Look inside to find out how our new Grounds Maintenance team will

In the
Know
Our quarterly round-up of all the good things happening through
RBH members, tenants and employees working together
Spring 2015
Tenants in control of
community funding p6
Would you like to
work for RBH? p8
Look inside to find out how our new
Grounds Maintenance team will be
keeping our places looking great!
Become an RBH
community
correspondent! p11
Also Inside:
Young Voices
newsletter
2
In the Know Spring 2015
Welcome to
In The Know
Hello!
My name is Edward Carpenter and
I’m the Governance Manager at RBH.
I’d like to welcome you to the spring
edition of ‘In the know’.
We’ve got a really exciting newsletter,
bursting with news from what’s been
going on in RBH and what’s coming up
in the future!
On the tip of everyone’s tongue right now is the UK General
Elections, when you were able to choose who represents you
on national issues in Parliament.
In July, as an RBH tenant or employee member, you also have
the right to vote for who represents you much closer to
home. That’s right, if you choose to join RBH as a member,
then you’ll be able to vote for who represents you on the
RBH Representative Body – you can even decide to stand for
election as a Representative yourself! Find out more on page 5.
Tenants and residents have already been voting as our awardwinning ‘Our Choice’ events returned for another year, tenants
and residents were given control of £47,000 of community
funding. Read all about it on pages 6 and 7.
We’ve got some exciting job opportunities coming up and we’re
really keen to attract members of RBH communities to come
and work with us. This year, we’re taking on 10 apprentices and
three trainees. RBH offers excellent training
and development opportunities, the opportunity to become
a member, as well as family friendly initiatives. See pages
8-9 for more details.
We’re also delighted to let you know that RBH is now providing
Grounds Maintenance in our communities via our in-house
team... you’ll find a pullout leaflet inside that outlines our plans!
I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter and I look forward to
hearing from many of you soon when we embark on our very
own RBH elections!
Edward Carpenter
in this
issue
Page 3
Latest News
Pages 4
Farewell to three valued
Representative Body
members
Pages 5
Be the change you want
to see in your community
Page 6-7
Our Choice
Pages 8-9
Would you like to work for
RBH?
Page 10
BME Women’s Voice
Page 11
Become an RBH community
correspondent!
Page 12
Perfect Birthday Present
for RBH Young Voices!
Page 13
In The Community
Page 14
Why not pay your rent by
Direct Debit?
Page 15
Are you ready for
Universal Credit?
Page 16
Recommend a friend /
contact us
Follow us on
social media
Keep up with the latest
RBH news on Twitter and
Facebook.
Over 1800 people follow
RBH on Twitter – do you?
/rbhousing
/rbhousing
In the Know Spring 2015
ITV helps Little
Business to grow
The
Latest
A group of youngsters in RBH neighbourhoods
who help farmers in the developing world get a
fair price for their produce have been boosted
by a donation from ITV.
Anna Lee, Production Manager on ‘The Trials
of Jimmy Rose’, visited Not Just a Little
Business at their Lower Falinge base to present
them with a cheque for £500.
Rochdale Council
Equalities Listening
Event 2015
Rochdale Council are holding their annual
equalities listening event on Tuesday 16th
June at Middleton Arena from 9.15am until
2pm. This event helps the Council to make
their services sensitive to the needs of all the
communities across the Borough of Rochdale.
It was by way of a thank you to both RBH and
its customers for the support they offered
during a filming project last November.
The forthcoming drama, which stars Ray
Winstone in the title role, saw a number of key
scenes filmed in College Bank, Rochdale. ITV
appreciated the help they received so much
that, as well as paying a fee to RBH, they were
keen to support the community.
Admission is free and a buffet lunch will be
provided. If you would like to attend, please
contact Sally Atueyi on 01706 925631 or Janet
Grainger on 01706 924854.
RBH members raise £10,000
for Springhill Hospice
We’re extremely proud that over the past year our members,
tenants and employees have raised a magnificent £10,250 for our
charity of the year, Springhill Hospice, and we marked the occasion
with a special presentation cheque at Springhill’s Craven tea rooms
in early April.
RBH members have gone above and beyond the call of duty to
raise such an amazing sum for our designated charity, and we’re
determined to do even better in the year ahead. Thank you so
much to everyone who has helped to organise events – from
a ladies’ evening to sponsored walks and cake sales – and to
everyone who has given generously over the course of the year.
3
4
In the Know Spring 2015
farewell to three valued
Representative body members
Tony Smith
Elected to the Representative Body in 2012, Tony has now bought a home and
so is no longer an RBH tenant. Tony has been a steadfast contributor to the
Representative Body during his time and will continue to contribute to his local
area in Littleborough through a variety of community groups.
His position has been filled until the next election by Kevin Greenan
from Middleton, who was the next highest polling candidate willing to
accept the position. We’re delighted to welcome Kevin on board.
Clare Borg
Alan Crossley
One of the three
TMO Representatives
nominated to represent
the Cloverhall
Cooperative, Clare has
been withdrawn from
her position by the Cloverhall Management
Committee. As yet there is no replacement.
Having served on multiple
tenant involvement
groups with RBH, but only
having been elected to
the Representative Body
in September 2014, Alan
is unfortunately also having to step down
following changes to his situation.
Clare played an active role in the
Representative Body’s Communication and
Engagement Working Group and brought good
humour and frankness to Representative Body
business. Her position will remain vacant until
a replacement is nominated.
Following the same process as
Tony’s replacement, Alan will be
replaced by Andy Brown (the
next highest polling candidate
after Kevin). Similarly this will be
until the next Representative Body elections
which are due to take place in July this year.
In the Know Spring 2015
be The change you Want
to see in Your community;
Become a member,
Become a representative.
On the tip of everyone’s tongue right now
is the UK General Elections, when you are
able to choose who represents you on
national issues in Parliament.
In July, as an RBH tenant or employee, you also
have the right to vote for who represents you
much closer to home. That’s right, if you have
choose to join RBH as a member, then you’ll be
able to vote for who represents you on the RBH
Representative Body – you can even decide to
stand for election as a Representative yourself!
Decide on what happens in
your neighbourhood
RBH is the UK’s largest tenant and employee coowned mutual housing society – our unique model
places members at the heart of decision-making,
allowing everyone to enjoy a sense of security and
belonging in places we make great together.
All our members are democratically represented
by the Representative Body which has overall say
in setting the direction of RBH and holding the
Board of Directors to account.
So if you want a say in shaping some of these
make sure you take part in the Representative
Body Elections 2015!
What you need to know
If you’ve not already chosen to become
a member, or you aren’t sure if you are a
member or not, don’t worry, just call 0800
027 7769 or 01706 274100 or go to www.rbh.
org.uk/membership.aspx and join up now –
membership is free
You’ll get an information postcard in mid-May
then your ballot paper and the list of candidates
standing in early July
You can use your vote between 16 Jul and 17 Aug
The results will be officially announced at the
Annual Meeting for Members at the Middleton
Arena on Saturday 5 September - save the date!
If you think you want to stand as a
Representative, then the postcard (sent to
members only) in May will tell you how you
can get hold of a nomination form and about
the information sessions we’ll be organising
to help you understand what it means to be a
Representative and how to stand as a candidates
How to get involved
If you would like to get more information about becoming a
member or taking part in the Representative Body Elections
2015 then call 0800 027 7769 or 01706 274100 (press option
6) and ask to speak to the Governance team. Alternatively you
can send an email to [email protected].
5
6
In the Know Spring 2015
Success For
Our Choice 2015
Tenants and residents were given control of
£47,000 of community funding in February and
March as the award-winning RBH “Our Choice”
events returned for another year.
The ‘Our Choice’ enables residents to shape the
future of their neighbourhoods by providing a pot
of money for projects that are delivered for the
community by the community.
A key element of the programme is that residents
have the chance to vote at events called Decision
Days for the activities they want to see provided
The project won a National Housing Federation
Community Impact Award in 2014 for creating
better neighbourhoods. This year the events
took place at Richmond Hall in Rochdale on 28th
February and 14th March.
COMMUNITY FUNDING
In the Know Spring 2015
On Saturday 28th February, residents from College Bank,
Turf Hill, central Heywood and Angel Meadow, Hamer,
Wardleworth and Pennine View, Brotherod and Brimrod
gathered to award a total of £21570 in funding.
In Turf Hill, local people
voted to fund the Turf Hill
Community Association’s
Phoenix Club and Arts &
Crafts Group projects.
In College Bank, residents voted to
support six local projects in total,
with the most popular project being
a proposal to improve fencing near
to College Bank Way.
In Hamer, Wardleworth and Pennine View, Hamer Amateur
Boxing Club’s proposals for community fitness classes was
the top project, with funding also awarded to Jack McCann
Court for summer activities and to Rochdale Women’s Welfare
Association for health sessions for older people.
In Brotherod, funding was awarded to Brotherod
Tenants and Residents Association for their clean-up
day and their bingo and arts and crafts activities.
Part-funding was also awarded to “Be Inspired” for
their step ahead digital inclusion project.
In the Brimrod area, residents voted to
award money to Derrick Walker Court
for “Golden Zumba”, to BRATZ Brimrod
for their garden project, and to the Roch
Valley Educational Partnership for the
Roch Valley Woodland.
In Angel Meadow and central Heywood,
the most popular project was “Meet
Thy Neighbour”, proposed by local
resident Dorothy Garner to improve
community spirit.
On Saturday 14th March, residents in Syke
awarded £1,884 for new laptops and a tutor at
Syke Community Base so that it can continue
to support local people in getting online. In
addition, a 12-week dance fitness class for
women received £906.
‘Kitchen Kapers’, which will teach cooking and life skills to people with mental health or
learning difficulties, was allocated £2,500 in Hardfield Street, Hopwood and Barley Hall while
there was also backing for improvements to lounge facilities at a sheltered housing scheme
(£1031.96). In addition, there was £1138.04 for ‘Digital Minds’, a 12-week programme to help
older people gain computer skills.
Holt and Bentgate residents supported
activities for youngsters with £1,350 allocated
to dance and fitness sessions and £1,070 to
swimming classes. There was also an award of
£1,200 for a clean-up day at Ash Grove.
Plans for the Croft Wildlife Pond and
Sensory Garden were awarded £1,500 by
Boarshaw residents who gave the same amount
to ‘Step Ahead’, a scheme to help parents
keep their children safe online.
There was further support for ‘Digital Minds’ (£1280) and
‘Hornets Community Street League’ (£500) in Stansfield,
Shore, Littleborough and Smithy Bridge together with backing
for a Sports Fun Day (£700), Emergency Services Day (£200),
‘Dig it Day and Bug Hunt’ (£350), and ‘Tea and Bingo’ (£200).
Residents in Kirklee, Chesham
and Meadway also provided
£1,500 each for the ‘Digital
Minds’, ‘Hornets Community
Street League’ and ‘Step Ahead’.
£47,000
7
8
In the Know Spring 2015
Are you looking
for work or know
someone who is?
Join RBH and be part of the society that
provides homes to your community.
We offer a great employment package, including
health insurance, a work-life balance scheme
to facilitate flexible working, a comprehensive
training programme to equip you with necessary
skills, gym membership discounts and other
benefits – including becoming an employee
member of RBH!
finding A JOB AT RBH
We regularly advertise a range of opportunities
across all levels – if you’re interested in working
for RBH, keep an eye on upcoming vacancies via
our website at www.rbh.org.uk/jobs.aspx.
To receive information on all live
vacancies and other updates follow
RBHousing on Twitter and Facebook.
If you do not have access to the internet,
contact your local community centre for
information on our vacancies. Alternatively
you can phone our team on 01706 273700.
In the Know Spring 2015
Could you be an RBH trainee
or apprentice?
If you’re looking to take the first steps on the
way to a new career, or if you’re looking for a
change from your current position, then you
might be in luck! We’re on the look out for new
trainees and apprentices.
The new posts will be advertised from 1st June
and we will be accepting applications for two
weeks after that via the RBH website. We’re
also running drop-in sessions to let you know
more about the roles and how to apply for them
- these dates are being finalised and will be
advertised on our website and via social media.
CURRENT VACANCIES
There are 10 Trainee posts
There are 3 Apprentice posts
1
Community Development Role in
Community Partnership Team x 1
1
2 x Plasterers – 2 year placements
2
Contact Centre advisor x 1
2
1 x Joiner – 3 year contract to complete qualification
3
Customer Services Advisor x 1
4 Finance Officer x 1
5
Income x 2 = New Tenancy Team Advisor/ Rent and Payment Advisor
6 Governance x 1
7
HomeChoice x 1
8
Homeless x 1
9 Responsive & Empty Homes Repair Team Assistant x 1
The above positions will be 12 months
fixed-term, National Minimum wage with
the opportunity to gain a qualification.
to apply for any
of these positions
contact rbh
Apply online at www.rbh.org.uk/jobs.aspx.
For more information about either the
job or RBH, please contact the HR team
on 01706 273700 or email them on
[email protected].
All posts will officially start on
24th August 2015.
9
10
In the Know Spring 2015
brushing up
on new skills
The BME Women’s Voice celebrated
yet another great achievement after
completing a three-day skills training
course in painting and decorating.
The group worked with Nasreen Akhtar, RBH
Engagement Officer, to plan and arrange
a short course to learn the basic skills in
painting and decorating under the expert eye
of a qualified female decorator, M’s Touch.
The group learned the basic aspects of
painting and decorating, from choosing
the right materials and preparing surfaces
through to the final touches. The training also
included visits to local DIY stores to learn
about the tools and materials required. One
member even kindly gave over one of her
children’s bedrooms to allow the group to
practice and develop their skills!
The group had great feedback from Marina of
M’s Touch (a RBH tenant herself).
gSuhad Sharif, Chair of
BME Women’s Voice, said:
Picking up the basics in painting
and decorating has whet our
appetite for more. We’re hoping
to find funding to pay for a longer
advanced course, not only to
enhance our current skills, but
also to qualify us to set up our
own small enterprise!”
In the Know Spring 2015
calling all
aspiring
journalists
Would you like to be a local community
reporter for RBH? We’re launching a new
project that could be just up your street!
If you’re interested in a career in journalism,
having some relevant experience on your CV could
make all the difference. We’re offering aspiring
journalists and public relations professionals the
chance to gain an insight into these careers by
becoming an ‘RBH Community Correspondent’.
Those who take part in the scheme will spend
time working alongside RBH’s communications
team, who have recently been shortlisted for
a prestigious national award, helping us to find
out more about what’s going in your local area.
If you’re interested, you can help to promote
all the great things that are happening in your
community - from fun days to environmental
projects and IT courses.
It’s a great chance to improve your employment
skills and help to let people know about all the
fantastic things that are happening across
the borough.
Interested? Have
a chat with us!
To find out more about
becoming a Community
Correspondent
please contact RBH
Communications Officer
John Romans on 01706
273831 or email john.
[email protected]
11
12
In the Know Spring 2015
Perfect birthday presents
for RBH Young Voices!
The RBH Young Voices have celebrated their
first birthday in style by being shortlisted for
a national accolade.
This year’s Housing Excellence Awards see RBH Young Voices
nominated in the Best Youth Engagement Project category in
recognition of the work they have done to build stronger
communities around the borough.
The nomination represents more success after
the youngsters who sit on the Young Voices
steering group were recently named as finalists
in the Cohesion category of the 2015 Rochdale
Diversity Awards.
Since their launch event in Toad Lane, Rochdale
last year the RBH Young Voices have seen their
membership rocket to around 180 with many of
them recently attending a special birthday event
at Rochdale Town Hall.
The youngsters have taken part in a series of
activities over the last 12 months which have helped
them appreciate the borough’s co-operative
heritage and the importance of teamwork. A
number of members have gained further valuable
experience by taking part in projects such as the
Duke of Edinburgh Award and Not Just a Little
Business, which sells Fairtrade produce.
SUE kershaw
RBH Membership Manager
We are all thrilled that our
wonderful young people have been
shortlisted for these awards in
recognition of the enterprise and
dedication they have shown since
the group was formed.
Zenab ALI
We’re all
really pleased about these award
nominations which came at a
great time as we’ve just reached
our first birthday.
Being in RBH Young Voices is a lot
of fun but there’s also a serious
side as we’re learning how we can
make the borough an even better
place to live in the future
The skills and confidence they have gained
have already seen them make important
contributions to their communities - such as
by providing RBH with feedback to help ensure
that young people grow up in a safe, healthy
and caring environment.
The steering group have taken responsibility
for helping to organise many events and
producing a regular newsletter about the
Young Voices’ activities.
This year’s Housing Excellence Awards
winners will be announced at a ceremony at
Lancashire County Cricket Club on 6th May
while the Rochdale Diversity Awards will be
held at Rochdale Town Hall on 28th May. Read
more about RBH Young Voices in their very
own newsletter!
In the Know Spring 2015
Well done to our Kirkholt Junior Wardens
who recently received their first-aid
certificates having completed a course
organised by RBH Engagement Officer
Fida Hussain.
Residents and RBH employees
volunteers had a great time
at the open day at the newlyreopened Birch Community
Base on 16th April – even the
sun turned up!
In The
Community
Well done to Anita
Halliwell, the winner of our
prize draw to mark the
milestone of 4,000 RBH
members!
RBH employees Jon Longden
and Ros Martin took to the
airwaves on Crescent Radio
to talk about finding a home
with RBH and staying energy
efficient!
RBH members and tenants learned how to be
“energy smart” at a special event in Heywood.
13
14
In the Know Spring 2015
why not pay
your rent by
direct debit?
Paying by Direct Debit is the simplest and
easiest way to pay your rent. Contact us
today and if you pay by Direct Debit for three
consecutive months, you’ll be entered into
a prize draw to win a brand-new tablet.
Great reasons to pay by Direct Debit:
You can choose to pay your rent on a weekly,
fortnightly, or monthly basis
You do not have to leave your home to go to the
post office, shop or make a telephone call to pay
your rent
You will have complete peace of mind and remain
in control of your rent account
If your payment needs to be amended, this can
be done quickly and simply by our
Rents and Payments team
You will continue to have an
official record of payments made
to us on your rent statement and
bank statements
You can register with RBH Open
Access if you want to check your
account balance online
If you have a clear rent account,
you will be entered into a prize
draw to win some extra cash!
get in touch and
get set up today!
If you would like to set up a
Direct Debit, call our Rents
and Payments team on
Freephone 0800 027 7769
or 01706 274100.
In the Know Spring 2015
be prepared
for universal
credit
Don’t forget - if you need
any help or advice to adjust
to the new Universal Credit
(UC), we’re here to help.
Universal Credit is a new way of receiving
benefit payments being introduced by the
Government for people of working age. It
has now been introduced in Rochdale for
new claims and incorporates six of the main
benefits for people of working age including
Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance,
Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit,
Employment and Support Allowance and
Housing Benefit.
This means that housing benefit will now be
paid to the tenant as part of their Universal
Credit payment rather than direct to their
landlord. The new benefit is also paid monthly
so it is important that people plan their
budgets accordingly to avoid getting into debt.
If you are already in receipt of benefits, you
won’t be affected yet, but it is never too early
to be prepared. You’ll need to have a bank
account and get up to speed with using the
internet, as this is the only way you’ll be able
to apply for Universal Credit.
universal credit_
need more info?
For advice on Universal Credit
call 0800 027 7769 or 01706
277769 (this may be cheaper
from mobiles), email rbh@rbh.
org.uk or visit www.rbh.org.uk
and enter Universal Credit in
the search box in the top right
hand corner.
15
Love living in
your RBH home?
We believe that good things are
worth sharing. So, why don’t you
tell your friend about us?
Wouldn’t it be great to have someone round the corner.
They’d be close enough to pop round for a cuppa when
you need someone to talk to. The good news is that there
are homes in your area ready for your friend to move into
now. So what are you waiting for?
For more information call our Housing Team
Freephone 0800 0277769 or 01706 274100 (press
option 3) or email [email protected]
Get in touch
RBH Services
24 hr Repairs Contact Centre
Telephone Rent Payments
HomeChoice
Money Advice and Support
Formal Complaints
0800 027 7769 or 01706 274 100
Council and other contacts
Council Tax 0300 303 8870
Council Switchboard 01706 647 474
Refuse Collection and Recycling
0300 303 8884
Street Lighting 0300 303 8881
Highways 0300 303 8879
Street Cleansing 0845 226 1800
Environmental Health – eg Drains, Noise,
Graffiti, Pollution 0300 303 8871
Libraries 0300 303 8876
Social Services (office hours)
01706 647 474
(the Council switchboard will help you find
the Social Services section you need)
Forced Marriage Helpline 0800 5999 247
(9.30am to 9pm – 7 days a week)
This information is available in braille, audio
and community languages. Please phone:
0800 027 7769 or email: [email protected]
এই তথ্য ব্রেইল, অডিও এবং সম্প্রদায় ভাষায়
পাওয়া যায়. অনুগ্রহ ফোন: 0800 027 7769
বা ইমেইল: [email protected]
‫لیرب تامولعم ہی‬، ‫یک یٹنویمک روا ویڈآ‬
‫ےہ بایتسد ںیم ںونابز‬. ‫نوف ینابرہم ہارب‬:
0800 027 7769 ‫لیم یا ای‬: [email protected]
Email me at [email protected]
or speak to me on 0800 027 7769 /
01706 274 100
Alternatively visit rbh.org.uk
RBH Sandbrook House, Sandbrook Way,
Rochdale OL11 1RY – postal address only.
Follow rbhousing:
Young Voices Spring 2015
Spring 2015
The Difference a Year
Makes - p2
Shadowing RBH’s
Chief Executive - p3
Not Goodbye, Just
Farewell - p4
1
2
Young Voices Spring 2015
facinated by answers
Intrigued by knowledge
On Monday 26 January, we held a
meeting at Rochdale Pioneers Museum,
situated on Toad Lane, with RBH Chief
Executive Gareth Swarbrick and Chair
of RBH’s Representative Body.
the difference
a year makes
Our first year has been a busy one – we’ve been
promoting RBH’s Young Voices widely and we’ve
held quite a few events to get to know as many
of our members as possible.
We’ve worked with the Co-operative College
along with people from as far away as Italy
and Argentina, held our very first events
at Skylight Circus and most recently the
Rochdale Pioneers Museum, and attended
fortnightly meetings as a steering group.
We will keep thinking up new ways to bring RBH
Young Voices members together and report
back to you in our quarterly newsletter – just
like this one. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Written by Holly
We think the meeting was a huge success, with
most members of the Young Voices steering
group in attendance. We discussed many issues
and we really appreciated the fact that a variety
of our questions were answered by both Gareth
and Chair of RBH’s Representative Body.
Both commented on how impressed they
were with the group’s progress so far, they’re
looking forward to see how we’ll develop as the
months pass.
We discussed potential opportunities to work
more closely with adult members of RBH and
came up with ideas for community events, along
with our big event in April where we celebrated
our one year anniversary!
We would also like to thank Leon, from the
Rochdale Youth Parliament, for attending and
taking time out from his busy schedule!
Written by Mariah
Young Voices Spring 2015
3
rbh young voices have
plenty to shout about
We celebrated RBH’s Young Voices first
birthday in style with a special event at
Rochdale Town Hall.
Our interactive birthday party gave our
members the chance to get involved in a range
of activities including ice-breaking games,
drama, music, poetry, a shadow puppet
workshop and some added surprises! We
explored which issues matter to young people
and how young people can use their voice
democratically – there was even a question
and answer session with RBH Chief Executive
Gareth Swarbrick.
Shadowing RBH’s
Chief Executive
I recently spent a day at RBH’s
headquarters shadowing RBH’s Chief
Executive, Gareth Swarbrick, and I
have to say I had a great time! I got to
see the kind of things Gareth does in a
typical day of work .
During the day I helped Gareth check his
emails and reply to them. But for me the
best part was visiting the RBH sites under
construction. I visited RBH’s new Hare Hill site
which is amazing – it’s where RBH have built
brand-new homes for the elderly.
A special surprise on the day was the
announcement that our steering group have
been shortlisted within the Cohesion category
at the Rochdale Diversity Awards! How great
is that!
It was a great way to mark a fantastic
year and we’re all very proud of everything
we’ve achieved!
Written by Leticia
Taking a tour of the site I saw how well it was
built; it is perfectly suited for the elderly –
everything is adapted to fit their needs. I think
it is excellent how RBH recognises the needs
of older people in our community and is giving
them the opportunity to be independent as well
as living in luxurious accommodation.
The Hare Hill site is located in a brilliant place
surrounded by parks. I think people will really
love living there! I also visited St Alban’s House,
this is going to be a place for customers and
tenants to come and speak to RBH employees
about problems they’re having and other stuff.
Visiting the building I saw how it is built to suit
the tenants and customers. This place will allow
people to come and speak to employees.
My overall experience was great and RBH’s
employees were all really friendly – especially
Gareth, who made me feel welcome and
involved in the work he did. I’m really glad that
I was able to shadow him and experience a
working environment.
Furthermore, I spoke to RBH’s Chair of Board,
Noel, about the Young Voices attending board
and Representative Body meetings
Written by Zenab
4
Young Voices Spring 2015
Reward and
Recognition
Do you know a young person who does
a lot for the community but doesn’t get
recognised for it, for example, a sibling
or a friend?
Well, RBH Young Voices think that people who
care about and make a difference within their
community are ace!
We’re planning to host an awards ceremony
for young people in the borough and you will
have the chance to nominate anyone from an
RBH neighbourhood that you think has done
something that they should be noticed for, like
helping the environment, supporting a friend or
neighbour in need.
Get in touch with us at [email protected]
if you’ve got someone in mind who you know is
deserving of some added recognition.
Written by Patrycia
Razia’s rib ticklers!
Not goodbye,
just Farewell
Sadly, the RBH
Young Voices
steering group will
be saying farewell
to someone who
has been pretty
important to the
development of our
scheme – that being
the Co-op College’s Youth Projects
and Co-operative Learning
Co-ordinator, Ruth Holtom.
Ruth has been amazing! She helped plan and
carry out events that were specifically for YOU,
our members. We’d all like to say a big ‘thank
you’ to her and everything she has done for us
this past year.
Ruth has taught us so much about everything
really but her main speciality is all her
knowledge on Co-operative College’s, we shall
definitely miss her kind words and wisdom. We
wish her the best for the new exciting things she
has planned in the future.
Written by Amy
Q.What do you call a sheep with
no legs?
A. A cloud.
Will you remember me in a day?
Yes.
Will you remember me in a week?
Yes.
“Will you remember me in a month?
Yes.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Q.Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon?
A. Because she will let it go.
Young
Voices
Get in touch with RBH Young
Voices on Facebook or
@rbhyoungvoices on Twitter
Find out more and join at
www.rbhyoungvoices.org.uk
Or write to us to request a joining form at
RBH Young Voices, Sandbrook House, Sandbrook
Way, Rochdale OL11 1RY – postal address only.
Young Voices Spring 2015
Spring 2015
The Difference a Year
Makes - p2
Shadowing RBH’s
Chief Executive - p3
Not Goodbye, Just
Farewell - p4
1
2
Young Voices Spring 2015
facinated by answers
Intrigued by knowledge
On Monday 26 January, we held a
meeting at Rochdale Pioneers Museum,
situated on Toad Lane, with RBH Chief
Executive Gareth Swarbrick and Chair
of RBH’s Representative Body.
the difference
a year makes
Our first year has been a busy one – we’ve been
promoting RBH’s Young Voices widely and we’ve
held quite a few events to get to know as many
of our members as possible.
We’ve worked with the Co-operative College
along with people from as far away as Italy
and Argentina, held our very first events
at Skylight Circus and most recently the
Rochdale Pioneers Museum, and attended
fortnightly meetings as a steering group.
We will keep thinking up new ways to bring RBH
Young Voices members together and report
back to you in our quarterly newsletter – just
like this one. We hope you enjoy reading it!
Written by Holly
We think the meeting was a huge success, with
most members of the Young Voices steering
group in attendance. We discussed many issues
and we really appreciated the fact that a variety
of our questions were answered by both Gareth
and Chair of RBH’s Representative Body.
Both commented on how impressed they
were with the group’s progress so far, they’re
looking forward to see how we’ll develop as the
months pass.
We discussed potential opportunities to work
more closely with adult members of RBH and
came up with ideas for community events, along
with our big event in April where we celebrated
our one year anniversary!
We would also like to thank Leon, from the
Rochdale Youth Parliament, for attending and
taking time out from his busy schedule!
Written by Mariah
Young Voices Spring 2015
3
rbh young voices have
plenty to shout about
We celebrated RBH’s Young Voices first
birthday in style with a special event at
Rochdale Town Hall.
Our interactive birthday party gave our
members the chance to get involved in a range
of activities including ice-breaking games,
drama, music, poetry, a shadow puppet
workshop and some added surprises! We
explored which issues matter to young people
and how young people can use their voice
democratically – there was even a question
and answer session with RBH Chief Executive
Gareth Swarbrick.
Shadowing RBH’s
Chief Executive
I recently spent a day at RBH’s
headquarters shadowing RBH’s Chief
Executive, Gareth Swarbrick, and I
have to say I had a great time! I got to
see the kind of things Gareth does in a
typical day of work .
During the day I helped Gareth check his
emails and reply to them. But for me the
best part was visiting the RBH sites under
construction. I visited RBH’s new Hare Hill site
which is amazing – it’s where RBH have built
brand-new homes for the elderly.
A special surprise on the day was the
announcement that our steering group have
been shortlisted within the Cohesion category
at the Rochdale Diversity Awards! How great
is that!
It was a great way to mark a fantastic
year and we’re all very proud of everything
we’ve achieved!
Written by Leticia
Taking a tour of the site I saw how well it was
built; it is perfectly suited for the elderly –
everything is adapted to fit their needs. I think
it is excellent how RBH recognises the needs
of older people in our community and is giving
them the opportunity to be independent as well
as living in luxurious accommodation.
The Hare Hill site is located in a brilliant place
surrounded by parks. I think people will really
love living there! I also visited St Alban’s House,
this is going to be a place for customers and
tenants to come and speak to RBH employees
about problems they’re having and other stuff.
Visiting the building I saw how it is built to suit
the tenants and customers. This place will allow
people to come and speak to employees.
My overall experience was great and RBH’s
employees were all really friendly – especially
Gareth, who made me feel welcome and
involved in the work he did. I’m really glad that
I was able to shadow him and experience a
working environment.
Furthermore, I spoke to RBH’s Chair of Board,
Noel, about the Young Voices attending board
and Representative Body meetings
Written by Zenab
4
Young Voices Spring 2015
Reward and
Recognition
Do you know a young person who does
a lot for the community but doesn’t get
recognised for it, for example, a sibling
or a friend?
Well, RBH Young Voices think that people who
care about and make a difference within their
community are ace!
We’re planning to host an awards ceremony
for young people in the borough and you will
have the chance to nominate anyone from an
RBH neighbourhood that you think has done
something that they should be noticed for, like
helping the environment, supporting a friend or
neighbour in need.
Get in touch with us at [email protected]
if you’ve got someone in mind who you know is
deserving of some added recognition.
Written by Patrycia
Razia’s rib ticklers!
Not goodbye,
just Farewell
Sadly, the RBH
Young Voices
steering group will
be saying farewell
to someone who
has been pretty
important to the
development of our
scheme – that being
the Co-op College’s Youth Projects
and Co-operative Learning
Co-ordinator, Ruth Holtom.
Ruth has been amazing! She helped plan and
carry out events that were specifically for YOU,
our members. We’d all like to say a big ‘thank
you’ to her and everything she has done for us
this past year.
Ruth has taught us so much about everything
really but her main speciality is all her
knowledge on Co-operative College’s, we shall
definitely miss her kind words and wisdom. We
wish her the best for the new exciting things she
has planned in the future.
Written by Amy
Q.What do you call a sheep with
no legs?
A. A cloud.
Will you remember me in a day?
Yes.
Will you remember me in a week?
Yes.
“Will you remember me in a month?
Yes.
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
Q.Why can’t you give Elsa a balloon?
A. Because she will let it go.
Young
Voices
Get in touch with RBH Young
Voices on Facebook or
@rbhyoungvoices on Twitter
Find out more and join at
www.rbhyoungvoices.org.uk
Or write to us to request a joining form at
RBH Young Voices, Sandbrook House, Sandbrook
Way, Rochdale OL11 1RY – postal address only.