issue 41 | december | 2012

c t v s onNews...features...plus more about your city...your neighbourhood...your services

Including: news, comments and updates from organisationsacross the city working together to improve life in Coventry

Coventry

INSIDE

l Christmas Cracker

l Cycle network boost

l Help with debt advice

l WIN panto tickets

* Charley Gibbons is

chief executive of the

Citizens’ Advice Bureau

in Coventry and has

agreed to be the chair

of the Coventry

Partnership for the

coming year.

A personal message from Charley Gibbons, chair of the Coventry Partnership...l A personalmessage from

Cllr John Mutton,

Leader, Coventry

City Council.

As we get to this time of year,it’s always nice to look back atour achievements andchallenges over the past 12months.

We’ve all got some reallyspecial memories of this year, ofcourse, when London 2012came to Coventry and wewelcomed the world to ourfantastic city.

I don’t think anyone woulddisagree with my view that thecity rose to the occasionbrilliantly, but it’s good to havethe hard evidence to back thisup.

Our number crunching hasrevealed that the Olympics hasbeen worth £50million to thecity, which isn’t a bad return onthe £5million investment theCouncil made.

And now the hard workbegins – we have to build onthe legacy of the work alreadystarted and make sure wecontinue to benefit from theGames in decades to come.Keep watching this space, andwe’ll keep you updated.

We know that 2013, incontrast, will bring manychallenges for the city and itsresidents. There are tough timesahead, but we’ll continue towork with you to tackle thesechallenges and we’ll be honestand upfront with you about theissues we need to face.

A very Merry Christmas toyou all, and here’s to a peaceful2013 to everyone.

If you need this information in another

format or language please contact us:

Tel: 024 7683 1081Fax: 024 7683 1132

e-mail: communications@coventry.gov.uk

From the top

* You can write to John at The CouncilHouse, Earl Street, Coventry CV1 5RR, or

e-mail him at john.mutton@coventry.gov.uk

Cover story: Shining Star winner, Pagan Pitaway alongside Roy Wood, Lord Mayor,Councillor Tim Sawdon and Father Christmas at

the big switch on

Full story – Page 5.

december 2012 | citivision | 03

news

councillors

4 Deputy council leader

Cllr George Duggins has issued

a stark warning about the

impact of government cuts on

Council services.

5 Olympic silver medallist Lizzie

Armitstead (right) set the wheels

turning on a £6.9million scheme

which will transform

Coventry’s cycling network.

6 Residents are being urged to

be aware of cold callers trying

to carry out roof repairs or

moss removal work.

22 Need to contact yourcouncillor? Check out ourcomprehensive directory.

Call the Citivision newsdesk on024 7683 1075 or write to Newsdesk,Room 27, The Council House,Earl Street, Coventry, CV1 5RR, or e-mail communications@coventry.gov.uk

Written and produced by theCommunications Team, CoventryCity Council. Each edition ofCitivision costs 7p per copy to write,

print and distribute to everyhome in Coventry. You can alsopick up a copy at libraries andcouncil buildings. Citivision isproduced on paper fromsustainable woodland and ischlorine free. The milling processalso has EnvironmentalManagement Systems in place.Once read, please recycle.

If you would like to advertise in thenext issue of Citivision, contactDarren O’Shaughnessy on024 7683 1075. Coventry CityCouncil is grateful for the supportfrom advertisers in this issue ofCitivision, but accepts noresponsibility for the accuracy ofadverts. The next issue of Citivision willbe delivered in March.

9 A city charity has found agreat way to recyclecounterfeit clothing (pictured

above) – by restyling the itemsinto genuine goods for sale atits new fashion store!

enterprise focus

contents welcome to the december 2012 issue of citivision

what’s on20 A round-up of some of the

attractions on offer in andaround Coventry thiswinter.

12/11/2367

I’m delighted to have been asked tochair the Coventry Partnership, andI want to pay tribute to the work ofDave Walton, my predecessor. In myrole as chief executive of the CAB, Ihave worked with many partnersacross a range of sectors and haveseen the overwhelming benefitsthat have ultimately improvedservices for the people of Coventry.In my year as chair, I hope that wewill together achieve measurable

successes that will address some ofthe key issues and challenges facingthe people we serve. I hope to lookclosely at how the partnership canrespond to welfare reform and cutsin services, while still empoweringlocal people. I hope that meetingswill be informative and giveopportunities for us all to find new,or improve existing ways ofworking together.

Games give wayto a year of toughnew challenges

16 Check out our four-pageguide on what’s happening onthe healthcare scene in andaround Coventry.

health focus

14 People, businesses andorganisations have beenhonoured for the role theyplay in improving communitylife andcohesion inCoventryat the city’sCommunityCohesion Awards.

community focus

15 A support service that workswith employers across the cityto identify suitableemployment training and jobopportunities for disabledpeople is making a differenceto lives in Coventry.

social care focus

contact us

green focus10 Renewable energy

technology is forging astronger presence in Coventryand the region after a clubformed out of an alliance oftechnology businesses cametogether.

education focus11 Students contribute

£245.8 million to the localeconomy, it has been claimed.

12 People facing social orfinancial exclusion can get helpwith managing their financesfrom a credit union. See ourtwo-page report on how to goabout it.

finance focus

p5

p9

news

04 | citivision | december 2012

Bus passengers in Coventrycan expect improvedservices to UniversityHospital with local operatorTravel de Courcey taking onanother main route in thecity.

People living in parts ofEastern Green and Tile Hillwill be able to catch a directbus to University Hospitalas part of the Number 801service.

Cllr Steven Thomas said:“I have had lots of longconversations with Centroand the bus companiesabout services. I am reallypleased that they’ve listenedto the 1,200 local peoplewho signed my petition.

“Direct hospital routesare essential and it’s greatnews that a direct bus hasbeen brought back, I’d liketo thank Travel de Courceyand Centro for making itpossible.”

Deputy council leader CllrGeorge Duggins has issued astark warning about the impactof government cuts on Councilservices.

Cllr Duggins has warned that up to800 more jobs may have to go atCoventry City Council on top of the800 jobs already lost over the pasttwo years – and that it would beimpossible to avoid hitting frontlineservices.

Finance officers at the Councilnow estimate that the gap needed tobe met for the Council to balance itsbooks next year has risen fromaround £14million to £26million.

“It’s clear that the scale and extentof government spending cuts to thepublic sector which was alreadyunprecedented will need to be evenbigger,” said Cllr Duggins. “Howeverwe’re beginning to get a picture ofsome important grant funding going,such as the £2.5million earlyintervention grant, which supportssome of the most vulnerable peoplein the city.

“We’re now looking at making

some very painful decisions aboutour services and losing more posts atthe Council than we originallyanticipated.

“Over the past two years, we havemade more than £30million ofsavings through our abc programmeof reviews of our services. These havehelped us protect frontline servicesand continue to protect vulnerableresidents. But this approach will nolonger be enough. We will have tolook at Council services that weknow are important to local people.We will be providing less to people,and will need them to do more forthemselves. But we will continue tobe honest and upfront with thepeople of Coventry and work withthem to tackle these challenges.”

The Council’s pre-budget reportwill be discussed at a meeting of theCabinet in December, ahead of publicconsultation on the proposals.Councillors will make final decisionsabout the budget and set levels ofcouncil tax for the next financial yearat a meeting of Full Council nextFebruary.

Direct hospitalbus route nowback in service

Deputy warns ofbudget cuts pain

Luke Barnett, the first apprenticemotor vehicle technician employed bythe Council’s Transport Fleet foralmost 15 years, gets some valuableguidance from line managers SteveBullock and Chris Coyle.

Based at Whitley Depot, 16-year-oldLuke will take part in a formal three-year apprenticeship, focusing on heavycommercial vehicles, and will besupported by training provider,Warwickshire Garage and TransportGroup Training Association.

Luke will study the principles ofengines, transmission, suspension andbrakes, and learn to use instrumentsfor measuring engine and brakingperformance, steering angles, andwheel balancing.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Memberfor City Development, said: “This isgreat news. I am pleased that theCouncil are able to offer Luke a chanceto learn a trade which will, hopefully,give him a good grounding to start hisworking life.”

Cool hand Lukemakes his markon work ladder

The Council have been consultingon proposals to increase thenumber of primary school placesfor September 2014 admissions.

Due to a significant rise in birthrate and new city arrivals, schools inCoventry are under pressure tocreate an additional 345 permanentreception pupil places bySeptember 2014. Twenty schools inthe city have been identified forpermanent expansion.

The findings of the consultationwill be reported back to Cabinetlater this year with arecommendation on which schoolsto progress through to the nextstage. Expansion work on the firstwave of these schools is expectedto start in the summer of 2013ready for September 2014admissions.

december 2012 | citivision | 05

news

The Council has started work tointroduce metered on-streetparking in the city centre.

The current waiting bays havebeen replaced by pay-and-displaymachines which came into effect atthe end of October this year.

Over 450 on-street spaces havebeen added, which is 200 more thanwere originally in the city centre,and disabled parking bays haveincreased up from only 12 spaces to47.

Bays are clearly marked with thecharges set at 50p for 30 minutes, £1for one hour and £2 for two hours,with parking after 6pm free to helppromote and boost the night time

economy in the city centre.The city centre restricted parking

zone has also recently beenintroduced, meaning that the doubleyellow lines have been removedalong with any unnecessary signsand road markings, improving thelook of the city centre.

Cllr Lindsley Harvard, CabinetMember for City Services, said:“This work is the next importantstage in the transformation of thecity centre to complement the 20mph zone, widened pavements,narrowed carriageways and 15 newzebra crossings, helping to make thecity pedestrian-friendly and apleasant environment for all.”

Olympic silver medallistLizzie Armitstead set thewheels turning on a£6.9million scheme whichwill transform Coventry’scycling network andconnect residents to jobs.

Coventry City Council hasteamed up with transportauthority Centro to fund theCycle Coventry initiativewhich will provide extensivenew cycle paths, maps andtraining to boost cycling inthe city from 2015.

The scheme will see keycycle routes created in busyresidential areas such as TileHill, Canley, and Kenilworthand link to key employmentand education hubs including

Warwick Universityand the RicohArena.

Coventry CityCouncil hascontributed£3.5million of

Government fundsearmarked for green andsustainable transportprojects to kick-start thescheme. The remaining£3.4million comes fromCentro’s Smart Network,Smarter Choicesprogramme which willdeliver £50million ofsustainable improvementsacross the West Midlandsover the next three years.

To mark the start of thescheme a free family fun daywas held in Coventry’sBroadgate attended by 23-year-old cyclist Armitstead,who landed silver in thissummer’s women’s road race.The project will see thecreation of seven key cycleroutes connecting both thenorth and the south of thecity to the city centre.

Centro Chairman CllrJohn McNicholas said:“Cycling has seen a majorrise in popularity after thesuccess of Lizzie Armitsteadand her Great Britainteammates. It is importantthat we work hard to makecycling a realistic and viablealternative form of travel.”

Over the next three yearsthe project will see sevennew routes built in the northand southwest of the city.

Cycle plan points way towork - and a fitter future

n Shoppers saddle up on abicycle made for two.

On-street meters and restricted zone for cityYoung and old cametogether to share skills andexperiences at Coventry’slatest Older People’sWeek.

A range of events helpedpromote greaterunderstanding betweenage groups, challengedstereotypes and addressedage discrimination.

Among the events werecookery lessons whereyoung cooks and olderchefs shared ideas abouthealthy food and weregiven tips on a selection ofnew recipes to try out.

Young at heart

Levi Roots – creator of ReggaeReggae sauce – spent lunch withpupils from Courthouse GreenPrimary School recently. Levi talkedabout his life and taught thechildren a traditional African/Caribbean song. The Council’sSchools Catering Service invited allprimary and special schools to takepart in the Black History Monthevent and offered children thechance to sample traditional spicedbun and hard dough breads.

Coventry kicked off the festiveseason with the city’s lights beingswitched on by ‘70s pop legend RoyWood.

West Orchards Shopping centrewelcomed Peppa Pig, while LowerPrecinct joined the festivities with a14ft inflatable snow globe, eight footpenguins and magicians and clowns.

Priory Place hosted a vintage fair,Spon Street celebrated Christmaswith a street market including foodand craft stalls, hot chestnuts,competitions, a string quartet andlive cooking demonstrations.

The festivities continue untilDecember 28 with an InternationalMarket, Fools Paradise ChristmasShow, school nativity plays and apurpose-built ice rink in Broadgate.

The programme ofentertainment includes anopportunity to win trips to NewYork, Paris or Rome, courtesy ofThomas Cook and flexibletrips.

For a full list of all activities, visitwww.coventryschristmascracker.co.uk

Primary schoolplaces set to rise

Festive Wizzard

Levi’s roots

news

06 | citivision | december 2012

A Blue Coat Academy studenthas come up with a picnic tabledesign idea to helpcommemorate one of the city'slargest former employers.

Matthew Dille, aged 17, made amodel of his design including thefamous triple triangle logo ofMassey Ferguson as part of his ALevel in Product Design afterbeing inspired by coverage of apetition from people wanting apermanent memorial on theformer factory site.

A petition was presented bylocal ward councillor SteveThomas to Cllr Ed Ruane,

Coventry City Council’s CabinetMember for Leisure and Culture.

Massey Ferguson has agreed inprinciple to provide financialsupport to any memorial andthat planning consent for the site– which is being transformed intoa 1,000 home estate – includes apiece of public artwork.

Cllr Thomas said: “We shouldcommemorate a site which forover half a century ensured thata little bit of Coventry wasexported to communities allover the world.”

Cllr Ruane added: “It is onlyright that this is recognised.”

Historian and author TrevorHarkin is appealing for the help ofCitivision readers to add to theMissing Faces panel of city wardead housed at the Visitor Centrein the city’s War Memorial Park.

Visitors to the park cannot failto notice the commemorativepanels, which bring to life the facesof those who died in the FirstWorld War, and who havememorial plaques in the park.

Evidence shows that 264plaques were bought and locatedthroughout the park – not all withan accompanying photograph –and he is now inviting relatives tosupply any surviving images.Provision has been made to addmore photographs as familiescome forward.

Trevor said: “It would bewonderful to put a face to thenames of these honouredservicemen and women, and I amhopeful that families will comeforward to add to the MissingFaces.”

Copies of information can beleft in the Visitor centre or bycontacting Trevor viawww.coventry.gov.uk/missingfaces

The park has over 800memorial trees dedicated toservice personnel who lost theirlives in conflict, and about a thirdof the trees include a plaque intheir honour.

Coventry residents are beingurged to be aware of cold callerstrying to carry out roof repairsor moss removal work.

Coventry City Council’s TradingStandards team has recently seen arise in the number of reports oftraders going door to door offeringto carry out various work.

Senior consumer protectionofficer Tina Lewis said the elderly andvulnerable were particularly targeted.

“Cold callers often use verypersuasive and frightening tactics tosell a wide range of products orservices,” she said.

“This year we have noticed a realincrease in complaints fromhouseholders who are pressured intohaving moss removed from theirroofs. Although aesthetically the mossmay not be very pleasing to the eye, if

you have not experienced anyproblems with the roof then it isunlikely that moss in itself will cause aproblem.”

The National Federation ofRoofing Contractors (NFRC) Ltd.,the UK’s oldest roofing tradeassociation, has also received an

unprecedented number of calls frompeople approached about mossremoval or the painting of roof tiles.In fact many techniques used toremove moss such as power washingoften causes damage to the roof.

Tina added: “Our advice is never todeal with cold callers as this is afavoured approach used by roguetraders whose sole intention is toextract as much money from theirvictims as possible.”

“If you are thinking of carrying outany work, we would alwaysrecommend people use a trader whohas been vetted and is a member ofan approved trader scheme such asTrusted Traders.”

For more information aboutCoventry’s Trusted Trader scheme,call 024 7643 3982 or visitwww.ageukcoventry.org.uk

Coventry Trading Standards isalso warning people to beaware of a key date if theyintend ordering presentsonline. Unless otherwiseagreed, online retailers have 30days to deliver your goods. Itmeans that every year somepeople are disappointed bypaying for goods that do notarrive for the big day.Consumer protection officerDebbie Morgan said thecompanies have done nothingwrong unless a guaranteed

delivery date was agreed.Cllr Phil Townshend, Cabinet

Member for CommunitySafety and Equalities, said:“People have to be confidentthey are dealing with genuinewebsites, that the items theyorder are genuine and thatthey will arrive on time. Ouraim is to keep residents safeonline, not just at Christmas,but all the time.”

For more advice, contact theCitizens’ Advice ConsumerService on 08454 04 05 06.

Don’t get caught out with online shopping

Leave rogue traders out in cold

Tractor name ploughs on, thanks to MattCan you put a faceto the name onwar memorial?

Name change, butthe aim is the sameat local forumsWard Forums are changing toNeighbourhood Forums – butit’s only the name that ischanging.

The meetings still offer thesame opportunity for people tohave their say on what’s going onin their neighbourhood.

Cllr Ed Ruane, CabinetMember for Housing,Neighbourhood Action, Cultureand Leisure said: “If you want to

have your say on tackling anti-social behaviour or roads andtraffic problems, thenNeighbourhood Forum meetingsare the right place to raise theseissues and any others you mayhave.”

Meetings are held four times ayear between 7-9pm unlessotherwise stated, and are chairedby a councillor.

For more details, visitwww.coventry.gov.uk/neighbourhoodforums

n Woodlands Ward councillor SteveThomas (left) with Matthew, Cllr Ruane,

and Matthew’s picnic table design.

december 2012 | citivision | 07

news

This striking view of Coventry city centre, taken by GregWainhouse of City Lines Photography, is one of 12 photographs

which feature in the official Coventry 2013 calendar. Produced bythe Council together with Jaguar Land Rover, West Orchards

Shopping Centre, Complex Developments and WarwickConferences, the newly-launched calendar features winning

photographs chosen from over 400 entries. The images of historicbuildings, beautiful landscapes and famous locations showcasethe city at its best. The calendar costs £4.99 and all profits are

being awarded to the Lord Mayor’s chosen charity, the Heart ofEngland Community Foundation. The calendar is available fromWaterstones, Precinct Cross, WHSmith, Smithford Way, Central

Library, Smithford Way, the Tourist Information Centre at StMichael’s Tower, Coventry Cathedral Ruins, the Council House inEarl Street or online at www.visitcoventry.co.uk (p&p applies).

Residents and businesses at risk offlooding from the River Sherbourne,River Sowe and Canley Brook inCoventry and surrounding areascan now receive flood warnings.

People with a landline in theareas at risk of flooding willautomatically be signed up toreceive the free service. Lettershave been sent to homes morelikely to be at risk of flooding.

Households who have receivedadvice letters are being encouragedto sign up to the full warningservice by calling 0845 988 1188 orvisiting our website.

The 10 new flood-warning areasare River Sowe at Bedworth, RiverSowe at Longford, River Sowe atWyken and Stoke, Coventry, River

Sowe at Manor House, Coventry,River Sowe at Baginton, RiverSherbourne at Pinley and Whitley,Coventry, River Sherbourne atCoventry City Centre, RiverSherbourne at Allesley, CanleyBrook at Tile Hill and Canley Brookat Canley.

n Find out if your home orbusiness is at flood risk byentering your postcode atwww.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands orcalling 0845 988 1188.

n If you are at risk sign up toreceive FREE flood warnings

n There are more steps you cantake to help prepare on ourwebsite www.environment-agency.gov.uk/floodmidlands.

Early warning for city’s flood prone areas

City sporting stars and councilcolleagues flew the flag forNational Adoption Weekrecently to raise awareness ofthe topic in Coventry.

During the week, the Counciljoined up with Coventry City FC,Coventry Blaze and the CoventryRugby Club to promote the Adoptfor Coventry message.

Since April this year, 26 childrenhave been adopted and a further 15have been placed with adoptivefamilies – the final stage before beingrecognised as legally adopted by thecourts. But 30 young people areready to be adopted in the city and afurther 60 are at the start of theprocess.

Cllr Jim O’Boyle, Cabinet Memberfor Children and Young People, said:“Our adoption service has madeconsiderable progress but there ismuch more to do and it’s reallyimportant to keep adoption at the

Sports stars leadcheers for localadoption campaign

Flyinghigh in2013

Former councillors TrevorWebb OBE, Joan Wright,Dave Batten and John Gazeyhave become the city’s firsthonorary Aldermen andAlderwoman. It’s the firsttime the honorary title hasbeen given to previouslyelected council members.

Cllr Phil Townshend,Cabinet Member forcommunity safety and

equalities, said: “These menand women have given a lotto the people of Coventry andso by giving this civic rolehelps show our gratitude.”

Their names will berecorded in the HonoraryAlderman/Alderwoman Roll.Each was also presented witha special medal andcertificate at a ceremony inthe council house.

New civic role for former councillors

uk/adoptionandfostering7683 2828 or visit www.coventry.gov. Coventry, call the Council on 024

To find out more about adopting in relationship.”

married or in a same sexrelationship status, be it single, secure homes, regardless of people’s children in our care with loving

“Our priority is to providecome forward and get in touch.actively promoting that message to adoption within the city, and we are people to find out more about forward in terms of attracting more we have made significant steps top of our agenda. It is pleasing to see

08 | citivision | december 2012

news

All Coventry City Council offices are closed onDecember 25, 26 and January 1, but will be open asusual on December 24, 27, 28, Saturday 29 (9am-1pm) and 31. Normal working resumes on January2. For further details, visit www.coventry.gov.uk.Other festive opening dates are as follows:

Coventry Marketn Wednesday, December 19 – 8am-5pm.n Thursday, December 20 – 8am-5pm.n Friday, December 21 – 8am-5.30pm.n Saturday, December 22 – 8am-5.30pm.n Sunday, December 23 – 10am-4pm.n Monday, December 24 – 7.30am-4pm.n Tuesday, December 25 – closed.n Wednesday, December 26 – closed.n Thursday, December 27 – 8am-2.30pm.n Friday, December 28 – 8am-5.30pm.n Saturday, December 29 – 8am-5.30pm.n Sunday, December 30 – closed.n Monday, December 31 – 8am-4pm.n Tuesday, January 1 – closed.n Wednesday, January 2 – 8am-5pm.

Household waste and recycling centreOpen Monday to Saturday 8am to 4.45pm andSunday 9am to 4.45pm every day exceptChristmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

Bereavement servicesDecember 24Cremation: Services available from 9-11.30am.Burials: Last burial time will be 1.30pm.Office hours: 8.30am-3pm.December 27 & 28Services as normal.December 29Cremations: Morning services as normal.Burial: Service supplied as normal. December 31Cremation: Services available from 9-11.30am.Burials: Last burial time will be 1.30pm.Office hours: 8.30am-3pm.January 2-4, 2013Services as normal. January 5, 2013Cremations: Morning services as normal.Burial: Service supplied as normal.

Coventry Directn Normal hours up to w/c December 24.n Monday, December 24 – 8.30am-5pm.n Tuesday, December 25 – closed.n Wednesday, December 26 – closed.n Thursday, December 27 – 8.30am-5pm.n Friday, December 28 – 8.30am-5pm.n Saturday, December 29 – 9am-1pm (normal

hours).

n Monday, 31 December – 8.30am-5pm.n Tuesday, January 1, 2013 – closed.n Return to normal working hours, Wednesday-Friday, January 2-4 – 8am-8pm.

St Mary’s GuildhallGodiva’s café at St Mary’s Guildhall will be closedfrom Monday, December 24 until WednesdayJanuary 2. The St Mary’s Guildhall office will beopen as usual for event inquiries, bookings andmeetings by appointment, except December for25-26 and January 1.

LibrariesDecember 24Central Library – 9am-5pm.Arena Park, Earlsdon, Foleshill and StokeLibraries – 9am-4.30pm. All other libraries closed.December 25 & 26 –All libraries closed.December 27 to December 30All libraries open as normalDecember 31Central Library – 9am-5pm.Arena Park, Earlsdon, Foleshill and Stoke Libraries– 9am-4.30pm.January 1 –All libraries closed.January 2 – Libraries open as normal.

Christmas-New Year opening times

enterprise focus

december 2012 | citivision | 09

n Sisters Christine and Dorinda at thenew salon, with student Kirsty.

Coventry Cyrenians have founda great way to recyclecounterfeit clothing seized bytrading standards officers in thecity – by restyling the items intogenuine goods for sale at theirnew fashion and music store!

All fake branding is removed andthe confiscated clothing and shoesare then turned into other items ina process known as Up-cycling,before being offered for sale in thecharity’s new Windsors andRefreshed outlet in Far GosfordStreet.

All the money earned by sellingthe rebranded clothes is ploughedstraight back into the charity, whichworks across Coventry andWarwickshire supporting young,unemployed, homeless and ex-service personnel.

The new store offers work andeducational training, and Coventry

Cyrenians’ Stuart Sullivan said: “Sofar we have supported 15 young,unemployed and homeless people toaccess the project. In the first yearwe plan to take at least 40 youngunemployed people through theproject, providing them access toemployability skills, retail andcustomer service experience andaccess to qualifications through ourpartnership with Henley College.”

Clothing for Up-cycling has alltrademarks and logos removedbefore being restyled by CoventryUniversity fashion students; a pair offake Ugg boots, for example, mightbecome a handbag. The newproducts are then tagged with aRefreshed label and sold in the shop.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, CabinetMember for City Development, said:“The new shop is an enterprisingproject and will add to the range ofoutlets in Far Gosford Street.”

It’s magic!Making high fashion from fake goods– that’s the challenge for city students

A Coventryhairdresser has openedher first salon with hersister after only takingup the profession inher early 40s.

Christine Winklessbegan a hairdressingcourse at HenleyCollege at age 42 afterworking in the cateringindustry for severalyears.

After completingher level one, two andthree, she opened Guysand Dolls on HumberRoad, Coventry.

She persuaded hersister Dorinda to goback to college, andafter getting her level 2qualification inhairdressing, she too joined thebusiness.

Christine said: “Thehairdressing course at Henleyhas given me so muchconfidence. I would definitely

recommend it.”Christine also employs

Henley College student KirstyDennison, and the shop workswith the college offering workexperience to students.

‘Scissors’ are doing it for themselvesas Christine’s salon takes off in style

n Monique Williams andStephanie Grant with a sample

of the up-cycled garments.

green focus

10 | citivision | december 2012

Renewable energy technologyis forging a stronger presencein Coventry and the regionafter a club formed out of analliance of technologybusinesses came together.

Best practice club RETA -Renewable Energy TechnologyAlliance - was set up in June 2011and has recently appointed a newChairman.

Jim Allen is Managing Director ofGreen Energy Networks Ltd, - aWest Midlands based companyproviding expertise and servicesenabling the delivery of large scalerenewable energy generation andthe deployment of smart gridtechnologies.

As a new chair he said he hopedthat he could build on theAlliance's reputation. He alsothanked Coventry City CouncilBusiness Sector Growth Team, theSteering Group and all the existingmembers for all their terrific workand support they have given.

"I hope we can continue tocreate opportunities fordeveloping business links so thatwe are seen as the ‘place to go’ forrenewable energy and low carbonservices across Coventry,Warwickshire and the WestMidlands."

Cllr Abdul Khan, CabinetMember for Sustainability andLocal Infrastructure, at CoventryCity Council, said: “I am delightedwith Jim’s appointment. The RETASteering Group will continue tofocus on extending services,addressing skills and technologyissues, increasing its membership,and establishing a reputation for itsmember companies. Each is set tobenefit from unrivalledopportunities for developing andgrowing the business in theexciting new low carbon sectoracross Coventry, Warwickshire andthe Midlands.”

For more information aboutRETA click on to www.reta.uk.com

With winter on its way andenergy prices continuing to goup, it's a good time to thinkabout whether your home couldbenefit from some extrainsulation.

Many homes in Coventry stilldon't have any cavity wallinsulation or enough insulationin the loft, where it's nowrecommended that thethickness should be 11 inches or270mm.

In a typical home around 35per cent of heat is lost throughthe walls and 25 per centthrough the roof. It's reckonedthat installing cavity wallinsulation can save around £135a year and loft insulation around£175 a year off your heating bills.Even topping up your existingloft insulation to the full 270 mmis worthwhile and will bringsavings.

There are currently localschemes running which willinsulate your home at no cost –you don't need to be means-tested or be over a certain age.Some of these schemes are timelimited so please get in touch on024 7683 2158 to find out if youcan benefit.

n Jim Allen (front) fromGreen Energy Networks and

Vice Chair, Chris Hawkerfrom Zest Energy Solutions.

Wind in the sailsof energy alliance

Get a warmerhome this winterand save money

Henley College Coventry has beengiven planning permission toredevelop and expand the college inBell Green. A third of the cash is fromthe Skills Funding Agency and thecollege is funding the rest.

The new facilities will include anew atrium with an exhibition spaceto display students’ work, a studentinternet café and a new block with 14large classrooms and state of the artconference facilities.

Engineering will have a new blockand there will be a larger studentservices and learning resourcesfacility. The new redevelopment willnot only benefit students but thewider Wood End and Henley Greenarea of the city which is alsoundergoing redevelopment.

College principal Ray Goy said:“This redevelopment has been in thepipeline for over 18 months and islong overdue. The design was puttogether after consultation withstudents and staff.

“We wanted to provide moregood quality teaching space whichcan be used in a variety of ways andbring all our student support servicestogether.”

The work will be finished in timefor the new students starting inSeptember 2013.

College getsgo-ahead for£6m expansion

Commercial theatre workshops forchildren and young people helpedearn £350,000 for Coventry’sBelgrade Theatre last year.

Figures released in the BelgradeTheatre’s 2011/12 annual reportshow that the theatre’s commercialenterprises, which includes BelgradeProduction Services (BPS) and Events& Conferencing, has earned almost£1 million since 2007.

BPS builds sets for theatres aroundthe country, while an events andconferencing service has introducedtheatre workshop programmes forchildren and young people.

Combined with the money raisedfrom tickets sales, sponsorships anddonations, these commercialenterprises have helped the theatreearn 51 per cent of its own incomein the last year, up from 30 per centfour years ago.

In addition to providing a newincome stream for the theatre, BPSalso retains a pool of skilled workersat its workshop on Red Lane.

Theatre workshopspaying off all round

Eighty-eight per cent ofkitchens run by the Council’sSchools Catering Service havebeen given top marks of ‘verygood’ by Environmental Healthinspectors, with 10 per centrated as ‘good’.

The food hygiene ratingscheme has been developed bythe Food Standards Agency inpartnership with localauthorities and helps peoplechoose where to eat out or shopfor food.

People wanting to check onthe rating of their school kitchenor any food outlet in the city, canvisit www.ratings.food.gov.uk

Taste of success

december 2012 | citivision | 11

education focus

Coventry University’sFaculty of Engineering andComputing has recentlymoved into its iconic new£55m home.

The building features animpressive range oftechnologies includingrainwater harvesting, solarthermal energy andbiomass boilers.

The building includes ahigh-precision wind tunneldesigned and built by theMercedes AMG PetronasF1 team.

The venue also featuresa 2,000 square metre, £3mhigh-performanceengineering centre hometo a Harrier Jump Jetaircraft, three flightsimulators, the UK’slargest magnet, enginetest cells for petrol andelectric power trains, anda leading precisionmeasurement facility.

The state-of-the artbuilding, designed by ArupAssociates and built byVinci Construction, is partof the University’s overall£160m redevelopmentplan for the city centrecampus.

Students contribute £245.8million to the local economy, ithas been claimed.

There are some 56,000 students atCoventry and Warwick universitiesand the new research shows thatstudents spend an average of £146.10per week on items such as groceries,clothes, transport and rent, clearlydemonstrating how they benefit thelocal economy, even before tuitionfees are taken into account. Thiscompares with the average figure forthe UK of £175.20 per week.

Rent represents the biggest portionof students’ outgoings, accounting foralmost half (48 per cent) of theirweekly spend.

This is followed by groceries –which take up 16 per cent of theirbudget – going out (10 per cent) andtransport (nine per cent).

When asked how their overallspending had changed since theprevious academic year, 36 per cent ofstudents claimed that it had gone up,with rises in groceries, transport andrent the most commonly citedreasons for this increase.

Rent represents the biggest portionof students’ outgoings, accounting foralmost half (48 per cent) of theirweekly spend, according to Santanderwhich surveyed 1,000 students.

Professor Nigel Thrift, vice-chancellor of University of Warwick,said: “This confirms just how muchmoney is spent by students in thelocal economy but we should alsoacknowledge how much timestudents give to our localcommunities, helping out in schools,and community projects, and in raisingmoney for good causes.”

Iconic buildingsupports newways of learning

...that’s how muchthe city’s studentsbring to economy

£245 million!

Students from City CollegeCoventry have just returnedfrom the Alternative Hair Showat the Albert Hall.

Established 29 years ago byTony Rizzo, the show hoststeams and stylists from aroundthe world. Tutors at CityCollege Coventry are hopingthe young students will be ableto apply ideas from the event totheir own end-of-year show.

Lecturer Karen Walls said itwas an amazing experience forthe students. “They got thechance to see some incrediblytalented stylists at work andcame away buzzing with ideas.I’m sure we’ll see themincorporated in their designs,”she added.

Year 12 students have beentaking centre stage in the councilchamber for a schools’ debatingcompetition. Pupils from Barr’sHill, Coundon Court, Foxford,President Kennedy, CardinalNewman, Caludon Castle,Sidney Stringer and Westwoodbattled it out for the winners’shield. President Kennedy andCardinal Newman competed inthe final, debating the issue ‘This

House believes that the voting age

should be reduced to 16’.President Kennedy were the

winners in a closely foughtcontest and, as part of theirprize, won tickets to see PrimeMinister’s Questions in theHouse of Commons.

The event was part of LocalDemocracy Week which aims toencourage people across thecountry to take a more activerole in civic life.

Kennedy havefinal word indebating comp

Doing it in style

n Lord Mayor Cllr Tim Sawdon withstudents and staff from the winning

President Kennedy school.

12 | citivision | december 2012

finance focus

Don’t let new ‘bedroomtax’ catch you napping

Thousands of Coventry social housingtenants could find themselves having to findextra rent money as part of governmentcuts to Housing Benefit.

New rules from April next year state thatworking age social housing tenantsconsidered as under-occupying their homeswill face a reduction in their HousingBenefit.

It means that those affected will have topay the difference in increased payments forrent although the changes will not affectpensioners.

Nationally, it is estimated that 670,000households face losing between 14 and 25per cent of their Housing Benefit for living ina council or housing association homethat is judged to have morebedrooms than they need.

Whitefriars Housing,Coventry’s largest socialhousing provider, estimatesthat more than 2,300 of itscustomers will potentially beaffected by the move.

Coventry City Council, whichadministers Housing Benefit in thecity, is in the process of sending out letterson this welfare reform.

But Cllr Ed Ruane, Cabinet Member forHousing, believes many people are unawareof the imminent changes and the financialimpact it will have.

He said: “These changes effectively meana new ‘bedroom tax’ which will turn a sparebedroom into a very expensive luxury.

“The penalty is about 14 per centdeducted from Housing Benefit which willmean effectively a tax of £728 a year.

“This is three-and-a-half times the winterfuel payment, to put it into perspective. Theimpact this tax will have, particularly onvulnerable households in these harsheconomic times, will be devastating.

“I know social landlords such asWhitefriars are doing all they can to makesure that tenants realise what will happen injust six months’ time.

“If people cannot pay the extra, it meanstenants could have to relocate to findsuitable smaller properties.”

Any social housing tenant receivingHousing Benefit who is concerned about thechanges are urged to contact their sociallandlord as soon as possible.

National Benefits capThe Government is introducing a limiton the total amount of benefits thatworking age people can receive. This capwill be set at £500 per week for acouple and single parents, and £350 perweek for single people. Benefit above thecap will be deducted from HousingBenefit payments. Support is available viaa national helpline on 0845 6057064.

Under Occupancyin Social HousingSocial housing tenants of working agewho “under occupy” their homes willface reductions in their Housing Benefit.Where a household has one morebedroom than the Government definesthey need, Housing Benefit will bereduced by 14 per cent. Those who

under occupy by two or morebedrooms will see a reduction of 25 percent. Speak to your landlord if you haveany concerns about being able to payyour rent. If you cannot afford to pay theadditional rent and prefer to move, youcan register for a transfer onwww.coventryhomefinder.com orregister to exchange with anothertenant on www.homeswapper.co.uk

When do the changes happen?The changes take effect from April 2013.

Where can I get more information?For more details about the above andother Welfare Reform changes, includingCouncil Tax Support and Changes to theSocial Fund, check out the Council’swebsite at www.coventry.gov.uk andfollow the ‘housing latest news’ links.

FACTfile: Welfare Reform changes in detail

december 2012 | citivision | 13

finance focus

Financial tips forthose most in needCoventry and Warwickshire Coventry

Development Agency is a not-for-profitorganisation providing a range of

services to help people to have amore secure financial future,

rather than a desperatestruggle for survival.

People facing social orfinancial exclusion, cangain help to learn tomanage their finances.

Budgeting advisers assistclients with: money advice,

easier access to basic bankaccounts and access to billbudgeting services and access toreasonably priced credit. Coventryand Warwickshire CDA can helppeople to access a credit union andit also trains advisors and front-linestaff that come into contact with

adults who would benefit frommoney management skills.

Did you know?A credit union is a not-for-profit financialinstitution dedicated to serving the needs of itsmembers. Credit unions are made up of peoplewith a common bond, something that drawsthem together, for example, where they live orwhere they work. They are governed by a Boardof Directors, elected by and from its membership.

Credit unions are able to offer reasonable

interest rates on loans as much of the work isdone by volunteers, keeping running costs to aminimum.

The credit unions in Coventry andWarwickshire have formed a partnership withthe Coventry and Warwickshire ReinvestmentTrust to offer Heart of England Loans which canbe accessed by people on very low incomes.

To find out more phone 024 7663 3911 or emailinfo@cwcda.co.uk, or visit Coventry andWarwickshire CDA at The Scala in Far GosfordStreet.

* Please note: The availability of services is subject to funding

and eligibility.

A job shop that is playing a central role inthe Council’s Jobs Strategy is moving to alarger site in Bull Yard.

The Job Shop, which will remain in HertfordStreet until its move in the new year, has been agreat success, with over 8,000 visitors and 1,800Shop ‘members’ regularly using the Work Clubenvironment to apply for jobs.

Nearly 500 of these have been supported intowork between April and August this year.

The new premises are not only larger, but willoffer a far greater range of job opportunities andcareer support than the present facilities.

It will be also be a national first in terms of therange of agencies all located in one placeproviding a complete service for every personwho is unemployed, or employed and who wantsto improve their job prospects.

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, Cabinet Member for CityDevelopment, said: “We’re relocating the shopand creating a new, enhanced service so thatmore people can get jobs, address skillsshortages, create a Youth Zone and tackle youthunemployment in the city.”

The new Job Shop will offer real jobopportunities with local employers who will alsouse the facility to recruit. This gives local peoplean advantage in trying to secure work as theycan meet employers and gain skills for specificjobs or sectors.

Staff also want to encourage employers tocontact them about working together to recruit,and to use the space.

The new Bull Yard Job Shop will support anadditional 200 vulnerable people to secure work,many of whom would not be eligible foremployment support through Jobcentre Plus.This enhancement in outcomes representssignificant savings to the economy ofapproximately £1.6million.

A youth zone will also be created, supportingan additional 250 NEETS – those not ineducation, employment, or training. There areapproximately 680 NEETS in Coventry, whichequates to a cost of £20million (£30,000 perNEET pa), which could be reduced by up to£7.5m through this enhanced service.

The new facility will also allow a wider rangeof partners to offer services, such as on-site pre-employment training, literacy and numeracysupport. Employers can interview and meetcustomers there.

news extra

Larger Job Shoppromises moresupport in 2013

With around 8.5million people in the UK not usingthe internet yet, there are schemes available to helppeople get started.

Being online can make a huge difference to yourlife and Whitefriars has linked up with HenleyCollege to offer a ‘getting started’ course aimedespecially at the needs of social housing customers.

If you are in receipt of benefits or tax credits,then you could get on the course for free.

For details call 024 7662 6444.

Getting started on the net

community focus

14 | citivision | december 2012

People, businesses and organisations havebeen honoured for the role they play inimproving community life and cohesion inCoventry at the city’s CommunityCohesion Awards.

The awards are designed to celebrate thework being done to make Coventry a cohesivecity.

They recognise practical activities whichdemonstrate how people have helped cohesionby working with different communities, groups,faiths, age groups, and with people from differentbackgrounds, ethnicity and disabilities.

The awards are run by the Equalities andCommunity Cohesion Theme Group of theCoventry Partnership, together with CoventryEthnic Minorities Action Partnership (CEMAP).

The winners were:

n Public sector: Coventry Ambassadors,by Coventry University, Coventry CityCouncil and Partners;

n Voluntary and Community small: TheCoventry Language Café;

n Voluntary and Community Large:Bridging Cultures Project, by Coventry

University Students’ Union Volunteeringand Employability Department;

n Private Sector:The Warwick ArtsCentre Design and Paint project.

Sue Bent, Director of Coventry Law Centreand Chair of the Equalities and CommunitiesTheme Group, said: “The activities that theorganisations and groups have been involved indemonstrate how Coventry people are proud oftheir heritage as a city of peace andreconciliation and the good community relationsthat exist in our city.”

n The Cohesion Awardwinners are

congratulated by LordMayor Cllr Tim

Sawdon and (right)Saleem Sheikh of joint

organisers CEMAP.

Saying thanks to those who care

december 2012 | citivision | 15

social care focus

A support service that workswith employers across the cityto identify suitableemployment training and jobopportunities for disabledpeople is making a differenceto lives in Coventry.

Part of the Council’semployment team, theemployment support service(TESS) provides specialistcustomised support for bothdisabled people who want to workand employers willing to provideopportunities.

The team works closely with theclient and employer to ensure theright levels of support are in

A new centre for adults withlearning disabilities has officiallyopened its doors after a majorrefurbishment.

The Gosford Community Hub,Ribble Road, will offer a range ofactivities for people across thecity.

The service has moved fromolder premises in ErnesfordGrange and the move allowed thecentre to be remodelled andrefurbished to best meet theneeds of users.

New facilities include speciallyadapted meeting rooms, a sensoryroom and a café and dining area.

A Changing Places facility – alarge toilet that includes achanging bench, hoist and otherspecialist equipment for peopleand their carers – has also been

created. It is the third facilityfollowing others in the CentralLibrary in the city centre andWilfred Spencer Centre inAllesley.

Cllr Ann Lucas, Coventry CityCouncil’s Cabinet Member forHealth and Community Services,believes the new centre is farbetter situated.

“The Gosford Community Hubis closer to the city centre makingit far more central and accessiblethan the previous building,” shesaid. “Despite the exceptionallytough economic circumstances wefind ourselves in, it is wonderfulthat we have been able to improvethe facilities of this service andmake a positive difference to thepeople using and working at thiscentre.”

Helen makes her mark

place – including support from aspecialist job coach who worksone to one with the client.

Helen Newman was amongthose people referred to theservice and was eager to look forpaid employment following manyyears at colleges obtaining a rangeof qualifications.

Helen has spina bifida andhydrocephalus and was finding itreally difficult getting anopportunity to show what shewas able to offer.

The TESS service workedclosely with Helen to identify heraspirations, skills and abilitieswhich then helped her to gain anadmin work experience placementwithin the Council.

Once Helen had gained thisvaluable insight she ultimately

progressed into paid employmentwith TESS and has been the team’sClerical Assistant since 2007.

Karen Bentley, who was Helen’semployment advisor at the time,said: “Helen has proved to be anexcellent addition to our team andis a valued and conscientiousworker. She is also an inspirationto other disabled people.”

Dean Atkinson, manager ofTESS, said disabled people facedmajor challenges when seekingpaid employment.

“Helen is a real asset to ourteam. She is enthusiastic,motivated and has an exemplaryattendance record.”

Cllr Lynnette Kelly, CabinetMember for City Development,said: “We want Coventry to leadthe way and we are working hard

with disabled people, employersand other partners to increase thenumber of disabled people inwork.”

Helen said: “I have been earningmy own money for several yearsand three years ago I moved to myown flat. Work means I can pay myown bills and go on holiday.”

There are many disabled peopleof working age in Coventry whowould like to work, but have yet tobe given the opportunity.Coventry employers can changethat.

If you are an employer whocould support a work experienceplacement or have a job vacancy,contact TESS.

To find out more, contact TESSon 024 7678 5600 or by e-mail toTESS@coventry.gov.uk

New centre with a wide range of facilities puts city users at the very Hub

n Cllr Ann Lucas cuts the ribbon toformally open the new GosfordCommunity Hub building, watchedby centre manager Carole Shiner.

n A happy Helen at work in the office.

The Care Quality Commission haslaunched a new device that allows careservices and directory sites to displayinformation from the commission’slatest inspections on their websites.

The health and social care regulatoris trying to make it easier for people tofind and use this independentinformation to inform decisions theymake about which care service to use.

Websites www.comparecarehomes.com and www.findmegoodcare.co.uk are among some of the sitesalready featuring the device on theirwebsites. Any website can use thedevice and it is free of charge to access.

Have you ever thought about beingtrained to offer extended, short-term,short-stay or daytime support tosomeone with a disability or the elderly?

The Shared Lives Scheme, registeredwith the Care Quality Commission,offers people with either a learningdisability, mental health support needs, aphysical disability or an older adult tomaintain their independence at theirhome. Shared Lives Carer applicants areexpected to have experience of caring,although it is more important they havea genuine wish to help others. Carershave assessments as part of theapplication process and references andchecks are also made.

To find out how you could be paid agenerous weekly allowance and gainsatisfaction from knowing you havechanged someone’s life for the better,visit www.coventry.gov.uk/sharedlives orcall a Shared Lives officer on 024 76785339.

Have you got what ittakes to be a carer?

Care home checks

Young children across Coventry andWarwickshire will be targeted byCaptain Smile Bright in a new dentalcampaign to make sure they havegood oral health and a healthy smilethroughout their life.

The Arden Cluster (NHS Coventryand NHS Warwickshire) haslaunched the Smile Bright campaignto improve oral health and dentalaccess across the city and around thecounty.

The campaign will include a rangeof targeted activities – includingcommunity outreach and road showevents at children centres, shoppingcentres, community locations andtargeted advertising on posters,leaflets, website, social media and anadvertising van which will roamaround the area.

The posters and leaflets willfeature the campaign mascot -Captain Smile Bright!

Jonathan Iloya, a Consultant inDental Public Health at the ArdenCluster, said: “The Smile Brightcampaign will focus on encouragingparents and carers to take theirchildren to the dentist for a check-upduring our Smile Bright Week and tomake these visits a regular practice.

“There is evidence to show thatinterventions that target the child’soral health through the parents suchas the Smile Bright campaign dohelp to improve oral health.”

For more information, visitwww.captainsmilebright.co.uk for tips and informationabout looking after your children’steeth.

It’s Captain ‘Smile Bright’ torescue in dental campaign

health focus

16 | citivision | december 2012

During the winter months morepeople suffer illness or areinjured than at any other time ofthe year. It may be cold outsidebut winter needn’t be theunhealthiest time of year for youand your family. No matter howold you are, or where you live,there are lots of ways you canmake simple changes to yourlifestyle which will keep youhealthy.

Catch It, Bin It, Kill ItRemember coughs and sneezesspread diseases. Cover your cough orsneeze with the tissue, bin the tissuesafely and quickly and wash yourhands with soap and warm water oranti-bacterial gel.FluIt is important that those who are atrisk from flu remember to get theirjab to ensure they are protected forthe whole winter. People who needto have the flu jab include: • All pregnant women• Anyone over 65

• Anyone under 65with a long-termcondition – whichcan include chronicobstructivepulmonary disease(COPD), diabetes,mental healthproblems, andpatients with a highrisk of stroke.

FallsIcy pavements and roads can be veryslippery. Take extra care if you go outand wear boots or shoes with goodgrip on the soles. Put grit on pathsand driveways to lessen the risk ofslipping and wait until the roads havebeen gritted if you’re travelling by car.Making small changes in your home,such as using non-slip rugs and matsand ensuring that rooms are well litcan make a big difference in helpingto prevent accidents.

Keep activeKeeping active not only improves

Take controland Feel Wellthis winter

yourhealth but also lifts your mood. Movearound at least once an hour anddon’t sit down for long periods oftime, as even light exercise will helpkeep you warm and improvecirculation.

Warm and WellKeeping warm helps keep youhealthy. Top tips: keeping doorsclosed, eating hot meals and drinks,wearing layers, insulating your home,closing curtains at dusk. Call 0800316 2805 (Coventry) or 0800 9882881 (Warwickshire) for schemesavailable to help keep your homewarm and make it energy efficient.

Well-stocked medicine cabinetKeep your medicines cabinet well-stocked so you are able to care foryourself at the early stages of illness.A well-stocked medicines cabinetmight include: painkillers, first aid kit,cough and cold remedies, enough ofyour regular medication if you have along-term condition.

Fill the freezerStock up on frozen food - especiallyvegetables - in case it is too coldoutside to go shopping. Keep a week’s worth of food andsafety supplies, including bread in thefreezer, longlife milk and non-cookfoods.

Eat wellEating well is a really important wayof keeping healthy. Make sure youhave regular hot meals and drinksthroughout the day as eating oftenduring the winter months helps keepenergy levels up. Set yourself achallenge and aim to eat 5 portionsof fruit and vegetables a day and seehow less likely you are to binge onfast-foods.

Be a good neighbourLook after the vulnerable by gettingin touch with people who are ill,older or on their own and may needa helping hand. Keep drives andfootpaths clear by shoveling snow forfriends and neighbours if theystruggle to do it themselves and needto go out.

Your four-page guide to what’s new on the healthcare scene in and around Coventry

health focus

december 2012 | citivision | 17

Hospital bosses have thanked CardinalNewman pupils for producing a stylishvideo aimed at reducing infections. Thegroup of seven 14 and 15 year olds makeup the Cardinal Newman media club andthey were keen to use their learning toproduce a film which would have a realaffect. Former Cardinal Newman pupilKate Prevc, Modern Matron for InfectionPrevention and Control at UniversityHospital in Coventry, suggested that the

media club put its skills into writing, filmingand editing a short film on hand hygiene.The result is a striking two-minute videowhich has been uploaded to the Trust’swebsite and some of the plasma screens inpublic areas. Arts technician Stacey Allenleads the club, which is made up of Ellie

Boiling, Ellen Ronan, Colleen Hedley, OliviaZacharias, Olivia Walsh, Alisha Hall andMadison Feeney. Miss Allen said: “This wasthe first year we’d run the CN Media Cluband I’m thrilled with the effort. Theywanted to keep it simple and very visualand I think they’ve definitely achieved that.They made all the creative decisionsthemselves and I’m very proud of them.”The school is now looking to produceposters to run alongside the film.

School film stars spreadthe word on infections

Local communities andstaff at Bell Green libraryshowcased their work indeveloping theircommunity and closepartnership working withagencies during a visit byPublic Health MinisterAnna Soubry.

The Minister recentlyvisited Coventry and metcommunity members, theSilver Surfers from Bell Green,health professionals, localauthority staff and CoventryCouncillors at Bell GreenLibrary.

The focus of the visit wasfor the Minister to get aninsight into the communitywork in Foleshill and BellGreen together with ‘10 Waysof Feeling Good and Doing Well’initiative.

The community workdemonstrates a practical example

of Public Health benefiting frommoving into the Local Authority, asit focuses on communitydevelopment and giving residents

the lead in making decisions aboutwhat matters to them. Thewellbeing initiative is focused on astrong relationship between mental

health and wellbeing andhow people can improvetheir lives.

Dr Jane Moore,Director of Public Healthat NHS Coventry andCoventry City Council,said: “I was pleased thatwe had the opportunity tomeet the Minister andshare some real examplesof the work that publichealth and local agencieshave been doing with thecommunity in Coventry.

“It’s positive to see thatgiving residents supportand the necessary toolsfor them to takeownership and control, hashelped to bring themtogether.

“They have identified realopportunities to make a differencebased upon their experience ofworking within the community.”

Minister learns about communitiesworking together for better health

n Hospital bosses thankCardinal Newman pupils.

n Health Minister Anna Soubry (third from right) with councillors David Kershaw (back, left) andAnn Lucas (front, right), Silver Surfers club members (front, from left) Gordon Jones, Nancy McVey,

Jill Covington and John Sullivan, tutor Anne Drysdale (back, centre), and Silver Surfers DeloresO’Donoghue (back, right) and Albert Hall (far right).

health focus

18 | citivision | december 2012

On 23 October 2012, guestspeakers from the Department ofHealth, Local Authority and NHSPartners joined Coventry andWarwickshire Partnership NHSTrust’s staff in celebrating theoutstanding work of Health Visitingteams in Coventry at the HiltonHotel, Coventry.

For 150 years, Health Visitorshave worked with communities toensure that children have a positivestart in life and families and newbabies receive the support thatthey need.

The conference aimed to providelocal and national partners with theopportunity to share information,ideas, experience and good practicewith colleagues and to celebratethe achievements of Health Visitingservices in Coventry.

More than 100 delegates listenedto inspiring presentations from arange of guest speakers includingViv Bennett, Director of Nursing,Department of Health; CouncillorJim O’Boyle; John Forde,Consultant in Public Health NHSCoventry and Coventry CityCouncil and Obi Amadi,Professional Lead Officer at Unite.

Coventry and WarwickshirePartnership NHS Trust team ofspeakers embraced the wholespectrum of Health Visiting servicesin Coventry, which involvedcontributions from directors,general managers, nursery nurses,health visitors, clinic assistants andcommunity staff nurses.

Further information on HealthVisiting services in Coventry can befound at the Trust’s website,www.covwarkpt.nhs.uk

Outstanding HealthVisiting celebration

Coventry and Rugby ClinicalCommissioning Group(CCG) has appointed twonew members to join thesenior executive team.

Juliet Hancox has beenappointed as thesubstantive Senior Manager forCoventry and Rugby CCG, shesaid: “I am delighted to beappointed to this role. I amlooking forward to working withcolleagues and local clinicalleaders to build a new high-performing commissioningorganisation for Coventry &Rugby as we head towardsbecoming an authorised statutorybody.”

Clare Hollingworth as theCCG Chief Finance Officer, said:“I’m pleased to be joining theexecutive team for Coventry andRugby CCG. As we already knowthe government is looking atNHS services to makesignificant efficiencies in order toabsorb the cost of increasingdemand and technologicaladvances. We hope to achieve thebest outcomes for patient care bymaking the most of our allottedresource, and will strive to ensurethat our financial decisions aretaken in an open and transparentmanner.”

Steve Allen, a GP in Coventryand Accountable Officer of

Coventry and Rugby CCG, said:“I’m glad that we have appointedtwo very experienced andknowledgeable colleagues whowill bring their specialist expertiseand leadership talent to theExecutive team, I wish them bothwell in their new roles.”

Dr Adrian Canale-Parola, GP inRugby and Chair of Coventry andRugby CCG: said: “Bothappointments have beengoverned by the Primary CareTrust’s employment policies,which has ensured a fair processacross all relevant parties. I wishthem both the very best in theirroles and responsibilities and lookforward to working with them.”

Senior health team takeslead in Coventry and Rugby

Health and social care staff acrossCoventry and Warwickshire are beingtrained to help improve the health of theirlocal communities by using the ‘MakingEvery Contact Count’ approach.

Making Every Contact Count is agovernment led initiative that is being

delivered by the NHS and Local Authorityservices. Staff who work in the NHS andlocal authorities come into contact withpatients and members of the public inevery day situations. Bernie Lee,Consultant in Public Health at NHSCoventry and Coventry City Council, said:

“Every contact with a patient is anopportunity to encourage healthierlifestyle choices. But tackling sensitiveissues such as weight loss, smokingcessation or alcohol abuse requiresexpertise, confidence and knowledge, inorder to deliver the message effectively.”

Making Every Contact Count is key to good healthcare

n (L-R) Dr Steve

Allen, a GP in

Coventry and

Accountable

Officer, Juliet

Hancox, Senior

Manager, Clare

Hollingworth, Chief

Finance Officer,

and Dr Adrian

Canale-Parola, GP

in Rugby and

Chair of Coventry

and Rugby CCG.

health focus

december 2012 | citivision | 19

Cancer patients in Coventry, Warwickshireand beyond are set to benefit from awarmer and more comfortable centre aftera £1m refurbishment. The reception area atthe Arden Cancer Centre, based atUniversity Hospital in Coventry, is beingrefurbished in a three month project kindly

funded through charitable funds from theCoventry Hospitals Charity and supportedby UHCW Charity and UHCW NHS Trust.It follows feedback from patients that thecurrent reception was in need of severalimprovements. The centre treats and caresfor up to 300 patients a day, Monday to

Friday, providing potentially life-savingchemotherapy and radiotherapy.The main part of the project is due to befinished by the end of December and willcreate a lighter reception and improve theentrance to make the whole area warmer,more comfortable and efficient.

n Outside therefurbished Arden

Cancer Centre are(from left) UHCW

Trust staff RuthManton, Rebecca

Bourton, NikitaFreeman, Rebecca

Guslov and GillElkins, Angela

Patrick and hermum, patient AnnePatrick, and fellow

patient PeggyFrost.

Work starts on £1m project to improve hospital environment for cancer patients

Making Every Contact Count is key to good healthcare

Coventry schoolchildrenare safe from infectionthanks to a ground-breaking NHSimmunisation programmein the city’s schools.

Partnership workingbetween Coventry andWarwickshire PartnershipNHS Trust, Coventry CityCouncil and Coventry GPs hasled to a significant increase inthe number of children whoreceive their school leavers’ booster.

Karen Marley, Lead Nurse forVaccines and Immunisations atCoventry and WarwickshirePartnership NHS Trust, said: “Theschool leavers’ booster providesvital protection against tetanus,

diphtheria and polio to children agedbetween 14 and 18 years.

“This is the last course ofimmunisation that children need totake them safely into adult life and itis important that as many children aspossible are provided with theopportunity to receive it.”

Children getjabs boost tobeat infection

Mum bids to raiseawareness ofchildhood cancers

Moderate youralcohol intaketo stay in shape

Ten children and teenagers a day inthe UK find out that they havecancer.

Cancer in children is morecommon than people think, withchildhood cancer killing morechildren in the UK than any otherdisease.

Raising awareness of the commonsigns and symptoms can lead toearlier diagnosis and improve thechild's chances of recovery and cure.Mandy Coombes, whose 11-year-oldson Matthew died of cancer in July2011, will be selling gold ribbons forchildhood cancer awareness monthduring December to raise funds tofight child cancer. Mandy and herfamily and friends will also be takingpart in the big bucket collection forthe Clic Sargent charity on SaturdayDecember 8 in Sainsbury’s store inthe city centre. Mandy explained:“Losing a child is every parent’sworst nightmare, it is somethingfrom which you never recover. Mattywill always be a part of our lives.”

Information about the signs andsymptoms can be found atwww.bechildcanceraware.org

Experts have been talking tothousands of local people aspart of alcohol awarenessweek about the number ofcalories in alcoholic drinks.

Around one in four adultsdrinks more than the NHSrecommended limits foralcohol, with alcohol a majorfactor affecting people’s health.

Four pints of an averagelager can contain nearly 1,000calories – around 40 per centof the average male’s dailyintake necessary to maintainweight. An average 750mlbottle of wine contains around550 calories.

The NHS recommends thatmen shouldn’t regularlyconsume more than three orfour units per day and thatwomen shouldn’t regularlyconsume more than two tothree units per day.

A half pint of averagestrength beer is around oneunit and a small 125ml glass ofaverage strength wine isaround one-and-half units.

20 | citivision | december 2012

DECEMBER

1 – Christmas Fair, AllesleyPrimary School (1.30-4pm).Entrance to the school site isfrom Antrim Close and CameronClose in Allesley Village. Entranceto the hall is 50p per person.Variety of stalls and Santa’s grotto(extra fee payable).Call 07958 468 9798 – Making Merry, Herbert ArtGallery & Museum (10am-4pm,

free). Unique handmade gifts,decorations and food, with avintage grotto in the atmosphericmedieval Undercroft. Hands-onmini workshops in wreath making(£15, to include all materials.

Session 1: 11am-1pm; Session 2:

2-4pm). Booking essential forworkshop, call 024 7629 4774 orask at Herbert reception.11 – Coventry Family HistorySociety Help Desk, CentralLibrary (2-3pm, free). Diving intoyour family history can be anamazing adventure. The help deskis open on Tuesdays monthly. 12 – Volunteer Day, location tobe confirmed (10am-3pm). Jointhe Park Rangers laying hedges,learning or refreshing an existingskill. If you haven’t been before,register in advance on024 7683 3633 and asking for aRanger. Suitable for adults.15 – Santa’s toy workshop,War Memorial Park (11am-1pm).Join Santa’s helpers in makingsome toys to take home. Cost£2.60, and booking essential.Call the Visitors Centre on024 7678 6280.15 – A Dinosaur Adventure,Herbert Art Gallery & Museum(1pm, 2pm & 3pm, free). JoinProfessor Predicament on herjourney back to Jurassic Englandwhere she faces danger as shesearches for a rare andmysterious dinosaur. Storytellingby Annamation StorytellingCompany. Suitable for ages 2-12.Booking not required. 15 – Fantastic Fossil Casts,Herbert Art Gallery & Museum(10.30-11.15am & 11.30am-

12.30pm, cost £2). A uniqueopportunity to cast an amazing

For a full list, visit www.coventry.gov.uk/events

If you’ve an event you’d like listed, contact the Citivision newsdesk, Room 27,The Council House, Earl Street, Coventry CV1 5RR or e-mail

communications@coventry.gov.uk

21 – Farmers’ Market,Broadgate (9am-3pm).

JANUARY

4 – Eating with Dinosaurs,Herbert Art Gallery & Museum(noon-2pm, free). Family picnic witha difference! Bring a blanket andeat your lunch in the shadow of adinosaur with an arty activity todo as you eat. Suitable for all ages.Booking required on 024 76294774 or ask at Herbert reception.16 – Volunteer Day, BrinklowRoad open space (10am-3pm). Jointhe Park Rangers laying hedges,and learning or refreshing anexisting skill. If you haven’t beenbefore, register in advance on 0247683 3633 and ask for a Ranger.Suitable for adults. Meet atHepworth Road near the playarea. 18 – Farmers’ Market,Broadgate (9am-3pm).

25 (until July 7) – Caught in theCrossfire. Artists’ responses toconflict, peace and reconciliation,Herbert Art Gallery & Museum.Free.25 – Holocaust MemorialDay, Lower Precinct. The themethis year is CommunitiesTogether: Build a Bridge.Remembering the past andlooking to eradicate tragedies inthe future. Contact Lee House on024 7683 2351,www.coventry.gov.uk/hmd27 – Big Garden Bird Watch,Longford Park by Windmill Roadcar park (1.30-3pm). Join theRSPB Big Garden Bird Watchwith the Park Rangers. Make abird feeder or do your own birdwatch. Free, and no bookingrequired.29-31 – Tiny Tot Explorers:Art Play. Early Years Event,Herbert Art Gallery & Museum

Here are some of the things you can enjoy during the winter months around Coventry

what’s on

Making merry in goodwill season

ammonite or dino tooth frommoulds created from real fossils.Suitable for age 6+. Booking isrequired. Entry fees payable atreception on the day. To book, call024 7629 4774 or ask at Herbertreception.16 – Friends of the WarMemorial Park CarolService, War Memorial Park(2pm). Family friendly carolservice by the Visitors Centre inthe War Memorial Park. Allchildren receive a gift from Santa.21-23 – Countdown toChristmas, Coombe CountryPark (11am-noon, 1-2pm, 2.15-

3.15pm, 3.30-4.30pm). Join theteam as they prepare forChristmas and visit Santa in hisgrotto. Cost £5 per child (under

3s free if accompanied by paying

sibling). Suitable for aged 3-11, andbooking essential on 024 76453720.

Team GB archers from theLondon 2012 Olympic Gamesare now aiming for success at amajor competition atCoventry’s Ricoh Arena.

Leamington’s Naomi Folkard andfellow Olympians Larry Godfrey,Alan Wills and Simon Terry will allbe competing in the NationalCombined Indoor Championshipson Saturday-Sunday, December 1-2

And Rugby’s Chris White – adouble Commonwealth Gamesmedallist two years ago – will alsobe among the competitorsappearing in the Jaguar Hall.

The Junior and Senior IndoorChampionships and back-to-backevents are expected to attracthundreds of archers from acrossthe UK, which is open tospectators free of charge from10am until 6pm on both days.

Geoff Malyon, the chairman ofthe National TournamentsCommittee for 2012, said this was a

Olympic archers’ clash at the Ricoh is no everyday story

fantastic opportunity to watch thecountry’s top archers in action.

“The Olympic and ParalympicGames have seen the sport’spopularity increase dramatically,” hesaid. “We had tremendous feedbackand everybody loved the Olympicarchery at the Lords’ cricketground.”

Chris Owen, event manager atthe Ricoh Arena, said: “We arepleased to be hosting archery forthe first time at the Ricoh Arena.

“This will be a fantasticopportunity to see the archers whowere part of Team GB and thefantastic summer of sport that wehave all enjoyed.”

n Leamington’s NaomiFolkard, one of the Olympicathletes taking part in thenational championships at

the Ricoh Arena.

december 2012 | citivision | 21

(10.30-11.30am & 1-2pm, £1).

Creativity and learning through

the use of sensory art materials

and techniques. For children

aged 1-3. Booking essential on

024 7629 4774 or ask at

Herbert reception.

FEBRUARY

9 – Stories in the Park, War

Memorial Park (11am-1pm).

Celebrate National Storytelling

Week. Listen to your favourite

children’s stories and make some

book-themed crafts to take

home. Cost £1.55 per child.

15 – Farmers’ Market,Broadgate (9am-3pm).16-17 – The Big BirdcakeBake, Coombe County Park

(10-11.30am, noon-1.30pm, 2-

3.30pm). Make a birdcake for

your bird table to help sustain

wild birds through the winter.

Discover the new Top Pool

Lodge, then return to make a

heron’s mask in the warmth of

the classroom. Cost £5pp (under

5s free), and booking essential on

024 7645 3720.18 – National Bird Box

Week, Allesley Park, by play area(1.30-3pm). Make a home or afeeder for your feathered friends.Cost £4.50 to make a nest box.Feeders £1. Suitable for over 8swith an adult, and no bookingrequired. Also on Feb 19 atCaludon Park, and Feb 21 atLongford Park.18-22 – Coombe Club,Coombe Country Park (8am-6pm,

length of session can be adjusted to

your needs). Children can stay forhalf a day, full day or for the wholeweek. Cost £3.15 per hour,minimum 5-hour stay. Suitable forchildren aged 8-14 years. Bookingessential on 024 7645 3720.20 – Volunteer Day, BraemarClose, tbc (10am-3pm). Join thePark Rangers building steps andconstructing a path. If you haven’tbeen before, register in advanceon 024 7683 3633 and ask for aRanger. Free and suitable foradults21 – Magical Mosaics, WarMemorial Park (11am-1pm). Havea magical time designing andmaking mosaics. Cost £2.60 perchild, suitable for children over 5.

what’s on

Making merry in goodwill season

Sleeping Beauty tells the tale of abeautiful Princess who is cursed ather Christening by the wickedFairy Carabosse, so on her 18thbirthday she will prick her fingeron a spinning wheel and die. Thegood Fairy Azuriel offers somehope by changing the spell toensure that the Princess won’t diebut will fall into an enchantedsleep for 100 years from whichshe will only wake if kissed by theone she loves.

Iain Lauchlan, who will playNurse Nanny Nora, holdslegendary status in Coventryfollowing 12 unforgettable yearsas Dame in Belgrade pantomimesbetween 1988 and 1999. He waslast seen on the Belgrade stage in2007 when he made a spectacular,one-off return to play the Damein Aladdin to celebrate thereopening of the theatre after its£14 million redevelopment.

Iain said: “The Coventryaudiences have supported meover many years and don’t seemto forget me when I am notthere.”

Sleeping Beauty runs from

November 28 to January 5 2013on the Main Stage, and you couldbe in with a chance of winningtwo tickets to see the BelgradeTheatre’s show. Simply e-mail usthe title of last year’s BelgradeTheatre panto tocommunications@coventry.gov.uk, and the first one out ofthe draw on December 17 will bethe winner.

n Tickets for Sleeping Beauty areavailable now from the box office on

024 7655 3055 priced from £13.25

to £21.75 or via www.belgrade.co.uk

where cheaper tickets are available.

Concessions and family tickets are

also available.

WINWIN

Residents are being offered a 25per cent discount on a range ofexciting exhibitions at the Herbertfrom December 1 until January 5 asa thank you for helping to make therecent Dinosaurs Uncovered showa monstrous success.

Around 30,000 citizens have sofar enjoyed the jurassic thriller, andover the next six months theHerbert will be hosting thefollowing range of inspiringcontemporary art exhibitions:

His Dark Materials,New Art by Adie Blundell Aseries of compelling yet disturbingmask-like sculptures alongside largescale detailed drawings. Inspired byalchemy, folklore, poetry andobsessive Victorian collecting,Blundell’s work is composed of newand found objects and incorporateskeys, locks, light switches andmedical equipment. The exhibitionraises questions about the verynature of human existence and ourprecarious position within thenatural world. Exhibition runs untilMarch 17 2013.

Caught in the CrossfireArtistic responses to conflict, peaceand reconciliation explores howartists grapple with both thebrutality of war and the desire forpeace. The exhibition takes us on achallenging journey from the homefront to the frontline and back, asseen through the eyes of artists,soldiers and people affected byconflict. Exhibition opens January25 and runs until July 7, 2013.

WastedAn exhibition of work by GinaCzarnecki, exploring the life-givingpotential of ‘discarded’ body partsand their relationship to myths,history, cutting edge stem cellresearch and notions of whatconstitutes informed consent. Theart works are sculptural,incorporating milk teeth donatedby children and bones and fat fromliving, consenting donors. The endproducts are stunning and togetherthey will take on a vast wealth ofassociated meanings for diverseaudiences. Exhibition opens March30 and runs until June 9, 2013.

Tickets for the Belgrade panto

Sleeping Beauty

Thank-you deal from the Herbert

your council

Cllr John Mutton, Leader

Policy, Leadership and Governance

Cllr George Duggins, Deputy Leader

Strategic Finance and Resources

Cllr Ann Lucas,

Health and Community Services

Cllr David Kershaw CBE - Education

Cllr Lynnette Kelly - City Development

Cllr Lindsley Harvard - City Services

Cllr Ed Ruane - Neighbourhood

Action, Housing, Leisure and Culture

Cllr Jim O’Boyle

Children and Young People

Cllr Phil Townshend

Community Safety and Equalities

Cllr Abdul Khan Sustainability and

Local Infrastructure

Cabinet Members

Committees

Coventry MPs

I BABLAKE

Cllrs Galliers and Kershaw hold regularsurgeries: Coronation Club, Keresley Rd 12 noon -1.00pm on the first Saturday of themonth. Allesley Parish Church Hall, 5-6pm onthe second Monday of the month or contactthem directly as below:Cllr David Galliers: 07973 780871 or e-maildavid.galliers@coventry.gov.uk twitter @davidgallierswww.facebook.com/AllesleyCoundonAndKeresleywww.bablakelabour.comCllr David Kershaw CBE: 024 7671 1107 or07850 664576 or e-maildavid.kershaw@coventry.gov.ukCllr Andrew Williams: Call 024 7683 1039or e-mail andrew.williams@coventry.gov.uk

I BINLEY & WILLENHALL

Cllr Dave Chater: For an appointment orhome visit call 024 7667 2619 or 07759 062733 or e-maildave.chater@coventry.gov.ukCllr Ram P Lakha OBE: For a home visit orappointment call 024 7683 1039 or e-mailram.lakha@btinternet.com orram.lakha@coventry.gov.ukCllr John Mutton: Call 024 7683 2672for an appointment or advice.

I CHEYLESMORE

Cllrs Foster and Noonan hold regularsurgeries: Cheylesmore Community Centre6.30-8pm on last Wednesday of each month(except December) and at Whitley CommunityCentre every second Saturday of the month 1-2pm or contact them directly as below:Cllr Kevin Foster: Call 024 7683 1276 (day) ore-mail kevin.foster@coventry.gov.ukCllr Hazel Noonan: Call 024 7683 1039(day) or 024 7650 5109 (evenings) ore-mail hazel.noonan@coventry.gov.ukCllr Harjinder Singh Sehmi: Last Fridayof the month at Cheylesmore Social Club,Quinton Park, 6-7pm or call for anappointment on 07507 687268 or 07956 491443 or e-mailharjinder.singhsehmi@coventry.gov.uk

I EARLSDON

Cllr Allan Andrews: Surgeries heldsecond Thursday of every month (except August)6-7pm at West Orchard United ReformedChurch, Baginton Rd. For a home visit call 024 7683 1039 or e-mailallan.andrews@coventry.gov.ukor follow on twitter @allanandrewsCllr Michael Hammon: Call 024 76448585 for an appointment or e-mailmichael.hammon@coventry.gov.ukCllr Ken Taylor OBE: Call 024 7667 3717 foran appointment.

I FOLESHILL

Cllr Tariq Khan: For an appointment call024 7683 1039 or 07415 534267 or e-mail tariq.khan@coventry.gov.ukCllr Abdul Salam Khan: Call 024 76831039 (day) or 07903 847160 or e-mailabdul.khan@coventry.gov.ukCllr Malkiat Auluck: Second Tuesday of themonth 6.30-7.30pm at FoleshillCommunity Centre, Foleshill Rd or call024 7663 7965 for an appointment.

I HENLEY

Cllr Lynnette Kelly: Call 024 7671 1682 ore-mail lynnette.kelly@coventry.gov.ukCllr Kevin Maton: Call 07941 827229 ore-mail kevin.maton@coventry.gov.ukCllr Ed Ruane: Call 07817 218137 ore-mail ed.ruane@coventry.gov.uk. For ourassistance call us or visit us at 4pm on thethird Thursday of every month at Moat HouseLeisure Centre, Winston Ave, Henley Green.

I HOLBROOK

Cllr Joe Clifford: Every Wednesday, 6.30-7.30pm at Holbrook Community Care Assoc,Holbrooks Lane. Call 024 7646 5315 or e-mailjoseph.clifford@coventry.gov.uk

Cllr Rachel Lancaster: Call 024 7636 0021or e-mail rachel.lancaster@coventry.gov.uk foran appointment.Cllr Ann Lucas: Call 024 7633 2084 or024 7683 1039 for a chat or appointment.Surgery on first Monday of each month 9.30-10.30am at Holbrook Health Centre,Wheelwright Lane.

I LONGFORD

Cllr Linda Bigham: First Friday of everymonth 3.30-4.30pm at LongfordPrimary Care Centre, Longford Rd, and5.30-6.30pm at Scout Headquarters,Aldermans Green Rd. Last Friday ofevery month 6-7pm at St Thomas’ ParishChurch Hall, Longford Rd. Please call 0247636 0898 to make a surgery appointment.Cllr George Duggins: Second Saturday ofevery month 12-1pm at Bell GreenCommunity Centre, Old Church Rd and1.15-2pm at Royal Hotel, Old ChurchRd. Second Sunday of every month11.30am-1pm at Bell Green Club, RoseberryAve or call 024 7683 1003 (day) or e-mailgeorge.duggins@coventry.gov.ukCllr Lindsley Harvard: First Saturday ofevery month 10.45-11.45am at ScoutHut, Aldermans Green Rd and12-1pm at Bell Green CommunityCentre, Old Church Rd. First Sunday ofevery month 11am-12 noon at the ChurchHall, St Thomas’ Parish Church, LongfordRd, and 12.15-1.15pm at Bell GreenClub, Roseberry Ave. Call 024 7667 5717, ore-mail lindsley.harvard@coventry.gov.uk

I LOWER STOKE

Cllr John McNicholas: If you have a problem,need help or advice. I can visit you in yourhome and be contacted on 024 7683 1039(day), 024 7650 4037(evenings) or e-mailjohn.mcnicholas@coventry.gov.ukCllr Phil Townshend: Call 024 7683 1034(day) for details of surgeries or e-mailphilip.townshend@coventry.gov.ukCllr Catherine Miks: Call 024 7683 1039 or07415 534274 or e-mailcatherine.miks@coventry.gov.uk

I RADFORD

Cllr Mal Mutton: Call 024 7630 4497 or024 7683 1039 for an appointment ore-mail mal.mutton@coventry.gov.ukCllr Keiran Mulhall: Every Tuesday at JaguarSports and Social Club, Middlemarch Rd, 6.30-7.30pm. Also Radford Social Club on thefirst Sunday of the month 11.30am-12.30pm.Or call 024 7683 1039 for an appointment.Cllr Tony Skipper: Available to see Radfordresidents at Coventry Coachmakers’ Club,72 Radford Rd, CV1 4BY. To make anappointment or to leave a message, call 024 7683 1039.

I ST MICHAEL’S

Joint surgeries every second Friday of themonth 5-6pm at St Anne and All SaintsCommunity Hall, Acacia Avenue.Cllr David Welsh: First Saturday of eachmonth, 12-1pm at the RedeemedChristian Church of God (former HowitzerClub), Albert St. Third Friday of eachmonth, 3-4pm at the Regeneration Office,121-124 Far Gosford Street. Call 07956 307 437or e-mail david.welsh@coventry.gov.ukCllr Naeem Akhtar: Surgeries every firstTuesday of the month, 5-6pm at Hillfields YouthCentre, Yardley St. For an appointmentcall 07747 003141or e-mailnaeem.akhtar@coventry.gov.uk. Cllr Jim O’Boyle: Second Saturday of eachmonth, 12-1pm at Zeenat Restaurant,Cambridge St, Hillfields, fourth Saturdayof month, noon at Transport House, ShortSt. Call 024 7669 4873 or 024 76831032, or e-mail jim.o’boyle@coventry.gov.uk

I SHERBOURNE

Cllr Seamus Walsh: Call 07956 546983 or024 7683 1039 (day), or e-mailseamus.walsh@coventry.gov.ukCllr Alison Gingell: For an appointment call07541 741617 or e-mailalison.gingell@coventry.gov.uk

Cllr Damian Gannon: For an appointmentcall 07725 536259 or e-maildamian.gannon@coventry.gov.uk

I UPPER STOKE

Cllr Kamran Caan: For an appointment orhome visit call 07730 111101 or e-mailkamran.caan@coventry.gov.ukCllr Sucha Bains: Barras Green Social Club,Coventry St, between 12 noon-12.45pmevery Saturday or call 024 7645 9484.Cllr Colleen Fletcher: For an appointmenttext 07939 111992, (will be happy to call youback) or call 024 7683 1039 or e-mailcolleen.fletcher@coventry.gov.uk

I WAINBODY

Cllr John Blundell: Call 024 7683 1276(weekdays) or 024 7641 9794 (evenings andweekends) or e-mail john.blundell@coventry.gov.uk for an appointment; willgladly visit.Cllr Gary Crookes: (Deputy Lord Mayor) For an appointment call 024 7683 3048 (day) or024 7646 1777 (after 6pm) ore-mail gary.crookes@coventry.gov.ukCllr Tim Sawdon: (Lord Mayor)Call 024 7683 3048 (day) or 024 7641 5771(after6pm).

I WESTWOOD

Cllr Maya Ali: Surgeries every third Thursday ofthe month, 4.30-5.30pm at the Tanyard CommunityCentre, Tanyard Close, Coventrty, CV4 9TS. For anappointment call 07949 653 656 or e-mailmaya.ali@coventry.gov.uk Cllr David Skinner: Call 024 7683 1039(day) or 024 7646 8106 (out of hours) or e-maildavid.skinner@coventry.gov.ukCllr Richard Sandy: Surgeries held atThe Lime Tree Club, Templar Ave secondSaturday of the month from 12 noon -1pm andevery fourth Saturday of the month from11.30am-12.30pm at Canley Library, PriorDeram Walk. For an appointment call07949 900445 or e-mail richard.sandy@coventry.gov.uk

I WHOBERLEY

Cllr Dan Howells: If you require help or advice I can visit you in your home or at a time and placeconvenient to you. To arrange an appointment call07540 083974 ore-mail dan.howells@coventry.gov.ukCllr Jayne Innes: Surgeries every fourth Saturdayof the month except December, July and Augustfrom 12 noon at Allesley Park Library. Also youcan ring 02476 405 132 or emailjayne.innes@coventry.gov.uk for an appointmentor home visit outside these times.Cllr Bally Singh: Regular Surgeries are held everythird Saturday of the month 10am-noon at St MaryMagdeline Centre, Sir Thomas White Rd. Alsomorning chat every first Friday of the month 8.30-9am at Stoke Bakery, Allesley Park. Call 07779256898 for an appointment, or e-mailbally.singh@coventry.gov.uk

I WOODLANDS

Cllrs Hetherton and Thomas hold regularsurgeries on the fourth Friday of each month atTile Hill Library, Jardine Cres from 5-7pmCllr Patricia Hetherton: Please call 07985811881 for an appointment or e-mailpatricia.hetherton@coventry.gov.ukCllr Steven Thomas: For an appointment call myresidents’ hotline 07535 423796 or emailsteven.thomas@coventry.gov.ukCllr Julia Lepoidevin: For an appointment,call 024 7683 1039 (day), 07944 458 751 or e-mail julia.lepoidevin@coventry.gov.uk

I WYKEN

Cllrs Thay, Abbott and Sweet hold surgeries everyFriday 6.30 - 7.30pm at Wyken Working Men’sClub, Ansty Rd, Wyken.Cllr Robert Thay: For an appointment call 07875031851or email robert.thay@coventry.gov.ukCllr Faye Abbott: For an appointment call07944 996294 or e-mailfaye.abbott@coventry.gov.ukCllr Hazel Sweet: For an appointment orhome visit call 024 7661 6273 ore-mail hazel.sweet@coventry.gov.uk

Licensing and Regulatory C Cllr Lancaster DC Cllr Singh Sehmi

Planning C Cllr Maton DC Cllr Mulhall

Audit C Cllr Chater DC Cllr Bains

Scrutiny Co-ordination C Cllr Bigham DC Cllr Skipper

Wellness, Liveability and Public Health(Scrutiny Board 1)C Cllr Fletcher DC Cllr Innes

Children and Young People(Scrutiny Board 2)C Cllr M Mutton DC Cllr Sweet

Jobs, Skills and Growth(Scrutiny Board 3)C Cllr Lakha DC Cllr Gannon

Streets and Neighbourhoods(Scrutiny Board 4)C Cllr Abbott DC Cllr Clifford

Health, Social Care and Welfare Reform(Scrutiny Board 5)C Cllr Welsh DC Cllr Hetherton

Transport and InfrastructureDevelopment (Scrutiny Board 6)C Cllr Howells DC Cllr Sandy

C = Chair DC = Deputy Chair

European MPsWest Midlands Region

CONSERVATIVE - Malcolm Harbour, Philip Bradbourn. 285 Kenilworth Road,Balsall Common, Coventry, CV7 7EL.Call 01676 530621 or 01676 530297

LABOUR - Michael Cashman.Terry Duffy House, Thomas Street, West Bromwich B70 6NTCall 0121 569 1923

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS - Phil Bennion. Haunton Manor Farm, Haunton,Tamworth M79 9HN

UKIP - Mike Nattrass.123 New John Street, Birmingham, B6 4LDCall 0121 333 7737

WE DEMAND A REFERENDUM -Nikki Sinclaire.123 New John Street, Birmingham, B6 4LDCall 0121 359 5933

Bob Ainsworth MPCoventry North EastCall 024 7622 6707 e-mail ainsworthr@parliament.uk Jim Cunningham MP Coventry SouthCall 024 7655 3159e-mail emmal.davies@parliament.ukGeoffrey Robinson MPCoventry North WestCall 024 7625 7870e-mail robinsong@parliament.uk

22 | citivision | december 2012