Friends of Mill Rise / Meeting Dates

Friends of Mill Rise Meeting held on 15th September 2008

Parking
There are 14 designated spaces for residents. There is also a shared car park with the PCT. A parking policy is to be drawn up.
Concerns were expressed regarding the amount of car parking spaces that will be provided. SK was asked to provide details of Aspire’s proposed parking policy by the next meeting as it could affect people’s decisions to move.

Shared Ownership
It was clarified that this will be on a first come first served basis, when applicants are in a position to exchange contracts they will then be able to reserve a property.

Shared owners will now be able to buy a 75% share at their initial purchase without having to wait a year to staircase. If a 75% share is purchased there will be no rent to pay but the other charges will still apply. 75% is the maximum that can be purchased.

Security
It was confirmed that visitors to the communal areas will not have access through to the apartments, it is a secure area.

Care Contract
The selection process for the Care Provider will be held on 29th September. There are 3 organisations that have been short listed to present to the panel.  Mike Reynolds is to represent the Friends of Mill Rise. The group were asked what they wanted from a Care Provider. Suggestions of what people wanted were approach to meeting the needs of profoundly deaf people, whether a menu of options will be available for customers e.g. laundry, cleaning etc.

Kitchen Update
SK confirmed that there will only be plumbing for one appliance – either a dishwasher or a washing machine. 

The Occupational Therapist has advised which door handles to the kitchen cupboards are most suitable.

Room layouts from the architects are enclosed with these notes.

There are 9 large cupboards and 4 drawers in 2 bed apartments and 6 large cupboards and 4 small cupboards in 1 bed apartments.

Pension Service
Andy Beeken from the Pension Service attended the meeting.

Andy explained about the help and advice that the Pension Service can provide to over 60’s. There is a drop in session at Newcastle Library on Friday mornings between 9.30 and 1.00 p.m.  An appointment is not necessary.

The Pension Service also provides a Home Visiting service.
They can check that you are claiming all the benefits that you are entitled to and will also help you to complete the paperwork.

The telephone Number for the Pension Service is: 0845 6060265

Lynn Brookes – Aspire Housing
Lynn Brookes the Community Welfare Officer attended the meeting.

Lynn explained her role at Aspire Housing, she can help with benefit advice, debt advice, and she can also refer to other organisations such as A4E and the Pension Service, she is not restricted to people aged 60 and over. Lynn will also help you to complete any benefit application forms. The advice is independent and confidential.

Lyn Brookes contact telephone number is: 01782/635200 extension 4856

Allocations
Rental properties at Mill Rise will be allocated 3 months before the build is complete.

Rowan Village Visit

A visit to the new Extra Care Scheme, Rowan Village, in Meir has been arranged for Tuesday 11th November. This will include a tour around the scheme and then a chance to ask questions over coffee in the residents lounge. There is a limit of 20 places for the visit.  Please contact Gina Bennett on 01782/635200 on extension 4732 if you would like to attend, places will be allocated on a first come first served basis.