vaccination programme is open to everyone who has yet to have their booster, as well as those who require their first and/or second dose.
The Covid vaccine is the best way you can protect yourself, your loved ones and friends from the worst effects of Covid-19. If you have had the first and second dose, then your protection decreases over time. The booster will ensure you are ‘topped up’ to prevent getting symptomatic infection and safeguard against severe disease and death. Your invite will tell you how to book your vaccine. To book, use the online NHS booking service: www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/book-coronavirusvaccination/ if you require a: • 1st / 2nd dose for people aged 12 years old and over • Booster for people aged 16 years old and over • 3rd dose for those with a severely weakened immune system aged 16 years and over Walk-in centres are also available and can be located by visiting the NHS Stockport CCG website: www.stockportccg.nhs.uk/news/covid-19-vaccination-options You do not need an NHS number or GP registration to get vaccinated. People can use a walk-in vaccination centre or book a COVID-19 vaccination appointment as an unregistered patient.
You can get free copies of newsletters and other documents from Stockport Homes on audiotape, CD or in large print. For more information, please contact Phil Rhodes: on telephone 0161 474 2860 16text 07891 949 399, email phil.rhodes@stockporthomes.org