MCC Housing Services Resident's Newsletter - October 2024

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Included this week: 


  * Winter is coming 
  * Get Online Week 
  * Improving Resident Complaint Handling 
  * Find out how to get a FREE pumpkin... 
  * And more… 
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our manchester
Winter is coming...
boiler-checks-october
As the nights draw in, it's worth checking that your boiler's working now before temperatures start to drop.

If you haven't yet, please give your boiler a try to make sure it's working properly whilst the weather's still not too cold. If things aren’t running smoothly, please order a repair. [ https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?data=05%7C01%7CBen.Brown%40manchester.gov.uk%7C577ce1afc5b24a483e4d08dbc33b8e00%7Cb0ce7d5e81cd47fb94f7276c626b7b09%7C0%7C0%7C638318432773342144%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&reserved=0&sdata=GLgJpbdMtMYPUiMZjhUlOX4NS%2BQ0Wwihqq0UTNIXO%2Fg%3D&url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDEsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1jY2hvdXNpbmdzZXJ2aWNlcy5jby51ay9yZXBhaXJzL29yZGVyLWEtcmVwYWlyL2Nob29zZS15b3VyLXJlcGFpci8_dXRtX2NvbnRlbnQ9JnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWwmdXRtX25hbWU9JnV0bV9zb3VyY2U9Z292ZGVsaXZlcnkmdXRtX3Rlcm09IiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMTAwMi44MzQzOTM2MSJ9.QW5uas1JyQlMI-CkNyvTjOiukbcZXnKUPFyAkAhBi-Q%2Fs%2F2158236711%2Fbr%2F227226084393-l%3Futm_content%3D%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_name%3D%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%26utm_term%3D&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]

It’s a good idea to regularly check that your radiators and their valves are working properly and there are no leaks. Even minor leaks (sometimes ones you don’t even notice) can lead to a loss of pressure in your system and cause your boiler to break down, often at the coldest time. Check out this video if you're not sure how to do it. [ https://eur03.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?data=05%7C01%7CBen.Brown%40manchester.gov.uk%7C577ce1afc5b24a483e4d08dbc33b8e00%7Cb0ce7d5e81cd47fb94f7276c626b7b09%7C0%7C0%7C638318432773342144%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&reserved=0&sdata=bMVjB%2FuUjWY%2F%2FVJ%2B2ddBWikx%2Fhe%2B60NalrcWmJdikd0%3D&url=https%3A%2F%2Flnks.gd%2Fl%2FeyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vd3d3Lm1jY2hvdXNpbmdzZXJ2aWNlcy5jby51ay9yZXBhaXJzL2RvLWl0LXlvdXJzZWxmL2hvdy10by1ibGVlZC1hLXJhZGlhdG9yLz91dG1fY29udGVudD0mdXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbCZ1dG1fbmFtZT0mdXRtX3NvdXJjZT1nb3ZkZWxpdmVyeSZ1dG1fdGVybT0iLCJidWxsZXRpbl9pZCI6IjIwMjMxMDAyLjgzNDM5MzYxIn0.OlGm7adFnOWf4a_y1uzLXIyj5VktvurJOT5WBRzIFZA%2Fs%2F2158236711%2Fbr%2F227226084393-l%3Futm_content%3D%26utm_medium%3Demail%26utm_name%3D%26utm_source%3Dgovdelivery%26utm_term%3D&utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]

If you've got any problems, just get in touch and remember, check the ID of any workers who visit your home.

*Order a Repair* [ https://www.mcchousingservices.co.uk/repairs/order-a-repair/choose-your-repair/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

 

Quit Smoking with our 'Swap to Stop Scheme'
swap to stop cigarettes and vapes

MCC Housing Services have partnered with Be Smoke Free to offer all residents FREE support to quit smoking via the government's 'Swap to Stop' scheme.

According to official statistics, the price of 20 king size cigarettes is now a staggering £15.90!

The table below shows the amount of money that can be saved each year by not buying cigarettes, based on how many cigarettes are smoked a day.

  *Weekly* *Monthly* *Annually* *5 a day* £27.83 £120.91 £1,450.88 *10 a day* £55.65 £241.81 £2,901.75 *20 a day* £111.30 £483.63 £5,803.50 

Be Smoke Free provide a *FREE VAPE* and 4 weeks’ worth of oils for any smoker looking to quit. We will then check in with you after 4 weeks to check on your progress and provide a further 8 weeks’ worth of oils for the vape.

This service is only available in Newton Heath at the moment - so if you're a resident - register here:

*Email manchesterbesmokefree@cgl.org.uk *
*or call 0161 8234157 (Mon-Fri, 9-5)*

We will then send you a short questionnaire to complete before sending you out your starter pack. We look forward to helping you live a smoke free life.

 

Join 'Get Online Week' and discover the power of digital!
get online week campaign 2024

14 - 18 October is *Get Online Week* [ https://www.goodthingsfoundation.org/discover/get-online-week?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] and its the perfect time to visit one of the FREE Digital Drop-in Sessions that take place across North Manchester every single week.

They'll help you learn how to confidentely use the internet and your digital devices. Pop in for a chat, ask questions and explore how technology can make your life easier.

From Monday 14 - Thursday 17, *Digital Coffee Mornings* will be taking place, where you can 'Make the most of the internet'. Learners can come along to sign up to 'Learn My Way' and take part in additional exercises.

You can also sign up for a Basic Digital Skills Course to continue your learning journey. For more information on 'Get Online Week' and see what's on, click the button below...

*Digital Drop-in Sessions* [ https://www.mcchousingservices.co.uk/about-us/news/articles/new-autumn-2024-timetable-for-online-support-drop-in-sessions/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

 

Hobin's Community Fund - BeeSafe Manchester
beesafe cic hobin's community fund

*BeeSafe CIC* [ https://www.facebook.com/beesafemanchester?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] is a Martial Arts school based in Blackley, offering friendly and fun training sessions for all ages, learning the art of “Taijutsu”.

Their approach is practical, and it will help improve fitness, posture, situational awareness and self-protection knowledge.

Owners Gary and Antje applied for help through our Hobin's Community Fund back in Spring, to launch women's and girl's only classes, so we popped down to St. Andrew's Community Hall to see how they were doing...

*Watch the video* [ https://youtu.be/t0zJIXHAnWY?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

 
 
 
 
 

making MCR fairer
Our Commitment to Improving Resident Complaint Handling
deep dive complaints workshop

We recently held a 'Deep Dive' workshop focused on improving how we handle resident complaints within Housing Services.

We’re excited to share our action plan designed to ensure that your voice is heard and that you receive the best possible support:


  * We reviewed 23 past complaint cases in detail, to understand their causes and effects, looking at the resident journey from initial contact to the resolution of each case. 
  * Fifty colleagues from across Housing Services gathered for the workshop, leading to the creation of a comprehensive service-wide action plan. 
  * Over the next 12 weeks, each service area will implement targeted improvements, culminating in a showcase of our successes in December. 

*Why Do We Need an Action Plan?*
During the workshop, we found that residents emphasised the importance of consistent follow-through when it comes to complaints.

You told us that having access to the right support helps you feel valued and engaged in the process. It’s essential for us to meet regulatory standards, not only for your benefit but for the overall success of our Housing Services.

*Next Steps*
Each service area will take ownership of their respective action plans, but we’re committed to collaborating as a unified team. Managers will track how each team contributes to these improvements, ensuring that your feedback directly influences our work.

In December we will host a Showcase of Success Session to highlight the progress made and give everyone in Housing Services the chance to see how your input has led to positive changes in our service.

Residents are a vital part of this journey - your feedback is crucial in shaping our services!

*More Info* [ https://www.mcchousingservices.co.uk/about-us/news/articles/our-commitment-to-improving-resident-complaint-handling/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 
get involved
Why you should get involved with Your Voice...
better to get involved your voice

*Join Us to Help Improve Local Services!*

Your Voice consists of three new groups that meet regularly, engage with staff and residents, participate in focus groups, and work towards recommending service improvements to Housing Services.

We offer training, work shadowing, and reimbursement for travel and childcare costs. Whether you can attend meetings or prefer to support with research, there's a role for everyone.

Ready for a new challenge? 

*Watch the video* [ https://youtu.be/QBfA3r3wRNU?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

 

We want to hear your views this Halloween!
we want to hear your views this Halloween

As part of our *Tenant Satisfaction Measures* [ https://www.mcchousingservices.co.uk/about-us/news/articles/tenant-satisfaction-measures-results-for-202324/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ], we're organising a free session this Halloween so that you can come and tell us your views on Housing Services and in return - we'll give you a *FREE pumpkin* and LED tea light so you can get in the Halloween mood!

Taking place on Wednesday 23rd October between 10am and 3pm at the White Moss Road Neighbourhood Office, just pop down and chat to our Residents Experience team and get your free pumpkin for carving.

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Feeling stuck and overwhelmed? Looking for a new direction but don't know where to start?
support to succeed

Support to Succeed is a FREE programme of support that will help you take your first step towards a brighter future.

Friendly, trained advisers can help you with:


  * Wellbeing and confidence building 
  * Managing finances and budgeting 
  * Overcoming childcare and transport barriers 
  * Skills and volunteering opportunities 
  * Job search and career planning 

Contact today to get started: 0161 236 8118

*Support to Succeed* [ https://www.gcemployment.uk/working-well-support-to-succeed/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

 
pension-credit-eligibility-poster

Up to 880,000 pensioners could be missing out on a cash boost worth on average up to £3,900 per year!

Check your eligibility and claim here:

*Pension Credit Eligibility* [ https://www.gov.uk/pension-credit?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

Pension Credit helpline on 0800 99 1234

Or contact Money Advice Team at MCC Housing Services. [ https://www.mcchousingservices.co.uk/rent/contact-the-money-matters-team/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]

 
 
 
 

estate-walkabouts-header

*Have you been on an Estate Walkabout in your area?*

As part of our continuing commitment to listening to residents, to help understand what you need from housing services - we conduct regular Estate Walkabouts in our communities.

For a full list of when they are on (and where to meet), head on over to our website here...

*Come on an Estate Walkabout* [ https://www.mcchousingservices.co.uk/get-involved/come-on-an-estate-walkabout/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

estate-walkabout-four  

*Wednesday 16 October
*


  * *Baths & Moston Pub *@ 10.00am (Meet at Edward Grant Court, M9 4AB) 
 

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*Thursday 17 October*


  * *Jolly Miller/200 *@ 11am (Meet at The Jolly Miller, M9 5TU) 
  * *Kingsbridge* @ 11am (Meet at Kingsbridge Court, M9 5SW) 
  * *Anita St/George Leigh/Vic Square* @ 1pm (Meet at Victoria Square) 
 

estate-walkabout-five  

*Tuesday 22 October
*


  * *Crosslee *@ 11am (Meet at One Stop, M9 6LP) 
  * *Halliford Estate* @ 11am (Meet at Joseph Dean Court, M40 5NU) 
 

estate-walkabout-six  

*Wednesday 23 October*


  * *Charlestown Low Rise* @ 11am (Meet at Whitemoss Club for Young People, M9 7DQ) 

*Thursday 24 October*


  * *Mill/Miners Estate* @ 11am (Meet at St Matthew's RC High School, M40 0EW) 
 

 
 
 
 
 

events

*Have you seen our Events Calendar?*

There are hundreds of events taking place every month in your community and around North Manchester. For an extensive list of what's happening on a day-by-day basis - visit our events calendar here...

*Events Calendar* [ https://mcchousingservices.co.uk/events/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 

 
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yoga trauma healing sessions october  

*Yoga & Trauma Healing Sessions*

Every Wednesday @ 12 noon

Higher Blackley Community Centre, Victoria Avenue, M9 0RA

 
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free-comedy-night with smug roberts  

*FREE Comedy Night with Smug Roberts
*

Friday 25 October @ 8pm

The Church Inn, 1 Gaskell Street, Newton Heath, M40

 
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halloween in the city 2024  

*Halloween in the City*

Friday 25 - Thursday 31: The monsters are BACK!

Saturday 26 - Sunday 27: Halloween in the City Weekender.

*MORE INFO [ https://www.visitmanchester.com/halloween-in-the-city/?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ]*

 

 
 
 
 
 

How to contact us...
best-contact-us

*Follow MCC Housing Services* [ https://www.facebook.com/MCCHousingServices?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_name=&utm_source=govdelivery&utm_term= ] 
 
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