During 2009 the Trafford Tenants and Residents Federation has carried out a number of what we call 'commissions'. These are one-off pieces of project work carried out by volunteer residents. In return for doing these pieces of work, the Federation receives payment from the main social landlord in the borough, Trafford Housing Trust- we will use any profit made to help provide services to our membership.
The commissions we have completed already this year have been varied, in terms of the subject matter, the type of activity, and the outcomes. Here are some of the highlights:
National Conversation. Social Housing across England is now regulated, on behalf of central government, by the Tenant Services Authority (TSA). During February and March this year the TSA ran a national consultation, to find out what standards of service tenants expect from their landlords. The Federation was commissioned by the Trust's Tenant Involvement team to find out the views of THT tenants right across our borough.
Starter Tenancies. New tenants with the Trust now spend their first twelve months on 'Starter' (ie probationary) tenancies. If problems such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour persist during this probationary year, then tenancies can be terminated. A panel has been set up to hear any appeals against the Trust's decisions in respect of starter tenancies. As a result of a commisson negotiated with the Trust' Good Neighbour Unit and Rents team, The Federation has agreed to send a representative to take part in every appeals panel hearing.
Regeneration. The Trust's Regeneration team have commissioned us to survey a selection of tenants who have had planned maintenance work carried out on their properties, to verify their levels of satisfaction with the work. These surveys help the Trust to iron out any issues, and to decide which contractors to use for future projects
In addition to providing some much-needed funds for our organisation, the move into commissioned work has enabled us to...
...Raise the profile of the Federation, and of the Tenants Movement in our borough generally
...Get more volunteers working with the Federation
...Deliver projects of real benefit to Trafford tenants.
More commissions are planned for 2010.... we don't know exactly what type of work these will include, but we do know that more volunteers will be needed to help us complete good quality work. If you are interested at all (just an hour a month may be enough to help us out!), please do get in touch. You can leave a comment below, telephone on 0161 9680270, or send an email directly to our dedicated officer:
jonathan.baker@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
Looking forward to hearing from you...
Tuesday 10 November 2009
Monday 12 October 2009
Our AGM- a great success!
As advertised on these pages, we held our Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 30 September at St Matthews Hall, Stretford. The venue was just up the road from Old Trafford, where at the same time Manchester United were staging the small matter of a televised European Champions League tie versus Wolfsburg of Germany in front of over 70000 people- so we were a little afraid that a combination of parking-related worries and footballing allegiances might lead to a pitiful turnout for our big night...
Well that is what we feared- but in future we will not so readily doubt the readiness of our membership to turn out for Federation events, come rain, shine or football! As the 6:30PM start time approached, the room was filling up fast and our only worry was whether we were going to accommodate everyone who had come along....
Somehow we managed to shoehorn everyone in- and the meeting got underway, with representation from no less than 14 of the 21 of the Tenants and Residents Associations active in our borough. The meeting was a lively affair- highlights included:
---An address from our guest speaker, Phil Morgan of the Government's regulator for Affordable Housing, the Tenant Services Authority. Phil gave an update on how tenants are being empowered to have a real influence on the standards of service given to them by their landlords.
---A proposal to extend the voting membership of the Federation to include voluntary groups within the borough who share the aims of the Federation. After some debate, the proposal was unanimously accepted.
---The election of an executive committee to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Federation.
The full minutes of our AGM will be posted on the website, just as soon as we have them. They will also be being sent out in the Royal Mail to everyone who attended on the night.
In the meantime, a big thanks from the Federation team from everyone who made such an effort to attend on a busy Wednesday evening- we hope that any football fans among you got back to watch at least the end of the second half (United won 2-1 by the way...)
Well that is what we feared- but in future we will not so readily doubt the readiness of our membership to turn out for Federation events, come rain, shine or football! As the 6:30PM start time approached, the room was filling up fast and our only worry was whether we were going to accommodate everyone who had come along....
Somehow we managed to shoehorn everyone in- and the meeting got underway, with representation from no less than 14 of the 21 of the Tenants and Residents Associations active in our borough. The meeting was a lively affair- highlights included:
---An address from our guest speaker, Phil Morgan of the Government's regulator for Affordable Housing, the Tenant Services Authority. Phil gave an update on how tenants are being empowered to have a real influence on the standards of service given to them by their landlords.
---A proposal to extend the voting membership of the Federation to include voluntary groups within the borough who share the aims of the Federation. After some debate, the proposal was unanimously accepted.
---The election of an executive committee to manage the day-to-day affairs of the Federation.
The full minutes of our AGM will be posted on the website, just as soon as we have them. They will also be being sent out in the Royal Mail to everyone who attended on the night.
In the meantime, a big thanks from the Federation team from everyone who made such an effort to attend on a busy Wednesday evening- we hope that any football fans among you got back to watch at least the end of the second half (United won 2-1 by the way...)
Friday 25 September 2009
Come Along To Our AGM
The Trafford Tenants and Residents Federation will be holding its AGM (Annual General Meeting) this coming Wednesday- 30 September 2009. The event will take place at St Matthews Church Hall, Chapel Lane, Stretford- a buffet will be served from 6PM, and the meeting will get underway at 6:30.
The meeting will feature a guest speaker- Phil Morgan from the Tenant Services Authority, which is the national Government-appointed independent regulator for Social Housing. Phil will be updating us on the latest news about the National Conversation, which is a major consultation on the service standards that tenants expect from their landlords.
As well as Phil's talk, the AGM will consider a proposal to widen the voting membership of the Federation, to make us more truly representative of the neighbourhoods we serve. After this proposal has been dealt with, we will close with the election of officers for the coming year.
All Trafford residents are welcome at our AGM- there is no need to book in advance. But do be aware that as Manchester United are at home on the same night, parking will be limited- so consider the use of public transport (the Metrolink is 2 minutes' walk away).
The meeting will feature a guest speaker- Phil Morgan from the Tenant Services Authority, which is the national Government-appointed independent regulator for Social Housing. Phil will be updating us on the latest news about the National Conversation, which is a major consultation on the service standards that tenants expect from their landlords.
As well as Phil's talk, the AGM will consider a proposal to widen the voting membership of the Federation, to make us more truly representative of the neighbourhoods we serve. After this proposal has been dealt with, we will close with the election of officers for the coming year.
All Trafford residents are welcome at our AGM- there is no need to book in advance. But do be aware that as Manchester United are at home on the same night, parking will be limited- so consider the use of public transport (the Metrolink is 2 minutes' walk away).
Tenants and Residents Associations- in Sale
Trafford has a thriving Tenants and Residents Movement, with over 20 Associations working to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. To find out more about your associations in your area, contact your Tenant Involvement Officer.
In Sale- Contact Tenant Involvement Officer Suzanne Farrington, 0161 9680134
Chapel Walks TRA
Covers the neighbourhood of Chapel Walks, which is a sheltered scheme for over 55s near the centre of Sale. Raises funds for grounds maintenance and social activities. Meets monthly in the communal room.
Sapling Grove TRA
Covers the neighbourhood of Sapling Grove, which is a sheltered scheme for over 55s in Ashton-on-Mersey. Independently manages the scheme's communal grounds and liaises closely with THT staff on issues such as regeneration.
Daresbury and Rostherne TRA
Covers the Daresbury and Rostherne neighbourhoods in Sale Moor. Campaigns for improvements to housing, for example regeneration of properties.
South Devon TRA
Covers the South Devon estate in Ashton on Mersey (bordered by Firs Road, Carrington Lane and Manor Avenue).
Sale Traffic Action Group (STAG)
A campaign group acting to improve parking and pedestrian safety and related issues, right across Sale. Arranges community events to get everyone involved.
In Sale- Contact Tenant Involvement Officer Suzanne Farrington, 0161 9680134
Chapel Walks TRA
Covers the neighbourhood of Chapel Walks, which is a sheltered scheme for over 55s near the centre of Sale. Raises funds for grounds maintenance and social activities. Meets monthly in the communal room.
Sapling Grove TRA
Covers the neighbourhood of Sapling Grove, which is a sheltered scheme for over 55s in Ashton-on-Mersey. Independently manages the scheme's communal grounds and liaises closely with THT staff on issues such as regeneration.
Daresbury and Rostherne TRA
Covers the Daresbury and Rostherne neighbourhoods in Sale Moor. Campaigns for improvements to housing, for example regeneration of properties.
South Devon TRA
Covers the South Devon estate in Ashton on Mersey (bordered by Firs Road, Carrington Lane and Manor Avenue).
Sale Traffic Action Group (STAG)
A campaign group acting to improve parking and pedestrian safety and related issues, right across Sale. Arranges community events to get everyone involved.
Welcome to the Federation
What is the Federation?
The Trafford Tenants and Residents Federation is the umbrella body which brings together all Tenants and Residents Associations (TRAs) active in neighbourhoods where Trafford Housing Trust has properties. Our key aims are to develop the capacities and skills of Trafford residents, and to promote good citizenship.
Who runs the Federation?
The Federation is an independent company, limited by guarantee. It is run by an executive board made up of residents, who are elected on to the board by the TRAs. The Executive is supported by one paid worker, who is employed by Trafford Housing Trust.
What does the Federation do?
The Federation runs campaigns, puts on conferences and events, and manages a range of projects- all of which are for the benefit of the Tenants and Residents of Trafford. To find out more about these click on the links on the right.
How do I get involved?
The Federation cannot do its work without the help of volunteers- even if you have a couple of hours a month to spare that would be a great help. Please contact Jonathan Baker, Federation Officer, on 0161 9680270
jonathan.baker@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
Federation Office, c/o VCAT, Park House, Northenden Road, Sale, M33 2HE
The Trafford Tenants and Residents Federation is the umbrella body which brings together all Tenants and Residents Associations (TRAs) active in neighbourhoods where Trafford Housing Trust has properties. Our key aims are to develop the capacities and skills of Trafford residents, and to promote good citizenship.
Who runs the Federation?
The Federation is an independent company, limited by guarantee. It is run by an executive board made up of residents, who are elected on to the board by the TRAs. The Executive is supported by one paid worker, who is employed by Trafford Housing Trust.
What does the Federation do?
The Federation runs campaigns, puts on conferences and events, and manages a range of projects- all of which are for the benefit of the Tenants and Residents of Trafford. To find out more about these click on the links on the right.
How do I get involved?
The Federation cannot do its work without the help of volunteers- even if you have a couple of hours a month to spare that would be a great help. Please contact Jonathan Baker, Federation Officer, on 0161 9680270
jonathan.baker@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
Federation Office, c/o VCAT, Park House, Northenden Road, Sale, M33 2HE
Thursday 24 September 2009
TRAs in Old Trafford
Trafford has a thriving Tenants and Residents Movement, with over 20 Associations working to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. To find out more about associations in your area, contact your Tenant Involvement Officer. In Old Trafford, contact Roger Plunkett, 0161 968 0214.
Shrewsbury Street TRA meets twice yearly at the Community Centre on Shrewsbury Street. In between meetings the Association arranges all kinds of events, such as community fun days for all ages. The TRA plays an active role in the local neighbourhood, keeping an eye on the area to make sure it is kept neat and tidy, reporting issues, taking up residents' complaints for resolution, and working closely with both the Housing Trust and the Council.
Shrewsbury Street TRA meets twice yearly at the Community Centre on Shrewsbury Street. In between meetings the Association arranges all kinds of events, such as community fun days for all ages. The TRA plays an active role in the local neighbourhood, keeping an eye on the area to make sure it is kept neat and tidy, reporting issues, taking up residents' complaints for resolution, and working closely with both the Housing Trust and the Council.
TRAs in Altrincham
Trafford has a thriving Tenants and Residents Movement, with over 20 Associations working to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. To find out more about associations in your area, contact your Tenant Involvement Officer.
In Altrincham, contact Audra Brandy, 0161 968 0314, audra.brandy@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
The Gorse TRA meets bimonthly at the Methodist Church Hall on Priory Street, Bowdon. It puts on community events such as a Bring and Buy. It works with THT to make sure Regeneration programmes are up to standard.
Leverett Close TRA has three committees, all of which meet in the communal lounge. One is for general tenants issues, another is for social events, and the third concentrates on the garden. The TRA puts on all kinds of activities for residents, from coffee mornings to days out.
Broadheath Community Association meets quarterly in Broadheath Primary School Hall. It enjoys close links with the school and runs events including youth outreach sessions and fire prevention.
Broomwood Community Association arranges all kinds of activities locally. It enjoys close links to G-Force. To find out more visit their website- http://www.broomwoodvoice.com/.
In Altrincham, contact Audra Brandy, 0161 968 0314, audra.brandy@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
The Gorse TRA meets bimonthly at the Methodist Church Hall on Priory Street, Bowdon. It puts on community events such as a Bring and Buy. It works with THT to make sure Regeneration programmes are up to standard.
Leverett Close TRA has three committees, all of which meet in the communal lounge. One is for general tenants issues, another is for social events, and the third concentrates on the garden. The TRA puts on all kinds of activities for residents, from coffee mornings to days out.
Broadheath Community Association meets quarterly in Broadheath Primary School Hall. It enjoys close links with the school and runs events including youth outreach sessions and fire prevention.
Broomwood Community Association arranges all kinds of activities locally. It enjoys close links to G-Force. To find out more visit their website- http://www.broomwoodvoice.com/.
TRAs in Stretford
Trafford has a thriving Tenants and Residents Movement, with over 20 Associations working to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. To find out more about associations in your area, contact your Tenant Involvement Officer.
In Stretford, contact Claire Rimmer on 0161 9680363, claire.rimmer@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
Stretford House TRA meets once every two months in the communal room on the top floor. The association has been working closely with THT's Regeneration team to make sure that improvement works are carried out to a decent standard.
The Trees TRA meets bimonthly. It covers Elm Drive and surrounding streets. This active association has been succesful in getting funding for improvements to sports facilities, and works closely with both THT and the Council.
Pavilion Lodge and Links TRA meets monthly in Pavilion Lodge sheltered scheme. The association covers the scheme itself as well as the adjoining 'links' prorperties. Its focus is to campaign on local issues, such as match day parking and litter.
Wardle Close TRA meets monthly in the communal lounge at flat number 26. It stages a range of neighbourhood events every year- from bring and buy sales to holiday children's playschemes.
Meadows TRA meets monthly in the communal room at Vine Court on Brunswick Street. They are working with the Groundwork Trust on a fundraising project to refurbish a five a side pitch and set up a woodland area.
In Stretford, contact Claire Rimmer on 0161 9680363, claire.rimmer@traffordhousingtrust.co.uk
Stretford House TRA meets once every two months in the communal room on the top floor. The association has been working closely with THT's Regeneration team to make sure that improvement works are carried out to a decent standard.
The Trees TRA meets bimonthly. It covers Elm Drive and surrounding streets. This active association has been succesful in getting funding for improvements to sports facilities, and works closely with both THT and the Council.
Pavilion Lodge and Links TRA meets monthly in Pavilion Lodge sheltered scheme. The association covers the scheme itself as well as the adjoining 'links' prorperties. Its focus is to campaign on local issues, such as match day parking and litter.
Wardle Close TRA meets monthly in the communal lounge at flat number 26. It stages a range of neighbourhood events every year- from bring and buy sales to holiday children's playschemes.
Meadows TRA meets monthly in the communal room at Vine Court on Brunswick Street. They are working with the Groundwork Trust on a fundraising project to refurbish a five a side pitch and set up a woodland area.
Wednesday 23 September 2009
TRAs in West Area
Trafford has a thriving Tenants and Residents Movement, with over 20 Associations working to make their neighbourhoods better places to live. To find out more about your associations in your area, contact your Tenant Involvement Officer.
In West Area- Contact Tenant Involvement Officer Angela Taylor, 0161 9680266
Granville Road Tenants and Resident Association. Covers Granville Road and the surrounding streets. Meets in Acacias Building on last Thursday of every second month. Enjoys close links with Trafford Housing Trust, Northern Counties Housing Association, Equity Housing Group and GM Police. Arranges days out for local residents, produces regular newsletters and surveys. Has succeeded in initiatives to counter anti-social behaviour and bring neighbours together. To find out more visit their blog.
Woodsend Community Group. Covers the whole Woodsend estate. Meets monthly in the Scout Hut. Close links with Police, THT Youth team and Council Parks Department. Succeeded in funding bid to get skateboard park built in Woodsend Park. New members welcome.
Circle Court TRA. Meets regularly in the communal lounge on ground floor of Circle Court. Close links with THT and Trafford Council. Works with THT to ensure service standards are maintained, improvements made, and anti-social behaviour dealt with.
Lostock TRA. Covers whole of Lostock. Meets every month in the youth club on Selby Road. Deals with housing issues and maintains close links to Council. Has been active in involving residents in consultation about the building of new housing off Ripon Road.
Positive Partington. Covers all of Partington. Meets monthly in St Mary's Church. Close links with Partington Housing Association (formerly Manchester and District) as well as Housing Trust. Guest speakers at each meeting- for example Police, developers looking to invest in the town, local schools. Influential in the debate about the future of the town centre.
In West Area- Contact Tenant Involvement Officer Angela Taylor, 0161 9680266
Granville Road Tenants and Resident Association. Covers Granville Road and the surrounding streets. Meets in Acacias Building on last Thursday of every second month. Enjoys close links with Trafford Housing Trust, Northern Counties Housing Association, Equity Housing Group and GM Police. Arranges days out for local residents, produces regular newsletters and surveys. Has succeeded in initiatives to counter anti-social behaviour and bring neighbours together. To find out more visit their blog.
Woodsend Community Group. Covers the whole Woodsend estate. Meets monthly in the Scout Hut. Close links with Police, THT Youth team and Council Parks Department. Succeeded in funding bid to get skateboard park built in Woodsend Park. New members welcome.
Circle Court TRA. Meets regularly in the communal lounge on ground floor of Circle Court. Close links with THT and Trafford Council. Works with THT to ensure service standards are maintained, improvements made, and anti-social behaviour dealt with.
Lostock TRA. Covers whole of Lostock. Meets every month in the youth club on Selby Road. Deals with housing issues and maintains close links to Council. Has been active in involving residents in consultation about the building of new housing off Ripon Road.
Positive Partington. Covers all of Partington. Meets monthly in St Mary's Church. Close links with Partington Housing Association (formerly Manchester and District) as well as Housing Trust. Guest speakers at each meeting- for example Police, developers looking to invest in the town, local schools. Influential in the debate about the future of the town centre.
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