community groupout there making it happen…
Use it wisely,We fought long and hard for it……..
As election time is upon us I thought I would take you on a trip down memory lane,remembering the Suffragettes and then back to the reality of today,where we have a strong,local candidate offering us on SaleWest the chance to be heard even louder than ever and,together making positive changes to our community…back to now later,first lets have a look at the ballsy women that made a stand years ago to give us the chance to vote at all…
The suffragettes wanted and fought for the right for women to vote.
In 1897 Millicent Fawcett founded the National Union Of Womens Suffrage.(suffrage meaning the right to vote)
Millicent believed in peaceful protest.She felt that if there was any violence or trouble it would only serve as fuel to the ignorant men that believed women couldn’t be trusted to vote!
Living in a time before facebook and SWV her only other game plan was to use patience and logical arguments-both things that we ladies still excel at today;-)
Fawcett argued that women could hold responsible,trust worthy posts in society,such as sitting on school boards-but were not trusted to vote…
She argued that if Parliament made laws and if women had to obey these laws then women should be part of the process of making these laws…
She also pointed out that as women had to pay taxes the same as men,they should have the same rights as men…
One of Millicents most powerful arguments was that wealthy mistresses of large manors and estates employed gardeners,workmen and the such who could all vote-whilst the woman could not,regardless of their wealth or social standing…
Initially Fawcetts progress was slow.She converted some of the members of The Labour Representation Committee(soon to be the Labour party)but most men of Parliament believed that women simply would not understand how Parliament worked and therefore should not take part in the electoral process…stoopid eh?
This left women feeling very angry.and deciding enough was enough they decided to bite back(sound familiar lol)
In 1903 the Women’s Social And Political Union was founded by Emmeline Pankhurst and her daughters-Christobel and Sylvia.
They wanted a VOICE..They wanted to be HEARD..They wanted a VOTE…
They became known as the Suffragettes and these women were prepared to use violence to get their point across.
In 1905 the girls caused quite a stir when Christobel Pankhurst and Annie Kenney interrupted a political meeting here in Manchester to ask 2 liberal politicians (Winston Churchill and Sir Edward Grey) if they believed women should be able to vote.When neither man replied the girls pulled out “votes for women” banners and shouted for answers.
Needless to say they were thrown out of the meeting and arrested for causing an obstruction and assault on a police officer.
Both women refused to pay a fine,preferring to go to prison,highlighting the injustice of the system.
These girls meant business and went on a destructive spree whilst raising awareness on the voting situation,or rather lack of it.
They burned down churches(as the church of England was against their cause),vandalised the whole of Oxford Street,hired out boats so that they could sail down the Thames whilst shouting abuse at Parliament,chaining themselves to Buckingham Palace and refusing to pay taxes…
The onset of WW1 brought a halt to the rampage the Suffragettes were engaged in,as Emmeline Pankhurst called for the women to support the war effort-which they did,really proving to be invaluable.
Women did eventually get the right to vote,undoubtedly the work of these courageous ladies went toward that happening as the big fish have to listen….when the noise is too loud to ignore.
That brings us to today and the current voting situation.
We all have a voice and we all have a vote-using it wisely can and will make a difference.
I would never dream of advising our members who to vote for in the upcoming elections,you are all more than capable of making that decision for yourselves.
What I would like to do is share my thoughts on our local candidate and leave you to make your own conclusions…..
It is about time SaleWest had a Candidate that is actually familiar with the area,our residents and our issues and it is time for our voice to be heard.
I believe Simon Buckley,Labour candidate is that man…
Lots of you will already know him from the vast amount of time he has spent on the estate,and he has lived in sale for over 15 years,also having family connections on the saleWest.
SWV has been working with Simon for quite some time and he has advised and assisted with street lights,damp housing and also getting a newspaper back on to our estate to name but a few.
We can achieve so much if we work together and I am positive that in Simon we have someone who genuinely has our interests at heart and can get us heard by the right people,should he be elected.
HOUSING…..Simon will continue to support SWV as we work with IV to ensure that we have the good quality housing we deserve.
TRANSPORT……Our local bus service needs improving so that those of us without cars can get about easily for shopping,hospital appointments etc. Simon will address this issue.
OUR YOUTH….Our young people need more to do-Simon and SWV are already discussing lots of ideas,many of you have also made great suggestions.If elected we CAN make things happen for OUR youth.
SAFETY….We have a right to feel safe in our community and Simon will continue to work hard to see that simple things like street lighting are delivered.Small changes can make a huge difference.
So…now you have the facts and I will leave you to reach your own decision.If you would like to know more about Simon or the Labour party his details are below.
I know who Emmeline would vote for…..
Please remember the deadline to register for voting is 18th April and the number to call to do so is….0161 912 4259
Thanks
Tal
SWV
web; http://labourstmarys.org
twitter; @labourstmarys
email; simon.buckley@traffordlabour.org.uk
Loan Shark Statistics…
LOAN SHARK AWARENESS CONTINUES…..
Good morning,hope you are all well and are enjoying the sunshine on SaleWest,it is a beautiful day.
Lisa and I attended a training session last week on Loan Shark Advocacy,and found it very interesting.
Take a moment to look at these statistics and facts,it is quite a shocking read…
36000 people in the UK can’t pay their rent because of Loan Sharks taking their money.
There are 2000+ known loan sharks operating in the UK.
120 million is borrowed each year from loan sharks.
450 million is repaid each year to loan sharks…….
Below is a true story of a young lads struggle with a loan shark.
Names have been changed but the facts are true…
Mikes Story
Aged 17, Mike* was keen to buy his first car. When Peter* offered to lend him £250, Mike agreed and began
paying back in instalments until the loan was repaid. It was only then that Peter mentioned additional interest,
Mike wasn’t expecting this and found it difficult to repay, so Peter offered him a further loan to pay off the first.
This became a cycle and continued over the next two decades, which Mike described as “Sheer hell”. He was
trapped in a never ending spiral of debt, and struggled to get by, despite working two jobs. He would make large
repayments but his outstanding balance would never drop below £9000.
Over the years Mike paid a staggering £90,000 to the loan shark, all from an initial loan of £250.
This had a hugely detrimental impact on Mike and his family. The loan shark attacked Mike in front of his
children, he lost his home as he couldn’t pay the mortgage and three jobs due to depression. Aged 33, he suffered
a stress-related heart attack.
On more than one occasion, Mike attempted suicide.
“You wouldn’t wish it on anybody” He said “It affected my
relationship with my wife. If I wasn’t at work I was home
arguing, and it affected the kids. They had nothing. Every
Friday and Saturday he was sat outside my work- if I finished
late he would text saying ‘its payday where are you’ It was a
living nightmare”
The turning point was when Mike spotted an article in his local
paper about a loan shark who had been prosecuted by the Team.
Peter was now threatening to harm Mike’s wife and realising he couldn’t take any more Mike called the
confidential hotline.
From that point forwards he was supported and Peter was prosecuted and imprisoned.
“I wish I’d known there was somewhere to go years ago” Mike said “The Team were fantastic, they offered so
much support, and every promise they made they delivered. It was such a relief when I found out Peter was
arrested and then put in prison. I nearly broke down when the Team rang to say”
Mike is now looking to the future, and has a message to anyone in the grips of a loan shark.
“I would tell anyone who is borrowing from a loan shark to be confident to stand up and speak out- the Team
will support you the whole way. Even a year later the Team are always there for me, regularly in touch and
always on the end of the phone.
Life is absolutely fantastic now- we don’t have to worry about money anymore and I’m happier than I’ve ever
been. Were going on holiday as a family for the first time in 17 years- I can’t imagine ever being able to do this
before. Contacting the Team is the best thing I could ever have done. I’m living the life I should be living”
Please remember we have a Credit Union here,on SaleWest and they offer sound money advice and a saving scheme…
Don’t struggle in silence,
Illegal money lending is a crime, and debts to illegal money lenders are not legally enforceable.
Call the England Illegal Money Lending Team in confidence on 0300 555 2222, Lines are open 24/7.
Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003 E-mail reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
log-on to www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks *Names have been changed.
Thanks
Taaliah
SWV
Annes True Story…Loan Shark Awareness
We wanted to share another true story regarding Loan Sharks in Manchester.
Please don’t make yourself a victim-help and advice is available,there are some numbers below.
Loan sharks will trap people in a spiral of debt, and resort to the most extreme bully tactics to enforce
repayment. Anne* from Manchester learnt this the hard way, when she fell into an illegal money lenders
trap:
It was coming up to Christmas, and Anne was worrying about affording presents for her two young children.
Spotting an advert in her local paper for unsecured loans, she decided to call the number.
A man answered, and told her he would be able to lend her £150, but it would
need to be secured on something. He came to her home and took her passport,
explaining that this would be returned once she had repaid in full. He explained
that she would need to repay £15 each week plus an extra £10 a week in interest.
She knew this was steep but she was desperate and believed she would be able
to pay back within a few months with her wages from working in a shop.
In the January, Anne fell ill and was unable to work. As a result of this she
defaulted on a couple of payments. She was resting at home with her six year
old daughter, when the loan shark barged in with two other men, demanding to
know why she hadn’t paid. They pulled electrical items out of her living room,
claiming the loan was secured against these.
Anne was terrified. “There was nowhere to go” she said “I wasn’t even safe in my own house. I was screaming,
crying, pleading with him not take my stuff. To think, that my little girl had to see that.”
A few days later she received a note from the loan shark through her door, to tell her that an extra £100 had been
added to the debt for the ‘bailiff’ visit. From that point onwards, she paid the loan shark religiously retaining the
post office slips as proof of payment. However the loan shark still appeared at her door, alleging she’d missed
payments. He would turn up late at night and on once occasion Anne had to hide, as he tried to climb in through
her kitchen window. For every visit he would add an extra charge of £80 to £100.
This continued for 5 years, with Anne paying back around £5000 on the loan of £150.
The England Illegal Money Lending Team caught the loan shark, and discovered Anne was not alone in her
experience. The loan shark had around 900 ‘customers’ who he was harassing for payments, he believed to be
due. He was given a lengthy custodial sentence and stripped of £270,000, money he had made illegally.
Anne said “It was such a weight of my shoulders. It had got to the point where my nerves were shot and I was
too frightened to answer the door. I’d realised he was never ever going to go away. If he hadn’t been arrested I’d
probably still be paying him now”
Remember illegal debts are not enforceable in law. If you have borrowed from an illegal lender, you have
not committed a crime – they have. Most loan sharks will appear friendly at first, but their behaviour can
quickly change.
If you believe you have borrowed from a loan shark, contact the England Illegal Money Lending Team in
confidence as we can help;
To report a loan shark:
Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222 Emailreportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk
Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003 Log-on to www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks
* Name has been changed.
Shared by SWV
Building a stronger community for us ALL.
Loan Shark Spiral Of Debt….
Here is a true story of a lady whose life has been affected by Loan sharks…Please take 5 minutes to read her story and if you,or someone you know is experiencing similar problems there are helpline and advice below.
Pauline’s Story
Pauline* from Salford took out her first loan with a loan shark in the run up to Christmas, after her husband was involved in a car accident. With only her wages, it was a struggle to get by. The loan shark was friendly, he was helpful, there was a bit of interest- £210 back for borrowing £150, but the loan was repaid no problem. Following this Pauline went out to take out more loans and the debt began to spiral.
Every time she began to fall into difficulties, the loan shark would suggest she took out another larger loan to pay off the first. He never gave her any paperwork, so she quickly lost track of how much she was paying. In time all of her money was going back to the loan shark and she was left with nothing. She began to fall behind on mortgage repayments as she felt she had to choose between the house and him.
As she struggled to repay she saw another side to the man who’d been so kind before- she now knew he wasn’t a legitimate lender. The loan shark, a former boxer, would turn up at her home, late at night demanding repayment and threatening to take her belongings.
He came to her work on a number of occasions and would ring to say he was outside. When Pauline said she couldn’t leave he threatened to tell her boss about the trouble she was in. As far as Pauline knew he never did but the fear of people knowing and the intimidation, was enough, and Pauline would stay at work late until she knew he had left.
Pauline hadn’t told her husband about the loans- she didn’t want him worrying. The loan shark knew Pauline wouldn’t want her husband finding out so to make life difficult for her he took all the TV and DVD remotes when visiting her home, posting them back a few days later.
On one visit the loan shark, stood in her front room and asked unsettling questions about her family, unnerved by what he was capable of, she took all the pictures of her children and grandchildren down from the mantelpiece.
On another, he told her not to let her dogs out in the garden, as they wouldn’t come back. Pauline was terrified, she took this as a threat that her pets would be harmed, and also released he had been watching her home.
The final straw was when the loan shark turned up at her home with two well built men. He held her by the throat against the wall and forced her to hand over her wedding ring, telling her she didn’t deserve luxuries.
The fear and worry took its toll on Pauline, she couldn’t sleep and became ill. She turned to drink and as a result ended up taking time off work. During the ordeal she suffered a heart attack, which she puts down to the stress and worry.
For a long time she was constantly looking over her shoulder, afraid to even go to work alone. When she told her husband, it put a great pressure on their relationship.
The loan shark was reported to the England Illegal Money Lending Team, sentenced to four years in prison, and ordered to pay back almost £270,000 in ill gotten gains. Pauline was one of nearly 900 ‘customers’ to his criminal enterprise. As the loans were illegal, Pauline and his other customers were under no legal obligation to repay.
Having paid back fifteen times the amount she had borrowed, Pauline was relieved to see him behind bars, and could begin to rebuild her life. The team provided continued emotional support and referred her to other partner agencies to ensure that she wouldn’t loose her home following late payments on her mortgage.
It is only now that Pauline feels comfortable telling her story, and would encourage anyone else to avoid loan sharks at all costs.
If you think you may be the victim of a loan shark, please contact us in confidence, as we can help you get back on your feet, just like Pauline.
*Name has been changed.
To report a loan shark:
Call the 24/7 confidential hotline 0300 555 2222
Text ‘loan shark + your message’ to 60003
For more information
Log-on to www.direct.gov.uk/stoploansharks
Find us on Facebook www.facebook.com/stoploansharksproject
Numbers to Report Housing Issues Salewest
I know we have shared this information previously but I thought it might be useful to make it a document in its own right.
We have been assured that all complaints will be dealt with effectively and professionally.
If you find that this is not the case please let us know and we will follow up on your behalf at our next regular meeting with IV.
EVERY VOICE COUNTS AND IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM DON’T SUFFER IN SILENCE…..
If you live on Heatherway,Lingfield or Hurst your named housing officer is Joanne Lingings and she can be contacted on 07771581221
Those living on Haydock,Newbury,Chepstow or Thirsk your officer is Mali Pocsai and she can be reached at 07788817897
Residents of Ascot,Goodwood,Catterick,Kempton and Epsom your housing contact is David McLaren and his number is 07950241922
These numbers are available during office hours and you can text if you prefer.
For those of you who communicate via email the above housing officers can be contacted on the emails below..
mali.pocsai@irwellvalley.co.uk
joanne.lingings@irwellvalley.co.uk
david.mclaren@irwellvalley.co.uk
thanks
Tal
SWV
