Coastline believes that the more customers are involved to develop services for your home and area, the better those services will be.

We know that you may be busy, so we aim to make it as easy as possible for you to get involved by supporting you with training and expenses.

Training

Coastline is committed to providing a high quality training programme of practical and personal development courses. We have put it together in consultation with our customers to ensure training is tailored to meets your needs. Held throughout the year, all of the courses are free and range from Accredited First Aid to Understanding Social Housing.

The difference it makes

Coastline’s aim is to give customers the opportunity to participate effectively in the decisions that affect their community and the management of their home. The knowledge and skills developed in our courses can be used to support work in Sounding Boards and Action Teams, or in events and projects that can benefit people wherever they live.

The time you need to give

The training events all vary in length, but most of them last at least 2 hours. You can attend one whenever you like with no further commitment.

How you can join

The training programme for 2012-13 is being prepared following consultation with our customers. It will be available here soon, but take a look at the 2011-12 Involvement and Empowerment Training Programme to see what kind of courses could be coming up.

You can read more information about training and support below, or continue to navigate a course through our pages to find out about the many ways to Get Involved with Coastline.

Courses for 2012-13

The courses for the coming year were recently chosen by our involved customers. Full details will be added to this page as soon as they are available. The list below shows courses from 2011, many of which are likely to be held again:

• Allocations and Lettings Training with Customer Care and Access
• Assertiveness and Negotiation Skills
• Chairing Skills
• Deaf Awareness training & Basic Sign Language
• DIY Fun Afternoon
• Drafting Newsletters and Publicity
• Equality & Diversity Training
• First Aid - Accredited Course
• Food Safety Certificate - Accredited Course
• How to fill in a Funding Application Form
• Taking Minutes and Secretarial Skills
• Treasurer Training Balancing the Books
• Understanding Social Housing
• Understanding Social Housing - Part 2 - Back to the Future
  

Expenses

Travelling to training courses, Sounding Boards, Action Teams and Area Panels
If you use your own vehicle and petrol to attend any of these activities then we will reimburse you on production of a completed expenses claim form. When you catch a bus or train to one, keep hold of your receipt and we will reimburse you the full cost. Taxis are the most expensive form of transport so we ask you to consider other travel options first before using one. However, if a taxi is needed Coastline has an approved list of the only companies we will cover costs for.

Lunch and refreshments
Refreshments are provided for all activities listed above with lunch included for full day courses. Please make sure you tell us about any special dietary requirements when you confirm you are coming along - if you are attending a training session fill in the section on the booking form.

Other expenses
We understand that attending these activities can be difficult when you are responsible for a child or loved one. That is why we will also pay the costs of temporary care, up to the value of £10 per hour, to enable you to attend and take part (but not if that care is being given by a family member or friend). A receipt is required, and we can offer support and personal care through our sister company Coastline Care if required.

Click to download the full expenses procedure or an approved Coastline expenses claim form.

Additional training available

E-Learning
Coastline works very closely with the Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) which is a recognised centre for National Open College Network validated and accredited courses. The TPAS e-learning courses, including two pilot courses, are accredited at Level 2 via the Open College Network North West Region.

To find out about the benefits of TPAS e-learning and the online courses offered download the Involvement and Empowerment Training Programme booklet and see all the details on page 11.

Free computer courses
Local trainer Gavin Bolton offers free IT workshops covering:

• Accessing the Internet
• Basic PC Use
• Setting Up/Using E-mail
• Searching the Internet Effectively with Google
• PC Security
• Government Services
• Internet Security
• Online Shopping
• Social Networking
• Cost Saving

To find out more about all the free training Gavin offers please download the Free IT Courses leaflet.

If you would like to know more about becoming an involved customer, please contact any member of the Neighbourhood and Involvement Team. You can e-mail getinvolved@coastlinehousing.co.uk, download the application form, call freephone 08082 027728 or our local number 01209 200200.