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News & publications
BOND IS A RISING STAR
 A young housing professional has been shortlisted in the final three of a competition to discover the brightest upcoming star of the sector.
Peter Bond of Sanctuary Group has made it to the final three candidates for the Chartered Institute of Housing's (CIH) Rising Star Award.... read more
ROYAL OPENING FOR BAILEY COURT
 HRH the Duchess of Gloucester GCVO officially opened Bailey Court Extra Care scheme in Knowsley.
A state-of-the-art extra care scheme in Knowsley was officially opened by HRH The Duchess of Gloucester who took the opportunity to meet the residents and view the new facilities.... read more
SANCTUARY ANNOUNCEMENT ON COSMOPOLITAN HOUSING GROUP
 Cosmopolitan Housing Group (CHG) has become part of the Sanctuary Group. CHG owns and manages around 13,500 homes across Merseyside, Cheshire and the North West.
The move, which is fully supported by the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) - the social housing regulator - and by Cheshire West & Chester Council, will see CHG and Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) become seperate subsidiaries under the Sanctuary Group umbrella....read more
Q&A RESULTS FOLLOWING RESIDENT CONSULTATION ABOUT MERGING WITH SANCTUARY GROUP
We have been delighted with the response from residents following the news about our merger with Sanctuary Group. Well over 100 residents got in touch and we received many great questions from residents across our Merseyside and Cheshire operations.
For the full Questions and Answers please open the attached pdf.
CAR KEY BURGLARIES
 In recent years car manufacturers have made vehicle security a priority with the introduction of sophisticated security and alarm systems to prevent thieves from stealing cars. As a result criminals have resorted to more elaborate ways of stealing vehicles.
In the past few week there has been an increase in the number of car key burglaries across Merseyside. When committing these offences the offender(s) will enter the occupants house with a view to stealing their car/van keys, the vehicle will then be taken from outside. Sometimes these crimes can take place when the occupants are at home.
It is very important that vehicle owners are aware of this and take extra precautions to limit the chances of becoming a victim of car key burglary......read more COSMOPOLITAN AND RIVERSIDE SUSPEND MERGER DISCUSSIONS; SANCTUARY HOUSING GROUP SELECTED AS NEW PREFERRED PARTNER
Cosmopolitan Housing Group (CHG) and the Riverside Group Ltd today confirmed that the two organisations have suspended merger discussions.
The move follows the Riverside Board's decision, at the end of the due dilligence process last week, that it could not give CHG the unconditional merger offer it requested due to ongoing uncertainty over the scale of the potential risk around the student homes leases. Riverside chose to exit the student homes market in 2010 and the potential level of risk in a non-core market was a serious area of concern.
As a result CHG has invited Sanctuary Group, as a strong alternative partner, to put forward merger proposals. Like Riverside, Sancutary is a large national social housing provider....read more WINTER SURVIVAL PACKS FOR OLDER RESIDENTS
 Elderly residents across Merseyside were issued with vital winter warmer survival packs as part of a wider campaign to raise awareness of how to stay warm during the cold snap.
Colleagues from Cosmopolitan Housing Association (CHA) hand delivered more than 400 winter warmer packs to residents over 70 years of age across nine of the Boroughs CHA works across....read more
WELFARE REFORM IMPORTANT BENEFIT CHANGES
 The Government is introducing a number of major changes to Welfare Benefits from 2013. If you are of working age (16-61) the changes will affect you. We have produced leaflets to give you some information on the new Government rules, including a calander of when the changes are due to happen and what those changes are. If you have any comments or queries you can also contact us via our Facebook page and further advice and information can be found by clicking on this link RIVERSIDE & COSMOPOLITAN CONFIRM TALKS
 Cosmopolitan Housing Group and Riverside are exploring the potential benefits to their tenants of working together as part of the Riverside group. Cosmopolitan predominantly operates in Merseyside and Cheshire. More than a third of Riverside’s properties are in a similar area, offering opportunities for working together with synergy. Cosmopolitan Housing Group Chief Executive, John Denny said: “The interests of the communities that we are here to work alongside must always be our first priority. Our organisations are both people focused and geographically aligned. Through joining Riverside we could reinforce our commitment to customers at time when, for many reasons, it is most needed. We are working hard to try and achieve a great future as part of Riverside.” Riverside’s Chief Executive, Carol Matthews, added: “We are the right type of organisation to partner Cosmopolitan. We have financial strength and considerable experience of successfully bringing other housing associations into our group. Cosmopolitan’s stock complements our profile really well. Together we will both be stronger as businesses and better able to serve our customers. I’m looking forward to welcoming them and their tenants into the Riverside family.” Discussions are ongoing and are dependent on further detailed work, the agreement of lenders and the boards of both organisations. The social housing regulator is aware of the discussions and being kept informed of progress. A further update is expected shortly - for more information please visit our corporate site. SHELTERED ACCOMMODATION FOR RENT IN WIRRAL
 Are you seeking accommodation in Wirral and are age 55 or over, in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or over 60 with support needs? If so then you may be interested in living in one of our sheltered housing schemes. For further information please read the attached leaflet click here
ST MICHAEL'S GROUND BREAKING CEREMONY & LAUNCH OF APPRENTICESHIP POSITION
 The ground breaking ceremony has been held for Cosmopolitan's new high specification student accommodation development in the Ropewalks area of Liverpool. This project not only builds upon Iliad's long pedigree of urban regeneration but also their commitment to supporting the development of young people in the local community. Louis Crosbie has been awarded a specially created 2 year apprenticeship position in partnership with Iliad and VINCI Construction UK......read more
RESIDENTS WIN GOLD AT OLYMPIC CELEBRATION
 Young people grabbed their own gold medal haul at an Olympic celebration held for residents in an area of Liverpool. Cosmopolitan Housing Association held an Olympic Jubilee Garden Party at Fern Lodge, off Lodge Lane, which included a titchy race for toddlers, a baton race and egg and spoon race. More than 50 residents attended the celebrations, which featured a bookstall, swapshop and tombola, with tunes pumping out from local DJ Paul Smith. Residents fired up a barbeque and colleagues from Cosmopolitan were on hand to offer the latest advice on Welfare Reform. Speaking after the event, organiser Jan Naylor said: "We wanted to hold this Olympic celebration to bring the community together and with the positive feedback I've had it certainly worked. So much so, that we are looking to hold a winter party in the not too distant future. My thanks to all concerned, especially to the residents of Fern Lodge for pulling together and for providing the food for the barbeque."
TOTAL WIPEOUT!
 Come and join us on Friday, 31 August 2012 for a great Family Fun day in Everton Park and Lifestyles Sports Centre. The day starts at 10am, with activity sessions, information stalls and team registration. Bring along a picnic (we'll supply the blanket!) and be entertained with music, master the art of hula hooping or reach for the top of the climbing wall. For those who still have the energy, you can try your hand at the Total WipeOut Course, or register your team of 4 and get involved in the competition. This is a Friends of Everton Park event, sponsored by Liverpool City Council, Cosmopolitan, LHT, LMH, PlusDane, Riverside and Your Housing Group. There will be competitions and prizes throughout the day, access to free health checks and a chance to get on line. For anyone wanting to know more about the Welfare Reforms and how they will affect you, there will also be an information trailer all day that you can go to, to speak to Housing Association staff. So put on your running shoes, make some butties and get yourself there! Anyone wanting to register a team in advance (there are limited places!), please contact Catherine Simmons on Tel: 234 2368 or Nicky Yates on Tel: 233 3880 FAMILY DAY AT HALTON LODGE
A community event aimed at raising awareness of health issues in Runcorn is being held on Friday, 17 August 2012 at The Lodge Community Centre, Whitchurch Way in Runcorn. As well as offering lots of fun activities for children it will also give residents the opportunity to receive information on the Health Services available to them in Runcorn.....view flyer
YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAMME HELPS FORM LINKS BETWEEN HONG KONG AND MERSEYSIDE
 Young people from Hong Kong received a warm Merseyside welcome as they checked in to Cosmopolitan Housing Group's student accomodation in Marybone to start their 11 day International Youth Exchange Programme. Aged between 16 and 24, the 16-strong group were introduced for the first time to their young Merseyside counterparts who they will spend the duration of the trip with visiting various locations in Liverpool, Wirral and Cheshire....read more
BAILEY COURT - EXTRA CARE SCHEME
.jpg) Cosmopolitan Housing Association, in partnership with Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council, NHS Knowsley, Local Solutions and with funding support from the Homes and Communities Agency and Knowsley has built an Extra Care scheme on the site of the former Holly Vale sheltered flats on James Holt Avenue, Kirkby. The scheme is expected to be completed in August 2012 and will provide 34 purpose built apartments for older people with individualised care packages and a qualified on-site care team. The building will also include a dining room/restaurant, hair salon, assisted bathing room, IT suite and an attractive landscaped courtyard garden. If you are interested in the scheme and you;
or
Please contact Alison Brown at Local Solutions on 0151 705 2401 or by email abrown@localsolutions.org.uk for more information.
COSMO NEWS HITTING YOUR DOORSTEP SOON!
Cosmopolitan's latest newsletter will be sent out to all residents this week, however if you can't wait that long to find out what's new you can download a pdf version by clicking here
SUPPORTED HOUSING PROJECT COMPLETES IN KENSINGTON
 Work has completed on a supported housing project in Kensington, Liverpool that will provide independant living accommodation for up to ten adults with learning and physical disabilities. The property on Holly Road, which sits adjacent to St. Sebastian's Catholic Primary School, had lain empty for more than five years and was deteriorating rapidly. Now, thanks to partnership working between Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Liverpool City Council Conservation Department and faith based care provider L'Arche Liverpool, the Grade 11 Listed building has been restored, retaining many of the building's historic features.....read more
SINGING STAR HITS RIGHT NOTE WITH ARMY AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
 Singing sensation Rebecca Ferguson was a tonic for the troops when she visited a Liverpool housing charity. The 2010 X-Factor runner-up, back in her home city for the first time in a series of sell-out concerts, met home owners, volunteers and staff at Liverpool Habitat for Humanity, as well as Territorial Army soldiers from the 75 Engineer Regiment who are digging drains and building a road for charity. Rebecca, 25, set the latest phase of work in motion by helping to dig the foundations for the next set of homes. The charity has begun work on the remaining 23 low-cost homes off Kingsley Road, in Toxteth, after agreeing a partnership with Cosmopolitan Housing Association....read more
COUNCILLORS WELCOME NEW AFFORDABLE HOME OWNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES IN LIVERPOOL 8
 Two housing projects aimed at would-be homeowners in Liverpool 8 were praised by Liverpool City Councillors who visited them this week (23.5.12). Cosmopolitan Housing Association is developing four modern three-bed family homes on a vacant plot of land between Victorian terraced homes on Lime Grove, off Lodge Lane, whilst another project in nearby Kinglsey Road is offering local families the chance to physically build, and then purchase, their own home. The £550,000 project at Lime Grove has been grant funded by the Homes and Communities Agency and is due for completion by late autumn 2012. It will offer local people the chance to own a brand new two storey home, valued at £130,000, complete with gas central heating, double glazing, off-street parking and a small rear garden, with the option to purchase in affordable stages through shared ownership...read more ELDERLY RESIDENTS STRIKE OUT TO STAY FIT
 Elderly residents who won a ten pin bowling tournament received their trophy after taking part in a virtual competition for sheltered housing schemes across Liverpool and Wirral.
The winners of the Wii bowling tournament were John Willis House of Rock Ferry, with residents, some in their 90's, beating runners-up Olive Mount in Wavertree and Rose Court in Birkenhead.
Liverpool based Cosmopolitan Housing Association has been working with the Health 4 Housing Agency to set up the teams and organise a league, where older residents can stay active in a fun and sociable way.......read more
 IMPORTANT NEWS FOR RESIDENTSIn our last newsletter about Chester & District Housing Trust (CDHT) joining a revised Cosmopolitan Housing Group, we spoke about the real benefits that CDHT can bring to the Group. One major benefit is that we will be able to use Trustworks (part of CDHT) as the contractor to carry out our repairs and maintenance service, from the 1st April and gas servicing from July this year.
We want to work with residents to develop the repairs and maintenance service and have arranged for a number of consultation and door knocking events to be carried out at the begining of March to listen to your views. If you are not able to attend any of these events there are also a number of other ways for residents to contact us, please read the attached newsletter for more information......read more
WIRRAL MAYOR OPENS NEW £4.1M ECO-FRIENDLY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN WALLASEY
 A new £4.1m development of 36 new eco-friendly homes for rent was officially opened on Friday, 3 February 2012 by the Mayor of Wirral Cllr Moira McLaughlin at Rice Lane and Springfield Place, off King Street, Wallasey.
Residents and local school representatives joined members of Cosmopolitan Housing Association, Wirral Council and the Homes & Communities Agency, to witness the unveiling of a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.
Previously a street of terraced houses dating back to1919, the site has been redeveloped by Cosmopolitan Housing Association and Lovell Partnerships Ltd to provide 36 new homes which include a mix of two, three and four bedroom bungalows and houses......read more
NEW 'EXTRA CARE' HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN KIRBY IS RENAMED IN HONOUR OF DEDICATED LOCAL MAN
 A brand new housing with care scheme for older people in Kirkby has been renamed Bailey Court in honour of local resident, the late Mr Bill Bailey.
Work is now steaming ahead at the development which is being built on the site of the former Holly Vale sheltered flats on James Holt Avenue. Completion is expected in August 2012 when the scheme will provide 34 purpose built apartments for older people with individualised care packages and a qualified on site care team. The building will also include a dining room/restaurant, hair salon, assisted bathing room, IT suite and an attractive landscaped courtyard garden, complete with an ornamental lake and sitting out areas....read more
NEIGHBOURS COOK UP A STORM AT A COMMUNITY COOKING SESSION
 A group of residents from Liverpool were wisked away by Cosmopolitan Housing Association last week, to a cookery session at the Can Cook Studio at Liverpool's Matchworks in Speke. Residents from Falkner Terrace and Upper Parliament Street spent the afternoon watching chef demonstrations and taking part in practical sessions. At the end of the day the group sat together in the Can Cook dining room to enjoy the meals they had prepared....read more STUDENT ACCOMMODATION
Please click here for information and advice about our Student Accommodation.  |
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