Hello!
We hope you are keeping safe and well. Inside this email:
• BITMO Ballot – Choose it or Lose it!
• Watch out for Bogus Callers
• Free English & Maths Tutors for Your Year 3 or 4 Child
• Your next steps into work, training or education
• Could you get Pension Credit?
• Need help from Adult Social Care?
BITMO Ballot – Choose it or Lose it!
In the last week Belle Isle tenants have been getting their BITMO ballot papers in the post. As a Belle Isle tenant, you have the right to decide if BITMO continues to manage the estate for the next five years, or if Leeds City Council take over directly.
Here are just some of the things that BITMO does that Leeds City Council does not do:
- A housing office in Belle Isle, with staff who know your street
- A caretaking team who can respond to issues quickly and go the extra mile to help
- A community centre offering food four times a week, plus community activities and classes
- Free food and activities during all school holidays and free English & Maths for primary school pupils
Please vote and encourage your friends and neighbours to vote too. You can vote by returning your ballot in the pre-paid envelope, bringing it to the ballot boxes in the housing office and BITMO’s GATE or using the codes on the ballot paper to vote online or by phone.
 BITMO's Board makes the big decisions about running Belle Isle. They are asking for your support to vote YES for BITMO to continue.
Please watch out for bogus callers claiming to be from BITMO or Leeds City Council to get into your home. Please keep an eye out for anyone approaching your elderly or vulnerable neighbours as well.
You can find more advice on staying safe on the doorstep from Doorstep Crime at West Yorkshire Police.
Always ask for ID. IF IN DOUBT, KEEP THEM OUT!
Has your child just started in Year 3 or 4? Would you like them to get some extra help with English and Maths? Or is your child in Year 5 but working at a Year 3 or 4 level? BITMO is offering free tutoring from 4.15-6pm every Tuesday in the school term at BITMO’s GATE. There’s also a free hot meal for the whole family served straight after school at 3.30pm. Food is served until 5pm so other members or your family can drop in for it later as they finish school or work.
The tutors are all qualified and experienced primary school teachers. You and your child are invited to the open day next Tuesday, 10 September from 3.30pm. There will be a hot meal and the tutors will be present from 4-5.30pm so you can ask any questions and decide if you want to register your child for the free tutoring. If you have any other questions, please call Peter from BITMO on 07891 274237.
Want help with your next steps into work, training or education? Or do you know someone who does? BITMO is working with Leeds Federated and Places for People to host an event next Thursday 12 September 1-5pm that could help. There will be employers like Mears and Equans, advice from Leeds Employment & Skills and Reed as well as the University of Leeds Lifelong Learning team and Leeds Adult Learning to help if you are looking to study. If you can’t make it next Thursday but would still like some advice, please call Jo at BITMO on 07891 271692.
Did you know you, your family, friend, neighbour or loved one could be eligible for an average £3,900 extra a year through Pension Credit?
Many older people don't realise that they are eligible for Pension Credit and are missing out on vital support:
- the average Pension Credit award in Leeds is worth £71.21 per week!
- Pension Credit unlocks additional support including Winter Fuel Payments, help with Council Tax, NHS dental care, and for those over 75, a free TV license
Visit the government website to find out more.
The Annual General Meeting is where the results of the ballot will be announced, tenants are elected onto BITMO's Board and the income and spending over the last year are reported. It will be in BITMO's GATE at 6pm on Thursday 26 September, with refreshments from 5.30pm. If you are interested in coming please let Karen Hoole know by email.
Adult social care is also known as social services. They help adults who need support to live well. It can be long term or just until they are doing better. Their aim is to always support people to be as independent as possible and keep living safely in their homes. They can recommend adaptions to your home or arrange for meals on wheels. You can tell them about anyone you think who might need support, like an elderly neighbour or if you think someone is being neglected, abused or exploited.
Adult Social Care are offering a session at BITMO on Thursday 26 September where they can meet you in an informal setting, explain what adult social care do and signpost to appropriate support. To book an appointment call 0113 222 4401 – ask for “Middleton Park Talking Point” and request a call back to discuss further and arrange an appointment.
Keep up-to-date with BITMO services and local news by visiting the BITMO Facebook Page and the BITMO website.
Belle Isle TMO works in partnership with Leeds City Council to serve the residents of Belle Isle estate.
Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation Limited Registered under the Co-operative and Communities Benefit Societies Act No.29817R. Registered Office: Aberfield Gate, Belle Isle, Leeds, LS10 3QH
|
