Housing Monthly Diary takes a look at some of this month's news involving social landlords that does not necessarily fall into the traditional landlord-tenant remit.
Association and Council Host Primary School Question Time
Pupils from two local primary schools have been taking Birmingham's decision makers to task, confronting a panel of experts on key community topics at a specially designed discussion forum for children.
A total of 60 pupils aged nine and 10 were asked to think about problems affecting their families and friends before taking their seats for 'question time'.
The children raised concerns over a number of issues, from bullying to plans for city swimming pools and provision in the area for disabled children, demonstrating a clear awareness of neighbourhood problems and the importance of community conscience.
The initiative was hosted by a steering group headed by Midland Heart and Birmingham City Council, to promote community cohesion and encourage participation, equality and positive relationships within its services.
Questions from the floor were taken by four leading figures, including Clare Short, MP for Ladywood.
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Pride in Oldham Award for Dedicated Youth Worker
Staff from the antisocial behaviour team at Guinness Northern Counties have been celebrating this weekend as Janan Billings, former Project co-ordinator with the Association, was announced a winner in the Pride in Oldham Awards.
Scooping first place in the professional category, Janan was described in his nomination as 'truly an inspiration' by People First Advisor Janet Tootill.
The 27-year old lived in Rochdale, where he worked for more than four years with Guinness Northern Counties, before recently returning home to Australia to be nearer to his family.
Janan won the award for the inspirational work he has done with young people in the Oldham area where his role entailed engaging with young people and linking with local agencies to provide workshops on topics such as drug abuse and healthy eating.
He also set up and ran an after school club which has proved an invaluable facility and is still in operation.
The awards, run by the Oldham Evening Chronicle, were launched in 2002 to pay tribute to the people and organisations that go that extra mile for the Borough of Oldham and its people.