Inspire Magazine - Autumn 2016

Work
placements
transformed
our lives
Fatima’s story
Gaining a qualification whilst bringing up children can be
overwhelming, which is how 27-year-old Fatima from Moss Side
was feeling when juggling a sociology degree with bringing up
her young son. Once her son went to school and she got closer
to completing her degree, she then began to worry about how
she’d manage in the workplace. It was not too long after that
she heard about work placements with One Manchester.
“When I was going through some
personal difficulties with my housing,
Paul, one of the neighbourhood
officers from One Manchester
helped me so much, so when I got a
text message telling me about work
placements there I thought it would
probably be a friendly place to get
the work experience I felt I needed.
“It was scary because I’d never had
a proper paid job before so I didn’t
know if I was capable or I’d mess
things up, but as soon as I started
everyone made me feel so welcome
and I just felt like one of them.
“My placement was with the
customer services team at Turing
House and I learnt so much. When
I started the placement I knew
nothing about how things worked
and I thought I’ll never be able to do
what they all do, but by the end of
week three I was taking payments,
booking repairs, working on the
reception desk and by the end of the
eight weeks I had learnt how to use
the computer systems and was even
taking calls.
“I gained so many new
skills but more importantly
so much confidence.”
“It was the opportunity I needed.
Now I know I can do it; I can learn
quickly, multi-task and fit in with
a team and when I go for job
interviews I can talk about all the
skills I have. I’d tell anyone thinking
about doing a work placement not
to hesitate – just go for it!”
Selina’s story
One Manchester customer and longtime
volunteer Selina Haye features in
a new national film and study called
We Work, which shows how housing
associations have helped them into
work. Selina from Moss Side hopes that
by sharing how her experiences have
changed her life for the better, it will
encourage more people to get involved.
When Selina first joined our youth network
she was struggling to find work, even with
a degree, due to a lack of experience. The
youth network has given her experience
of working with young people and
ensures she doesn’t miss out on the latest
opportunities. She immediately applied
for the childcare course we were running
with Big Life Nurseries and now works
there full-time.
“I knew I was good at working with
kids from having my daughter and all
the experience I’ve gained through the
youth network, but the course gave me
the qualification I needed to work in the
field. The opportunities and support
One Manchester has given me are
phenomenal.”
“It’s been a life-changing journey, which
has given me a much more positive
outlook.”
To watch the film visit:
onemcr.net/selina16
If you’re interested in
work placement opportunities
call Sarah Roberts, Placement
and Volunteer Coordinator
or email sarah.roberts@
onemanchester.co.uk
An improved
One Manchester
repairs service
We’ve been looking at ways to enhance the repairs service we provide to you by consulting
with customers over recent months. Based on this feedback and coming into effect later in
the year our new One Manchester repairs service will be:
Consistent
As One Manchester, we have brought
the services Eastlands Homes and City
South Manchester provided in-line to be
consistent for all of our customers. This
means that the way we prioritise jobs and
the appointment systems will now be the
same for everybody.
Accessible
We understand that the appointment times
offered are not always suitable, which
is why we will now be extending some
repairs appointments until 5.30pm for
added convenience.
Efficient
In order for us to make the best and most
efficient use of our repairs team resources
it is important that we better enforce our
Tenancy Agreement and only carry out
repairs that are our responsibility. Under
the new One Manchester Repairs Policy we
will no longer carry out some minor repairs
that are the responsibility of the tenant.
We will be providing more training and
support to allow customers to be able and
confident to carry out some minor tenant
responsibility repairs themselves, and
there will be DIY training and advice on our
website for minor basic home repairs.
In addition we will provide improved
access to our ‘Handyman Service’ that
provides discounted rates for repairs that
are a tenant’s responsibility such as smaller
jobs (e.g. fixing a tap, changing a lock) or
where there has been damage through
negligence.
Identifiable
You will begin to see the distinctive One
Manchester branding across all of our
vehicles and uniforms. This will make
employees more recognisable for you and
ensure our workforce look professional.
“Our repairs system has
been reviewed to make
it simpler for everyone.”
Simpler
Our repairs system has been reviewed
to make it simpler for everyone. Repair
priorities will now mainly be categorised as
‘emergency’ or ‘routine’..
Emergency repairs are when there is
an immediate or potential danger to a
person or a serious risk of damage to
a property, such as a burst pipe. The
response time for emergency repairs is
24 hours, with the aim of attending and
making it safe within four hours.
Routine repairs are minor day-today
repairs where there is no harm
or potential danger to a person or
damage to a property. A convenient
appointment will be offered and we
aim to complete the repair within 20
working days. If the repair requires
more time to source specialist
manufactured items, like a window
frame, it will be made once the items
are available with an appointment
outside of the 20 day routine repairs
response time.
Keep a look out on the website for the
guide and FAQs coming soon.
18
@onemcr
0330 355 1002 19