First can I thank everyone who braved the snow to attend the meeting.
The last year has been a particular challenge due to the cut backs in funding, but we seem to have come through unscathed. This is mainly due to the support both physically and financially from our partner agencies Helena, Arena and Riverside, and we would like to convey our sincere thanks for all they do for us. The financial support has meant that we could continue with the Kids Club activities, and although they missed out on trips last year, they still enjoyed an art and drama session last Easter which produced a huge mural that covers one wall in the centre, and during the Summer break we had go karting which took place over 2 days. This last activity proved really popular and we hope to repeat it this year, and they still enjoyed parties at both Halloween and Christmas.
Continuing on the funding front we have been successful in obtaining a grant that has enabled us to replace our office computers, and we have also installed one in the community room which will be available for residents to use. We feel this will be a benefit to many residents who don’t have access to a computer at home, as it seems that many forms now are only available on line to down load, it can also help with things such as job searches as well.
The Committee have decided that this year, instead of the annual coach trip we should have a Summer festival. A venue to where it could be held has proved a bit of a problem, but we have approached Peter Street Centre to see if they would be willing to let us use their facilities and we are waiting to hear back from them. We also raised this at the last meeting with our partner agencies and they are keen to be involved. As soon as we have a confirmed venue we will continue with the plans and we would welcome any suggestions or ideas from residents as well.
We had a particular problem last year with ASB in the Napier St area, but we have seen a significant reduction with the problems there lately, partly due to action by our Police team and also by people who where involved in the ASB moving out of the area. The problem we had with graffiti around the estate seems to have died away, we worked quickly with Helena and the Council to get it removed quickly as some was offensive.
The biggest challenge this year for all of us is probably the introduction of the “Bedroom Tax” despite residents being informed well in advance, it’s only recently that people realise that this is about to take place and they have started to do something about it. With not enough properties to meet demand this will also be a difficult time for our housing providers as well. In response to what lays ahead, a member of our committee, Lynn Turton, will be our Welfare reform adviser, and will be available to help any residents that need it. Lynn will be kept informed of any changes that might occur and have the back up of the Helena welfare reform team.
Finally it just remains for me to thank all the residents that support us, as well as our partner agencies, and we hope your support will continue as we face the year ahead. We would also appeal to any residents that feel they have any time to spare, to come and speak with us about getting involved. We are always grateful for any help at all, and it can be as little or as much as you wish to do, if it’s only dropping a few newsletters through letter boxes it would help us a lot.
Thank you.
Lynn Arnold.
Chair of Westra.
