Feeling squeezed? - Hyde Housing Association

More documents

Recommendations

Info

news Meet the Neighbours By Steve cable | HYde Karen Reddington is a Hyde resident who three years ago moved from London to a three bedroom house in Woodcut, Penenden Heath, Maidstone. This summer she helped us out by judging the Kent Gardening competition and also organised a ‘Big Lunch’ in the street where she lives. When I met up with her recently we spoke about this and about the big change she made when she decided to move with her family to Kent. SC “So tell me what life was like for you in London” KR – “I was born and grew up in London and we lived in a Hyde property in Bermondsey, I come from a big family with lots of friends and I loved living there. When we moved to Maidstone my biggest fear was that I was on my own and didn’t know anybody but the neighbours were fantastic. There was a time early on when we lost our power, but they helped us out by providing us with electricity by using extension leads from their homes. SC – “Do you like living in Kent” KR – “I love it, when I first drove into Woodcut and saw the fields and hills it was amazing. The neighbours are great, the schools are great and I love the shopping in Maidstone. In London I may have been able to see Tower Bridge from my window but it was through the middle of two tower blocks, Kent is so beautiful” SC - “Tell me about your family” KR – “I live with my partner and my three children the oldest is 17 and at college and I have two young children aged 5 and 4” SC – “This year you helped to judge the Kent Gardening competition, was that something you enjoyed?” KR – Very much so. I love gardening although I’m not very knowledgeable. I saw some fantastic gardens and they inspired me to work on my own which I’m going to do once I’ve finished the decorating!” SC – “Ah, you enjoy D.I.Y as well? KR – “Yes, I’m in the middle of decorating at the moment, upholstering furniture and putting some new lights up” SC – You organised a ‘Big Lunch’ event at Woodcut in August, how did that go” KR – “I saw an advert for ‘The Big Lunch’ which is a national event they even have a website www.thebiglunch.com . Although the weather wasn’t great our event was brilliant; everyone came out and had a great day. The neighbours helped to organise it and a lot of the mums baked cakes and treats. The fire brigade turned up and Maidstone borough council provided us with large rubbish bins. At one point we had a giant tug of war where it seemed the whole street was outside pulling on the rope.” SC – “are you planning on organising it again next year?” KR – Yes we’ve already started talking about what we are going to do next year it’s so good to see adults talking to the children and I think it helps children learn respect when they see adults in those circumstances. SC – One last question, what advice would you give another resident who might be thinking about organising a community event or big lunch where they live?” KR – “Just go for it. Start the ball rolling by talking to your neighbours and if you get enough support do it, don’t just think about doing it. You can talk to Hyde who will help. After all everyone loves getting together and having fun – Don’t they! Hyde open doors for learners The Hyde ‘Open Doors to Learning’ grant is available to all Hyde residents over 18 who would like to sign up to a course being run by Kent Adult Education. KAE offer over 4,000 courses annually at over 700 learning centres across Kent. So far 13 Hyde residents have taken up the opportunity to apply for the award receiving up to £100 discount from Hyde off the course of their choice. Just some of the courses residents have enjoyed include yoga, pottery, pilates and jewellery making. Whether you’re looking to gain a qualification, or just try something new, whatever your reason KAE courses are a great way to learn at a level that’s right for you. It’s also a great way of meeting new friends. You can find out more about what courses are available by going to www.kentadulteducation.co.uk Hyde Open Doors to Learning funds are limited so if you’re thinking about signing up for a course don’t wait too long. For more information or to receive a course brochure call Steve or Victoria on 01622 356463 or email talkkent@hyde-housing. co.uk 04 | Living | Winter 2009
Just What I Needed By ALEXANDRA SPRINGER | HYDE RESIDENT NEWS FROM FEATURE HYDE I’ve changed my life through the ‘New Directions’ project and now my confidence is boosted and I’m going to college for the first time. Jason Colyer, the New Directions adviser from Hyde Plus, helped me decide what I wanted to do with my life. He encouraged me to look at job websites and helped me to get a volunteering placement at Mencap. I also applied for the Jobs Plus Bursary to contribute towards the cost of a laptop which I now use for course work and to research jobs on the internet. I always felt that I wasn’t clever enough to go to college but now I am there doing a counselling course and it’s been a real eye-opener for me. I have made friends, and get positive feedback from fellow students and tutors and now feel really good about my future. When I first started the course I saw it as a way to help me gain skills but now I am determined to take my counselling qualifications all the way. When I first moved into my home I felt isolated and reached a point where my confidence was very low. I saw an article in the local Hyde Magazine about Hyde’s New Directions service to help residents into work and training and knew that it would be a good idea to ring and see what they could do for me. When I rang Hyde for more information the staff were really friendly and Jason arranged to come and see me. He has been a great support- he understands me and listens but he also encourages me to do things for myself and is always there if I need help. I would encourage other Hyde Residents to take up the New Directions service - its free, takes a little of your time for a lot of reward! New Directions in SE London and Kent! Our New Directions service is a FREE confidential and impartial service to help you get the jobs and skills that are right for you. Last year this service helped 9 residents to get jobs, with another 7 starting volunteering and 15 accessing training! In all, over 90 Hyde Residents were helped last year, many of whom have not worked for a long time or needed help to build their confidence and gain skills. You may also be eligible for a bursary of up to £200 to help ease the cost of starting work or training. This can pay for items such as the cost of a laptop, equipment and books for studying. If you are interested in taking advantage of New Directions please ring 07918057873 for Jason Colyer (New Directions Adviser - Kent) 07918057325 for Suzanne Bingham (New Directions Adviser - SE London) or contact the Customer Services Freephone number on back page. Hyde Young Pride Award Are you 16 or under? Hyde can put £200 towards something you really want to do! • Improve your swimming or football • Learn to play your favourite instrument • Make school work easier with extra tuition Call freephone 0800 030 4424 or visit www.hyde-housing.co.uk youth Living | Winter 2009 | 05
Page 1 and 2: Kent The magazine for Hyde resident
Page 3: LOCAL KENT NEWS HELLO - From reside
Page 7 and 8: SPECIAL FEATURE Residents are set t
Page 9 and 10: LOCAL KENT NEWS Santa Claus is comi
Page 11 and 12: SPECIAL FEATURE Park News busy time
Page 13 and 14: MONEY MATTERS If you can’t pay re
Page 15 and 16: HYDEWIDE RESIDENTS VOICE Whats new!
Page 17 and 18: LOCAL KENT NEWS by Heather Calveley
Page 19 and 20: winter COMPETITIONS C H R I S T M A

Feeling squeezed? - Hyde Housing Association

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?