Updated: 04/08/2008
Updated: 04/08/2008
“When we started the service we were mainly answering ‘what if?’ questions,” said Residents Friend for the Hanley South area Geoff Davies.
“At that time residents were very uncertain how the programme would affect them and most of the queries were theoretical and speculative. Now, as plans have become firmer and clearance areas are being declared we are dealing with very immediate issues around how the programme will affect people.”
Residents’ Friends are on hand at consultation events to provide independent support to residents, and to have been prominent in relaying residents’ concerns to the Renew Team and their local authority partners, local Councillors and MPs.
“Helping residents and organisations communicate with each other more effectively, in a programme of this size and complexity is vital and is a key part of our role,” said Health & Regeneration Manager Mary Tomkinson. “It is vital they are accessible to the residents who need their help,” said Mary.
As the new partners have come on board the team has played a full part in these new partnerships.
“In Knutton Cross Heath I now make regular home visits to vulnerable residents, with staff from Aspire Housing to make sure they are kept informed of the progress of the programme and their needs are being properly catered for,” said Emily Tomkinson. As the master planning process progresses, Mick Brownsword in Middleport, and Geoff Davies, in Hanley South, anticipate becoming more and more involved with supporting residents as they participate in drawing up the plans for the future of their communities.
“Alf” is 70 years old and his home of 56 years is in a clearance area in Shelton. He came to the CABx local advice clinic when he had received a letter telling him he had to move due to demolition.
“Alf” was upset at leaving the home that he had lived in so long and very anxious about where he would be moved to. He was convinced he would be unable to afford to buy another property, and had no idea where he would end up. We explained the compulsory purchase procedure and advised him of the compensation that he should receive. We also explained the legal notices that he had received and discussed with him his re-housing preferences.
We agreed his preference was for a bungalow closer to relatives, so we referred “Alf” to the Home Options Team for help in finding and purchasing a property and the City Council’s Access to Services Officers for advice on a grant to help him afford a new home.
“People in Alf’s situation often have no idea of the help that is available to them and need independent advice in order to decide what is their best way forward,” said Mary Tomkinson. “The Residents Friend Service is providing this vital support on a daily basis, and, for many people, is making a difficult and traumatic time more bearable.”