Friends of Mill Rise / Meeting Dates

Friends of Mill Rise Meeting held on 15th July 2008

Apologies were received from Ms Price.

Mansells -  Mike Whittington from Mansells provided the group with an update on the build programme and said that the steelworks were in place, the floors were laid and that they were starting work on the outside walls and roof soon. Service work (gas/electricity) on Lower Milehouse Lane has also begun. However, they are currently 3 weeks behind schedule but still believed that they would be able to complete on time.  He was asked about the kitchens and confirmed that Mansells were in discussion with Aspire about eye level cookers, door handles and disabled adaptation. He also confirmed that there would be plumbing for either a dishwasher or washing machine (but this would be looked at) and that the lifts would be big enough for scooters. The build is not affected by the current credit crunch and indeed this meant that Mansells had a wider choice of sub-contractors.

Notes of the last meeting/Matters arising – Mike Reynolds commented that the visit to Knutton St Mary’s primary school had been enjoyable and that it would be beneficial to keep and develop this relationship.

Suzie clarified the position in respect of people receiving direct payments and using this money to pay family members to provide their care. In such circumstances the person will be eligible for Mill Rise but they will not be considered to be one of the ‘medium’ or ‘high’ placements that are funded by the County Council. Residents will not have the option of receiving direct payments for the community alarm service because this has to be provided by Aspire.

Suzie confirmed that all apartments would have a weekly Supporting People charge that would be approximately £24. This pays for the Scheme Manager (which used to be known as a warden service in sheltered housing) and the community alarm equipment (pull cords and neck pendants that can summon assistance).

Suzie also confirmed that the service charges were set by apartment type, i.e. for one- or two-bed properties, and not by the number of occupants residing within the apartment.

Although applications will be accepted from this summer, allocations of rented properties will not take place until next year. Post meeting note – Allocations will be made 3 months before people can move into the apartments.

People were also made aware that Aspire can offer contents insurance through a partnership arrangement.
Committee Update – Mike Reynolds provided an update on the work of the Committee who had met after the last meeting and are in the process of establishing a bank account.  He talked about the wish to carry out some fundraising activities and Hilary Freakley launched a wine raffle which raised £15! Funds will be used to support activities, trips and resources when the scheme is open.

Care Commissioning – Jayne Oakley from Staffordshire County Council attended the meeting once again to discuss the tender for the care provider. She has sent out a tender pack to 13 providers that have already been long listed as suitable. The County Council are keen to have a representative from the Friends of Mill Rise to sit on the interview panel. It was agreed by those present at the meeting that Mike Reynolds would be the representative given his role as Chair of the group and other work undertaken in the care sector. The interviews will take place in September. It was agreed that Mike would raise the issue of an affordable optional menu of services, to possibly include shopping, cleaning, assistance with support stockings etc.

Any other business – Lorraine Bennett said that Newcastle Ladies choir would be willing to provide a concert if there was sufficient interest.

Date of the next meeting – The next meeting will be held on Tuesday 12th August at 2.30pm at Earls Court Sheltered Scheme, Miller Street, Newcastle.