News

We are now less than a month away from the introduction of Universal Credit (UC) Full Service in Wakefield. The Full Service of UC will be introduced in Wakefield from 28 November 2018 and will replace six benefits with a single monthly payment similar to a monthly working wage.

WDH and Leeds Credit Union joined forces at their new branch in the heart of Wakefield to highlight the support available for those who need it. As part of International Credit Union Day, WDH’s Cash Wise and Debt teams were on hand to dish out advice on how to manage your money better. In addition, to celebrate the partnership, Leeds Credit Union will be giving the first 50 customers who sign up for a new account with £1 on the day £25 credit to get them started. Terms and Conditions apply. Kevin Dodd, Chief Executive for WDH, said: “This event is a great example of partnership working between WDH and the Leeds Credit Union and the shared support we can offer to our tenants and customers. With the introduction of Universal Credit approaching we are all preparing for the changes to come, supporting tenants to open a bank account and get online. Anyone who feels they would benefit from talking to us should join us and get the advice and support on offer.” Chris Smyth, Chief Executive, Leeds Credit Union, said: “I am absolutely delighted about the new branch in the heart of Wakefield as this will help even more people to access the savings and affordable loans provided by the credit union. I am also very pleased that this branch has been made possible through the cooperation that the credit union has had for many years with our friends at WDH’’ He added: “By working together we can bring a range of services to support residents and families in Wakefield and this is as important as ever as hard economic times continue to bear down on many families.” The event coincides with and National Get Online Week, and for those who are concerned about the introduction of Universal Credit in November, which will be an online only service, the teams will be able to answer any questions or concerns.

WDH is taking part in Get Online Week between 15- 21 October 2018 and encouraging people to Try 1 Thing online.

Rob Stringer won the Best Garden award in WDH’s 2018 Love Where You Live Awards.

Angela Thomas won the Community Champion category in WDH’s 2018 Love Where You Live Awards. Angela set up The Bag Fairies in November 2014 at The Pavilion, South Kirkby. The group supports anyone in need in the local community.  Angela and the group have provided clothing for people, ranging from new-borns to older people, as well as providing bedding, towels and homewares for the homeless and vulnerable who are moving into their own accommodation. The Bag Fairies are self-funded and rely solely on donations, there is no referral service and customers can just call in when they need to. They also provide a number of personal hygiene toiletries to the vulnerable and homeless and work closely with WDH Cash Wise to support families in need.  The group is going from strength to strength and their room is packed to the rafters with donations. Angela goes above and beyond to help and all of this is done in her own time. On winning the award, she said: “Community is not just a word, it is an attitude. Bag fairies is a community in action reaching out to help all those around us who are vulnerable and in need, so I am delighted to have won this award on their behalf.”

Friends of Fryston Woods Group took the Digital in the Community Award in WDH’s 2018 Love Where You Live Awards.

Janet Ward runs the Hemsworth Open Heart Memory Café each month. The café is run by a group of volunteers and is regularly attended by 30 to 40 people from across the South East of Wakefield. The café is for people with Alzheimer’s and their carers and provides a place where they can come along and socialise with others. They provide a number of activities suitable for people with dementia and older people including boccia, jigsaws, bean bag activities and regular sing alongs. The group also hold another weekly session for older people which aims at reducing social isolation amongst the older community and are looking at organising some trips for them.

5 Towns Community Radio won the Community Group Category in WDH’s 2018 Love Where You Live Awards having beat previous champions Havercroft Parents Forum after a fierce battle for digital votes.

A WDH Community Grant has helped Love2Act drama club to buy new costumes and props for their production with a £646 cash boost.

Tenants, residents and community groups were among the winners at WDH’s annual Love Where You Live Awards grand final last night. The event, held at Wakefield’s Cedar Court Hotel and sponsored by Sodexo, celebrated local community heroes who make the Wakefield district a better place to live.