StreetTalkIssue 20 – Winter News from Progress Housing Group

Basma's Progress Futures journey page 14

Digital inclusion project page 7 Future funding of supported housing page 9 New Year - New You! page 15 News in brief Welcome to your Head Office: Thanks for Sumner House, tenants´ newsletter 21 King Street, Leyland, , PR25 2LW your generous Open Monday to Friday StreetTalk Reception 8.30am-4.30pm donations! Warwick House, Happy New Year! We hope that you This is the sixteenth year that Kilnhouse Lane, the Wish Tree Appeal has , FY8 3DU have all had a wonderful festive break. been running, playing Secret Monday to Thursday In this winter issue we provide information on how our Progress Santa to those in need. Reception 9.30am-12.30pm Futures service could help you and your family (page14). Housing Minister visit Friday - closed The Women’s Refuge Team Progress Connect On page 15 we explain that we are teaming up again with Lancashire work tirelessly each year to 03333 204555 Adult Learning, with a view to creating a whole new timetable of The new Housing Minister Alok Alok Sharma MP has provided a ensure that every woman and Monday to Friday 8am-6pm community learning courses to run throughout 2018. Do get in touch Sharma invited social housing link to an online survey which is child who stays at the refuges Live web chat to let us know what course you would be interested in. tenants from across the country for available to all our customers to during the festive period Monday to Friday 9am-5pm their views and opinions on housing. complete. The survey is available receives a Christmas present Why not join our Working Party Group to determine the feasibility of to help them try and gain an Repairs 03333 204555 Five of our customers attended until Wednesday 31 January [email protected] digital projects? You can find out more on page 7. with staff and were involved in 2018 and can be found at https:// element of normality. www.progressgroup.org.uk We are also tendering for a new grounds maintenance contract workshops at Preston North End surveymonkey.co.uk/r/tenants2017. and Website (page 21). Please get involved to help us shape this service. Football Club. The main aim for the Please do have a look and consider women’s refuges were once www.progressgroup.org.uk day was to enable the Minister to completing the survey as this is a again overwhelmed by the May I also take this opportunity to apologise for any tenants who speak directly with social tenants, to way of getting tenants views directly support for this appeal and Email hear their views and build a picture to government. [email protected] have experienced difficulty in contacting us by telephone. We are would like to thank everyone busy looking into how we can rectify this situation. of the common concerns that can who donated a gift. @ProgressHG help inform a national approach www.facebook.com/ As always, if you have any stories, photos, recipes or money saving going forward. ProgressStreetTalk tips that you would like us to share, please send them to us. You will find our contact details on the left. If you would like this newsletter in another format, please contact us. Be rnie K e e n a n (Urdu) Executive Director (Services and Growth) Mind sessions (Cantonese) World Mental Health Day takes looking after our mental health and place on 10 October every year. offered tips to help boost personal (Mandarin) Features. . . The aim of World Mental Health resilience. Day is to raise awareness of Some staff who attended the session mental health issues. The theme said that they would improve their (Polish) for this year was mental health in personal resilience by; taking time the workplace. to notice the positives; listing three One of the events held by Progress positive things that had happened Contributors Housing Group to mark World Mental in the day and taking more time to • Linda Alcock • Russell Gallagher Health Day was a resilience seminar appreciate the things around them. • Debbie Atherton • Margaret Lonsdale for staff. The seminar was delivered • Sarah Barnes • Diana Lord This is something that we can all take by Mind Lancashire and provided Congratulations • Sam Beattie • Laura Marshall on board. • Eve Blezard • Kirsty Monks Kitchen replacement Creating new homes 18 information on the importance of • Nicola Byrne • Diane Nash programme 12 Sheila! • Lucy Cheetham • Doug Nuttall • Sian Coulton • Ursula Patten Sheila, one of our dedicated • Philomena • Jag Patel and engaged tenants, was Cunningham • Abbey Rawcliffe nominated and shortlisted • Cathy Fleet • Annette Stevens Prize draw winners! for the ‘volunteer of the year’ How to contribute Congratulations to Mr Thorne and Miss Jones of Leyland, who are our award through the South quarterly surveys’ prize draw winners, having completed and returned Ribble Partnership. Sheila was If you would like to contribute to a gas service satisfaction questionnaire. StreetTalk or would like to receive the a runner-up and enjoyed the newsletter on CD then please contact Please don’t forget to complete and return your customer satisfaction awards ceremony where her Joanne Hodson, StreetTalk Editor, questionnaires. It is a great way of helping us to improve our services hard work was recognised, on 03333 204555 or email Inspire Youth Zone WI ladies support our and you could be the next lucky winner. keep up the good work Sheila! [email protected] set to open! 20 women’s refuges 23 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG 2 3 Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk News in brief Community Café South at Lowerhouse

Our Progress Opportunities We would really like to offer volunteer Ribble opportunities to support the Team have supported community café and are on the look- local residents who run out for anyone who is wanting to get a Community Café at into catering or anyone who would Big Do Lowerhouse community just like to get involved and support Alternatively if you have experience of centre in Leyland every other their local community. running a community café and would Progress Housing Group NCS help at just like to talk to us about taking on Friday 9.30am - 11.30pm. The We can support volunteers in gaining the running of this café we’d be keen alongside other local enterprises, their Level 2 Food Safety Qualification café is well attended and to hear from you. businesses and community and if you’re a Progress Housing initiatives attended the South we've even been live on Jubilee Court Group tenant our Progress Futures Please get in touch with the Ribble Big Do on 26 October. Leyland Festival Radio more Team can support you further in Progress Opportunities Team The event was organised by than once. getting into work, further education or on 03333 204555 or email the South Ribble Partnership to The National Citizenship Service (NCS) is a additional volunteering placements. [email protected] enable businesses from across once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for 15-17 South Ribble to find out about year olds to build skills for work and life opportunities, to share skills with whilst taking on new challenges and other organisations, as well as meeting new friends. Following on promoting themselves. It was from the successful NCS challenges all about sharing knowledge to completed in the summer, a group of work together for South Ribble. young people from the NCS came along We made some good contacts on a very wet windy day in November to clear Fox Lane community and were able to showcase what and improve the community garden at Jubilee the Progress Opportunities Team Court in Leyland for residents to enjoy in the spring. can offer our tenants as well as garden, have your say our Progress Lifeline service. We received a number of suggestions from customers about how best to use a hidden piece of land behind Kilnhouse some of our properties off Fox Lane in Leyland.

This really is a secret garden as it is developing community gardens community event completely unseen from the outside and encouraging the surrounding world. It is a beautiful and peaceful communities to be involved in the In October Progress Housing Group spot, but completely unused, which development and future use of the worked with Lytham St Annes Free is a real waste. community garden. Methodist Church in St Annes to We have received ideas from Pennine Lancashire Community hold a community event for our customers in the area on how they Farm will be carrying out some customers and local residents. would like to see the land used. more consultation with the local UR Potential also came along to On the back of these ideas we communities in the New Year, so advertise their services. The church have commissioned a project to please look out for the details on our ran crafts, garden games and we turn the land into a community website, www.progressgroup.org.uk, had a bouncy castle. Funding was garden for the use and benefit or on posters in the community sought from Fylde Borough Council of the surrounding communities. centres and come along to have to support the event. Great fun was This project will be led by Pennine your say on how the garden is had by all! Lancashire Community Farm, developed. who have a lot of experience in

Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 4 5 Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Complaints Application for target hit During the last Digital inclusion quarter of 2017/18 we level access received 67 complaints.

Repairs and maintenance service 4.5% 4.5% shower/ramp Customer service 3% project and staff members Tenancy As the officer responsible for adaptations in Progress management 7% and our estates Housing Group I quite often get asked about the provision Rents 57% In an age where things are becoming more digital, including some of of a level access shower and/or ramp. In order for us to Housing and 24% the services we offer here at Progress Housing Group, we are keen to consider the provision of a shower or ramp we require support services Other issues (such support our customers who may feel like they are being left behind. a report from an Occupational Therapist. as allocations and leasehold services). If you have trouble bathing because When approved, a date will then of a disability and feel you need a be set by the contractor with the During this quarter we responded to level access shower or a wet room, tenant for commencement of the 97% of complaints within our target Our Progress Champions support Our Working Party Group is made to set up some further courses with the first step is for you to ring Social work. timescales. customers on a one-to-one basis up of staff as well as customers. external providers. Services on 0300 1236720 who will who may want that extra bit of help If you feel you have skills you The same procedure is followed If you would like help either assess whether your need is urgent Over the past few months the in using their tablet or laptop. From could offer to support this group if you have mobility problems and using your laptop/tablet or or non-urgent. They will then send Group has conducted a full review setting up emails to learning how to please get in touch with the need a ramp. of the complaints process, which attending a more formal course an Occupational Therapist to your carry out internet shopping, booking Progress Opportunities Team has included extensive research please get in touch with the home to do an assessment. To qualify for a ramp you must be holidays and keeping in touch with on 03333 204555. a wheelchair user or have severe into the practices and procedures Progress Opportunities Team The assessment is currently taking family and friends - our Progress mobility problems, we would of other housing associations. Digital drop-ins on 03333 204555. 6-12 months to complete in South Champions can help you. only provide one for the front of This review has also taken into Ribble and up to six months in The Progress Opportunities Team the property, unless there was a consideration all recommendations We appreciate that for some the Fylde. However, please let them particular problem with access. made by our Scrutiny Pool who thought of going online may be scary alongside the Progress Champions know if you feel your needs are have also recently reviewed this or the cost of getting the internet have held some recent ‘digital drop- urgent. Once they have done Before purchasing a mobility process. Moving forward, changes alone may put people off. ins’ at Lostock Court and Hennel the assessment they will send a scooter it should be noted that to the current complaints process House. recommendation to myself, Aids owning a mobility scooter does will aim towards greater customer- Following the STAR (Survey of and Adaptations Officer, and to not automatically qualify you for focus and communication, better Tenants and Residents) survey we These were taster the local council who will start a ramp and you will still need an value for money, continuous conducted in 2017 we have created sessions after the proceedings for Disability Facilities Occupational Therapist assessment improvements to our services a Digital Inclusion Report and as Independent Living Grant (DFG) to fund the adaptation. recommending that you require by learning from feedback, and Scheme Co-ordinator a ramp. part of this work we have set up a The plans are then drawn up focusing on early resolution by highlighted some of sorting out the problem quickly. Working Party Group to determine by the council and sent to If you have any further queries the feasibility of projects, including the customers would Progress Housing Group for their regarding aids and adaptations for example installing communal like some guidance consideration. please contact myself, Diana WiFi, supporting our customers on how to use Lord, Aids and Adaptations How to make a complaint further to access the internet through their laptops/ Officer on 03333 204555. or provide feedback community training programmes and tablets. A few free sessions You can submit feedback by working with our Progress Futures Team and their customers to have were held contacting the Progress Connect and we are Team on 03333 204555, Monday to access to equipment to help with job now hoping Friday 8am – 6pm, or by webchat searching and online training to help (through the website them find employment. www.progressgroup.org.uk), or by letter, or by e-mail (enquiries@ progressgroup.org.uk). You can also submit your feedback via the website on a feedback form, or come into one of our offices during opening hours (see page two for opening hours and our Head Office address). Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk 6 7 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG Group Scrutiny Future funding of Review of the combination Pool Progress Lifeline update service supported housing As you know, the This meant that our independent This is great news for our existing living and homelessness tenants and good news for us too. government had planned accommodation tenants would Under the old LHA cap proposal Following information to limit Housing Benefit lose 10% or more of their Housing our tenants would have lost more provided in the last edition (or the housing costs Benefit, on average. In October, than 10%, on average, of their of Street talk and the we heard that this plan had benefit entitlement which would Our Scrutiny Pool is made up of customers from element of Universal been scrapped and that for our inevitably have caused hardship individual letters sent to across Progress Housing Group and carries out in- independent living tenants, current for many and put pressure on all our customers, we Credit) for all social depth reviews of the services provided by the Group. housing benefit entitlements will our service levels and on our rent provided the opportunity housing tenants to the be protected for the long-term. arrears. Local Housing Allowance for customers to join us The Scrutiny Pool has been chosen The Scrutiny Pool is focusing their In the medium to long-term, the These changes are scheduled for at a series of consultation to scrutinise the Progress Lifeline review on how easy customers find (LHA) level from 2019. amount we can increase service 2020, so it is likely to be a year service over this next quarter. it to access the Progress Lifeline events in November to charges by will be restricted. or so before the full details are Progress Lifeline has been delivering service, including: ask any questions and personal alarm and Telecare services If we develop any new housing known. how customers are made aware to provide us with any to people throughout Lancashire for for older people in the future, of the service There now follows a 12 week feedback regarding the over 28 years. rent levels will be restricted to a consultation period and following the information on offer to enable ‘sheltered rent’ by the regulator group combination. The service helps people to stay that, many months no doubt customers to make an informed - at the moment we don’t know in their own homes by offering of debate and planning whilst Meetings were held in Fylde choice between Progress Lifeline how much that will be. independent living solutions and a the details of each proposal are on 21 November and South and other Telecare services Ribble on 27 November, with 24/7 response service which gives worked through. For the moment a Facebook question and customers and their families peace the cost of the service though, let’s take this latest answer session hosted on of mind. the communication methods in development at face value. The 28 November. It was also place for customers who wish to government has recognised that discussed at The Forum on find out more about the service the LHA cap would be a disaster 28 November and also at the the customer journey from the for many social housing tenants Estate Appearance Forum on initial enquiry through to the and their landlords. For the first 13 December. We would like to installation of the equipment. time in a very long time we do thank all tenants who provided at least seem to have the basis The report will be presented at the feedback and were pleased to for a more positive dialogue with note tenants very much support next Scrutiny Pool quarterly meeting government about the future of and understand the reason for on 31 January 2018, 2pm-4pm at this proposal and raised no our Sumner House office in Leyland. supported housing. concerns. These meetings are open for Please visit our website anyone to attend. If you would like www.progressgroup.org.uk/ to come along please get in touch consultation to view our FAQs. with the Progress Opportunities We are on track to deliver the Team on 03333 204555 or through combined company Progress our Progress Housing Group Housing Association by 29 Facebook page or via email March 2018 subject to final [email protected]. approval from Board in March.

Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 8 9 Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Are you up for the Wellbeing Challenge? DIY session and Key's critical Key is offering schools in Chorley, South Ribble, , Fylde and Wyre the opportunity to painting of Lower Lane Before take part in its Wellbeing Challenge in a bid to help students to build support resilience against mental health and community centre improve wellbeing. We have a great community centre session had a great time whilst at the Key in partnership with Lancashire in Freckleton which has been same time learning new skills. Mind is working with schools to looking a bit bland and sorry for The following week Bell Group service for improve wellbeing across the itself. As part of our work with our carried out the painting work to the county now and for the future. The painting contractor, Bell Group, we ground floor room and entrance hall. Wellbeing Challenge intends to agreed to give the ground floor a As you can see from the pictures, help schools to improve resilience makeover. the centre looks a lot brighter and and promote positive change with more welcoming, and now offers After tenants the aim of reducing the number of Over the summer months we carried a permanent whiteboard, chalk young people who may go on to out consultation with the local board and some very funky coloured develop a mental health condition. community attending the centre and to 12pm. Why not come along and noticeboards. find out about what is happening in The partnership is being led by they helped us to choose the colours to be used in the makeover. We are looking to increase the your local community, get advice and Lancashire Mind and includes Key, activities delivered from the centre guidance from our Progress Futures Positive Action in the Community Early in October, Bell Group held a and are currently holding Progress Team, access digital services and and Young Lancashire with Think DIY training day at the community Futures drop-ins along with a meet new people. Please use this Forward, a Community Interest centre for our customers to help stay and play session, run by our as a chance to also pop in and have Key Unlocking Futures (Key) is now more than Company, who will deliver the develop and improve their DIY partner organisation, Homestart, on a look at the centre and all the work half way through the pilot year of delivering Critical programme to 50 schools across skills. The people who attended the Wednesday mornings from 10am that has been done. Lancashire over the next three Tenancy Support for PHG tenants who are in critical years. arrears and at high risk of losing their tenancy. By the end of the three years, they state presented? If not, why not? In partnership with Progress Tenants who have worked with the hope to have created 50 pupil- by thinking in this manner, Progress Spotlight on voids (empty Housing Group would hopefully Housing Group (PHG), Key service are confirming that support designed initiatives to help make the county a happier, more supportive benefit by my doing this job! I appointed two support workers is important to them, one tenant thoroughly enjoy what we do”. to deliver the service which is said: “I don’t know what I would place for young people. Two high property) inspectors available to those tenants of have done without your support I schools in Chorley and South Ribble “I have been doing inspections of Progress Housing Group in South didn’t know where to start”. They have already signed up to this empty properties for around five Ribble, Chorley and Fylde who are also talk about the importance challenge and are looking forward to years and found every property is helping to create a positive impact At Progress Housing Group What is involved in being a in imminent danger of losing their of the relationship being one that volunteer void inspector? different. The inspections have to tenancy due to rent arrears or anti- is about supporting them rather on young people. we are really fortunate to be be carried out in a non-personal When a property becomes empty, social behaviour (ASB) issues. than one of telling them what they able to work with a group way, that is, firstly the property has Stephen Holloway from Key our void team carries out any works have to do. One tenant said: “I Unlocking Futures in South Ribble to meet Progress’ lettable standard Key has and continues to support of volunteers who carry out that are needed to get the property but secondly, as a tenant myself, am glad that you are just normal and Chorley said: “Key is proud to 90 tenants. To date 94% of cases void inspections on empty ready for new tenants. Once the would I be happy to move into the I don’t feel like I have to tell you have been successful at case be a part of the Wellbeing Challenge works are completed our void property. With the wide variety of what you want to hear. You have properties that are ready to be closure and Key will continue as we understand the importance inspectors visit and inspect the housing stock available it makes the looked at my whole situation and let to new tenants. to monitor how they sustain the of educating young people about property using a standard form to whole process very interesting”. have encouraged me to be realistic looking after their mental health. This is a really important role record their findings. The inspectors changes they have made following We would really love to expand our about what I can afford rather than as it gives us the chance to get note any particularly good aspects the end of the support. Key also “We feel it is important for everyone team of volunteer void inspectors, just agreeing to pay money I don’t comments back from customers as well as any issues that may make monitors changes to a tenant’s to be able to have access to all would it be something that you have”. telling us what we are doing well the property more difficult to let. emotional health and wellbeing the right tools they need to build are interested in, or could it help and what we could be doing better using a tool known as the Warwick- Key is looking forward to seeing resilience and learn the skills needed Two of our volunteer void inspectors you develop new skills to include to prepare properties for tenants to Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale how the pilot year progresses and to look after their mental wellbeing”. told us why they got involved: on your CV? Training and support (WEMWBS). This is a scale of 14 they will be doing a more detailed move into. If you would like to know more “Originally perhaps my interest in is provided to all our volunteer positively worded items, with five analysis of the results towards the Our volunteer inspectors also tell inspectors and we cover the cost about the Wellbeing Challenge becoming a “Void Inspector” was response categories, for assessing end of the year. us of anything they think might to satisfy my cat-like instincts of of expenses needed to carry out mental wellbeing. The results show please get in touch with Stephen make the property more difficult to the role. Holloway, Employment Coach curiosity. But gradually I came to that a tenant’s emotional health let. This gives us the opportunity to realise that perhaps by looking at for Key Unlocking Futures at look at the issue to see if there is If you would like to know more is benefiting significantly from the voids from a tenant’s point of view, about this position or would be intervention. stephenh@keyyouthcharity. anything that can be done to make org.uk or David Nuttall, I could improve the standard for interested in joining the team an improvement. This in turn helps other tenants by helping to raise Operations Manager for Key us to reduce the length of time it of volunteer inspectors please Unlocking Futures at dnuttall@ the quality of lettings. I try to go into contact Diane Nash, Progress takes to let a property, which is a the properties and ask the question keyyouthcharity.org.uk or Opportunities Manager, on good thing for everyone. “Would I accept this property in the telephone 01772 678984. 03333 204555. Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 10 11 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk Mrs Tipping in her new kitchen Universal Credit (UC) and benefit update

Rollout of UC across the Related Activity Group if they are 204555 for support immediately country to ‘Full Service’ areas assessed after 3 April 2017. This before their arrears get out of is already well underway and will affect the majority of ESA control and risk losing their after the recent government claimants, who are expected to home. announcement will complete get well and return to work. Two child limit for Child Tax in December 2018. Once your Help with childcare costs – Credit/Universal Credit – families local area has transferred this since September 2017 Tax-Free having a third child born after 6 will mean that all new claims for Childcare and free 30 hours April 2017 will not get extra Child existing means-tested benefits childcare is available for working Tax Credit or UC Child Element for people under pension age parents with three or four-year- for that child. From February Kitchen replacement (i.e. Jobseeker’s Allowance, olds. Register online at https:// 2019 families making a new Income Support, Employment www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare- claim to UC will only receive and Support Allowance, Working costs/free-childcare-and- support for two children. This Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and education-for-2-to-4-year-olds could affect working families, Housing Benefit) will be for UC. programme to create an account and get a who lose their job in future and You will receive a single monthly code to provide to your childcare have to claim UC. payment including help towards provider. There were some helpful changes about this. We will then arrange a choose the colour of the floor, your rent. You will need a bank Every year we carry Benefit Cap – this policy in and following the Autumn 2017 convenient date to visit, and explain wall tiles, cupboards, walls and account to get your money or restricting total benefit paid by Budget to address widespread out a huge programme how your kitchen will be improved. worktop. you will not be paid. You will reducing the Housing Benefit concerns about Universal Credit. of works to improve We will measure the kitchen area have responsibility for paying Our customer satisfaction levels can affect families with three or so that we can design your new your rent, for example by Direct The current seven waiting days and maintain our homes. indicate that our tenants are very more children. Unless you fall kitchen with your input so that you Debit, which is another good at the start of a claim are being pleased with their new kitchen into an exempt group you will Between April 2017 and are comfortable with the way your reason to open a bank account. removed. However, it could installation. With most tenants happy need to be working at least 16 March 2018 we plan to new kitchen will look. Once you are The existing Post Office Card take until February 2018 for the with the service they receive, and hours per week for the cap to happy and have signed off the plans Account cannot be used for UC. required legislation to be written. spend over £11.7 million equally happy with the workmanship be removed. Some single parent you will receive a letter from us with a From April 2017 if you are on property repairs and and quality of their finished kitchen. families (especially those with UC advances will be provided start date for your kitchen installation unemployed, aged 18-21 and very young children) are really within five days of request. maintenance. works, which will also explain what “I love my new kitchen”! in a UC Full Service area you struggling with this transition into Previously advances were for you can expect from us during the may not get help towards paying Our Property Services Team has Mrs Tipping from is work. Some of these families 50% of the UC entitlement but works and how long we expect it rent through UC. There are a had fantastic feedback from tenants really pleased with her new kitchen who have previously requested a now you can receive 100% of to take. However if you need us to number of exceptions to this rule about last year’s kitchen replacement that was fitted last year. Our Property Discretionary Housing Payment your month’s UC entitlement. book a more convenient time to suit if you are considered vulnerable. programme. Services Team worked with Margaret (DHP) from the local authority These advances can then be you, you can let us know when we Young people should carefully giving her the option of what colour to cover their Housing Benefit repaid over 12 months rather During this financial year we will come to draw up the plans at the consider the risks of affording worktops she would like, tiles and shortfall have found that these than the current six months. have carried out approximately 320 beginning. their rent if they have signed a cupboards. awards have now ended and kitchen replacements and electric tenancy after April 2016. New UC claimants from April upgrades in homes throughout As part of the kitchen replacement Margaret said, “I am thrilled with further requests refused if they 2018 transferring from Housing Leyland, , Penwortham, process you will: the work carried out, they have Changes to Employment and cannot show they are taking Benefit (HB) will get a further two Clifton, Staining, Warton, Freckleton, be involved in planning your new done a fantastic job. They tried to Support Allowance (ESA) – active steps to find work. If you week HB run-on (unless they Lytham and St Annes. kitchen accommodate me as much as for people on long-term sick know anyone in this situation have a change in circumstances possible and nothing was too much from work there is no longer please get them to contact either in these two weeks). If your home is identified as due help to design the layout around for them”. extra money through ESA our Financial Inclusion Team or for a kitchen replacement you will your existing appliances for claimants put in the Work Progress Futures Team on 03333 receive a letter from us telling you

Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG 12 13 Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Progress Futures, free one- New Year - to-one new you! support It's the start of a New Year This six week programme is made up your local community. A personal of three different elements and has action plan will be developed by you - are you wanting to make been designed so you can progress so you can independently put into Progress Futures Basma's Progress positive changes to your and learn ways to develop a healthier practice what you have learnt during offers our customers life? Would you like to mind and a positive self-image. the programme. and members of their improve your confidence All about you! As the title suggests, Does this sound like something you Futures journey and general wellbeing? this section of the course will allow would be interested in attending? If household one-to-one the teacher to help you identify your the answer is yes, get in touch with Have you thought about own starting points and what would us. The sooner we have ten identified support to help them Basma self-referred to Progress Futures in March 2017. accessing training and benefit you the most over the next six learners, the sooner we can get achieve their goals. She wanted help to identify other training courses she education? It could be the weeks. dates and venues organised! start of a brand new you and You will also be introduced to We have also recently met with staff Whether it be to gain could attend, as well as volunteering opportunities and working with others and will have the at Preston’s College, at the city centre employment, enter possible work experience placements/apprenticeships. it could open up so many opportunity to explore what self- campus in Winckley Square and they education, start a training doors for you too! esteem is. Strategies you can use to have given us information on a whole Her main aim was to improve her CV course at Preston’s College. She increase your levels of self-worth will host of courses being delivered there course or secure a volunteer Here at Progress Housing Group and general employment prospects attends college once a week. She also be reviewed and adapted to fit in 2018. opportunity our experienced our team of Progress Opportunities to enable her to gain eventually a also recently secured a six week your individual needs. Goal setting team are on hand to help. Officers are continually working in If you would rather learn at a college permanent position. She was also work experience placement, within will be introduced here as a valuable partnership with all the local colleges, campus, Preston’s College can offer We recently secured external keen to meet other people and Progress Housing Group’s finance tool to support you in building a solid to see what courses they can deliver lots of varied courses. funding from the European improve her confidence. As a single department and is really enjoying the foundation for your learning journey for you, our customers. Social Investment Fund parent to four children, her biggest experience. with us. Some examples of courses that they barrier around finding employment is We are teaming up again with are running in 2018 include but are which has allowed us to Basma has now expressed an Think better, feel better! This is the also childcare. Lancashire Adult Learning, with not limited to: expand our service through interest to apply for one of the main body of the programme and a a view to creating a whole new the More Positive Together Basma is in receipt of Jobseekers Group’s 12 week work placements follow on from ‘All about you’. This Retail Level 1/Work Skills timetable of community learning Allowance, Child Benefit and Child and will be supported to complete element of the course focuses on programme, allowing us courses to run throughout 2018. Business Admin to increase the size of the Tax Credits. She has to meet regularly her application. providing you with essential tools and with her work coach at Chorley Job “The constant support from my The college is only able to deliver strategies to build self-confidence, Health & Social Care Level 1 team and support more Centre in order to provide relevant Progress Futures Officer is unlike courses in our communities, i.e. in increase your motivation and improve Safeguarding Level 2 customers. proof of job searching so she can anything I have ever experienced. one of our community centres, when your thinking patterns. You will spend receive her benefits. Mental Health Level 2 To date this financial year To say that this has been a great we have a minimum of ten learners time exploring what barriers are the team have supported She has completed English Level opportunity for me would be an wanting to attend. and how they can impact on your Wellbeing Level 1 personal development. To support 1 and 2 and Maths Level 1 and 2 understatement. Working at Progress We are aware that some people customers to gain a total you to progress during this section of Construction/CSCS as well as Level 1 in accounts and Housing Group has definitely are desperately looking to complete of 35 outcomes in a variety the course, the teacher will work with has also completed a 12 week renewed my confidence and abilities accredited courses to improve their Book Keeping Level 1 of areas, from completing you to provide help and guidance so volunteering course delivered by as a worker”. CV, personal profile and employment Caring for Children. qualifications to gaining Lancashire Adult Learning. Basma you can achieve your personal goals If, like Basma you would like help prospects but also that some people full-time employment. The has a real interest in accounts and and targets. to achieve your own personal just want to attend courses to meet her dream job would be working Please get in touch with the support we offer is individual goals, please get in touch with a other people or to get out and about Take Action! The final section of the in a finance department. With the Progress Opportunities Team and tailored to the specific member of the Progress Futures and to help improve their confidence course has been designed to help help of Progress Futures she has if you are interested in any of needs of the customer. An Team on 03333 204555 or email and overall health and wellbeing. you reflect on the progress you have enrolled on the Level 2 accounting made and prepare you for your next these courses or would like to example of how we support [email protected] One of the new community learning steps. With support and guidance receive more detailed course courses that Lancashire Adult customers is detailed in from the teacher, you will explore the information, either by phoning Learning can offer in 2018 that we Basma’s story. benefits of keeping learning and what 03333 204555 or emailing envisage will be popular is called the opportunities there are for you within Positive Pathways Programme. [email protected]

Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 14 15 Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Keeping your house safe Value for Money - and warm this winter procurement savings

Don't be a victim of burst tap and open all the taps. This will Keep your home well ventilated The way we buy goods and services is really The procurement savings have pipes prevent your pipes from freezing in - leave window air vents open, mainly come from reviewing the cold winter temperatures. open windows, when using the important to us and we seek to obtain value for money If possible keep your heating on and our procurement activity and by kitchen and bathroom, air rooms and do this through what is called 'procurement'. accessing frameworks such as set your room thermostat to 21°C Prevent damp and if you are drying washing or 70°F throughout the day and if condensation in your home Procurement is managed by a specialist team at Progress Housing Group and Procurement for Housing, Northern you leave your house and can, set Keep your home warm - a last year we worked across a range of projects and achieved value for money Housing Consortium, Procurement In winter you are more at risk of the room thermostat to 18°C. If you constant low heat in winter will savings totalling £0.4 million, against a target of £0.3 million. Hub and Crown Commercial condensation and mould due to the go away for any length of time turn help prevent condensation. Allow Services. A procurement framework increase in temperature from your off your water supply at the stop warm air to circulate by leaving Area of business Saving £ is when an agreement is put in place central heating. To help stop mould doors open. Insulate your home with a provider or range of providers in your home you need to decrease as much as possible. Roofing £180k that enables buyers to place orders the amount of condensation. for services without running lengthy Planned works £85k If you have a repair that full tendering excercises. Stop moisture building up - use needs completing, you can External works £81k lids on pans, wipe down sills, dry We have started the procurement report a repair online at, Supported living decoration £40k clothes outside, use extractor www.progressgroup.org.uk, process for grounds maintenance fans quickly and anytime of the day Insurance £50k services across general needs and or night by completing our repairs Gas servicing £24k independent living. If you would like reporting form. Alternatively, you Internal audit £17k to be involved in this process, please can now log your repair via live contact us on 03333 204555. Grounds maintenance (supported living) £7k chat on our website, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. TOTAL £403k

Future procurement plans We have a number of targets The social value that contracts which we would like to achieve in provide is considered as well Independent for 2018/19 2018/19, some of which are: as processes, services and management information available Looking ahead, we have set to develop our procurement to the Group. Where possible, cost ourselves a new procurement computer system to help create reductions are achieved. Living Activities savings target of £300,000. Our an online tender process focus will be on the targets below If you can think of any ways that to deliver procurement projects and we will report back on our we could save money or improve including temporary labour, My name is Abbey Rawcliffe, and I am the new progress in next year’s value for our services without increasing our materials, fleet and flooring with money self-assessment. This costs, then please get in touch by Independent Living Activities Co-ordinator. an estimated value of £2.4 million document, which we produce emailing enquiries@progressgroup. Previous to this role I have been studying a three year with an anticipated 10% saving annually, will explain what we did org.uk, visiting our website www. Counselling and Psychotherapy degree at university. I really in 2017/18 and what we will be to ensure that current progressgroup.org.uk and using enjoy a range of activities, particularly anything to do with arts doing in 2018/19 to make sure that frameworks continue to offer web chat, visiting facebook/ and crafts. Please let me know if there are any specific events our services are efficient and offer the best value for money in both ProgressStreetTalk or phoning on or activities that you would be interested in. I look forward to maximum value for money. monetary value and quality of 03333 204555. meeting you all and making some exciting plans for the future. service.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk 16 17 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG Riverside View, Lancaster

The Silks, Lancaster Brock Mill, Chorley In November we have also taken Creating handover of four, two-bedroom flats at Riverside View which are for affordable rent. new Bridgeside, St Annes (Phase 1) This scheme compromising of eight, homes two-bedroom houses started on site in September 2017, the properties will be available for affordable rent and completion is due September 2018. Brock Mill, Chorley This development of 12 units in total is located close to the town centre of Chorley at the junction of Brock Road and Railway Road. Brock Mill was a former single storey warehouse supplying props and costumes to many theatres and various events nationally. Progress Housing Group acquired the cleared site in July 2016 having Meadow, Riverside View, Lancaster Hoyle House, obtained planning consent for residential development. Work Planning permission has been Farington Moss The launch of another shared commenced on site in January 2017. ownership scheme in Lancaster granted at Hoyle House in, We had the launch of our new shared Blackpool. There will be six, two- The new scheme will be a mixed ownership scheme in Farington Moss will be released mid-January 2018. There are five, three-bedroom houses bedroom houses, three, three- tenure development of affordable rent on Saturday 11 November. Four bedroom houses and two, two- and shared ownership homes. The properties have been reserved within available from £82,500 for a 50% share. The properties have been bedroom bungalows all available for development will offer the following: two weeks of the sales launch. There affordable rent. are three, two-bedroom houses still developed with Barratt Homes. For two, two-bedroom, four person available from £75,000 for a 50% more information contact Lancastrian houses for affordable rent share. The properties have been Estates, Lancaster on 01524 555800 six, one-bedroom, two person developed with Miller Homes within or visit www.riverside-view.co.uk. apartments for affordable rent a highly desirable area. If you are interested in these properties please four, two-bedroom, four person visit our website www.croston- houses for shared ownership. meadow.co.uk or contact our local Please see site layout and artist’s selling agent, Farrell Heyworth, Front (West) Elevation impression of the proposed Leyland on 01772 624150 or email development. [email protected] to find out more. All the properties have been designed to meet the Group’s Brock Mill, Chorley design requirements as well as the requirements of Homes (formerly known as Homes and Side (South) Elevation Communities Agency (HCA)) who are Blackledge, a local cricketer who The development has been contributing a total of £328,000 to played for Lancashire in 1962, welcomed by the local community the scheme in the form of a grant. captaining the team as an amateur and is seen as a positive addition to We expect the scheme to be in the year before the players and the area replacing a run down and Perspectives completed by May 2018 when it will gentlemen distinction was formally unattractive building and providing

B Client comments endorsed. 29-Sep-17 RJE NJM A Client comments endorsed. be23-Aug-17 officiallyRJE NJM known as Blackledge abolished. He later served on the much needed social housing for rev description date drawn check

0 1 2 Place.5 7.5m This name was chosen to Lancashire Cricketers Committee and local people and homes for first client Progress Group Rear (East) Elevation project commemorate Joseph Frederick was President of the club in 2001. time buyers. Assistive Technology Centre & Dwelling Houses Former Hoyle House Site Argosy Road, Blackpool

drawing Proposed AT Centre Elevations

file name drawn 16-2232-PN Proposed Drawings Rev A 26-Sep-17

drawing reference rev scale 16-2232-PN201 B 1:100 @ A3

issue status original by ELI Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Planning checked by Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 18 RJE 19 The copyright of this drawing is held by Croft Goode Limited, and no reproduction is allowed without prior permission. This drawing must be checked and verified by the contractor prior to work commencing on site. Liability shall not be taken for any defects in this drawing unless, prior to commencing, this drawing and all its dimensions have been so checked and verified. All drawings issued prior to being checked to be treated as draft. Do not scale.

Croft Goode Architects, Office 4, The Crossroads Business Park, Freckleton Street, Kirkham, Lancashire, PR4 2SH Side (North) Elevation t: 01772 686 030 [email protected] f: 01772 686 050 www.croftgoode.co.uk Grounds maintenance In March 2018 the existing number of regular visits to cut grass There is still an opportunity for you to grounds maintenance and foliage per year rather than come along to a workshop to have waiting for the grass and foliage to some input into how the new service contract will come to an end, reach a certain height. will look. This will take place 2pm- Progress Housing Group 4pm on 30 January 2018 at Warwick This decision has been taken after will be tendering for a new House, Lytham St Annes. we considered the complaints we contract, which means we have received regarding the service We are always open to suggestions will be writing a new grounds provided and after discussions during as to how you want us to provide our maintenance specification. neighbourhood visits with specialist grounds maintenance service as we The existing contract was based on teams, such as Estate Caretakers and continue to be committed to giving the cutting of grass and foliage after Community Housing Officers. value for money and maintaining our vision of supplying high quality homes. they had reached a certain height, We also carried out a Facebook rather than cutting the grass and session asking our tenants their If you want to join us to help us foliage on a regular basis. views on current experiences. shape our services in the future It has been decided that the new Overwhelmingly our tenants wanted please contact Ian Donnelly, contract will be based on a specific to change to a frequency cutting Neighbourhoods Manager, for arrangement. further details on 03333 204555. Inspire Youth Zone set to open!

Progress Housing Group is proud to be a founding patron of the new Inspire Youth Zone. This fantastic facility, opening in April 2018, is currently being built on Chapel Street in the centre of Chorley, opposite the train station and directly 16 Days next to the bus station. This location means young people can easily access this new world class £4.8m facility which will offer up to 20 activities per night.

Chorley Youth Zone, named by a happier and healthier generation. Inspire also needs to recruit 70 of Action young people as ‘Inspire’, will be a Inspire will offer everything from dedicated volunteers to make purpose-built facility for the borough’s sports, arts, a fully equipped gym, sure they deliver the best service We recently supported '16 Days of From left to right: young people aged 8-19, and up to climbing wall, dance, drama and for Chorley’s young people. If you Cllr Jane Bell, Angela 25 for those with disabilities. cooking to a safe place for young have a passion for working with Action` an international campaign to raise Horton, Sarah Bell, people to find a listening ear, access young people or simply want to Steven McKiernan This infrastructure of facilities is based mentoring, develop their employability give a little back by helping out in and Cllr Mal upon OnSide Youth Zones 21st awareness of violence against women. skills and enjoy a nutritious hot meal. an administrative or kitchen role for Donoghue Century Youth Facility Model and example, they want to hear from you. young people from across the area Membership for this new Youth Zone Over the 16 Days of Action, which Staff from our Chorley and South will have access to all these fantastic is open now! Membership costs just began on the 25 November and Ribble women’s refuges also stood facilities for a cost of £5 for an annual £5 per year and 50p per visit and all ended on the 10 December, we outside Leyland’s Market Hall on Through taking part in the campaign For more information you can (@ProgressHG) tweeted a domestic Friday 1 December, encouraging every year we hope to let people membership and 50p per visit. the details are on the website www. contact their Volunteer and inspireyouthzone.org. You can also abuse statistic every day to raise people to show their support of the know that help is out there for those The Youth Zone will provide a safe Training Manager Michelle sign up as a member on the website awareness of domestic abuse, how campaign, make a pledge to never suffering domestic violence, that it environment where young people Graham by emailing michelle. www.inspireyouthzone.org/young- people can support the campaign commit, condone or remain silent can happen to women of any age can come and enjoy themselves and [email protected] people/become-a-member/ and where they can get free and about abuse and if they wanted to, and that women’s refuges can offer will enable young people to raise their confidential advice 24 hours a day. take a ‘selfie’ with our polaroid photo support and a safe haven for those aspirations and confidence to create frame and share it on social media. wishing to flee an abusive situation.

Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 20 21 Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk Edna New Longton Stringer wins Largest Village award Residents of Boundary Helen Liz Lesley Lindsey Close and Churchside Forshaw Stanton Davies Barrow independent living scheme have been thanked by Bill Coulton, Councillor for Longton and New longton, for their contribution to WI ladies support our New Longton winning the Largest Village award in the Congratulations women's refuges LANCASHIRE Best Kept A team effort has meant that women and children Liz Stanton, manager for the Chorley Village 2017 competition. and South Ribble Women’s Refuges, to our green staying in our women's refuges in Chorley and South Mr Coulton went on to say: “A said: “We are delighted to accept Ribble have received some generous donations to help these gifts and support from both considerable amount of time and them settle into the refuges or their new homes. Caldervale and Buckshaw Village money is spent by all residents fingered tenants WI’s which will aid some of the most in maintaining their gardens. In The Women’s Institute (WI) of vulnerable women and children in our particular Boundary Close where Lindsey Barrow from the Buckshaw Caldervale decided to collect toiletries Village WI said: “We are keen to areas”. one of our residents makes a Residents living at our Lowerfield of North West in Bloom. This was to donate to the refuges, whilst the support local services and charities If you are concerned about significant contribution planting independent living scheme in the first time they had entered the competition and the judges felt that Women’s Institute of Buckshaw that support women as the WI’s someone who may be at risk of and maintaining the flower beds Farington Moss were nominated by Councillors Karen Walton and they had done extremely well. Village in Chorley handmade a slogan is ‘empowering women’. domestic abuse, phone the South around the community centre. 100 ‘emergency backpacks’ filling Several of our members were aware Ribble Domestic Abuse Helpline in Jacqui Mort for their community Edna Stringer aged 94, has been Plants and soil being paid for by them with pyjamas, socks, pants, of the valuable work and support the confidence on 01772 435865 or garden for the 'It's your growing her dahlias for many, many, the Community Tuesday morning hairbrushes, shampoo, shower gel, refuges (both Chorley and Leyland) email clarehouse@progressgroup. neighbourhood' Award, North years. Although she is unable to dig coffee club. A suitable plaque will toothbrush and a small toy, game or do for women and children locally, org.uk. The line is open 24 hours a West in Bloom competition. them out now for winter storage, be strategically positioned at a book for the children staying at the so we thought it would be a good day, 7 days a week. she protects them by putting straw location to be decided at the next In recognition for all their hard refuges. project to undertake”. over them, every year they come up Parish Council meeting”. work the residents were awarded a Level 3 for their beautiful garden and ‘blooming’. Congratulations to all those were presented with a framed Royal Another Resident Dorothy Currie involved! Horticultural Society and North West also has a love of gardening, and is in Bloom certificate from South renowned for her beautiful pink and Facebook Q&As Ribble Borough Council on behalf blue hydrangeas. If you haven't previously Our Facebook Q&A sessions are proving a great way to chat with you visited our Facebook about the matters that are important page, why not check it to you. out more about the benefit changes and how you can work better with out www.facebook.com/ During November our Head of us to reduce your arrears and find Operations, Linda Alcock hosted ProgressStreetTalk employment opportunities. a live chat on the current benefit We feature details of up and changes for our tenants aged 21- We are planning more Facebook coming events in all our 35 years old. Lots of you took part Q&A sessions in the New Year so communities, news and regular in the session either by posting keep an eye out on our page and if live Facebook Q&A chats where your questions on our wall, direct you have a suggestion for a Q&A, you can talk to our experts about messaging our page or phoning us. let us know via www.facebook. a range of topics, including Some of the issues raised during the com/ProgressStreetTalk or email community events, anti-social session included how you can find [email protected] Dorothy behaviour and benefits advice. Currie

Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG 22 23 Visit us online at www.progressgroup.org.uk How are we performing? From April 2017 to December 2017 Housing Management Target Result Target met Trend Top quarter*

Worse than We aim to re-let general needs 20 days empty properties within 21 days 21 days 33.9 last quarter days

We aim to have less than 1.2 properties Worse than 1 out out of every 100 vacant at any time 1.2 1.1 last quarter of 100

We aim for current tenant rent arrears Worse than £1.90 of to be less than £4.90 of every £100 of £4.90 rent due £4.61 last quarter every £100 We aim for current tenant rent arrears, excluding that owed by Housing Worse than £0.80 of Helping you get online Benefit, to be less than £4.30 of every £4.30 £3.81 last quarter every £100 £100 of rent due In previous editions of StreetTalk we have kept you up-to-date with our actions from the Repairs Target Result Target met Trend Top quarter* 2017 Survey of Tenants and Residents (STAR) survey. Recently we have been working on a digital evaluation project to understand how we can work together to improve digital inclusion. We aim to complete responsive Better than 6.5 days repairs within 6.5 days 6.5 days 11.6 last quarter The survey The digital project The working party days The STAR survey was undertaken The digital project has reviewed The recommendations from the We aim to complete 95 out of Same as 95 out in March 2017, asking questions of information from the STAR survey Digital Inclusion Report will now be every 100 responsive repairs 95.0% importance, satisfaction, digital usage alongside national data to create a taken forward by the Digital Inclusion right first time 96.8% last quarter of 100 and wellbeing. Digital Inclusion Report. Working Party. The information taken from the survey The report used the information to The working party will start to explore We aim to keep 99 out of Same as Not every 100 responsive repairs 92.3% told us that we had four recurring make recommendations about how the best approach to improving digital 99.0% last quarter available themes: we can now help to reduce digital inclusion for our customers. Once an appointments made First time resolution - be friendly, exclusion. approach has been agreed a digital answer questions and keep The report highlighted that a wide inclusion action plan will be created We aim for 100 out of every 100 Same as 100 out gas appliances to have been promises range of residents and customers are and shared with our customers and 100% last quarter of 100 residents. serviced in the last 12 months 100% Speed - this is not about doing online. However, it also revealed that some customers’ experience digital The working party will then work things quickly it is about giving Target Result Target met Trend Top quarter* timescales exclusion due to one or more of the with our customers, residents and Tenant Satisfaction following issues: other agencies to support projects Inform and communicate - that tackle digital exclusion within We aim to keep 96 tenants out give timescales and keep our Digital Skills - knowledge and 87.5% Worse than 97.6 out confidence our communities. This will begin with of every 100 satisfied with the 96.0% customers informed areas that have been highlighted as service provided to new tenants last quarter of 100 Quality - set expectations. Accessibility - health and disability having a higher likelihood of digital From these themes an action plan Connectivity - no reliable and/or exclusion. We aim to keep 96 tenants out of affordable internet access. every 100 satisfied with the overall Same as Not has been created. As we know many of our customers 96.0% The report was also able to highlight are already online so we will also be service provided regarding arrears 100% last quarter available We first explored the theme ‘inform management and communicate’. We did this by key areas and neighbourhoods where reviewing digital engagement. This our customers are more likely to be will help us to understand which of evaluating how we listen to and We aim to keep 96 tenants out of communicate with our customers digitally excluded. our customers are currently using our Worse than 97 out services digitally and who might wish every 100 satisfied with the overall 96.0% 98.5% In September 2017 we started to From the report findings a Digital quality of a responsive repair last quarter of 100 Inclusion Working Party was formed to in the future. This will be part of the evaluate our digital inclusion and work we are carrying out to improve engagement. This project used and held its first meeting at the end of 2017. The working party will meet our digital offer to our customers. We aim to keep 96 tenants out of Same as Not information from the STAR survey every 100 satisfied that the repair regularly to help guide how we can 96.0% last quarter available and other sources to help us to has been completed right first time 96.8% understand how we can improve improve digital inclusion for our Any digital inclusion with our customers. customers. comments? *This column shows the performance figures of the highest performing housing associations across England and If you have any questions Wales. We aim to be within the top quarter of all housing associations. You will see that for some of these indicators or suggestions, please contact we are already on the top quarter whilst for others we need to do a bit more work. You can view more performance information online at us on 03333 204555 or email www.progressgroup.org.uk/performance [email protected]

Pay your rent online at www.progressgroup.org.uk 24 25 Report repairs online at www.progressgroup.org.uk Dates for your diary Out and about

Forum or Share your photos with us. If you would like a photo to appear in ‘out and about’ please email it to Event Tenant inspection Training panel meeting [email protected] or post a copy to StreetTalk, Progress Opportunities Team, Sumner House, 21 King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LW. January March 31 Wed Scrutiny Pool quarterly meeting. 6 Tue Quarterly Repairs Forum. 2pm-4pm. 2pm. Sumner House, Leyland. Sumner House, Leyland. 7 Wed Volunteering Course. 1pm. February Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. 14 Wed Volunteering Course. 6 Tue Quarterly Void Inspector meeting. 1pm. 2pm. Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. Sumner House, Leyland. 14 Wed Quarterly Estate Appearance Forum. 7 Wed Volunteering Course. 2pm. 1pm. Warwick House, LythamSt Annes. Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. 21 Wed Volunteering Course. Our tenants at Lostock Court independent living scheme 21 Wed Volunteering Course. 1pm. in Farington Moss, Leyland, with the help of family and 1pm. Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. friends recently raised £216 for St Catherine’s Hospice 28 Wed Volunteering Course. by selling raffle tickets. Here is Mrs Spencer presenting Jean Tracey from St John’s Court, Lytham St Annes, 21 Wed Community Events Working Party. 1pm. Dave Barratt from St Catherine’s with the cheque. taking a star turn in the production Oliver. 2.30pm. Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. The Place community centre, Leyland. 27 Tue Quarterly meeting of The Forum. View all our upcoming events online at 2-4pm with lunch served at 1.30pm. www.progressgroup.org.uk Warwick House, Lytham St Annes Looking for estate walkabouts? Please contact 28 Wed Volunteering Course. Progress Connect on 03333 204555, email enquiries@ 1pm. progressgroup.org.uk or view them on our website Saltcotes community centre, Lytham. www.progressgroup.org.uk/news-events/events

Exercise wordsearch

If you would like to be in with a chance of Aerobic B C L U G S W E A T R Ron Christopher from Tuson House, A huge thank you to Mrs Park (left) who donated £800 to Liz Stanton winning a £20 Love2shop voucher why not Cardiovascular Y A N F H P F V S I D Penwortham, walked 1,000 miles in for Clare House in memory of her granddaughter who died in Australia have a go at our vegetable wordsearch. Treadmill Deadline for entries is Friday 2 March T R E A D M I L L U U 2017, congratulations! following a domestic abuse incident. Calories 2018. Muscle W D R G K U T U E S O Congratulations to Mrs Rutter from Warm up L I H I Z S E G Y T C Lostock Hall, who won our autumn G O A L E C R Q J R A wordsearch. Stretch Sweat Y V I M V L C O I E E HOW TO ENTER Trainer Please send your entries along with your name, B A E W N E F R W T R age and home address to: StreetTalk, Progress Work out I S K D A S U Z L C O Goal Housing Group, Marketing Team, Sumner V C A L O R I E S H B House, 21 King Street, Leyland, PR25 2LW. Fit F U C E R I M R G W I X L I S C G I U L Q C Name R A C R B X E Y P Z R Age T R A I N E R C N M J Address G K J C U A O V E R I I W O R K O U T E M O Tenants at The Bridge in Chorley enjoyed their Christmas party, lots of Santa and his elf visiting Lower Lane food, games and presents. community centre in Freckleton.

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ProgressStreetTalk 26 27 Follow us on Twitter @ProgressHG We help hundreds of people live independently in their own homes every day. First four weeks free Progress Lifeline offers remote We can help support you to stay (Quote ST18) monitoring in your home and in your own home for longer and emergency personal assistance also provide much-welcomed 24 hours a day, 365 days of reassurance and peace of mind, the year to help to make your not only to yourself but also to life easier, safer and more your family, friends and carers. comfortable.

Get in touch

For more information call today on 03333 204999 (please quote ‘ST18’) or email [email protected] www.progresslifeline.org.uk www.facebook.com/ProgressLifeline

Progress Lifeline is an easy-to-use personal alarm system that can enable you to remain independent and more confident in your own home. Prices start from £3.60 per week.