community learning programme 2015 - · european computer driving license) • module 1 –...

YOUR JOURNEY

You

r Jou

rney into Learning

and local

to you!FREE

Now in its 8th year!

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COMMUNITY LEARNING

PROGRAMME PAGE

CommunityLearning

Programme

2015

Welcome...Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is delighted to introduce its 8th annual Community Learning Programme. Throughout 2015 a selection of over 75 FREE courses and workshops are on offer to SARH customers and members of the local community in a variety of local venues.

Over 400 customers attended courses in 2014 to develop new skills, to build new relationships and become more involved with SARH. The courses offered people the chance to increase their employment opportunities, achieve recognised qualifications, improve their health and wellbeing, increase their confidence using digital media and find new ways of saving money. (Read David James story below).

SARH has listened to the results of its Customer Feedback Survey and developed lots of new and exciting opportunities alongside repeating popular sessions from 2014. This year the programme will follow 6 essential key themes: My Future; Get Qualified; Health and Wellbeing; Getting Money Smart; I’m Online; and Hobbies and Interests.

All courses take place in a relaxed environment, where you can learn within friendly and informal surroundings. Sessions are delivered by talented, experienced tutors, staff and volunteers who are committed to offering support and helping people learn.

So please come along and join us – you never know what life changing opportunity might be around the corner with SARH!

Creating Great Places to Live, Work and Grow

Karen Armitage, Chief Executive, SARH

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Contents2 How to Use This Guide

3 Welcome Message

4 Booking Information

5 Courses at a Glance

7 I’m Online and E-learning

8 Courses: My Future

13 Courses: Get Qualified

16 Courses: Health and Wellbeing

20 Courses: Get Money Smart

22 Courses: I’m Online

26 Courses: Hobbies and Interests

30 Stafford and Rural Homes: Our Services

32 Meet the Community Involvement Team

33 Community Resource Centre

34 SARH Learning Academy

35 Thank You…

I heard about the Community Learning Programme through the SARH Community Resource Centre. I benefited from the programme after I found myself out of work through ill health. I have taken

part in courses covering DIY, first aid and food safety. I am now involved in helping others as a volunteer at the Community Resource Centre. As well as picking up new skills that have boosted my confidence, participating in the Community Learning Programme has helped me to get out, meet people and make plenty of new friends. I would advise anyone to take the opportunity to try something new and book on a Community Learning Programme course - it could change your life too! Message from David James, Customer

Learning Something New – A First Step To a Better You!

3

How to use this guide...There are 6 key themes that you will see

throughout the 2015 programme:

HOBBIES &INTERESTS

Discover new talents or

develop your existing skills.

HEALTH &WELLBEING

Learn to live well by changing your diet, keeping fit and improving your mental wellbeing.

GETMONEY SMART

Reduce your outgoings and

get handy hints and tips on saving

money.

I’MONLINE

Get online and explore the wonders of Information

Technology (IT) and the internet,

the possibilities are endless!

MYFUTURE

Create a brighter future for you or your family. Browse these

courses to find out more!

GET QUALIFIED

Improve your employability by

gaining nationally recognised

qualifications.

There are a wide range of courses available and each theme has been colour coded to help you to find something to suit you!

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

5Page 16HEALTH &WELLBEING

Page 20GET MONEY SMART

Page 22I’MONLINE

Page 8MY FUTURE

Page 13GETQUALIFIEDfreephone 0800 111 4554 web www.sarh.co.uk email [email protected]

5freephone 0800 111 4554 web www.sarh.co.uk email [email protected]

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

JUNE

MAY

Family Learning - Story Sacks - Friday 9th - Friday 6th February (each weekday for 2 weeks)

Be the Best: Interviews, CVs and Application Forms - Tuesday 20th

Live4Less - Wednesday 28th

Introduction to Customer Services - Monday 2nd - Friday 13th (each weekday)

Benefits and Budgeting Made Simple - Tuesday 3rd

DIY Decorating - Wednesday 4th

Your Bicycle - Maintenance and Mechanics - Monday 9th

Health and Wellbeing - Thursday 12th

Your Bicycle - Family Fix It - Monday 16th

Pilates - Wednesday 18th

Family Learning - Art, Crafts and Play - Thursday 19th - Thursday 19th March (every Thursday for 5 weeks)

Be Your Own Handy Person - Tuesday 24th

Your Home, Your Neighbourhood, Your Tenancy - Thursday 26th

How is my Home Chosen for Maintenance and Improvement Work? - Friday 27th

Know Your Labels - Love Food: Hate Waste - Monday 1st

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint - Wednesday 3rd

Family Learning - Time to Talk - Thursday 4th - Thursday 9th July (every Thursday for 5 weeks)


Family Learning - English, Maths and Language - Friday 12th - Friday 10th July (every Friday for 5 weeks)

Be Your Own Handy Person - Monday 15th

How Does Your Garden Grow? - Tuesday 16th

DIY Make a Wheel Barrow Planter - Thursday 18th

CIEH Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid - Tuesday 23rd

Award in Food Safety in Catering - Wednesday 24th

How is my Home Chosen for Maintenance and Improvement Work? - Monday 29th

APRILWalk Leaders Training - Wednesday 1st

Benefits and Budgeting Made Simple - Tuesday 7th

Multi Sports Activity Day with Stoke City Community Trust (Ages 5-12) - Wednesday 8th

Organic Growing Vegetable Day - Wednesday 15th

Creative Crafts for Kids - Easter Special - Friday 17th

Introduction to Microsoft Word - Wednesday 22nd

Your Home, Your Neighbourhood, Your Tenancy - Thursday 23rd

Get on the Web - Monday 27th, Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th

Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care - Monday 11th - Friday 22nd (each weekday for 2 weeks)

Mental Health Awareness - Friday 15th

Introduction to the Wonders of the Internet - Wednesday 20th

Fraud Awareness - Tuesday 26th

Make a Personalised Box - Friday 29th

“You’re Hired” - Be the next Apprentice - Thursday 12th

How Does Your Garden Grow? - Thursday 26th

Cupcake Decorating Workshop - Easter Special - Tuesday 31st

Booking InformationTo book your FREE place or for an informal discussion about the courses please contact the Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) Community Involvement Team:

Freephone: 0800 111 4554 Telephone: 01785 216789 Email: [email protected]

Alternatively, you can register your interest through our Facebook page ‘Community Learning Programme’. Click ‘like’ to be kept up to date with all the latest information about the courses and sessions.

Before the Course

Approximately one week before the course you will be contacted by a member of the SARH Community Involvement Team who will confirm your booking and explain the course details, along with any travel arrangements (if applicable).

Cancellation Conditions

• If a course has to be cancelled we will try to give you at least three days notice and try to rearrange the session.

• If you cannot attend a course that you are booked to attend please let us know as soon as possible.

• We reserve the right to refuse a booking for future courses should you fail to turn up to a session without letting us know in advance.

Additional Information

• If you would like to attend but have transport difficulties, please call us to discuss how we can help.

• When booking a course we will ask if you have any special requirements that we can help you with, to make attending easier.

Coursesat a Glance

Cut out and keep

CommunityLearning

Programme

2015

4

freephone 0800 111 4554 web www.sarh.co.uk email [email protected]

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

OCTOBERJULY

Introduction to Microsoft Excel - Wednesday 1st

Introduction to the Hospitality Industry - Monday 6th - Friday 17th (each weekday for 2 weeks)

Sign Language: The Basics - Wednesday 8th

Benefits and Budgeting Made Simple - Tuesday 21st

Learn to Ride - Balance Bikes - Wednesday 22nd

Writing a Successful Funding Bid - Thursday 23rd

Paint and Draw - Thursday 30th

Become Social Networking Savvy - Wednesday 7th

Benefits and Budgeting Made Simple - Tuesday 13th


Stress Busting and Relaxation - Friday 16th

Mental Health Awareness - Tuesday 20th

The Do’s and Don’ts of Fire Safety - Thursday 29th

Creepy Crafts for Kids - Halloween Special - Friday 30th

Christmas Crafts - Tuesday 15th

DIY – Festive Family Workshop - Monday 21st

Choose the Correct Portion Size - Love Food: Hate Waste - Tuesday 3rd

Jewellery Making Workshop - Thursday 5th

Be Your Own Handy Person - Tuesday 24th

DIY Woodwork for Kids - Build a Bug Box - Tuesday 4th

How Does Your Garden Grow? - Thursday 6th

Be the Best: Interviews, CVs and Application Forms - Thursday 6th

Cupcake Decorating Workshop - Summer Special - Tuesday 11th

Bike Ability - Level 1 - Wednesday 12th

Environmental ‘Wild Play’ Training - Thursday 13th

Multi Sports Activity Day with Stoke City Community Trust (Ages 5-12) - Tuesday 18th

Fun with Food - Monday 24th

Football Skills with Stafford Rangers - Wednesday 26th

How Does Your Garden Grow? - Tuesday 8th

How to Buy and Sell on the Internet - Wednesday 9th

Be Your Own Handy Person - Monday 21st

DIY - Basic Tiling Skills - Wednesday 23rd

Complementary Therapy - Friday 25th

Preparing to Work in Warehousing and Storage - Monday 28th - Friday 9th October (each weekday for 2 weeks)

HOBBIES & INTERESTS

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Page 8MY FUTURE

Page 13GETQUALIFIED

E-Learning

IT Skills Suite – Office 2010 (ECDL Accredited – European Computer Driving License)

• Module 1 – Security for IT Users (when using the internet)• Module 2 – IT User Fundamentals

(i.e. the basics of IT)• Module 3 – Word Processing• Module 4 – Spreadsheet Software• Module 5 – Database Software• Module 6 – Presentation Software• Module 7 – Using Email and the Internet• Module 8 – Improving Productivity Using IT Skills

(Learning time saving short-cuts to produce documents)

Using the Internet

• Starting out on the Internet• Internet Safety• The Power of the Internet• Getting Started with Social Media

Around the Home

• Basic Home Maintenance• Saving Energy to Reduce Bills• Pest Awareness• Feeding a Family on a Budget• What is Telehealth?

Social Issues

• Hate Crime• Anti-Social Behaviour• Issues Surrounding Drugs• Issues Surrounding Alcohol• Preparing for Job Interviews

Community

• Gypsy and Traveller Culture• Building a Community• Cultural Awareness• Respect

What is it?

Quite simply, E-learning is electronic learning. This means using a computer to complete a course.

E-learning courses can be accessed using any computer with an internet connection. You can complete your

training sessions at a time, place and pace to suit you. This could be in the comfort of your own home, at the Stafford

and Rural Homes (SARH) Community Resource Centre or local library.

What E-learning courses are on offer?

An IT Skills Suite covers the basics of computing, various popular software packages, the internet and email. These courses lead to a nationally recognised European Computer Driving License (ECDL) qualification which is widely acknowledged in the workplace. There are limited numbers of places available and conditions apply. Please contact SARH Community Involvement Team for more information.

We also offer 18 short E-learning courses on a range of topics, which are easy to access. They are designed to help you quickly develop confidence when working on the internet.

If you would like to find out more or register to take part in an E-learning course, get in touch with us on 0800 111 4554 or email [email protected]. A member of the SARH Community Involvement Team will be happy to help.


My

FutureDiscover new and exciting possibilities! If you want to improve your employment

opportunities, explore parenting techniques or learn other life skills these sessions are for you. We offer this range of courses to give you the opportunity to make your own way

to a brighter future.

Family Learning - Story Sacks

Date: Friday 9th January - Friday 6th February (every Friday for 5 weeks)Time: 3.30pm - 5.00pm Venue: Dixon Community Centre, Tedder Road, Stafford, ST16 3RA

This course will focus on your relationship with your child, the importance of stories and the role they play in your child’s development. You will research creative, fun ideas for making story sacks related to your child’s favourite book, including games, activities and characters. During the sessions you will also explore new activities which will help your child to learn new words and practice their speaking skills. This session is suitable for children ages 7+ years. Please bring your child along to this session.

Be the Best: Interviews, CVs and Application Forms

Date: Tuesday 20th January Time: 1.00pm - 3.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

Date: Thursday 6th August Time: 1.00pm - 3.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

If you are finding it difficult to get an interview it may be that your CV is letting you down. If nerves are getting in the way of making a great first impression then you may benefit from some hints, tips and techniques to help you better prepare for an interview.

Suitable for anyone who wants to improve their job application and interview skills, this practical workshop will help you turn your experience and qualities into a CV or application form to be proud of. You will develop a confident and professional interview style that will work for you.

Family Learning - Art, Crafts and Play

Date: Thursday 19th February - Thursday 19th March (every Thursday for 5 weeks)Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm Venue: Stafford Children’s Centre, Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ

Have fun with your child whilst making craft projects, playing games and setting up play activities. Throughout this session you will be taught the importance of play in your child’s development and be encouraged to explore new activities you can do at home to develop pre-reading and maths skills. These sessions are suitable for children aged 3 to 5 years. Please bring your child along to this session

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Your Home, Your Neighbourhood, Your Tenancy

Date: Thursday 26th February Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm Venue: Silkmore Children’s Centre, Exeter Street, Stafford, ST17 4EG

Date: Thursday 23rd April Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm Venue: Dixon Community Centre, Tedder Road, Stafford, ST16 3RA

Date: Thursday 11th June Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm Venue: Frank Jordan Centre Lichfield Street, Stone, ST15 8NA

Date: Thursday 15th October Time: 1.00pm – 2.00pm Venue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Do you want to better understand your Tenancy Agreement with SARH and what rights you have within it? Do you want to know what a mutual exchange is, when you can assign your tenancy to another person or what to do if you want to improve your home? If so, this course will answer your questions and much more! You will be given the opportunity to meet to meet a SARH Neighbourhood Officer who who will explain their role and advise how they can assist with any problems or issues you may have.

HOBBIES & INTERESTS



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Be Your Own Handy Person

Date: Tuesday 24th February Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Date: Monday 15th June Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: Glebelands Community Room, Moss Pit, Stafford, ST17 9ER

Date: Monday 21st September Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm Venue: Frank Jordan Centre Lichfield Street, Stone, ST15 8NA

Date: Tuesday 24th November Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pmVenue: SARH Community Resource Centre, 56 Greyfriars, Stafford, ST16 2RG

Would you like to learn how to carry out basic repairs in your own home? Come along to this workshop where experienced SARH trades people will show you how to carry out common jobs such as changing the fuse in a plug, bleeding a radiator, unblocking a sink or bath and re-pressurising your boiler.


Writing a Successful Funding Bid

Date: Thursday 23rd July Time: 10.00am – 4.00pmVenue: Stafford Children’s Centre, Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ

Do you want to submit a bid for funds to help develop a community project or similar, but don’t know where to start? This session will give you the tools you need to write successful funding applications and provide you with an opportunity to practice your skills. Topics will include: picking appropriate funders; demonstrating the need; inputs, outputs, outcomes, credibility, creating budgets, monitoring and evaluation.

The SARH Customer Initiative Scheme offers funding for community projects across Stafford and surrounding areas. Find out more by visiting www.sarh.co.uk/in-the-community/customer-initiative-scheme or attend this session!

“You’re Hired” - Be the next Apprentice

Date: Thursday 12th March Time: 1.00pm – 3.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

What does an apprenticeship have to offer you? Come along and hear from some SARH Apprentices who have secured permanent employment. This is an ideal session if you are aged between 18 and 25 and want to know more about Apprenticeships, including what you have to do to get an Apprenticeship.

Family Learning - English, Maths and Language

Date: Friday 12th June - Friday 10th July (every Friday for 5 weeks)Time: 11.30am - 1.30pm Venue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Are you a parent and have questions about how English and Maths is taught in schools? This course will help you to understand how you can help your children with their homework whilst improving your own skills. You will learn how to make English and Maths fun for your children by developing skills using games, artefacts and days out. This session is specifically for parents.

Sign Language: The Basics

Date: Wednesday 8th July Time: 10.00am – 1.00pmVenue: Round House Community Room, Sidney Avenue, Silkmore, ST17 4EL

This taster session offers you a brief introduction to the basics of sign language and get a feel for whether you would like to learn more about it. The session will cover some basic vocabulary, fingerspelling, facial expressions and referencing/pointing.

Environmental ‘Wild Play’ Training

Date: Thursday 13th August Time: 10.00am – 12.00pmVenue: The Wolseley Centre, Wolseley Bridge, Stafford, ST17 0WT

During this session the Staffordshire Wildlife Trust will teach you how to engage with children in the great outdoors. You will explore a variety of exciting ‘wild play’ activities, while learning how to teach children to have positive, fun experiences with nature. You will learn skills that you can put into practice with your own children at home or in the workplace. This practical session is specifically for adults. You will be outdoors so please wear suitable clothing!

HOBBIES & INTERESTS



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How is my Home chosen for Maintenance and Improvement Work?

Date: Friday 27th February Time: 2.00pm - 3.30pm Venue: Swinburne Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Date: Monday 29th June Time: 2.00pm - 3.30pm Venue: Tithe Barn Court Community Room, Coton Fields, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3PP

If you are a SARH customer and have wondered how homes are selected to have a new kitchen / bathroom / central heating and other planned improvement work, this session is for you. You will also find out what support is available from SARH to help you to prepare for the work.


The Do’s and Don’ts of Fire Safety

Date: Thursday 29th October Time: 1.00pm - 2.30pmVenue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

This interactive session will give you the basic knowledge required to identify hazards within your home. You will be provided with all the

information you need to book a free home fire risk check which could include a FREE smoke alarm! You will also be given important information on Home

Contents Insurance and what it covers. Help yourself, your family and friends to stay safe from fire. Book onto this essential course today!

GetQualified‘Get Qualified’ courses are vital for those seeking employment. These courses will

help you to achieve a nationally recognised qualification that will stand out on any CV. These courses are essential for your personal development, to help start your career or enhance your employability.

“I really enjoyed this course. I will now be able to communicate with deaf people. The tutor was very good and explained how to sign our names and use basic vocabulary.” (Tina, Sign Language)

“I am now confident that my daughter understands Road Safety and the Green Cross Code.” (Jenny, Road Safety for Children)

“I feel this course has helped me learn more about the interview process and how to develop my confidence. The course has been very useful.”(Nandini, Interview Techniques to Boost

Confidence)

“This course has made me more positive. It has taught me what information is important when being interviewed. I believe this course will benefit me and help me find employment.” (Simon, Interview Techniques to

Boost Confidence)

Customer Feedback 2014

Your Bicycle - Maintenance and Mechanics

Date: Monday 9th February Time: 9.30am – 4.00pm Venue: Rising Brook Community Fire Station, Hesketh Road, Rising Brook, Stafford, ST17 9NF

This one day accredited course will provide you with the knowledge and skills of cycle maintenance and simple mechanics of a bike. The course is delivered in a relaxed and supportive environment by a qualified enthusiastic instructor. You don’t need to have any experience. You can bring your own bike or use one of ours to learn on. You will receive an accredited Velotech qualification following the days training. These skills will benefit personal use and provide support for future employment.

Introduction to Customer Services

Date: Monday 2nd February - Friday 13th February (each weekday) Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm Venue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Are you 19yrs+ and receiving Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance and interested in working in Customer Services? This 2 week course will give you an introduction to the jobs available in this sector. You will cover ‘Working in Customer Services’, ‘Creating a Good Impression’ and ‘Communicating with Customers’. On successful completion of the course you will gain a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification and will have the opportunity to attend a real interview with a local employer.

Walk Leaders Training

Date: Wednesday 1st April Time: 10.00am – 4.00pm Venue: Rising Brook Community Fire Station, Hesketh Road, Rising Brook, Stafford, ST17 9NF

Do you love walking? Do you like meeting people? Do you want to help others to become fitter and healthier? Then why not join scores of other people like you and become a Walk Leader Volunteer with Stafford Borough WalkWise? On this one day course you will learn how to develop interesting and safe walking routes and how to safely lead a group of people on a short walk. If you don’t feel ready to lead a group, you can be a bench marker - this is the person who makes sure the slower walkers are not left behind. After the training, the trainer will support you in leading your first few walks and all we ask of you is that in the first year you help out on just one walk a month. There will be a walk during the day so please wear sensible shoes and clothing!

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CIEH Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid

Date: Tuesday 23rd June Time: 9.15am - 4.30pm Venue: Dixon Community Centre, Tedder Road, Stafford, ST16 3RA

This one day course will give you the theoretical and practical skills necessary to deal with first aid emergencies including: an opportunity to physically try the practical techniques relating to resuscitation, injury, shock, blood loss, choking and more. On successful completion you will receive a CIEH Level 2 Award in Emergency First Aid which is the minimum first aid requirement for the ‘appointed person’ of any business or organisation. There are no formal entry requirements for this course.

Introduction to the Hospitality Industry

Date: Monday 6th July - Friday 17th July (each weekday) Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm Venue: Glebelands Community Room, Moss Pit, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST17 9ER

Are you 19yrs+ and receiving job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance and interested in working in hospitality and catering? This 2 week course will give you an introduction to the jobs available in this sector and will cover ‘Level 2 Food Safety’, ‘An Introduction to the Hospitality Industry’ and ‘Customer Service within the Hospitality Industry’. On successful completion of the course you will gain a Level 1 City and Guilds qualification and will have the opportunity to attend a real interview with a local employer.

Preparing to Work in Adult Social Care

Date: Monday 11th May - Friday 22nd May (each weekday) Time: 9.30am – 3.00pm Venue: Dixon Community Centre, Tedder Road, Stafford, ST16 3RA

Are you 19yrs+ and receiving Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance and interested in working in Health & Social Care? This 2 week course will give you an introduction to the jobs available in this sector. You will cover ‘Communication in Adult Social Care’ and ‘Understanding the Role of the Social Care Worker’. You will cover 4 units of a Level 2 BTEC course and on successful completion of the course, will gain a Level 1 Employability and Personal Development qualification and will have the opportunity to attend a realinterview with a local employer.

Preparing to work in Warehousing and Storage

Date: Monday 28th September - Friday 9th October (each weekday) Time: 9.30am – 3.00pmVenue: Swinburne Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Are you 19yrs+ and receiving Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance and interested in working in warehousing and storage? This 2 week course will give you an introduction to the jobs available in this sector and will cover ‘Health and Safety in the Workplace’, ‘Developing Effective Relationships with Colleagues’ and ‘Moving or Handling Goods’. On successful completion of the course you will gain a City and Guilds Level 1 qualification and will have the opportunity to attend a real interview with a local employer.

CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering

Date: Wednesday 24th June Time: 9.15am - 4.30pm Venue: Rising Brook Community Fire Station, Hesketh Road, Rising Brook, Stafford ST17 9NF

This one day course is ideal for anyone who is thinking of working or doing voluntary work in catering. This course is designed to give you an understanding of the terminology used in food safety and practical examples of food safety hazards such as: temperature control, food handling and principles of safe food storage. On successful completion of a multiple choice question test you will receive the CIEH Level 2 Award in Food Safety in Catering.

“Now I have my Level 2 Food Safety Certificate I am hoping to do afternoon teas and breakfasts in the community room at Hopton Court where I live.” (Sandra, Level 2 Award in Food Safety)

“This course has given me more awareness. We are increasingly using more foods in tins and packet form. I envisage that a lot of people are unable to make use of fresh/raw foods. Basic cookery courses are great for the community.” (Lina, Level 2 Award in Healthier Food and Special Diets)

“I feel I have been sufficiently educated to cope with medical events and provide correct treatment whilst awaiting the arrival of a professional. Thank you all for your efforts in organising this worthwhile course - much appreciated. I enjoyed the fact that emphasis was placed on practical demonstrations which will empower me to cope with real life situations.” (Grace,Paediatric First Aid)


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Health and

WellbeingThis key theme is focused on developing your knowledge, understanding

and skills around health and wellbeing. SARH wants to encourage you, your family and friends to feel good and live well. We hope you will want to attend these courses on a variety of topics

Health and Wellbeing

Date: Thursday 12th February Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm Venue: Gnosall Community Fire Station, Wharf Lane, Gnosall, ST20 0DB

This is a great session to attend after the christmas festivities, covering healthy eating, physical activity, sleeping well and much more! This informative course promotes good health and

positive wellbeing - the perfect way to start the New Year!

Pilates

Date: Wednesday 18th February Time: 10.30am - 11.30am Venue: Round House Community Room, Sidney Avenue, Silkmore, Stafford, ST17 4EP

Pilates focuses on stretching and strengthening the whole body to improve balance, muscle-strength, flexibility and posture. During this relaxed hour long session an experienced tutor will cover functional and flowing exercises designed to improve your physical strength, flexibility, posture and enhance mental awareness.

Your Bicycle - Family Fix It

Date: Monday 16th February Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Stafford Sports College, Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 9DJ

Don’t let your bike rot away in the shed! Learn how to fix and look after your bike, scooter or trike with your family. You will learn the basic skills required to fix simple

problems such as puncture repairs, replacing inner tubes, setting up your bike before riding and adjusting brakes and gears. You can bring your bike(s) along to work on or use one

of ours. All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Multi Sports Activity Day with Stoke City Community Trust (Ages 5-12)

Date: Wednesday 8th April Time: 10.00am - 3.00pm Venue: Stafford Sports College, Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 9DJ

Date: Tuesday 18th August Time: 10.00am – 3.00pm Venue: St Michaels First School, Weavers Lane, Stone, ST15 8QB

Join Stoke City Community Trust for this fun day of activities. Children will have the opportunity to play a variety of sports, learn new skills and play games in a positive and fun environment. All staff are Disclosure and Barring Service cleared and First Aid trained. Please bring along a

packed lunch.

1716

Organic Growing Vegetable Day

Date: Wednesday 15th April Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm Venue: Meadow Road Community Allotments, Meadow Road, Silkmore, Stafford, ST17 4JQ

If you want to grow your own vegetables, but don’t know where to start, this is the course for you. Held outdoors at the SARH Meadow Road

Community Allotment this course will tell you everything you need to know about soil health, composting, weeding, watering and growing your favourite

fruit and vegetables. You will also have a chance to explore the allotment site and share hints and tips with current plot holders. Please bring a packed lunch and dress appropriately.

Mental Health Awareness

Date: Friday 15th May Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Stone Station Community Centre, Station Approach, Stone, ST15 8ER

Date: Tuesday 20th October Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: SARH Community Resource Centre, 56 Greyfriars, Stafford, ST16 2RG

With 1 in 4 of us likely to suffer from mental health problems at some point during our lives, it is likely that you or someone you know will have experience of this illness. This workshop will explore the way we see mental health, how we respond to it and what the journey of recovery looks like.

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Learn to Ride - Balance Bikes

Date: Wednesday 22nd July Time: 2.00pm – 3.30pm Venue: Stafford Sports College, Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 9DJ

Balance Bikes are a great, fun way to teach children how to ride a bike without the use of stabilisers. Children can concentrate on their balance skills and control, so they can perfect riding before focusing on their leg and foot positioning. Children will increase their confidence and be riding a bike before they know it! This session is suitable for children aged 3 to 5 years and children must be accompanied by an adult.

Stress Busting and Relaxation

Date: Friday 16th October Time: 12.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Hall, Rickerscote Road, Stafford, ST17 4EX

This popular half day course is essential for anyone who feels stressed and would like to take positive action to reduce that stress. You will learn what stress is and how to help prevent or cope with it in your life. It includes ‘stress-busting tips’ for when you need instant relief from the pressures of every day life! You will also be shown breathing and relaxation exercises.

Fun with Food

Date: Monday 24th August Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: Thirlmere Way Day Centre, Thirlmere Way, Stafford, ST17 9EJ

This kids session is based around introducing new healthy foods into your child’s diet. During this practical session your children will have fun creating dishes that are enjoyable to make and eat. They will also play food games and be introduced to the ‘Eatwell Plate’.

Bike Ability - Level 1

Date: Wednesday 12th August Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Stafford Sports College, Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 9DJ

Help keep your child safe when they are riding a bike. In just 2 hours they can learn to control and master their bike, fit their own helmet, carry out a simple bike check, ride their bike using the gears, move around objects safely, stop quickly and safely, look all around when riding without wobbling and much more! This Level 1 Bike Ability training session is delivered by National Standard Cycling Instructors. Children receive a certificate, badge and a cycling road safety goodie bag.

“This course was great and will help me to relax. I will also be able to help others by providing them with a massage. The venue was good and the instructor was excellent, patient and informative.” (Lorraine, Complementary Therapy)

“This is an excellent fun activity for children as there are limited activities going on in the area. My son really enjoyed the day and said it was lots of fun.” (Louise, Multi Sports Activity Day)

“The tutor gave lots of useful information. Absolutely wonderful!” (Juliet, Grow Your Own)

“This session helped me to relax and breathe. I really enjoyed the course and the trainer was very good.” (Mandy, Yoga)


YOUR JOURNEY

Complementary Therapy

Date: Friday 25th September Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Stafford Children’s Centre, Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ

This session will teach you the skills you need to give effective massages. In a relaxed and informal setting, you’ll be introduced to the use of essential oils in massage to hands, face and scalp. You’ll also practice a simple meditation technique. All equipment is provided.

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Football Skills with Stafford Rangers

Ages 7 - 11 Date: Wednesday 26th August Time: 9.30am – 12.30pm Venue: King Edward VI High School, West Way, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YJ

Ages 12 - 16 Date: Wednesday 26th August Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: King Edward VI High School, West Way, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YJ

Struggle to entertain the kids during the school holidays? Why not bring them along to this session delivered by Craig Royall, a FA Qualified Stafford Rangers Coach (See page 30). Children will take part in fun activities and games that will help them develop and learn new skills.


Get MoneySmart

These sessions offer practical advice to help you save money and make your money go further. Suitable for anyone who is keen to learn about budgeting,

may be affected by the Governments Welfare Reforms or has seen changes to their benefits.

Live4Less

Date: Wednesday 28th January Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pmVenue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

This useful session will give you the skills you need to help you budget effectively and save money on fuel, food and travel. You will learn how to keep warm for less with our handy hints and tips on keeping your energy bills down during the coldest months.

Choose the Correct Portion Size - Love Food: Hate Waste

Date: Tuesday 3rd November Time: 1.00pm – 3.00pm Venue: Silkmore Children’s Centre, Exeter Street, Stafford, ST17 4EG

This session will focus on food portion size and storage, and the impact waste can have on both the environment and your finances. Wasting food costs the average household £480 a year, rising to £680 for a family with children - the equivalent of around £50 a month. This practical cookery session demonstrates how leftover food can be used in an economical and imaginative way. You will learn how food that is normally discarded as waste can be made into a delicious, mouth-watering meal.

Know Your Labels - Love Food: Hate Waste

Date: Monday 1st June Time: 1.30pm – 3.30pm Venue: Silkmore Children’s Centre, Exeter Street, Stafford, ST17 4EG

Food labels can be very confusing – use by, sell by, display until – the list goes on. All will be explained in this practical cooking session. It will demonstrate how foods almost at the end of their life can be used economically to produce a delicious meal that can be frozen for future use. During the session we will also dispel the myths of so called ‘diet’ foods labelled low fat, fat free or diet.

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Benefits and Budgeting Made Simple

Date: Tuesday 3rd February Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: Silkmore Children’s Centre, Exeter Street, Stafford, ST17 4EG

Date: Tuesday 7th April Time: 2.00pm-4.00pm Venue: Dixon Community Centre, Tedder Road, Stafford, ST16 3RA

Date: Tuesday 21st July Time: 2.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: Frank Jordan Centre Lichfield Street, Stone, ST15 8NA

Date: Tuesday 13th October Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

These sessions are suitable for anyone likely to be affected by the Governments Welfare Reforms and benefit changes, or anyone keen to learn budgeting skills and make their money go further. You will learn vital information about welfare reforms including Universal Credit and the Spare Room Subsidy (Bedroom Tax). Find out how the changes could affect you and get practical advice on making day-to-day savings.

Fraud Awareness

Date: Tuesday 26th May Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Stafford Sports College, Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 9DJ

This essential workshop, delivered by Barclays, willl help you understand fraud and advise you on how to keep financially safe. You will be given valuable advice on how to identify theft, the importance of confidentiality, different types of fraud, what to do if you suspect fraud and how best to protect yourself. Towards the end of the workshop there will be a question and answer session, as well as the opportunity to have a 121 drop-in with one of the tutors. Book yourself on this beneficial session today!

Customer Feedback 2014“I feel much more confident about my money issues. I would recommend this course to everyone who, like myself, has been unsure of what to do or how to do it.” (Linda, Benefit Changes, Budgeting and Money Advice)

“This course will help me with my finances in the future. We discussed topics and services which I didn’t realise were available to me.” (Lyndon, Benefit Changes, Budgeting

and Money Advice)

“Meals made from leftovers can be every bit as enjoyable to eat (and cook) as those made the first time around. This course gave me some ideas of new things to try. I thoroughly enjoyed myself, thank you for your hard work organising this.” (Grace, Cooking with Leftovers)

“I struggle to find things to cook. This course has given me so many ideas that are inexpensive and full of nutrition. These courses have given my husband and I much more confidence. Thank you keep up the good work.”(Kath, Cooking for One)

YOUR JOURNEY

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OnlineWith more and more services becoming available

online, a number of our courses are focused on helping you, your family and friends to use the internet.

Why not book yourself on one of these courses and share your new knowledge with family and friends. If you have no experience of using a computer, but would like

to learn, contact the The Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) Community Involvement Team to see how we can help!

Introduction to Microsoft Word

Date: Wednesday 22nd April Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

Build your confidence using Word and find out what it can offer you. Become familiar with the layout of Word and practice typing, deleting, formatting, saving text and more using this software. This session is suitable if you can use a mouse and have some experience of using a keyboard.

Introduction to the Wonders of the Internet

Date: Wednesday 20th May Time: 10.30pm - 12.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

Learn how to access the internet, use a search engine to find information you are interested in and use a variety of websites. This course is suitable if you have experience of using a mouse and a keyboard.

Introduction to Microsoft Excel

Date: Wednesday 1st July Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

Excel is useful for creating your home accounts and keeping your budget on track. Learn how to create an Excel spreadsheet, enter and format text and numeric data, create simple formulas and a chart. This course is suitable if you have experience of using a mouse and a keyboard.

Get on the Web

Date: Monday 27th April Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Oxleathers Court Community Room, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9SQ

Date: Tuesday 28th April Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pmVenue: Hopton Court Community Room, Hopton Court, Marston Drive, Stafford, ST16 3BG

Date: Wednesday 29th April Time: 10.30am - 12.30pmVenue: Lichfield Court Community Room, The Oval, Lichfield Road, Stafford, ST17 4UE

Date: Wednesday 29th April Time: 2.00pm – 4.00pmVenue: St Georges Community Room, St Georges Road, Stafford, ST17 4NA

If you already have a tablet or laptop, or are thinking of getting one, but need some help using it, this session is for you! This drop-in session will help you understand how to: use your tablet or laptop, set up an email account, do your shopping and even banking online. There will be a team of friendly Barclays ‘Digital Eagles’ on hand to assist you using your own tablet or laptop, or one that you can loan for this practical hands-on session.

Introduction to Microsoft PowerPoint

Date: Wednesday 3rd June Time: 10.30am - 12.30pmVenue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

Learn how to use PowerPoint to create slides and your very own presentation. Learn how to use slide templates, slide layouts, slide transition and animation for your design. This course is suitable if you have experience of using a mouse and a keyboard.

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Hobbies and

InterestsWhether you want to improve your craft skills or try something completely new,

why not book yourself on one of our fun Hobbies and Interests sessions? Whether it’s something for yourself or the kids there is something for everyone. All these courses are delivered in a relaxed environment by enthusiastic, experienced and friendly tutors.

Customer Feedback 2014“This course has been a good memory jog for an Excel course I did years ago. Hopefully I now have the confidence I need to use spreadsheets in my job.” (Gill, Introduction to Excel)

“The Introduction to iPads and Tablets course was good to help start me off - we all need to know the basics first!” (Sylvia, Introduction to iPads and Tablets)

“This course really helped me in understanding my way around a computer. The session has helped me improve my skills for the workplace.” (Scott, Introduction to Word)

How to Buy and Sell on the Internet

Date: Wednesday 9th September Time: 10.00am - 12.00pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

Need some help to set up an ebay account, make a purchase or sell an item? Then this session is for you! You will learn how to spot a good seller and avoid losing money (please note you will not be making real sales or purchases during the session).

Become Social Networking Savvy

Date: Wednesday 7th October Time: 10.30am - 12.30pm Venue: Learning Academy, SARH, 1 Parker Court, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0WP

In this session you will find out how to use different social networking sites, whether it’s for yourself or for a community group or club.

DIY Decorating

Date: Wednesday 4th February Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: B&Q Meir Park, Whittle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 7QA

Gain confidence and practice preparing walls for decorating, hanging wallpaper, lining up patterns and removing wallpaper.

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How Does Your Garden Grow?

Date: Thursday 26th March Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Highfields Community Tool Bank, Lilleshall Way, Western Downs, Stafford, ST17 9FD

Date: Tuesday 16th June Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Glebelands Community Room, Glebelands, Moss Pit, Stafford, ST17 9ER

Date: Thursday 6th August Time: 9.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Sycamore Road Community Room, Sycamore Road, Stone, ST15 8NJ

Date: Tuesday 8th September Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: SARH Community Resource Centre, 56 Greyfriars, Stafford, ST16 2RG

Learn how to successfully maintain your own garden. From how to use different types of tools, to hints and tips for maintaining various plants, to advice on weed and pest control. This is a hands-on practical session. You’ll even have the opportunity to put into practice what you have learnt and experiment with the tools in a local garden.


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Cupcake Decorating Workshop - Easter Special

Date: Tuesday 31st March Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Great Haywood Memorial Hall, Main Road, Great Haywood, Stafford, ST18 0SU

Do you want to learn how to decorate the perfect cupcake? This practical Easter themed session designed for beginners will help develop your sugar craft and piping skills. You will learn and share creative ideas and have some delicious cakes to take home. Please bring a tin to carry your cakes home!

Paint and Draw

Date: Thursday 30th July Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm Venue: Stone Station Community Centre, Station Approach, Stone, ST15 8ER

This is a great opportunity for adults to have fun developing drawing and painting skills, all in a relaxed and informal setting. Those lacking in practice and confidence are especially welcome. All equipment is provided.

Cupcake Decorating Workshop - Summer Special

Date: Tuesday 11th August Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Stafford Sports College, Wolverhampton Road, Stafford, ST17 9DJ

Do you want to learn how to decorate the perfect cupcake? This practical session designed for beginners will help develop your sugar craft and piping skills. You will learn and share creative ideas and have some delicious cakes to take home. Please bring a tin to carry your cakes home!

Make a Personalised Box

Date: Friday 29th May Time: 10.00am – 2.00pm Venue: Eccleshall Village Hall, Shaws Lane, Eccleshall, ST21 6AU

Make your very own mini jewellery box, treasure chest or gift box to take away. Use your imagination to create and design an individual box using a variety of attractive materials. No experience is necessary and everyone is welcome to come along to this enjoyable, relaxed craft session.

Creative Crafts for Kids - Easter Special

Date: Friday 17th April Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm Venue: Barlaston Village Hall, 1 Longton Road, Barlaston, ST12 9AA

This is a great session for the Easter holidays. This fun-filled morning will encourage your child to get creative. Activities will include painting Easter designs on ceramic pots and making collages on paper. Full instruction is given and everything your child makes will be free to take away. All equipment is provided.

DIY Woodwork for Kids - Build a Bug Box

Date: Tuesday 4th August Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: St Peter’s Church Hall, Rickerscote Road, Stafford, ST17 4EX

Experienced and friendly tutors will assist children to make their very own bug box to take away. Children are encouraged to build their confidence while learning basic joinery skills.

DIY Make a Wheel Barrow Planter

Date: Thursday 18th June Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: B&Q Meir Park, Whittle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 7QA

Learn basic joinery skills and put them into practice. This practical hands-on session offers you the chance of making an attractive wheel barrow planter to take home.


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Customer Feedback 2014“This course was excellent, my girls loved it! This session was brilliant and the leaders were very good. A great session for families over Easter. My girls really enjoyed it and it suited their varied age too!” (Laura, Easter Treats with Kiddycook)

“This DIY course improved my use of woodwork tools and ability to carry out DIY in my home.” (Maureen, DIY - Make a Garden Planter)

“I have learnt so much at B&Q. The guys are so patient and helpful!” (Kath, DIY – Decorating)

“Excellent morning! The activities for children were nice and varied, and the kids really enjoyed themselves. A very enjoyable 2 hours.” (Melissa, Halloween Spooky Special)

Christmas Crafts

Date: Tuesday 15th December Time: 1.00pm – 4.00pm Venue: Castle Church Community Room, Lovelace Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YB

Improve your craft skills and save money by making your own wreath and table decoration. Full instruction is given in this ever-popular class and you’ll have two attractive items to take home at the end of the session. All equipment is provided.

Jewellery Making Workshop

Date: Thursday 5th November Time: 10.00am – 12.00pm Venue: Swinburne Close Community Room, Swinburne Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YE

Have fun designing and playing with buttons, beads, wire, feathers and felt to make your own arty brooches. All equipment is provided, although you are encouraged to bring

along any buttons, beads or other items if you wish to add a personal touch to your jewellery.

DIY – Festive Family Workshop

Date: Monday 21st December Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: Castle Church Community Room, Lovelace Close, Highfields, Stafford, ST17 9YB

Want a break from Christmas shopping? Why not spend some time with the family by booking yourself and your children on this festive DIY woodwork session. You will learn basic joinery skills and put them into practice making your very own ‘Santa stop here’ sign.

Creepy Crafts for Kids - Halloween Special

Date: Friday 30th October Time: 10.00am – 1.00pm Venue: Stafford Children’s Centre, Faraday Road, Stafford, ST16 3NQ

This spooky session will help your child to improve their craft skills making Halloween masks and other spooky decorations! Full instruction will be given and you can take your creepy Halloween items home at the end of the session. All equipment is provided.

DIY - Basic Tiling Skills

Date: Wednesday 23rd September Time: 1.00pm - 4.00pm Venue: B&Q Meir Park, Whittle Road, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 7QA

Tiling is a skilled job, but with a little bit of care you can achieve great results. This hands-on practical session will help you learn how to prepare your walls for tiling and use the equipment you will need. By the end of the session you will have the opportunity to tile a wall.


Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is a Times Top 100 BEST ‘Not for Profit’ organisation to work for. (Please see the next page for a summary of the core services we provide). SARH has five values and living our values everyday helps us to deliver an excellent service for our customers. 1. Communication - 2. Approachable - 3. Respect - 4. Empowerment - 5. Support

SARH is pleased to introduce four SARH employees who have volunteered to share their skills and deliver free workshops.

Matha Cooper is employed by SARH as a Customer Call Advisor and in her spare time designs and decorates fabulous cakes for

family and friends. This year we have introduced 2

‘Cupcake Decorating’ sessions that Martha will be delivering to

the community. Matha will be using her talents to assist beginners to develop their sugar craft and piping skills to create a variety of fun cupcakes. See pages 26 and 27 for details.

Meet Craig Royal who has worked for SARH for 7 years and is currently a Technical Officer within the Repairs First Team. Craig has recently qualified as a FA Coach for Stafford Rangers under 14s. This year Craig will be bringing his hobby to work by delivering 2 ‘Football Skills’ sessions in the school summer holidays. Craig is passionate, enthusiastic and will ensure that the kids have fun developing and learning new skills! See page 18 for details.

SARH provides a wide range of homes: Homes to rent• Apartments and houses• Over 120 new apartments and houses

available in 2015! • Supported housing • Independent Living accommodation

Homes to buy• Shared ownership houses

Need help to apply for a SARH home?‘Pre-Tenancy Workshop’ sessions are held every month to take you step-by-step through the process of online registration, bidding and allocation. We also explain ‘our deal’ – what we promise to do for you and what we expect you to do for us as a responsible householder.

SARH provides many services in your neighbourhood including:

• Regular estate walkabouts • Community projects - Allotments, Community Tool

Bank and Online Projects • Community Events • Garden Competition • Customer Initiative Scheme – providing funding for

Community Projects • Money Advice – offering customers a FREE,

specialist and impartial service providing debt, welfare and benefit advice.

• Help with dealing with anti-social behaviour

SARH Repairs Charter sets out our aims to provide a repairs service that:

• Carries out repairs quickly and in one visit whenever possible

• Arranges appointments to carry out work at a time to suit you

• Meets high standards of workmanship • Is cost effective and within budget • Safeguards the future of your home • Protects the environment

Helping you live independently in your own home for longer, SARH provides:

• The support you need 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

• Home safety and personal security systems for the elderly and vulnerable.

• Total peace of mind and reassurance that help is always at hand.

• A fully trained, caring and professional team.

• Customer’s and their families with total peace of mind.

Telecare Services Association Accredited Platinum Service

Low cost price plans available.

Meet Laura MacPhee, a Community Involvement Officer for SARH. Laura’s job role is to support customers to get involved, as well as working out in the community developing new and exciting projects. This year Laura will be delivering a ‘Live4Less’ course on our Community Learning Programme which will involve helping to advise customers how they could save money on their monthly outgoings. See page 20 for details.

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Creating Great Places to Live, Work and Grow

For more information contact Stafford and Rural Homes – www.sarh.co.uk – email [email protected] – Call 0800 111 4554

Sandra Shipperley is a Customer Liaison Officer for the SARH Asset Management Team. Sandra is involved

in the planning and delivery of maintenance

programmes and has a wide knowledge of our communities.

This year Sandra will be delivering a ‘How is my Home Chosen for Maintenance and Improvement Work’ session. See page 9 for details.

SARH trading company, Housing Worx fits replacement kitchens, bathrooms and doors across many SARH properties.

By establishing Housing Worx-property, a dedicated team, SARH customers benefit from greater choice and an improved service and SARH saves money on previous arrangements with surplus cash being invested back into affordable housing.

Other Commercial services include: • Telecare Services • Lone worker monitoring service • Training courses • Conference facilities

CARES

Working Together

Community Involvement TeamStafford and Rural Homes (SARH) Community Involvement Team (CIT) has a number of essential responsibilities within SARH. Their key roles include: supporting customers to get involved and shape our services; working in communities; to develop new and exciting projects and build stronger communities, supporting our customers to develop their skills, enhance their opportunities and improve their lifestyle. The CIT will be working on the following projects during 2015:

• Themed Events and Fun Days - During 2014 the CIT organised a number events including a series of Fun Friday roadshows, ensuring that communities are ‘Fit for the Future’. Make sure you look out for more fun events taking place in your

area throughout 2015!

• Highfield Community Tool Bank - The Highfields Community Tool Bank was launched in 2013 and allows Highfields residents to hire gardening equipment for just £1.

• Allotment Projects –The CIT will be working with Stafford Borough Council to transform unused, neglected areas of land into new allotment sites.

• Supporting a Team of Customer Inspectors - Our National Award Winning Customer Inspectors are a group of customers who have been

trained to inspect the way SARH works and how we deliver services to customers.

• Getting Online Projects – Using the internet is becoming increasingly important and the CIT are actively involved in helping more of our customers get online.

• SARH Mobile Office - The SARH Mobile Office is a way of bringing our services to you in your community. In 2014, SARH offered a range of services from the Mobile Office including money advice, health checks and advice with other housing related issues.

• Community Involvement Team Blog - www.sarhcustomerparticipation.blogspot.co.uk

• Supporting Tenants and Residents Associations

For more information about any of the above projects or to find out what volunteering or involvement opportunities are available, simply get in touch with SARH Community Involvement Team on 0800 111 4554 or email [email protected].

Community Resource CentreAddress: 56 Greyfriars, Stafford, ST16 2RG

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has a fully equipped Community Resource Centre which is open to all customers and members of the community to use. You will have free access to computers and the internet, which you can use to help you with college work, search for jobs, Skype family and friends, update your CV, brush up on your IT skills or make publications for your voluntary or community group.

There is a meeting room available and SARH staff and volunteers are on hand to offer support and advice.

Weekly Activities:

IT / Job Search Monday, Wednesday and Friday – 10.00am – 12.00pm

This is an informal drop-in session you can have free access to computers and the internet. You can use this session to search and apply for jobs, update your CV or set up an email account. SARH staff and volunteers are always happy to offer help and support with IT and employment related matters.

Craft Club Tuesday – 10.00am – 12.00pm

This is a friendly group that get together once a week to practice their craft skills such as knitting, painting and quilting to name a few. It is a great way to meet new people in a fun and relaxed environment.

English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Thursday – 10.00am – 12.00pm

This weekly session is for people who don’t speak English as their first language or would like help to improve their English skills. It is a great way to meet others in a similar situation and people who come to the group have made new friends.

We would like to hear your ideas for activities that could be held at the Community Resource Centre. To discuss how we could work together please call the SARH Community Involvement Team on 0800 111 4554 or email [email protected]

YOUR JOURNEY


Check out and ‘like’ our Facebook page ‘Community Resource Centre’ to keep up to date with all the latest information and events.

Scan the QR code

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3Thank You…SARH would like to say an enormous thank you to all our partner organisations who have made the Community Learning Programme 2015 possible. All partners, both old and new, are committed to working with us to deliver these fantastic learning

opportunities and provide an enjoyable learning experience for you, our customers.

Thank you to all the customers who take part and support the Community Learning Programme to help make it such a success.

Stafford and Rural Homes ‘Learning Academy’Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) has a real passion and enthusiasm for our people. As a Times 100 BEST company we are recognised for being a values based organisation and this is something we extend to all who work for us and with us.

SARH is committed to investing in empowering and growing the influence of our people, and to demonstrate this, we have developed our very own Learning Academy. The Learning Academy provides opportunities for our staff and customers in our communities by offering work experience, work based placements and training opportunities.

2014 Success

We are fully committed to working with young people and contributing to the future workforce of the local Stafford community. SARH Learning Academy supports and develops people through offering:

• Work Experience• Pre-apprenticeships• Apprenticeships• Graduate Placements and Internships• Volunteering Opportunities• Community Learning Programme

Meet Christy Pritchard (left), Christy joined SARH as an apprentice in the Governance Team in June 2013 and is now a SARH Community Involvement Worker.

Meet Martin Sawyer (right), Martin joined SARH in August 2013 as an apprentice in the Governance Team and is now a permanent

member of staff. He has recently been promoted to Program Planner, but also worked as Technical Assistant within Housing Worx.

The Future

In 2015, we will continue to offer work placements and work experience placements. With the ever increasing success of SARH apprenticeships, we will grow and develop these programme offers, including trainee work experience, pre-apprenticeships and further apprenticeships. Our aim is to give people of all ages an opportunity to have a future career with SARH and other local employers.

If you want to find out more about the SARH Learning Academy or Apprenticeship

Programme please contact the Organisational Development Team on

0800 111 4554 or email [email protected]

Thank you to our colleagues at Stafford and Rural Homes for your valuable contribution towards the delivery of this years courses.

Learning Academy

Stafford and Rural Homes

‘Investing in empowering and growing the influence of our people’

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