The document summarizes the history and development of a Resource Office established in 2006 to provide support and services to tenants and residents associations. It began as a small meeting room but has since expanded to new premises with a reception area, training room, and offices to serve as a community hub. The Resource Office has fulfilled its original aims while recruiting more volunteers and members. It encourages residents to utilize its computer and printing facilities, volunteer, or provide suggestions on additional services needed to further support the local community.

1. Courtesy of Stafford and Rural Homes in partnership with Tenants and Residents Federation Resource Office

2. The Beginning The idea of a Resource Office as we originally envisaged it. Was first muted in February 2006 as part of the Offer Document and Partnership Agreement A steering group was formed, with the first brainstorming meeting held at Glebelands in March of that year. Finally after many false hopes and dreams Sarh offered us the use of a small meeting room in The Rurals to convert into our office, for starters. To see if this venture would find its wings and fly. Indeed it has and is now soaring onwards and forever upwards !

3. Our First Home (insert picture) The new venture went live At 09.00 On 23 rd April 2007 In The Croxton Room

4. Volunteers Our stalwart volunteers mostly came from the steering group and now nick-named the Magnificent Seven decided after a short trial of being open every week day and to staff it 3 full days per week Monday 09.00 – 16.30* (First Monday of each month till 16.00) Wednesday 09.00 – 16.30 Friday 09.00 – 16.30 And we never closed for lunch!

5. Our Aim Initially was : To provide a back-up service with training to all the Sheltered Schemes and the general Tenants and Residents Associations. Which we have reached and carry on to do . This venture has gone from strength to strength with people popping in for help or making a booking for using our fully productive computer suite, with one to one training when needed.

6. A Typical Day at the Office

7. We promised we could and would help you………. Well we have! In getting to grips with a computer Print Minutes and Agendas from your meetings (and even provided a typist, if you can’t do it ) Design Eye Catching Posters and Flyers Solve any problem that a tenant brings to your notice Use email

8. Where we are today Fulfilled our original promises and aims as a back up service to you. And further more Busy recruiting new faces primarily to the office and then our Federation itself. Over time we have gone from strength to strength always with the view of growing into a bigger office space.

9. The future is Ours to see! Soon you can come and see us in new premises now known as on Greyfriars Opened 5 days a week Nestling alongside of the new Stafford and Rurals One Stop Shop which is Opened for all their and our customers housing needs Community Resource Centre

10. Our new home (insert pic of outside parade of shops)

11. Our new home Close up pic of Resource Centre

12. Featuring Welcoming and homely reception area (insert pic of reception) Complete with a

13. Training Room Insert Pic of back Office This will also be inpart the business hub of the Federation

14. Your Support is Needed To help reach our aims and objectives as a front leader in the spirit of community for your communities. So tell us what you need from us to provide to help you and your group Come in and use the computer and printing facilities.

15. Become a Volunteer help us staff the centre 5 days per week whatever your talent & time to spare is we can certainly use it! Even if you can only manage a few hours either Morning or Afternoon just once a month Your RESOURCE CENTRE Needs YOU

16. We need YOU HAVE YOUR YOUR DAY US TODAY

17. A few ideas: You can always Teach a handicraft – pass your skills on Meet your local bobby in strictest confidence. Help an adult learn to read or add up We can always find space to…….

18. Broaden the horizons Need A quiet place for GCSE kids to study? Maybe we are your answer No more fractious teens and screaming nippers.