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Welcome to the United Nations “International Year of Co-operatives”

2012 has been recognised as the International Year of Co-operatives by the United Nations.

United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring 2012 the UN International Year of Co-operatives on December 18, 2009.

The UN resolution entitled 'Co-operatives in Social Development' recognises the diversity of the co-operative movement around the world and urges governments to take measures aimed at creating a supportive environment for the development of co-operatives. Click here to go to the UN IYC website to find out more about the UN Resolution and about other UN IYC activities

This is an acknowledgement by the international community that co-operatives drive the economy, respond to social change, are resilient to the global economic crisis and are serious, successful businesses creating jobs in all sectors.

To find out how CVS Rochdale support Co-operatives and social enterprises in general please call or email:

• Contact: Tariq Khandoker, Tel: (01706) 510822, Email: t.khandoker@cvsr.org.uk

Information from Rochdale Online

Tenants say ‘yes’ to co-operative
Date published: 22 December 2011

Council tenants in Rochdale have voted ‘yes’ to creating the largest housing mutual in the country.

Ownership of 13,700 homes will transfer from Rochdale Borough Council to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) in March next year.

The vote comes just weeks after Rochdale was declared the World Capital of Co-operatives and as the borough prepares to celebrate the International Year of Co-operatives next year.

The decision should, subject to final Council and Government approval, mean that RBH will become the UK’s first tenant and employee co-owned mutual landlord.

Fittingly, the announcement was made by Council leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, on Wednesday 21 December at 8.00pm – the same date and time the Rochdale Pioneers opened their co-op store on Toad Lane in 1844, which is recognised as being the catalyst for the global Co-operative Movement.

The announcement, which was made at Touchstones in Rochdale town centre, to an audience of over 60 including members of the Rochdale Tenants’ Panel, the borough’s two MPs, Simon Danczuk and Jim Dobbin, councillors and council officers was greeted with cheers and applause.

The vote will result in a £169 million improvement programme for homes and estates in the first five years – much more than would have been possible if the houses had stayed with the Council.

Councillor Lambert said: “I am delighted that, on this important date in Rochdale’s history, we have been able to announce that the borough is going to be home to the country’s largest housing mutual to be run along co-operative principles. This continues the ambitious, pioneering spirit of the 28 workers who set up the Toad Lane store and it’s an exciting development that will quite rightly take its place in our co-operative history.

“The Council has believed from day one that any decision to transfer the homes should rest entirely with residents and now that they have made their choice we’ll be working hard to ensure a smooth transfer to RBH.”

The ballot was carried out by the independent organisation Electoral Reform Services. Almost 9,000 residents voted – a turn-out of 56% with three to one in favour of the transfer.

Noel Chambers, Chairman of the RBH Board, also welcomed the news: “Throughout this process we’ve worked hard to ensure that tenants were provided with all the information they needed to make an informed decision. I’d like to say a big thank you to tenants for voting and to staff and Council colleagues. The support of our two MPs, Simon Danczuk and Jim Dobbin, has been unstinting and both have worked hard behind the scenes.

“We’re delighted and proud that we are able to move towards creating the UK’s biggest housing mutual here in the birthplace of co-operation.”

Chairwoman of Rochdale Tenants’ Panel, Lynne Brosnan, added: “Tenants should be congratulated for making such a momentous decision. Now it is up to RBH to deliver the brighter co-operative future we have voted for.

“The hard work begins now. The next few months will be spent preparing and making sure everything is in place for the transfer next year.”
 

Dec 2011 - March 2012 Memory Wellbeing Cafe Flyer

Hi Everyone
Thanks to Shanty from Rochdale Women’s Welfare Association for this information.

I am not sure if you are aware or not but there is an online petition for the Rochdale Infirmary…

If you would like to sign the petition “Management of the Pennine Acute Trust” click link http://democracy.rochdale.gov.uk/mgEPetitionDisplay.aspx?ID=34&RPID=582347&HPID=582347

and then complete your details and sign.

Takes literally less than 2 minutes but will make a BIG difference as you are making your voice heard and hopefully we can unite together to try and bring back some services like A & E which is very much needed!!

Can you please promote it amongst your colleagues, user groups, family & friends, you can also ask your contacts from across the country too so please do!
 

Sarah Harper
Communication & Information Officer