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Credit Crunch Special

Never too late to learn

Finding a new job is a skill in itself and if you are finding it difficult, Tameside Council’s Adult Services runs courses which can help you get on the right track.

Courses are offered in Information Technology, Skills for Life and Independent Living Skills (for adults with learning difficulties and/or disabilities).Tutors can also offer confidential and impartial information, advice and guidance to all learners and potential learners from Tameside and surrounding areas.

Student services officers can give impartial and confidential advice and guidance on:

• Changing careers or a new career
• Training or returning to work
• Local learning opportunities
• CV presentation
• Filling in application forms
• Interview techniques
• Local labour market information

For more information, contact 0161 343 8899.

Help with benefits

Tameside’s In Touch Customer Service Centres which are located throughout the borough, aim to provide a one point inquiry service and are able to help people with claims for housing and council tax benefit.

Housing benefit is available to help people on low incomes as well as people currently not working. Trained staff will help customers to complete application forms, answer inquiries, give assistance and will also signpost to other additional benefits.

For housebound residents, customer service staff will make a home visit and help with applications for Housing Benefit.

Customer services staff can also process applications for free school meals, clothing grants and can help complete applications for Disability Living Allowance. If you are struggling with your finances visit your nearest Customer Service Centre. You may be eligible for help in paying your rent or council tax.

The Pensions Service

A weekly advice service for inquiries about Pensions Credit for the over 60s is held at Ashton Customer Services Centre on Wednesdays 1-3pm and Thursdays at Hyde Town Hall 9.30am-12.30pm.

Buy with confidence

If you are struggling to find a decent trader to do some work for you, why not use a member of Tameside Council’s Buy with Confidence Scheme?

The scheme provides consumers with a list of approved traders who have agreed to provide a high standard of service. It gives customers peace of mind, particularly older and vulnerable people who need to be sure whom they can trust.

All members must be nominated by satisfied members of the public and must undergo Criminal Records Bureau checks.

Being a member of the scheme is also beneficial to traders. It gives them proof of membership by displaying the logo, publicity and increased customer confidence.

If you would like a directory, or would like to nominate a trader for the scheme please contact Gwen Kay at Tameside Trading Standards, telephone 0161 342 3671.

For further details, visit www.tameside.gov.uk/tradingstandards/buywithconfidence

Step Outside

For a day out, that’s easy on your wallet and good for your health, why not explore the countryside around Tameside?

The borough has a wonderful variety of countryside to enjoy, from the meadows and woods, to high open moor land. It is countryside rich in heritage and wildlife.

As well as the valleys of the Rivers Tame, Medlock and Etherow, Tameside has three country parks (Park Bridge Heritage Centre, Lymefield Visitor Centre and Werneth Low Country Park) four local nature reserves and a great canal network.

Walking, horse riding, orienteering, cycling and bird watching are just some of the pursuits you can enjoy. There are many benches and picnic areas giving you chance to rest and take in the views and the wide programme of events throughout the year, means there should be something for everyone to enjoy.

The free Tameside Countryside Summer Events 542.77 KB programme contains 79 events including over 20 new ones. During the summer holidays there are lots of events for children and families.

Credit Union

Looking for somewhere to save your hard earned cash and then be able to get a low interest loan? Then look no further than your local credit union.

A credit union is a profit-sharing, democratically run financial co-operative which offers convenient savings and low interest loans to its members. The members own and manage their credit union.

Credit unions aim to encourage members to save regularly, provide loans to members at very low rates of interest and when required, provide members with help and support on managing their financial affairs.

There are a number of credit unions around Tameside. The credit union office is situated in the customer reception area of the council offices in Ashton, telephone 0161 343 7621.

Debt Advice Service

If you have got yourself into debt, don’t panic as there are a number of organisations that can advise you on the next step to take.

The Debt Advice Service is based within the council’s Welfare Rights Service. It offers free, independent, confidential advice, support and assistance with debt problems.

The Debt Advice Service can:

• Check you are getting the correct benefits
• Draw up a financial statement to see what money you have available, if any, to pay your creditors
• Check that you are liable for debts owed
• Advise you what to pay first
• Negotiate with your creditors
• Represent you in the county court
• Give assistance in the magistrates’ court

A debt advice surgery is held on the first and third Thursday of the month at Customer Services, Council Offices in Ashton from 9.30am – noon. Within this surgery staff may be able to help in different ways.

Some useful contacts:

National Debt Line - www.nationaldebtline.org.uk  0808 808 4000

Consumer Credit Counselling Service - www.cccs.co.uk  0800 138 1111

Community Legal Advice - http://www.communitylegaladvice.org.uk  0845 345 4345

Tameside Citizens Advice Bureau - www.tamesidecab.org.uk  0161 330 2156

Tameside Debt Advice Service - 0161 342 3494

Energy, use less and save more

Below are a number of steps that you can take to reduce your energy bills and do your bit for the environment:

• Turning down the central heating thermostat by one degree can save you as much as £65 per year
• Move furniture away from radiators
• Wash your clothes at 30º
• Unplug electrical items that are not in use
• Don’t fill the kettle with more water than you need
• Try and keep your fridge and freezer full as this uses less electricity
• Get into the habit of turning your lights off when there is nobody in the room
• Ensure that there is no trapped air in your radiators
• Buy a thick insulating jacket for your hot water tank
• Draught proof your home
• Ensure that your house is adequately insulated
• Energy efficient light bulbs last much longer than ordinary bulbs.

For more advice or information on energy saving in the home call Tameside Council’s Environmental Call Centre on 0161 342 8355 or the Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 0800 512 012

Free Countryside Events

Here is just a small selection of the wide range of free events run by the Countryside Service

Thursday 9th July

Gorse Hall Ghost Walk

Discover the many myths and ghost stories in the area.

7.30pm – 9.30pm @ Gorse Hall entrance, High Street, Stalybridge. SK15 1SE

Sunday 12th July

Wildlife Safari

Search for some of the smaller inhabitants of Broad Mills on a minibeast hunt and pond dip.

1pm – 3pm @ Lymefield Visitor Centre, off Lower Market Street, Broadbottom, SK14 6AG

Sunday 19th July

Picnic at the Pike

A moderate walk up to the Pike for a picnic with a view.

11am – 3pm @ Park Bridge Heritage Centre, The Stables, Park Bridge, Ashton under Lyne OL6 8AQ

Sunday 26th July

Dare Devils and Dens

A family woodland workout with trails, den building and problem solving.

Noon – 3pm @ Lymefield Visitor Centre, off Lower Market Street, Broadbottom, SK14 6AG

Tuesday 18th August

Wacky Woods

A day of wild games and woodland challenges. Groups please book.

Noon – 3pm @ Park Bridge Heritage Centre, The Stables, Park Bridge, Ashton under Lyne OL6 8AQ

Sunday 23rd August

3 M’s Ramble

A gently paced seven mile ramble in the quieter areas around Matley, Mottram Rise and Millbrook.

10.30am – 3.30pm @ Entrance to Cheetham Park, Acres Lane, Stalybridge. SK15 2JR

Wednesday 26th August

Going Batty

Adjust your eyes to the twilight and tune in your ears as we search the night sky for bats.

8pm – 10pm @ Park Bridge Heritage Centre, The Stables, Park Bridge, Ashton under Lyne OL6 8AQ.

Sunday 30th August

Still Waters

Explore the wildlife of Hollinworth Branch Canal Local Nature Reserve; dragonflies, water voles, kingfishers, frogs and newts.

10am @ Littlemoss Camp car park, Lumb Lane, Droylsden. M43 7LN 2½ hours

Free Events

Tameside Armed Forces Day celebrations. Saturday June 27. 1pm - 4pm. Victoria Park, Denton. Free event including music and dance performances throughout the afternoon. For further details telephone Tameside Arts & Events Team on 0161 342 4144

Splendid weekend in Hyde Park, Saturday July 25th. Manchester Camerata Proms in the Park

Concert starts 7.30pm (gates open 5pm) pre-show entertainment from 6.30 pm. Tickets £5 adults / £3 children (buy one child's ticket and get one free) / Under-fives go free. Tickets can be bought from Tameside Tourist Information Centre, Council Offices, Ashton or by calling 0161 342 4144. Or visit www.tameside.gov.uk/splendidweekend

Sunday July 26. Party in the Park

Family Fun Day including live music, fairground and craft activities. Noon - 5pm. Entrance free. For further details telephone Tameside Arts and Events Team on 0161 342 4144

Get Active for less

X Clubs

X Clubs are Tameside’s sport and physical activity clubs for children aged 5-19. They offer evening and weekend sessions for just £1. Members receive their own individual membership card, free subscription to the X Club magazine and seasonal offers.

X Clubs is a three-year programme which will enable children to take part in 30 weeks of activity per year across a vast range of sports and activities.

If your children need to be occupied during the holidays, multi-sport sessions are held at various centres across the borough, including sports such as basketball, cricket, rugby and rounders. There are also multi-sport sessions and free health walks for the over 50s at a range of venues throughout the borough.

Further information on the above or other ways to get active visit www.tameside.gov.uk/getactive or contact Tameside Sports Services on 0161 609 1277

• X Clubs – evening and weekend sports sessions for children aged 5 – 19, all sessions are just £1
• Multi sport school holiday sessions for 8-13 year olds
• Free health walks and gentle exercise/multi sports sessions for the over 50s

Free bus travel

If you are aged 60 and over, or an eligible disabled person, you are entitled to free travel on off-peak local bus services across England, but only if you have a new national concessionary travel pass.

The new smartcard style national passes replace the free GMPTE travel pass. The national concessionary travel pass continues to provide peak travel at a concessionary fare and free off-peak travel on Greater Manchester's bus, train and tram network the pass also provides free off-peak bus travel throughout England.

If you have an existing GMPTE travel pass you need to replace it with a National Concessionary Travel Pass.

To apply for a new national concessionary travel pass or a replacement, get an application form from a GMPTE Travelshop located in the bus station at, Ashton and Hyde or at www.gmpte.com

Walking costs nothing

Take advantage of the better weather and go on one of Tameside’s free health walks. Aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle for older people as well as being suitable for people of varying abilities. The weekly walks are between one and three miles long, can be taken at your own pace and are ideal for people who are not used to taking regular exercise. Each walk is lead by a qualified walk leader.

Job Centre Plus

Jobcentre Plus is a government agency which helps people back into work and helps employers to fill their vacancies.

You can search for a vacancy online, by telephone or through digital tv. You can also find out about any benefits you maybe entitled to.

Their website has plenty of advice for job hunters and those preparing for interviews.

www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Top 10 tips for finding work

1. Check out the Jobcentre Plus website for information and advice to get your job hunting started – www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk  
2. Make sure you have an up-to-date CV, if you haven’t written one before, the Jobcentre Plus website has advice on how to do so.
3. Get yourself online – almost eight out of 10 companies now advertise their vacancies on the internet, so make this part of your job search.
4. Find out all the other possible vacancy sources in your local area – check out local and national newspapers, if you’re a Sky or Virgin Media customer, go to DirectGov on digital TV to search for jobs.
5. Register with some local recruitment agencies. They handle many permanent, temporary, full and part-time vacancies and can match you to employers who need staff now.
6. Ask your friends and family to look out for jobs for you – they may hear about vacancies where they work.
7. Don’t be shy about going along to jobs fairs and other recruitment events, they’re an excellent way of meeting employers.
8. Think about approaching local companies yourself to ask if they have any vacancies you could apply for. Make sure you choose companies that are likely to have vacancies, find out about the type of work they do and how it matches your skills.
9. Be open-minded about what job you might do. For example, if you’ve always had a permanent job up to now, don’t rule out taking a temporary one – it could give you useful experience.
10. Don’t assume you’ll automatically be worse off if you take a lower paid job. You may qualify for in-work benefits that boost your income. Your Jobcentre Plus adviser can give you more information on this.

Use your local library – it’s not just for books

Job seeking

Libraries are a great place to start searching for jobs. They have a range of local and national newspapers with job vacancies as well as books on writing a CV, getting a job and succeeding at that all important interview. The libraries are currently working in partnership with Nextstep to deliver free weekly drop-in CV workshops in 10 Tameside libraries.

See www.tameside.gov.uk/libraries/nextstep or contact Tameside Libraries Information Service on 0161 342 2031 for more information.

Need to use a computer?

All Tameside libraries have computers which are free to use. You can look for jobs, fill in online application forms, find out about employers or maybe just update your CV. Extra free time is available for all job related activities.

Love food, hate waste?

Each month, the average family throws away £50 of food that’s been bought but not eaten. The Love Food Hate Waste campaign is helping Tameside households to save money by cutting back on the amount of food they waste.

• Check the use by dates on your food in the fridge, move them into the freezer if you aren’t going to use them today
• Try and keep your store cupboard and freezer well-stocked with a variety of canned, dried and frozen goods that you know your family love to eat
• Day after day basic staples such as bread, rice, potatoes and pasta are served at meal times, but large amounts of these end up going straight in the bin. Are you getting your portions right? For instance, a mug full of rice will serve four adults
• Plan your meals in advance, so you don’t buy what you don’t need.

For lots of great tips and money saving advice visit www.lovefoodhatewaste.com

Don't miss out on millions

Millions of pounds in benefits go unclaimed every year. Pensioners who own their home or have money in the bank lose out on money they are entitled to.

To find out what you are entitled to, call the free and confidential service on 0161 429 2071.

Tameside Council and Pension Service Joint Team offers benefit information and support to older people at information points at various locations around Tameside or by a home visit where needed.

They can complete financial assessment forms for people of any age who need home care and give them benefit information at the same time. The team can arrange for customers to be connected to other services at their request.

You can drop in to see them at Ashton Customer Service office on Wednesdays 1-3pm or Hyde Customer Service Office on Thursdays 9.30am-12.30pm. To book an appointment telephone 0161 429 2071.

Boredom busters

There are plenty of low cost and free activities for young people in Tameside to do, all year round, just visit www.tameside.gov.uk/500

The activities form part of SID, Tameside’s Service Information Directory . The website is aimed at children and young people, their families and those who work with them. It provides information on a range of national and local organisations, together with their contact details and how to access them. The directory also includes voluntary organisations and groups, such as Guides, Scouts, youth clubs and other leisure activities, for details visit www.tameside-sid.org.uk .

Smart shopping

If you are looking for a new car, booking a holiday or having work carried out to your home, be careful in choosing who you are going to use.

Check that they have been in business for a long time or are a member of a trade association. Use someone who has been recommended by a friend or someone you know who has had work carried out to a good standard.

Consider a trader who is a member of Tameside's Trading Standards' Buy With Confidence Scheme or in the case of a motor trader a member of the Trading Standards Fair Play Charter Scheme.

When paying a deposit or settling the full amount, consider paying by credit card. As well as your statutory rights, paying by credit card gives you extra protection under the Consumer Credit Act. Should the work or goods turn out to be faulty, or the trader goes out of business the credit card user has to refund your money. This applies when the goods have cost more than £100 but less than £30,000.

Sound as a Pound

If you are struggling with debt or simply want to make your money go further, then Tameside Council Adult Learning may have the help you need.

Working in partnership with New Charter Housing , Sound as a Pound is a course designed to help residents manage their money. It runs for two hours per week over six weeks, classes are small, informal and confidential.

The course consists of:

• Managing a household budget
• Priorities and non-priorities
• Dealing with debt
• Borrowing money – the best deal for you
• Identify the best supermarket deals
• Fuel bills

For further information, or an informal chat, please call 0161 343 8889.

State benefits

When you lose your job, you may be entitled to claim support from the state until you get back into work. You should contact your local Job Centre Plus  office for further information about your entitlements. Certain benefits (such as help with housing costs, council tax and school lunches) are administered by the council.

You may be entitled to claim Job Seekers' Allowance, housing benefit, council tax benefit, as well as other means tested benefits.

If you are aged 60 or over, you should check whether you are entitled to benefits such as Pension Credit and make sure you claim additional benefits such as the Winter Fuel Payment.

The council’s Customer Service Office and the Welfare Rights Service can help you to navigate your way through the benefits maze. The Citizens Advice Bureau can also provide assistance.

www.tameside.gov.uk/customerservices

Citizens Advice

Tameside Citizens Advice Bureau  in George Street, Ashton provides free, confidential, independent, impartial advice to the general public.

Advice covers subjects such as benefits, housing, consumer issues, relationship issues, employment, legal issues, immigration and nationality, health and taxes.

Main office and reception hours: 9am to 5pm weekdays

Drop in sessions

Monday 9:30am – 12:30pm

Tuesday 9:30am – 12:30pm

Wednesday 9:30am - 2:30pm

Thursday 10am – Noon

Friday – pre-arranged appointments only

Telephone advice – Tuesday afternoons (dependent upon availability of volunteer advisers).

www.tamesidecab.org.uk

Summer holiday sport

Tameside Sports Services have put together a summer holiday programme for boys and girls aged 8-12 years wishing to try a variety of sports.

The sessions will take place at

• The Copley Centre 
• Medlock Centre 
• Two Trees High School
• Oxford Park

Cricket

For boys and girls aged 8-12 years.

Tennis

For boys and girls aged 8-12 years.

Rugby

For boys and girls of various ages to try their hand at this fast game.

Athletics

For those wishing to develop their running, throwing and jumping skills with emphasis on personal development.

Multi sport for people with a disability

For boys and girls aged 7-19 years old with a disability. This fully inclusive camp is aimed at providing fun games and a variety of sports and competitions.

For information visit: www.tameside.gov.uk/sports/courses or www.tameside.gov.uk/getactive or call 0161 609 1277.

Visit our super six for free

There's a lot going on at all six of Tameside’s museums and galleries and best of all, most of it is free.

Every school holiday there’s a programme of fun workshops and activities for children and families. Adults of all ages can enrol on one of the popular art courses or join in the free Knit and Natter sessions at Central Art Gallery, which includes complimentary cake and refreshments.

Portland Basin Museum’s industrial gallery has recently undergone a huge refurbishment and now boasts a life-size interactive canal-boat among its exciting new features.

For further information on events and opening times see www.tameside.gov.uk/museumsgalleries or contact the specific venue on the numbers listed below:

Portland Basin Museum

0161 343 2878

A family-friendly social and industrial museum by the picturesque canal side

Setantii 0161 342 2812

Free swimming for over 60’s

If you are over 60, then you can swim for free in your local pool. The free swimming programme is part of the Government’s swim4life campaign, giving more people the chance to be active and have fun.

To take advantage of the scheme, simply register providing proof of your age, pop along to your local pool and pick up a form or download one from www.tamesidesportstrust.com 

After you’ve filled it in, take it along to your local pool with proof of your age and you will be issued with your personal Active Body and Mind card. The computerised till system will then recognise that you qualify for free swimming on future visits.

The health benefits of swimming are well-known. It’s a low-impact activity so it’s perfect for people who can’t exercise easily, for example those who have arthritis or need to protect their joints.

Your body works harder in the water – a 30 minute workout in the pool is worth 45 minutes on land. It works your whole body and has the lowest injury rate of all activities.

So, whether you are a seasoned swimmer, want a bit of practice or a complete beginner, there's never been a better time to dive in.

Are you claiming correctly?

It is important you claim all that you are entitled to and let HM Revenue & Customs  (HMRC) know if your circumstances have changed.

With any change in circumstances, you must consider your tax credits position.

There are certain changes which must be reported within one month of the change.

Losing your job is a change that must be reported, as is any change in the normal pattern of your working hours.

If your hours have reduced, it could be that you are no longer entitled to working tax credit. Nevertheless, if your normal working hours fall below 16 a week, or you stop work altogether, you should continue to receive working tax credit for a further four weeks under special 'run-on' provisions

Remember, most childcare costs affect your entitlement to working tax credits. If a change in circumstances means that your childcare costs have changed, make sure you report it.

For more information visit www.hmrc.gov.uk/taxcredits

Searching for a job?

If you are looking for employment, have you ever considered taking on a caring role?

Tameside Employment Partnership (Tameside Council, Job Centre Plus  and Connexions ) has organised a recruitment event “A Career in Care” in Ashton Town Hall on Thursday July 16th. You can find out about working as a carer in a home for older people, in a children’s home or as a community care worker. For more details, check the local press or ask at your local Job Centre.

The TEP works together to make sure that local residents are able to prepare for employment and gain access to training opportunities. The group is planning another recruitment event focusing on a different sector of the job market for September.

Uniform grant

Families with children of compulsory school age who are in receipt of income support, income based Jobseekers Allowance, guaranteed element of state pension credit or Child Tax Credit only, with an income less than £15, 575, should qualify for a school clothing grant for their child/children.

Families who are in receipt of Working Tax Credit with an income less than £15,575 should qualify for a School Clothing Grant for their child/children provided a copy of the Tax Award Notice as issued by the Inland Revenue is attached.

To apply, complete an application form, and take it to any Customer Service Centre for verification, together with proof of benefit. The application form can be downloaded from the council website or you can pick it up from your local library or information centre. Application forms can be submitted from June onwards for the coming school year's grant.

http://www.tameside.gov.uk/schools/grants/clothing

Free school meals

You can apply for free school meals for your child if you receive one of the following:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £15,575

The guaranteed element of state pension credit

There are now three easy ways to apply for free school meals:

• complete the on-line application form at www.tameside.gov.uk/fsm  
• telephone the council's call centre on 0161 342 8355
• in person at one of the council's Customer Services Offices
  
  

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