Community Roundup
Well done Sally!
We would like to say a big well done to Blackpool resident Sally Baddeley, whose hard work and dedication paid off after she achieved a nationally recognised qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH).
Sally has played an active role working alongside Muir to improve services for residents. She was a founding member of Muir’s Scrutiny Panel, where she works alongside other tenants to improve the performance and quality of the services provided by the association.
Sally has been working extremely hard and recently completed her Level 2 Certificate in Housing through the CIH.
It was a member of staff who encouraged Sally to study for the qualification, both as a way of giving her a greater understanding of the industry, and as a means of improving her prospects of getting a job in the sector.
Sally, who studied for her qualification through Blackburn University, was able to achieve her qualification with the support of Muir. The housing association, which manages over 5,000 properties across the country, funded the course and also provided Sally with work-based experience which she has to complete as part of a module.
The course is designed to give students an overview of the housing industry.
Sally learned about the different types of tenures and landlords, and she was also required to create and induction packs for new residents.
The final module brought all the learning together, and Sally had to put together a portfolio which highlighted the importance of team working as well as other elements of the modules.
Sally said:
“I am very proud to have got a certificate in Housing practice - I am in my 40's and it just shows that you are never too old to learn. Although I am working on a part-time basis, this certificate gives me the knowledge and confidence to apply for full time work in the housing sector. The information that I have learnt has also helped in my scrutiny role.”
Sam Scott, Director of Housing Services at Muir said:
“Muir really appreciates the continued hard work and commitment shown by Sally. She has been with our Scrutiny Panel since day one and she has worked really hard to improve services for our residents.
“We are all very proud of her achievements. This qualification now means that Sally has a wider knowledge of the housing industry, and is now in a better position to help those residents who need assistance.”
McCartney House goes back in time!
Our sheltered housing scheme in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire - McCartney House - was transformed into a scene from a bygone era when its oldest resident celebrated her birthday.
Sally Foster marked her 93RD birthday with a 1940s themed party, complete with vintage props, such as a 1940s style radio, old photos, and a record player.
And with china crockery, traditional cake stands and homemade cakes, Sally and her fellow residents were transported back to their childhood.
The party was organised by Tea Time Charm, who decorated the room with bunting and flags to give it a true 1940s feel. Residents got into the mood by donning vintage clothes and hats from the era.
Sally and her fellow residents also got to enjoy some delicious treats, including cakes, scones, fresh lemonade and afternoon 
tea. They also took part in a quiz, and enjoyed a sing-along with classic songs from the era.
McCartney House, which is managed by Muir, is a sheltered housing scheme for adults over 60 years of age. The scheme allows residents to live independently but with support available should it become necessary.
Jackie Vickery, Manager of McCartney House said:
“It was a really enjoyable occasion, Sally and our residents had a great time.
“Being our oldest resident, Sally’s family wanted to do something extra special for her 93rd birthday. Everyone loved the vintage theme and I think it brought back many happy memories from their childhood.”
We hope you had a great day Sally!
£50 voucher winners announced
Several Muir residents have been celebrating after winning £50 for completing our Customer Information Form.
Vicki Hemmings from Chester, pictured with her daughter Holly and Community Housing Officer Annie Bellinger, was one of five winners drawn at random after completing their Customer Information Form.
The other winners were –
- Mr Allock – Warrington, Cheshire
- Mr Gilligan – Wesham, Lancashire
- Miss Cornwall – Blackpool, Lanchashire
- Mrs Doran, Ashton Court
The information in these forms are proving to be invaluable to us, especially in terms of understanding your needs, as well as finding out how we can deliver services more effectively and efficiently in the future.
It will also help us to identify issues that might be affecting you now or in the future, such as changes to benefits, overcrowding, under occupation and financial difficulties, this will enabling us to provide advice and support that is relevant to you.