Pennine Communities Federation of
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5 Lister Court |
AGM UPDATE
We held our AGM at the end of October, it was a really well attended and enjoyable evening.
We kicked off the evening with Pennine's Sheltered Officers performing their Elder Abuse play which they had written and produced themselves. Everyone really enjoyed the play and it helped us to develop an understanding of this very important issue.
What is elder abuse?
Elder abuse occurs when an older man or woman is harmed, mistreated or neglected, often by someone in a position of trust.
There are five types of elder abuse: psychological, physical, financial, sexual and neglect.
Facts on elder abuse
500,000 are believed to be abused at any one time in the UK.
46 per cent of people who abuse are related to the person they are abusing, but very rarely (in only 1 per cent of cases) is the abuser the main family carer.*
A quarter of those who abuse are sons or daughters.*
78 per cent of abuse is perpetrated against people who are over the age of 70, with 16 per cent of that abuse affecting people over the age of 90.*
Those between 80-89 years old are the most vulnerable to abuse.*
Two-thirds of abuse is committed at home, by someone in a position of trust.*
In 37 per cent of situations, two types of abuse occur simultaneously.*
In a third of circumstances, the abuse is perpetrated by more than one person in collusion.*
* Based on analysis of calls to the Action on Elder Abuse helpline.
The AGM was an opportunity for us to reflect on the success of the last year, each of the Working Groups gave a report on both what they have achieved so far and what they are planning for the coming months.
The outgoing Treasurer, Mary Battye, reported that the accounts had been audited and every thing was in order. The balance at the end of October 2007 was £12,562.50.
Thanks were given to all of the Management Team for their hard work during the past 12 months.
The results of the elections of the new committee we as follows:
Chair Mary Battye
Vice
Chair Bill Stafford
Secretary Sue Molineux
Treasurer Chris Lates
Big Picture Working Group
Ruth Rider Convenor
Margaret Coupe
Don McLean
Bill Stafford
Training Group
Chris Lates Convenor
Bill Stafford
TARA Liaison (agreed this should include organising social events)
Bert Swaine
Iris O'Donnell
Board Observers
Margaret Coupe
Sheila Gilmore
The other highlights of the evening were the Cheese & Wine supper and presenting Heptonstall TA with their trophy for becoming the 1st Federation Quiz Night Champions.
News from the December Federation meeting
There was a packed agenda for our December meeting and new Chair, Mary Battye, had her work cut out managing to fit in all of the business and finish by our 9.00pm deadline - we're pleased to report that she managed it and we even had time for mince pies and a glass of sherry to celebrate Christmas!
The first items on the agenda were issues raised by Tenants Associations. These were about: Pennine Housing's recent decision to stop tenants living in Shaw Lodge and St James Court from using the roof space as a communal facility; the new fire safety procedures affecting all communal areas in flats; and about the notification to tenants about work to Pennine properties being carried out by external contactors. Stephen Batley, Operations Manager and Sue Lewis, Head of Supported Housing, answered these agenda items.
Access to Tower Block Roof Space
Stephen Batley informed the meeting that there had been a general review of tower block health and safety issues which had identified that tenants living in St James Ct and Shaw Lodge still had keys to access the roof space, whilst tenants in other high rise flats didn't. A decision was taken to bring Shaw Lodge and St James Ct into line with the other 24 blocks. Stephen explained that it was the number of trip hazards on the roofs, rather than the fear of someone fall off the block (there were adequate barriers in place to prevent this happening) that had led to this decision being taken. If someone fell whilst on the roof, there was no way of letting anyone know. Workmen are always expected to go up in two's and also have to wear hard hats.
Fire Safety in Communal Areas
Last December there was a fatal fire in a Halifax block of flats, owned by another Housing Association, this has led to the tightening up of the Pennine's procedures. Pennine is currently working alongside the fire service to carry out full risk assessments of fire safety in flats, they have been advised that all communal areas have to be hazard free which means removing any mats, tables, plastic flowers, etc. Pennine is caught between a rock and a hard place, they understand that tenants want to make communal areas more inviting but, as a landlord, they cannot disregard advice.
Sue stated that the guidance given to tenants to stay put in their flat in the event of a fire had not changed and that Pennine were currently reviewing the information they give to tenants to make sure it meets with current fire regulations.
Sue was asked if tenants would be allowed to put up Christmas decorations in communal areas? Sue explained that even fire retardant Christmas decorations were out of the question. Pennine are also currently checking fire doors - if they find any faulty doors they will either be repaired or replaced. A newsletter, setting out the requirements, will shortly be distributed to all tenants living in flats.
Homecare communication to tenants
Heptonstall TA explained that Homecare had recently carried out loft insulation work to Pennine properties in Heptonstall. Tenants were concerned that the first they knew about this was a letter from Homecare stating they were going to be doing the work, they felt that this put tenants in a vulnerable position as it could easily have been a scam. The association wanted to know if the letter should have come from Pennine or if there could have been an accompanying letter? They were extremely happy with the work itself, there was a noticeable difference in the warmth of the properties.
Stephen responded by explaining about how Homecare were funded by the utility companies and often get money at short notice which means it is difficult for Pennine to provide advance notification of any proposed work. However, all of the Homecare workers should carry Identification and an article would be going in Homing In informing tenants that Homecare might be doing work to their homes. So far, Homecare have upgraded insulation to 2000 Pennine properties.
Other items discussed
Sue Lewis explained about the new Trans-Pennine Disability Equality Scheme which sets out their commitment to meeting the needs of disabled customers and Val Morris provided information about the new Handy Person Service which will be starting in April, a Digital TV progress update and feedback from Service Charge focus group which had recently been held as part of a wider Service Charge review.
For more information about any of the above contact Val Morris on 01422 284517
Young At Heart
The Federation are planning an ambitious event for 2008. The Fed are proud of their work but feel that they need to engage and involve more young people in what they do. Together with TPAS (Tenant Participation Advisory Service) they are planning a fun day with lots of entertainment. Whilst the day aims to be a lively affair with food and performers the event has a clear purpose - to show a real commitment to involving more young people.
The day will provide a chance to explore the issues around why and how young people should be involved in the Federations work. There will be an opportunity to look at how other organisations have involved young people and to identify some of the barriers that stop young people from getting involved.
It is important that young people are central to the event, filling roles as speakers, performers and deliverers of workshops. Local young people will be invited to provide the entertainment throughout the day and young people already involved in service development will be there to talk about their work.
To date the planning has been the work of the Training Group but as there is so much to do other groups are now involved. The success of the day will depend largely on the efforts of volunteers. We need people with some technical expertise, we need hosts and people who would be willing to put in a bit of physical hard work on the day. We are particularly interested in hearing from young people who would like to be involved in the running of the day.
See back page for details and make a note in your diary now........
If you know of any young people who would be interested in performing, helping out or if you have any ideas/ would like to contribute to the day or would like more information please contact Chris Lates on 01422 833056 or the Tenant Involvement Section on 01422 284518.
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Committee Skills 2008 Do you want to learn to be a Chair, Secretary or Treasurer? OR
Are you already carrying out one of these roles but would like to improve your skills?
Commencing on 10th January 2008 (10.00am - 12noon, Federation Office) & set out over 12 weeks, the Committee Skills course will teach you everything you need to know to run a successful committee.
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New Year Party At the Maurice Jagger Centre, Halifax Saturday 19th January From 7.30pm Wednesday 31st October 2007 Available from Federation Management, contact Iris 348941
Includes buffet,
Live entertainment & Disco
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