Summer 2010 Going Green


A brand new resource centre in Thatto Heath will become Helena’s ‘Green Base’.


The ‘Green Base’ will be the hub for Helena’s Green Space Service and will include a resource centre offering ‘green’ opportunities for the local community.


The Green Base will act as an office to the Green Space Service and a centre for people to find out more about being environmentally-friendly, and will boast green credentials itself.


Since planning permission was granted in May this year, Helena has been working in partnership with Simmonds Mills architects and Paragon contractors in their development of detailed designs for the building and landscape.


Work is planned to start on the building at the end of July and it is expected to be complete by spring next year.


Family Fun Day


A Family Fun Day was recently held on the Queensland Place site, where work on the new Green Base will soon begin.


More than 80 local residents attended the event where they visited various stands and displays, giving them more information about the development and the Green Space Service.


Simmonds Mills, architects for the Green Base, were on hand to show local people the plans for the site and listen to their feedback and the Green Space team were able to answer questions about the new service.


There was even the opportunity for residents to get more ‘hands on’ and learn how to build a ‘bat box’ with members of the Green Space team.


All those who attended were given goody bags, including seeds, so they can have a go at planting in their own garden before getting involved with projects at the Green Base when it opens next year.


Alterations We encourage our tenants to make a long-term commitment to their home and in doing so we know that some people may want to carry out some alterations – but if you are considering making changes to your home you must contact us first.


Each year we spend an estimated £100,000 putting right work tenants have done wrong or started and not finished, and tenants will be recharged for any damage caused. Sometimes the house is dangerous and would not meet safety standards.


Your Neighbourhood Officer can advise you on the pitfalls of home improvements and if necessary can get additional technical advice to assist you.


If you are thinking of carrying out any alteration please follow these simple rules:


• Always submit proposals to Helena telling us what you want to do and wait for written permission before starting work.


• Check your plans meet current relevant safety standards (we can give advice) and use a competent tradesperson to carry out all the work (we may even provide you with a quote and undertake the work for you if you wish)


• Tell us when it’s finished and allow us to inspect the work


Any unauthorised alterations will result in you being charged for all the costs to put the property back into a safe and standard lettable condition.


Daniel is young apprentice of the year


Daniel Dale is celebrating after beating off stiff competition to win the title of ‘Young Apprentice of the Year’ at the Airport Group’s Young People Regional Awards.


The Airport Group is a partnership of housing associations that work together on issues that affect them and the neighbourhoods in which they work.


Daniel, who was up against 12 other finalists, won the top award at the glittering awards ceremony held in Wythenshawe, Manchester.


The awards were held to recognise the achievements, hard work and community spirit of young people working at housing associations across the North of England.


Daniel, 19, started working at Helena Propertycare as an apprentice tiler 18 months ago, working on the aids and adaptations team.


Haydn Hansford, Head of Helena Propertycare, said: “We are really proud of Daniel’s achievement, he is an asset to the team because he is enthusiastic, as well as being caring and compassionate when working with our customers.”


Also shortlisted for awards on the night were Helena’s Paul Naylor who was nominated for ‘Young Learner of the Year’ and Nicola Bremner who was nominated for ‘Young Volunteer of the Year’.


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