QuarterTurn - Supporting our veterans - Bolton at Home
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QuarterTurn
Bringing people together
Supporting
our veterans
Issue 3
Use your voice Features Hello and welcome to the
third edition of Quarter Turn.
Join the new Tenant Voice programme
Tenant engagement is about surveys, events and tenant We’ll be asking Tenant Voice
4 Helping us
create a
better repairs
There is a housing crisis in this country. Bolton,
like other places, has a shortage of safe, good quality
and affordable housing for people to rent or buy.
you playing a role in how we groups. We now want to members for ideas on how service for you This is why we’re working hard to provide new homes
plan and deliver services. encourage more of you, best to engage with people Thanks for sharing as well as investing in your homes.
We want to give you the from a range of different living in our communities. your views.
More good quality homes manifesto. We now need
opportunity to challenge backgrounds and age groups, This might include snapshot
9
will keep communities and Parliament’s support to help
our performance, shape to get involved with us. And surveys, door-to-door visits, Celebrations families together and avoid the us fix the housing crisis for
our services and hold us to we want to adopt a more focus groups, social media and all round necessity for people to have good with government funding
account. We recognise that conversational approach, with local community groups and to live in unsuitable homes, to support development
good engagement leads communication that’s two-way there’ll be opportunities to do Extra care
tenants came overcrowded conditions, with programmes. Please read pages
to more customer-focused and more targeted. some volunteering. ex-partners or parents, or being 16 and 17 for more information
services, better use of our together for a
That’s why we’re launching We’ll be launching Tenant made homeless. on this.
resources and increased special event.
a new tenant involvement Voice in the coming months Housing associations up and Our intent is not to be confused
customer satisfaction.
12
programme called Tenant and we’ll keep you posted in down the land see the true with making money. We work
Over the last eight years, Voice – and we want you Quarter Turn. Meet our Board scale of demand every day. for people, not profits, and we
hundreds of you have got to join us. leaders When a two or three bedroom reinvest any surpluses we make
involved with us – through Getting up close home becomes available with to benefit all of our tenants.
Bolton at Home, it’s not unusual
with our Chair and We’re providing new homes
that we receive over a hundred
Deputy Chair. where they’re needed, where
applications for each one.
Bolton at Home numbers We also share the ambition to
land is available and where
it’s financially viable to do so.
create an age-friendly Greater And our work goes beyond
14
Antisocial behaviour Bolton at Home repairs Careline
01204 328 143 01204 328 000 01204 335 732
Supporting Manchester. A quarter of the bricks and mortar. We’re a
01204 335 733 veterans Bolton’s population is aged over charitable community benefit
Antisocial behaviour 65 and the number of people society focused on making
out of office hours 01204 335 782 We’re committed
to supporting aged over 85 is expected to people’s lives better where we
0800 915 9228 increase by a third over the can. We do this by providing
armed forces
next 10 years. This is why we tenants and residents with
veterans.
Useful numbers
need to provide more homes opportunities and support to
to be able to help more people prosper.
in later life. Doing this will also
When you read or see that
Get in touch
Age UK Advice 0800 169 6565 Deaf and Blind society Greater Manchester prevent an over-reliance on
01733 358 100 Fire Service Bolton at Home is developing
Age UK Bolton 01204 382 411 health and social care services
Emergency 999 new homes it’s because they’re
Disability Service Centre and reduce hospital admissions.
Bolton Carers Support General enquiries 0161 736 5866 To contact us about essential for some people and
Disability Living Allowance Good quality housing and good
01204 363 056 Quarter Turn, phone will benefit all tenants in some
(DLA) Greater Manchester Police health go hand-in-hand.
Bolton Council 01204 333 333 01204 329712 or email way. We’re a landlord with a
If you were born on Emergency 999 In the run-up to the General social purpose, doing what we
Bolton Social Care Non-emergency 101 news@boltonathome.org.uk.
or before 8 April 1948 Election, we asked candidates can to fix the housing crisis.
01204 337 777 0800 731 0122 NHS Direct (24 hr) For all other customer for their support to fix the
Thank you and best
Citizens Advice Bureau If you were born after 0845 4647 enquiries, phone our housing crisis and called on
wishes.
0344 411 1444 Contact Centre Team on each political party to make
8 April 1948 0800 121 4600 Pension Service - provides
01204 328000. housing a priority in their The Editorial Team
Carers Allowance Unit Attendance Allowance (AA) details of the State Pension,
0800 731 0297 0800 731 0122 including pension statements
and how to claim your pension
Carers Direct Helpline For Personal Independence Keep your personal details up-to-date
0800 731 7898
0300 123 1053 Payment (PIP) 0800 121 4433 If your personal details or communication preferences change, please let us know so that we can
Royal Bolton Hospital keep your records up-to-date. This will help us to ensure that we are able to correspond with you
Crimestoppers Gas Emergency Services line 01204 390 390 appropriately, for example to send your rent statement.
0800 555 111 0800 111 999
2 3
Helping us
create a
better repairs
service for you
Thanks for sharing your views
For many of you, the repair What you’ve told us
and maintenance of your
home is the most important Each month, we survey a • Some of you felt the in one visit if extra time or complaints and so we
service we provide so it’s sample of tenants who’ve had 24 hour timescale for parts are needed, to save try to prevent this. Still,
essential that we get it a recent repair to their home. emergency repairs could you the inconvenience of expanding our scheduling
right. We want to give you We make sure the sample visiting your home to carry be too long in some cases - a follow-up appointment of appointments where we
a repairs service where jobs is representative of different out emergency, urgent or mainly for more vulnerable another day. Jobs not can is something we’ll now
are completed quickly, with circumstances and types of routine repairs, and asked tenants such as some being completed on first consider.
minimum fuss and to your repairs needed. Feedback about convenient times and older people, those with appointment are common
satisfaction. over the last six months days for us to visit you from disabilities and families with
showed: Monday to Saturday. young children. We already
To make sure our repairs What happens next
service is the best it can • 94.6% of those surveyed We put this survey out on prioritise visits to our most
were satisfied with how we our website, Facebook and vulnerable tenants, so it We’ve reviewed our repairs policy, considering the
be, we’ve listened to your feedback you and other tenants have given us recently
feedback in reviewing dealt with a recent repair; Twitter. We publicised it was helpful to know we
at our UCAN centres and need to communicate this and previously, and we’re also making sure it’s up-to-date
what we currently do and • The main things you with new legislation.
identifying ways to improve. were unhappy about through our Contact Centre, more widely and clearly.
Over the last six months, were the time taken to and we invited former • Late afternoon or evening We’re looking to upgrade our service by replacing
we’ve sought your views complete a repair and the members of the previous appointments were the bathroom and kitchen doors, replacing failed double
and considered your recent communication from us. Voices tenant consultation most popular times. glazing in any room and upgrading ventilation before we
experiences of services group to take part. We We do offer a range of re-let a home.
We also ran a repairs policy received more than 100
received. We’re now revising appointment times, the The updated policy will come into effect from late March,
survey in October. The responses to this survey –
our repairs policy, taking into reason we suggest morning with Board approval. We’ll give you details about changes
survey invited you to tell thank you to those who got
account your feelings and appointments is to allow in the policy, through our website and in the next edition
us how reasonable you involved. The main findings
ideas for a better service. more time to finish the job of this newsletter.
think our timescales are for were:
4 5
Investing in
your home
Every year we spend millions improving homes to make
sure they’re safe, modern and more energy efficient. This
financial year (April 2019 to end March 2020) we’re investing
£21 million. Key areas of projected spend include:
of environmental standard and safety of your Tenant safety is our top
Prioritising
improvements to enhance home. For instance, new priority and we’ll continue to
the work
the appearance of our legislation is due to come work with other professionals
neighbourhoods. With around 18,000 homes into force this year following such as Greater Manchester
across the borough, it’s the Grenfell fire. The Fire and Rescue and the local
important for us to prioritise government is consulting authority building control
Heating Electrics work so that we invest in the social housing sector department to ensure that
We’re spending £3 million We’re spending £1.7 million the right places and achieve on the recommendations you’re safe and secure at
improving heating systems on electrical improvements, value for money. There are made in the independent home.
in 1,083 homes, including including re-wiring in a number of ways that we review led by Dame Judith
fitting energy efficient boilers 282 homes. We’re also Windows do this. Hackitt, which focuses on To help us keep you and
and radiators. continuing with our five-year and doors Firstly, we carry out stock creating and maintaining your family safe, please
electrical testing programme condition surveys. This safe buildings.
We’re spending allow us access to your
to help us identify homes involves doing a physical
£1 million on window Thirdly, as well as the gas home to carry out
that need electrical upgrades. check of each property and
and door replacements. safety checks that we’re any important safety
We’re carrying out our we use a contractor to help required to do by law, we checks by keeping
‘MOT’ window programme us do this. A full survey of also do additional health the appointment we
to extend the life of all our properties can take up and safety checks. This make with you. Please
Fire safety to three years to complete includes carrying out risk remember we always
existing units.
We’re investing £2.3 million and we’re part way through assessments that look at carry proof of our
in our fire safety programme our current survey. areas such as fire safety, identity so don’t let
Environmental
which includes fitting new work Secondly, we take account lift safety and the presence anyone into your home
fire doors and other safety of any new government of asbestos or legionella. without checking who
measures. We’re investing £300,000 they are. Thank you.
legislation around the
into a range
6 7
Stay well
this winter
If you’re over 65 or have a long-term health condition, you’re
entitled to a free flu vaccination at your local GP practice or
pharmacy. As the winter snap takes hold, Public Health England
is urging people to get their jabs soon.
It’s especially important if Tips to keep you • Take care in icy conditions
you have an existing health warm and stay well – wear shoes with a good
problem because getting grip, put grit or cat litter
flu might put you at risk of Cold weather can affect your on paths and driveways
more serious complications. health as it can weaken your and wait until the roads
immune system. Follow have been gritted before
Celebrations
If you’re not sure whether these tips to keep you, your
you’re eligible, contact your travelling by car;
family and those around
GP surgery or see your you warm and well in cold • If you have reduced
local pharmacist for advice. weather: mobility, are 65 or
The NHS website also gives over, or have a health
all round
advice on who can get a free • Block out draughts by condition such as heart
flu jab. Visit www.nhs.uk/ drawing your curtains at or lung disease, you
conditions/vaccinations/who- dusk and keeping your should heat your home
should-haveflu-vaccine to doors closed; to at least 18°C and keep
...for our extra care tenants
find out more. • Keep your energy levels your bedroom at this
up – have regular hot temperature all night;
Remember – even drinks, keep well hydrated, • Make sure you’re receiving
if you don’t suffer eat two or three meals a any benefits you’re entitled
from the effects of flu day and at least one hot to, such as the Winter
yourself, you can still meal a day if possible; Fuel Payment and Cold
Ninety tenants from our four extra care schemes came together for a
pass the virus on to • Wrap up warm with several Weather Payment. special event to celebrate the fundraising work and community spirit
those around you. light layers of clothes and where they live. The event, held on 1 October 2019 at The Holiday
Age UK has some helpful
keep as active as possible advice on how to keep warm Inn, coincided with the International Day of Older Persons which aims
in your home; and well this winter. Visit to raise awareness of the contribution older people make to society.
www.ageuk.org.uk to find
out more.
8 9
The celebration was a party along with Jon Lord,
culmination of 12 months our Chief Executive and John
of fundraising which has Livesey, Chief Executive
provided a range of activities of Bolton Cares, the care
for tenants to enjoy – such provider at our schemes. thank everyone involved by CVS (Community and health and mental wellbeing; schemes and the committee
as pottery classes, painting, having a big celebration. Voluntary Services) and they reduce feelings of has done an amazing job
IT classes and social events. Keeping active some local fundraising. isolation and provide topics bringing people together
“We had a lovely
This work has been led by and social time at the Holiday Denise Harris, our Tenancy of conversation for several over the last year. I’m sure
the Four Seasons Unite months. we’ll see similar efforts from
Eileen Walsh, Chair of Inn. The meal was Sustainment and Support
Committee, the enthusiastic the group this year.”
tenants’ group which
the Four Seasons Unite fantastic and the staff Manager for the extra care “There’s a strong sense of
Committee, said: “We’ve were wonderful. They schemes, says: “This was community across all of the
represents those living at
had a busy year raising went out of their way the first event of its kind
Merton House in Deane,
funds to provide activities to make our visit as for people living in our
Eldon Street in Tonge, and
that tenants have asked enjoyable as possible. extra care schemes. There
Maxton House and Campbell
for. It’s important for us all I would definitely have been tea parties and
House in Farnworth.
to stay active and socialise other social gatherings in
It was great to see so recommend going
with others, and it’s never community centres but this
many tenants come to the too late to learn new skills.
there again.”
is the first time we’ve had
event. It included a three- Those taking part have The event was funded a formal event at a hotel.
course meal, dancing and really enjoyed the sessions through a grant from the It was very much led by
entertainment provided by and Bolton at Home staff National Lottery Awards the tenants and it was a
an Elvis impersonator. The have supported us with our for All, a Bolton at Home pleasure for staff to give
Mayor of Bolton, Councillor funding applications. So we Community Investment support where we could.
Hilary Fairclough, joined the thought it would be nice to Grant delivered by Bolton Events like this are good for
10 11
Meet our 2. What do you like
most about working/
living in Bolton?
Ibby: Muhammad Ali – he
was such an inspiration of
mine growing up. I would
5. What does your
perfect weekend look
like?
Board leaders
love to talk to him about all
Ian: Bolton is a borough with the experiences he has had Ian: Sunshine, a long cycle
a proud sense of history. I in life. ride, a walk in the Yorkshire
love the idea of helping an Dales to the pub, a family
important organisation work Hovis Presley – a genius barbecue and a Jack Reacher
to support a dynamic future. of a poet and totally under novel to get stuck into.
Getting up close with our Chair and Deputy Chair Ibby: It may be a cliché
appreciated. I truly believe
we should name a street Ibby: Watching sports,
but clichés become clichés after the best poet to come particularly football or
On 1 October two of because they’ve been proven out of Bolton. boxing, or catching a show
Ian to be true. For me, it’s the at the Octagon Theatre
our non executive Ibby
directors took up people of Bolton. Living and Tracy Woods – Under her or The Royal Exchange in
new positions on the working in Bolton you get Chairship of Bolton at Home Manchester.
Board. Ian Munro has to meet the most brilliant, I learned so much and she is
one of those kind souls who We’ll be keeping in touch
taken over as Chair, innovative and friendly with Ian and Ibby and
while Ibrahim Ismail people. Even if you agree or wants everyone to be the
best they can be. Plus she’s will bring you more from
has been appointed as disagree, the common theme them in future editions of
Deputy Chair. is that people are passionate still alive so it would be easier
than the other two. Quarter Turn.
and proud about Bolton.
Ian has decades of
experience in housing and 3. If you could invite 4. Do you have a We’d like to thank our
community investment. three people (dead or motto that you live former Chair, Tracy
He is the former director alive) for a coffee and by or any words of Woods, for the valuable
of housing for Tameside, wisdom that you’ve contribution she made to
a chat, who would it
Greater Manchester, and learned from someone the organisation. Tracy
civilised society and it’s an be and why? was named most effective
also led the transfer of its 1. What do you enjoy else?
16,000 council homes to New about your role on appalling dereliction of each Ian: Admiral Lord Nelson board member at the
government over the last 40 would be my first choice. Ian: No real specific motto 2017 Women in Housing
Charter Group as its Chief the Board and why but a very strong set of
Executive in 2000. Ibrahim years that this has not been He was a master tactician, Awards.
are you interested in values and principles from
(Ibby) is a Development the case. I want us to do strategist and probably the
social housing? everything we can to help my Mam and Dad. We’re also extremely
Manager at Bolton Solidarity world’s first true superstar!
Ian: Bolton at Home is one people live their best life. grateful to Kevin McKeon,
Community Association Stephen Fry – he’s witty, Ibby: “Life’s not about how
of Greater Manchester’s who has stepped down
(BSCA) and Chair of Bolton Ibby: What I enjoy most clever and erudite. hard of a hit you can give...
leading housing providers. from his role as Deputy
CVS and Homestart. about my role is that I can it’s about how many you can
Delivering high quality Barack Obama – I’m a huge Chair but will continue to
He is a social housing play a part in helping tenants take, and still keep moving
services and supporting fan of the telly programme serve as a board member.
tenant and a champion of be at the heart of Bolton forward.” Sylvester Stallone in
communities and individuals The West Wing and he is the
community involvement and at Home’s future – in the Rocky. Find out more
is at the heart of what we closest we’ve come to Jed
empowerment. provision of homes and also about our board
do. My job is to help make Bartlett! More importantly, he
We wanted to find out more by ensuring that people and was of course the first black members by going to:
sure we have the resources
about Ian and Ibby so we neighbourhoods thrive rather president. www.boltonathome.org.
to continue to do this. I think
asked them five get to know than just survive in Bolton. uk/about-the-board
good affordable homes must
you questions: be a top priority for any
12 13
Supporting
our veterans
We’re committed to supporting armed forces veterans and
their families living in our neighbourhoods. It’s important Keith gets that
community feeling
that our ex-servicemen and women have the support they
need to re-engage with society and create a fulfilling life for
themselves.
Our commitment was further
strengthened in 2018 when
we signed the Armed Forces
“Isolation, depression,
addiction and unemployment
are common among
• budgeting and debt advice
• finding work
back again
Covenant with our Greater veterans. By signing the • dealing with mental health
Manchester housing provider covenant we’re one of a problems
After nine years in the army, Keith Pollitt thought that life as
partners. The covenant number of organisations • overcoming addiction
has been created to raise committed to making a civilian would be easier. But a stint in prison, being a single
awareness of the issues sure that veterans are • being an active member parent to two boys and overcoming a life-threatening illness
faced by veterans and to not disadvantaged and of the community.
has been tough. Now able to see a better future for himself,
give them access to services have access to the same Veterans and their
that offer support and opportunities as everyone families needing support
55-year-old Keith tells us his story.
opportunities to progress. else.” should contact us on
Craig Hardman, Head of Veteran champions 01204 328000. “I was 19 when I joined “During the mid eighties, I hard to adapt to civilian
Homefinder Services, is the army. I wanted to did three tours in Northern life. There wasn’t much
As well as signing the Other support be an engineer so I went Ireland. On the last tour, I support then and I probably
Bolton at Home’s veterans’ covenant, we have gone one
support champion. He says: available: into the Royal Electrical was on night patrol when a wouldn’t have asked for it
step further. We now have and Mechanical Engineers television was dropped onto if there was. When I was in
“Leaving the military and a network of staff across Veterans UK: Free (REME). I did two years’ me from a flat above. All I the forces, I was told to ‘put
going back to civilian life the organisation who’ve Helpline (UK only) training and stayed in the remember is waking up in up and shut up’ so that’s
can be a very difficult volunteered to support the 0808 1914 218 army for a further seven Cambridge Military Hospital. what I did.
transition. Men and women ex-servicemen and women
SSAFA (formerly years. There were highs I suffered a broken neck and “I began drinking heavily
in the services get used to a living in our communities.
known as Soldiers, and lows but looking back, I collarbone. If I hadn’t had – working up to a bottle of
strict routine and being told The initiative, led by Craig
Sailors, Airmen and enjoyed being a soldier and my helmet on, I would have whiskey a day. One night,
what to do. To then leave Hardman, will see our
that structured setting and ‘veteran champions’ working Family Association): feeling part of a community. died.” I got into a fight and was
find a place in society with with individuals and making 0800 731 4880 I got the opportunity to go Leaving the army later convicted of assault.
a home and a job is a big referrals to services provided Combat Stress: overseas and work with the I spent seven months in
Royal Canadian Mounted “I left the army at 28 as a
adjustment. by us – such as money 0800 138 1619 prison. When I returned to
Police, which was a great qualified and experienced
advice – and other specialist Bolton, I managed to get
Royal British Legion: experience. engineer. But I struggled
agencies. This means we work as a bouncer on the
can help with: 0808 802 8080 to find work and found it
doors in town.
14 15
“By this time, I had two hospital, money was still a
boys with my partner. The problem. I got support from
relationship didn’t last and I the Money Advice Team at
got sole custody. As a single my local UCAN centre which
parent with two kids aged was a big help.
one and three, life wasn’t “It was at the centre where
easy. Money was tight and, I later found out about a
after a few months, we volunteer programme in
ended up homeless. We Slovenia supported by Bolton
were put into a homeless at Home. They wanted
hostel in Farnworth and people to go out there for
that’s where I met the a month and refurbish a
person who would become respite centre for children
my wife. She had three with cerebral palsy. I was
children of her own so when encouraged to go but I’d
we eventually moved into a spent the previous two years
house on Johnson Fold, we at home on a feeding tube
had five children, aged one for 16 hours a day, so my
to five.” confidence was low.”
Overcoming illness Community life
“Things started to look “I decided to go to Slovenia
up job-wise. I got work and it changed my life. It
as an engineer, and then gave me purpose and a
set up a steelworks and sense of belonging again.
engineering company with When I got home I looked
a work colleague. We had for other community
25 employees working projects to get involved in.
on projects in Bolton and ‘Men in Sheds’, a project
Manchester. Life was good supported by Bolton at
for about eight years until Home, seemed like a good
I was diagnosed with bowel start. The project enables
cancer. I had to have an men to come together, get
operation which left me involved in practical tasks
weak and I got sepsis twice. and socialise with each It’s such a good idea for ex The Johnson Fold Men
I recovered from that, but other. servicemen like me who in Sheds group meets
then contracted Necrotising can relax and talk in a non every Monday, 10am
Fasciitis – a bacterial “Nine months on and I’m judgemental setting. - 1pm at the Sabden
infection which eats away now running the local group
I have to say that the team Road allotments.
at skin and tissue. I lost a at Johnson Fold! We’ve
at the Johnson Fold UCAN Other groups are run
large part of my abdomen managed to get a £1,500
Centre has been brilliant, at the Oldhams Estate,
and have since had 15 grant to build a workshop
giving me emotional and Breightmet, Willow
reconstructive operations. for the community – so I’m
financial support. No-one Hey, Tonge Moor and
working on that three days a
“I was initially in hospital for needs to put up and shut Harwood. For more
week. It will be a great place
seven months and while I up. There’s help in the information visit
for people to do all sorts of
was there, my wife moved community if you look for it.” meninshedsbolton.
things like repairing bikes
out of our home. When I left weebly.com
and building bird tables.
16 17
Creating more
still when compared across
Housing explained Greater Manchester.
aim of providing 1,400 new
A home for social rent: Our new homes in Bolton
affordable homes by April 2024
this is a property with a rent will usually be for affordable
in Bolton and beyond. We’re
homes for local
set at a ‘social’ rate and is rent. This is because funding
also continuing to invest in and
determined by a formula set them is based on the amount
improve our existing homes.
by the government. It takes of grant subsidy that we can
While our focus will be on into account the number of get from the government
providing homes for rent, we’re bedrooms in the home, the for developing here. We
people
also developing housing for value of the property and want our new homes to be
shared ownership through our local average earnings. as affordable as possible for
Stonecross Homes brand. We’re
A home for affordable people. Where we can, we’ll
Tackling the housing shortage offering a greater choice of
affordable housing and helping
rent: this is a property with try to make them available
a rent set at an ‘affordable’ to rent at local Housing
people onto the property ladder
rate, usually 80% of the local Allowance rates. This would
in areas where market prices
As we continue to invest and buy. This means that needed. In 2017-18, just 6,463 average market rent level cap rents at a level below the
tend to be higher.
in existing homes and thousands of people can’t social housing properties were (or typically what private affordable rent rate.
communities, we’re also get onto the housing ladder. built in England, down from Shared ownership offers a more landlords might charge). A home for shared
committed to providing According to payscale.com, 30,000 a decade before. affordable way to buy a home Because average house prices ownership: this is a property
more new homes. This the average salary in Bolton and there’s a demand for it in are lower in Bolton compared that can be part bought and
article looks at the state in 2019 was £23,000. With an Our approach to the borough. As a not-for-profit to other places, an 80% part rented. A buyer can
of the housing market, average house in the town developing homes provider, any surplus we make rent is, in real terms, likely buy a share of the property,
why homes of all types costing more than £162,000 from the sale of these homes to compare favourably with
There are thousands of people usually between 35% and
are urgently needed and according to Rightmove, even will be used in ways to benefit social and affordable rents
on the waiting list for a home 75%, and then rent the part
what we’re doing to help with a 10% deposit, it would current tenants and build elsewhere.
with a housing association they don’t own at a reduced
tackle the housing crisis. mean borrowing more than six more affordable homes. The
in Bolton. Many have young Whether it’s a social or rate. They then have the
times the average income. government’s funding plans
It’s no secret that the country children and need a home affordable rent rate, Bolton at option to buy a bigger share
for affordable housing after
doesn’t have enough homes As a result, home ownership desperately. Bolton also has an Home rents are low compared in the property after
2021 are unknown, so we have
for everyone. According to among the under 35s is less ageing population, increasing to other registered housing 12 months.
to look at different ways of
research carried out by the than half of what it was 20 the need for modern homes to providers in Bolton and lower
generating income.
National Housing Federation, years ago. And people are support good health. We want
a million people in England being forced into the private to meet this demand, keep
are on waiting lists for social rental market, where landlords communities together and help group’s ‘Ambition to Deliver’ sure that people have access
housing, 3.6 million are living can charge a premium. people into home ownership.
Partnership which is working towards to quality affordable housing
in overcrowded homes and Crucially, this also means Unless we build and acquire working creating 16,000 new affordable and stop those who can’t
2.5 million are unable to afford more new homes for rent and To create the homes that homes across the city region afford to rent or buy homes
that people who can’t afford
their rent or mortgage. shared ownership, people will are needed in Bolton and by 2024. from becoming homeless.
to rent a home with a private
In an average week, our landlord are stuck. With social continue to live in unsuitable Greater Manchester, we need We’re also a member of Bolton “To achieve this, each
Homefinder Team helps 27 housing waiting lists getting properties, overcrowded to work in partnership with Community Homes (BCH), a housing provider needs to
people or families to secure longer, people are either conditions, be at risk of others. As well as having a group of eight social housing develop new homes and
a rented home with us from living in overcrowded homes, homelessness and be priced good relationship with Bolton providers who, together, invest in home improvement
around 130 applications for sofa surfing or in temporary out of the housing market. Council, we’re also involved provide more than 24,000 programmes to maintain
accommodation. These are in a number of strategic affordable homes to rent in tenants’ living standards. As
each available property. For these reasons we’ve
partnerships – all committed Bolton. a collective group of landlords
the ‘hidden’ homeless – the committed to deliver on
Housing shortage hundreds of families in the the ‘memorandum of
to making the region a better
Andrew Brown, Chair of BCH
who genuinely care about
place for people to live. communities in Bolton, we’re
Like other places across the borough who live in hostels, understanding’ pledge we and Regional Director of
As a member of Greater committed to making sure
country, Bolton has a shortage bed and breakfasts, and co-signed with Bolton Council Onward Homes, sums up the
Manchester Housing Providers, the town is a vibrant place
of high-quality, genuinely with friends or family. More in December 2018. So far we’ve current housing situation by
we’re contributing to the for children and adults to
affordable homes are urgently made good progress with our saying: “We have to make
affordable homes to both rent grow older.”
18 19“I miss my Vickie Rowley
independence –
going out to work,
interacting with
people and just
being me.”
Our work in Bolton giving carers the chance residents in Westhoughton.
to become co-researchers, Vickie, who has two grown
Eighteen months into ensuring that real voices are up children, Alexander and
Supporting
the two-year project and heard.” Christian, tells us how the
we’re currently supporting group has helped to improve
35 carers who live in our A number of carers involved
in Working Potential have her mental wellbeing.
communities. Bolton at
Home’s Tara Branagan and set up their own community “My husband, Martin, was
groups – to support others just 38 when he had his first
carers back
Yvonne Seal are Ambition
Project Officers who run the and to get some voluntary stroke. He needed round-
programme. Tara says: experience. Vickie Rowley the-clock care so I had to
and Kath Dagnall are two give up my job as a lecturer
“Working Potential is a Bolton residents who are at Wigan and Leigh College
great initiative which helps doing this. to look after him. Whilst
into work
carers access employment, I wanted to be the one to
voluntary work, training Vickie’s story care for him, I knew that
and social activities in the my life would never be the
community. We give one-to- Vickie Rowley (52) has
been the main carer for same again.
one support to people and
can also help with confidence her husband for the last “Over the last few years
Around 6.5 million Research shows that the skilled, making it difficult to
building, money advice and 12 years. Through Working Martin’s symptoms have
majority of carers are below get back into the workplace. Potential she’s set up a got worse and he was
people in the UK are health and wellbeing. Some
state pension age, with the In 2018, Bolton at Home was sewing group for local
carers, supporting carers have learned new
peak age for caring being chosen as a partner to help skills in areas such as IT and
a loved one who is 50-64. This means that deliver the Working Potential have achieved qualifications.”
older, disabled or many carers have to give programme in Bolton.
up work to look after a loved “We’re collecting data on
seriously ill. one.
Funded and run by Ambition
what works best for our
for Ageing, Working Potential
carers aged over 50 here
Long-term carers often is a research project which
in Bolton. A key element
report feelings of isolation, aims to identify how best to
of the Working Potential
a loss of confidence and a support carers aged over 50
programme is that we’re
worry about becoming de- into work.
20 21recently diagnosed with
neurosarcoidosis. This is a
condition that affects every
nerve in the body. He has
no feeling below the waist,
no peripheral vision and a
reduced sense of taste and
smell. Even though we have
carers in four times a day,
life is difficult.
“I miss my independence
– going out to work,
interacting with people and
just being me. So when
I heard about Working
Potential through my local
Kath Dagnall
carers group at Winifred
Kettle, I immediately wanted
to get involved. I love that. Also I don’t feel so in September we had our we’ve got a wealth
Local residents had
like I have to talk about my first session. of experience, so
role as a carer. I can just We’ve only got about eight being part of the
approached staff at the John be me – Vickie, the sewing
Holt Community Centre in group leader!”
members at the moment but Working Potential
I’m hoping it will grow. We
Westhoughton asking for a research project
sewing group. Tara asked Kath’s story welcome people of all ages.
gives us a purpose
me if I’d be interested in It’s a chance for us to share
Kath Dagnall (67) cares for our thoughts and give each and a voice.”
setting one up as she knew her son, Christopher, who
I was a former lecturer and other support and advice. The Make New and Mend
has autism. With help from We also do some practical
that I made my own clothes. the Working Potential team, group runs Wednesdays
tasks – for instance, we 10am-12pm and Fridays
“Bolton at Home gave me Kath set up the Johnson made some lanterns for
F’Oldies group to give 12.30pm-2.30pm from
the support I needed to get the Johnson Fold Christmas
support to older people in the John Holt Community
the ‘Make New and Mend’ lights switch on.
the community. Centre, Birch Avenue,
group up and running. We
The group gives Westhoughton, BL5 2NR.
meet twice a week at the “I’ve done voluntary work Did you know
John Holt Centre. It’s a for a long time, having been me the opportunity Contact: vickierowley@
A recent study called ‘Will I Care’, published by Carers
supportive and friendly group involved with Age UK for a to get out and gmail.com
UK, looked at data from 2001 to 2018 and found
– the youngest member
is 16 and the oldest is 84.
number of years. I heard talk to people. The Johnson F’Oldies that:
about Working Potential group runs every fortnight
Anyone in the community is Being a carer can • two thirds (65%) of adults have cared unpaid for
through Tara Branagan. on a Thursday, 11am-
welcome to join the group. She arranged for me to do sometimes be 1pm at the Johnson Fold a loved one, including 70% of women and 60% of
“Even though I can only a computer training course draining and it’s UCAN Centre, Johnson Fold men;
manage four hours a week, and we got talking about the good to be around Avenue, Bolton, BL1 5SF. • the average person has a 50:50 chance of caring
running the group has made lack of support groups for other people who by the time they’re 50 – long before they reach
Contact: Kath Dagnall
a huge difference to my older people on the Johnson retirement age;
Fold estate. I said I’d be
might be going at: molliedolly2010@
life. I’m teaching again and, hotmail.co.uk
although it’s informal skills, happy to start a group at the through the same • on average, women take on caring responsibilities
over a decade earlier than men.
I’m seeing people learn and Johnson Fold UCAN Centre thing. Together,
22 23Win tickets to see
the world famous Elvis
show with Chris Connor
S S X J P M E M P H I S G
F H S T P E O R J P X R R
C O I E G R O V E G W O A To be in with the chance
H O V D U N I V I L I C C of winning one of four
pairs of tickets to see the
E K L D Y U N S Y E S K E world famous Elvis show
with Chris Connor at Bolton
S U E Y H T C W C R S A L Albert Halls Theatre, on
G P A B U C K I G I E B A Saturday 4 April 2020
complete our word search
G F V E G A S N M R L I N competition and return it to
us by Friday 13 March 2020.
U R P A K A I K P Z W L D
I G S R H K R L B E D I A 1. Elvis 7. Rockability
2. Shook Up 8. Teddy Bear
T N O W E K A I S L L T S 3. Memphis 9. Movies
A X V H F E S N G R S Y E 4. Jumpsuit 10. Vegas
5. Graceland 11. The King
R C T E J U M P S U I T L 6. Priscilla 12. Guitar
Name:
Contact number:
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Communications Team in the event of being drawn as a competition winner and to discuss
participation in publicity in relation to this.
Signature:
FREEPOST - RTES-CLYS-AYKR, Bolton at Home, 98 Waters Meeting Rd, Bolton
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Please complete and return the competition entry form above to give rights (such as making a subject access request) in respect of the
your consent. Please post it in an envelope to our FREEPOST address personal data that Bolton at Home processes, please contact our
above, by Friday 13 March 2020. Information Governance Team at IG@boltonathome.org.uk.
Bolton at Home’s Office Services Team will receive the data and If you are dissatisfied with the processing of your personal data
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