News

A new entrance to The Barracks estate in Pontefract was unveiled during a remembrance service on Monday 12 November, marking 100 years since the end of World War One.

You may have noticed a slight change to our website. We have added a new tool which makes it more accessible and easy to read for some customers. You can now customise our website in a way that works for you. It now includes dyslexia friendly tools, an interactive dictionary, a translation tool with over 100 languages and an option to turn text to speech.

Local children’s gymnastics group, Jesters Gymnastics Club, has been able to buy brand new gym equipment thanks to WDH and Horbury Financial Services. The not-for-profit organisation based in Pontefract and Featherstone received a £1500 Community Grant from WDH and £350 from Horbury Financial Services to buy a new air track to help gymnasts improve their tumbling skills and training. With over 20 years’ experience, Jesters Gymnastics Club works with over 200 children, aged five to 18, to learn and improve their gymnastics skills. Jess Garrett, Head Coach at Jesters Gymnastics Club said: “The children absolutely love the new air track. We bought it from Airtrack UK who have been brilliant. We rely solely on fundraising so this wouldn’t have been possible without the donations from WDH and Horbury Financial Services.”

A WDH Community Grant has helped the 17th Wakefield Scout Club to buy essential kits for expeditions.

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

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

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

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

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

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