0:00:03 > 0:00:07Across Britain, in hundreds of towns, cities and neighbourhoods,
0:00:07 > 0:00:11people are struggling with everyday worries that have got on top of them.
0:00:11 > 0:00:13But there are places to turn,
0:00:13 > 0:00:16even if it seems that no-one else will help.
0:00:17 > 0:00:19This centre is one of them.
0:00:19 > 0:00:21Made unique by the woman that runs it.
0:00:23 > 0:00:25A nun for 50 years...
0:00:25 > 0:00:27- HORN BEEPS - Bye-bye!
0:00:27 > 0:00:31..she's made it her mission to get this community back on its feet,
0:00:31 > 0:00:35and make a real difference to the lives of as many people as she can.
0:00:36 > 0:00:38In her own particular way.
0:00:40 > 0:00:43They don't call me the Formidable Sister Rita for nothing!
0:00:47 > 0:00:52Today, Sister Rita launches a new crusade to clean up Collyhurst.
0:00:52 > 0:00:54I know what's going to happen,
0:00:54 > 0:00:58I will be on my own at the litter pick, and all of you will be in bed,
0:00:58 > 0:01:00is that right?
0:01:00 > 0:01:03Bring the kids, they're nearer to the ground than I am.
0:01:03 > 0:01:06And with the help of the Sister's Job Club,
0:01:06 > 0:01:09a five-year hunt for work finally ends in success.
0:01:09 > 0:01:11A fella told me this morning he's got a job.
0:01:11 > 0:01:13Will you give him a clap, please?
0:01:13 > 0:01:14CHEERING
0:01:16 > 0:01:18Now you follow his lead. All of you.
0:01:20 > 0:01:22Like most days at the Lalley Centre,
0:01:22 > 0:01:25this one starts with Sister Rita taking the mic.
0:01:25 > 0:01:29Don't you dare be scared of me.
0:01:29 > 0:01:30Are you listening?
0:01:30 > 0:01:33And the redoubtable nun is taking no prisoners.
0:01:34 > 0:01:37Er, do you want to be thrown out on your ear?
0:01:37 > 0:01:39With her team of staff and volunteers,
0:01:39 > 0:01:42Sister Rita runs a food bank and drop-in centre
0:01:42 > 0:01:45helping with all of life's essentials.
0:01:45 > 0:01:47The hairdresser's coming this Monday.
0:01:47 > 0:01:49If you want your hair cut,
0:01:49 > 0:01:52- wash your hair before you come in here.- Did you hear that, Steve?
0:01:52 > 0:01:53Did you hear that?
0:01:53 > 0:01:56All of you, never mind Steve.
0:01:56 > 0:02:00The Sister's established the Lalley as a cornerstone of the community.
0:02:00 > 0:02:02Offering practical support to those who need it,
0:02:02 > 0:02:05in one of the most deprived parts of Manchester.
0:02:05 > 0:02:07Take the form.
0:02:07 > 0:02:11Fill it in with the children you have.
0:02:11 > 0:02:14Her determination to improve the lives of people in the local area,
0:02:14 > 0:02:18and beyond, has won her friends in high places.
0:02:18 > 0:02:20The Government's Department For Work And Pensions
0:02:20 > 0:02:22has set up a pilot scheme that,
0:02:22 > 0:02:25once a week, sees officials come to the centre
0:02:25 > 0:02:29to give out on-the-spot advice on benefit issues.
0:02:29 > 0:02:30Is that it, Max?
0:02:30 > 0:02:32Is there another page?
0:02:32 > 0:02:34I'll be here all day!
0:02:34 > 0:02:38And the first stage of Sister Rita's plans to bring the community together
0:02:38 > 0:02:42has started to bear fruit with the creation of her new Friendship Group.
0:02:42 > 0:02:46There's a lot of buzz of conversation,
0:02:46 > 0:02:49and people actually looking and talking at one another.
0:02:49 > 0:02:52That's all brilliant.
0:02:52 > 0:02:54No-one could doubt that it's Sister Rita who's the
0:02:54 > 0:02:56driving force at the Lalley.
0:02:56 > 0:02:59But she couldn't achieve all she does by herself.
0:02:59 > 0:03:03There's one key ingredient that makes all her projects possible.
0:03:03 > 0:03:09I think that all volunteers at the Lalley know that we rate them very highly.
0:03:09 > 0:03:11And we really appreciate,
0:03:11 > 0:03:14and there would be no Lalley without them.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22The Lalley has a small number of paid staff
0:03:22 > 0:03:26like the Sister's deputy, Max, and right-hand woman, Kath.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30But what really keeps things on track is the efforts of the 15 volunteers
0:03:30 > 0:03:34who give up an hour, an afternoon, or in some cases longer,
0:03:34 > 0:03:38to cook, help at the food bank, or generally get stuck in.
0:03:38 > 0:03:42I've worked in other places and nothing compares to our volunteers.
0:03:44 > 0:03:48Unlike Sister Rita, the volunteers are rarely trained social workers.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51And when they first walk through the door, few of them have
0:03:51 > 0:03:54any of the training and experience required to deal with some
0:03:54 > 0:03:58of the more challenging situations that can occur daily at the Lalley.
0:03:58 > 0:04:01Even though sometimes we get visitors who drive you daft,
0:04:01 > 0:04:04they just do, you can't let that show.
0:04:04 > 0:04:08You know, you have to be as polite as you possibly can.
0:04:08 > 0:04:10And they do try very, very hard, I have to say.
0:04:10 > 0:04:12But you have to have training.
0:04:12 > 0:04:15If you have a sheet that you can show everybody...
0:04:15 > 0:04:17You could type that up for us!
0:04:17 > 0:04:19Yeah, no...
0:04:19 > 0:04:21I've dug myself another hole, haven't I?
0:04:21 > 0:04:23You could type that up for us...
0:04:23 > 0:04:26The much-needed training is laid on regularly by Sister Rita
0:04:26 > 0:04:28and her core team.
0:04:28 > 0:04:30There's a focus on health and safety,
0:04:30 > 0:04:33and helping volunteers understand the complex social and mental health
0:04:33 > 0:04:38needs they're likely to encounter when helping many of the visitors.
0:04:38 > 0:04:43Would it be an idea to allocate somebody to do that task each day?
0:04:44 > 0:04:48Some of Sister Rita's band of volunteers, like Yvonne,
0:04:48 > 0:04:51are required to help out here as part of the conditions of getting
0:04:51 > 0:04:52their Jobseeker's Allowance.
0:04:52 > 0:04:54Although it's not at all unusual
0:04:54 > 0:04:59for several to continue volunteering even after they find paid work.
0:04:59 > 0:05:03I love it, I love meeting new people. I like helping people.
0:05:03 > 0:05:07So I enjoy it, I love being in the kitchen. You've seen me
0:05:07 > 0:05:09with my apron on every day since I started here.
0:05:09 > 0:05:12Others come to help because they've benefited from the services
0:05:12 > 0:05:16at the Lalley in the past and want to give something back.
0:05:16 > 0:05:20But the majority, like Michael, are here because they genuinely
0:05:20 > 0:05:23want to contribute to the greater good of the community.
0:05:23 > 0:05:26I just think I'm trying to make a difference, that's all, to
0:05:26 > 0:05:29people of the area, some less better off than I am.
0:05:29 > 0:05:34One of Sister Rita's longest standing volunteers is Muriel,
0:05:34 > 0:05:36who has been helping out for almost five years.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41Well, Muriel lives in the parish where the Lalley operates from,
0:05:41 > 0:05:46and obviously our first port of call was to ask parishioners
0:05:46 > 0:05:50if they would help in the running of this centre.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53So I guess that's a help for her,
0:05:53 > 0:05:58to feeling very much part of the Lalley Centre and the way it's run.
0:05:58 > 0:06:00She's a total gem.
0:06:00 > 0:06:06I can't imagine working at the Lalley Centre without Muriel.
0:06:06 > 0:06:09I retired five years ago, and about six months after I retired
0:06:09 > 0:06:12I came here in the summer and I've not been away since.
0:06:12 > 0:06:17Volunteering keeps you occupied, and knowing you're helping somebody
0:06:17 > 0:06:19makes you feel better about yourself.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Nearly 14 million people in the UK regularly give up their free
0:06:24 > 0:06:29time to work as unpaid volunteers for organisations and charities.
0:06:29 > 0:06:30Without such willing helpers,
0:06:30 > 0:06:33centres like this one couldn't function.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36Sister Rita considers people like Muriel to be
0:06:36 > 0:06:39the lifeblood of the Lalley.
0:06:39 > 0:06:41And she's relying on their enthusiasm to kick-start her
0:06:41 > 0:06:43next big idea.
0:06:43 > 0:06:46She wants to foster a better sense of community in Collyhurst
0:06:46 > 0:06:49by encouraging the locals to take pride in where they live.
0:06:49 > 0:06:51So she's working with Margot, who heads up
0:06:51 > 0:06:54the Collyhurst Big Local community group,
0:06:54 > 0:06:57and together they are organising a monthly litter pick that they
0:06:57 > 0:07:01hope will bring people together to transform their surroundings.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04You know, we have a beautiful country here
0:07:04 > 0:07:07and I think we should look after it.
0:07:07 > 0:07:11And I think that the environment is vital to all of us.
0:07:11 > 0:07:15I think that going out in fluorescent jackets
0:07:15 > 0:07:18and showing people that we're picking up litter
0:07:18 > 0:07:23just makes them think for a couple of seconds about what's going on
0:07:23 > 0:07:28and about the importance of keeping the streets and the areas clean.
0:07:30 > 0:07:32It's Saturday morning
0:07:32 > 0:07:35and there are high hopes for Collyhurst's very first litter pick.
0:07:35 > 0:07:39Although a lot of the areas are very clean, a lot of the residential
0:07:39 > 0:07:42areas are quite clean but the areas that aren't lived in can tend to
0:07:42 > 0:07:45have quite a lot of rubbish so we decided to get together.
0:07:47 > 0:07:50But it quickly becomes clear that almost all the people who've
0:07:50 > 0:07:53turned up to muck in are the people who helped arrange
0:07:53 > 0:07:56the litter pick in the first place.
0:07:56 > 0:07:59Only two other people from the community have come along.
0:07:59 > 0:08:02I'm a bit disappointed but not massively disappointed because it's
0:08:02 > 0:08:06the first time we've done this, and we are going to make a difference.
0:08:06 > 0:08:10Undeterred, Muriel and the others roll up their sleeves
0:08:10 > 0:08:11and get stuck in.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14You know, it shows we have some respect for it.
0:08:14 > 0:08:17If you try to get the kids to do it as well,
0:08:17 > 0:08:21that's the main thing, get the kids doing it, cos they are going to be the next ones to care for the area.
0:08:21 > 0:08:25And local councillor, Julie, is also keen to get involved.
0:08:25 > 0:08:28That bag there, somebody's just come along, seen this rubbish,
0:08:28 > 0:08:31it's unkempt, and thrown it away. So, by keeping it clean,
0:08:31 > 0:08:35it stops that casualness of just throwing stuff over a wall,
0:08:35 > 0:08:37hopefully, fingers crossed
0:08:37 > 0:08:41While the litter pick can be a fun way to stretch your legs and
0:08:41 > 0:08:43make a difference, it doesn't come without risk.
0:08:43 > 0:08:46Muriel comes off worst in an encounter with a rogue branch,
0:08:46 > 0:08:48and needs first aid.
0:08:48 > 0:08:52- It's only a scratch. - I'm doing blonde, not red.
0:08:52 > 0:08:53THEY LAUGH
0:08:55 > 0:08:58I gave my blood for this place!
0:09:00 > 0:09:03But before long, they stumble on a much more serious problem.
0:09:03 > 0:09:07I would be very surprised in an environment like this
0:09:07 > 0:09:09if we didn't find any drugs paraphernalia at all.
0:09:09 > 0:09:12But I'm surprised and I'm really, really pleased that so far
0:09:12 > 0:09:16in this area we've found so little, so that's really good for this area.
0:09:16 > 0:09:20Community litter picks are becoming increasingly common.
0:09:20 > 0:09:23And the Campaign to Protect Rural England has advice
0:09:23 > 0:09:27on its website for anyone looking to organise one in their area.
0:09:27 > 0:09:28Here in Collyhurst,
0:09:28 > 0:09:32despite the turnout limiting how much of the local area can be covered,
0:09:32 > 0:09:37Sister Rita's team can congratulate themselves on a promising start.
0:09:37 > 0:09:3918 bags,
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- 18 bags of rubbish and all this, this is the difference...- Say a round 20 and have done with it.
0:09:43 > 0:09:45..it makes today for this environment
0:09:45 > 0:09:46and the people of this area.
0:09:46 > 0:09:48It's great. Thanks, guys!
0:09:48 > 0:09:50Yay!
0:09:52 > 0:09:57I think if you work in Collyhurst, you really have to have drive,
0:09:57 > 0:10:00you have to be determined, you have to be optimistic,
0:10:00 > 0:10:06and it's difficult at times, when time and time again you feel let down.
0:10:06 > 0:10:08Time and time again people won't turn up.
0:10:08 > 0:10:10Now, if you don't
0:10:10 > 0:10:15have that single-mindedness, and that determination,
0:10:15 > 0:10:16then you wouldn't
0:10:16 > 0:10:20make any difference in Collyhurst, and I actually think I have that.
0:10:20 > 0:10:23A much more established part of what the Lalley can
0:10:23 > 0:10:26do for the community is the centre's weekly job club.
0:10:26 > 0:10:33We are having a new job club on a Monday as well as Thursday.
0:10:34 > 0:10:40And the Monday job club is at the same time, one o'clock until three.
0:10:41 > 0:10:44Figures show that around half a million people who haven't
0:10:44 > 0:10:47got jobs have been unemployed for 12 months or more.
0:10:47 > 0:10:50So the purpose of job clubs like this one,
0:10:50 > 0:10:53run in hundreds of drop-in centres around the country, is to
0:10:53 > 0:10:57help provide new skills and offer support to people looking for work.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01The job club that we have on a Thursday afternoon helps people
0:11:01 > 0:11:06with their computer skills - some of them have, some of them haven't.
0:11:06 > 0:11:09With their CVs, with the job searching.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13The other thing is, they have people around them,
0:11:13 > 0:11:19around the table, that they link into to say, "How do you do this?"
0:11:19 > 0:11:22And that helps them grow in confidence.
0:11:22 > 0:11:25Sister Rita knows the encouragement the job club provides makes
0:11:25 > 0:11:28a real difference in maintaining motivation.
0:11:28 > 0:11:30As it has for Tommy Hibbs.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33He's been unemployed for five years,
0:11:33 > 0:11:35despite constantly applying for work.
0:11:35 > 0:11:38In five months I've applied for 400.
0:11:38 > 0:11:41I've had two answers. Both of them were basically no.
0:11:41 > 0:11:43That's how hard it is.
0:11:43 > 0:11:48When they come in and they tell you how many times they've applied
0:11:48 > 0:11:51and they've not even had anything back,
0:11:51 > 0:11:54that's soul-destroying for them.
0:11:54 > 0:12:00So I would say, "Don't give up on this, literally, because you can't.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02"Don't give up.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06"Keep on searching for jobs, keep on trying to get a job,
0:12:06 > 0:12:09"because, believe me, you will get one in the end."
0:12:09 > 0:12:14Tommy has signed up to a number of agencies in the hope that
0:12:14 > 0:12:17getting a short-term contract might lead to something longer-term.
0:12:17 > 0:12:21Today it seems there IS the prospect of a job.
0:12:21 > 0:12:24But to firm it up he has something very simple Sister Rita can
0:12:24 > 0:12:26help him with.
0:12:26 > 0:12:30Come on, Tommy, sit yourself down, love.
0:12:30 > 0:12:31Good morning.
0:12:31 > 0:12:33How are ya?
0:12:33 > 0:12:34Aye.
0:12:34 > 0:12:36Tommy was rung with news of a possible short-term
0:12:36 > 0:12:39painting-and-decorating job.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41He's supposed to call back,
0:12:41 > 0:12:43but he doesn't have any credit on his phone.
0:12:43 > 0:12:46I got a phone call from me advisor.
0:12:46 > 0:12:49He said it's only eight weeks but I said
0:12:49 > 0:12:53if I work hard, get my head down, I might get kept on, there's
0:12:53 > 0:12:56always a chance, so that's the one I'm trying to get hold of now.
0:12:56 > 0:12:59That is brilliant. Well, please, God, you will.
0:12:59 > 0:13:01If you need to use the phone, the phone's there.
0:13:01 > 0:13:04Yeah, I do need to use the phone.
0:13:04 > 0:13:07Hiya, I phoned up this morning about a job,
0:13:07 > 0:13:11and I was offered it yesterday and someone was supposed to have phoned me,
0:13:11 > 0:13:18but they never did. I've just got me work boots and that. I've just got no brushes or anything.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20All right, thanks a lot, bye.
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Sister Rita has a solution for that, too.
0:13:23 > 0:13:26To help Tommy afford the new brushes he needs, she reminds him
0:13:26 > 0:13:29about a government work programme that lends job seekers
0:13:29 > 0:13:33the money to buy the necessary tools or equipment for a new job.
0:13:33 > 0:13:35It works like a loan - so once you're earning,
0:13:35 > 0:13:37you pay the money back.
0:13:37 > 0:13:42So Tommy wastes no time hotfooting it down to his local DIY store.
0:13:42 > 0:13:48Roller, radiator brush. Well, I couldn't have afforded it.
0:13:48 > 0:13:50I've got everything I need now.
0:13:50 > 0:13:54For Tommy, the chance he'll be able to live on more than benefits
0:13:54 > 0:13:56is the break he's been waiting for.
0:13:56 > 0:13:58You've got a better lifestyle.
0:13:58 > 0:14:00You feel happier in yourself when you're working.
0:14:00 > 0:14:03The only way, in my book, out of poverty,
0:14:03 > 0:14:10and the only way to have good wellbeing in your self, is to work.
0:14:11 > 0:14:15Tommy's had a difficult life, and hasn't always made the best choices.
0:14:15 > 0:14:19But in recent years he's been determined to turn things around.
0:14:19 > 0:14:22And getting back into work will be a huge step forward.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26I was taken into care when I was ten.
0:14:26 > 0:14:30And from there, I just went through everything then,
0:14:30 > 0:14:34one home to another home, then approved school and borstal and prison.
0:14:36 > 0:14:41And it was only when I got to 40 and thought, "What have I done?"
0:14:41 > 0:14:44But just as the future appears to be looking brighter for Tommy,
0:14:44 > 0:14:46he gets some unwanted news.
0:14:46 > 0:14:47Hello?
0:14:50 > 0:14:52Job's fell through.
0:14:52 > 0:14:54HE SIGHS
0:14:57 > 0:14:59HE EXHALES HEAVILY
0:15:00 > 0:15:02That's fell through.
0:15:05 > 0:15:07You get your work stuff ready and everything,
0:15:07 > 0:15:10and then they tell you it's been pulled.
0:15:10 > 0:15:13This is what you get, you know what I mean?
0:15:13 > 0:15:16And you wonder why people get fed up.
0:15:16 > 0:15:20Despite yet another knock back, Tommy's not giving up.
0:15:20 > 0:15:23He'll be back at the Job Club next week.
0:15:23 > 0:15:26Collyhurst has higher than average unemployment,
0:15:26 > 0:15:27but in Britain as a whole,
0:15:27 > 0:15:30the number of people in work is at a record high.
0:15:30 > 0:15:33Wages too are rising faster than they have for years,
0:15:33 > 0:15:35although not for everyone.
0:15:35 > 0:15:38Sister Rita regularly sees people coming to the food bank
0:15:38 > 0:15:42who HAVE jobs but need a bit of extra help to get by.
0:15:43 > 0:15:48I have no problem with people who work coming to the food bank
0:15:48 > 0:15:53because some people who work just can't make ends meet.
0:15:53 > 0:15:56Why would we punish them for that,
0:15:56 > 0:15:58when they're getting out of bed in the morning,
0:15:58 > 0:16:00getting out to work, doing their bit,
0:16:00 > 0:16:05trying to keep their children happy and fed,
0:16:05 > 0:16:08and yet not making enough to make ends meet?
0:16:10 > 0:16:13Among the people in that position is Tanisha.
0:16:13 > 0:16:16Her 15 and a half hours a week as a teaching assistant
0:16:16 > 0:16:20just falls short of the 16 hours she'd need to work to qualify
0:16:20 > 0:16:23for the Government's Working Tax Credits,
0:16:23 > 0:16:27designed to top up the wages of low-paid workers.
0:16:27 > 0:16:29So, to keep on top of things, she's found herself
0:16:29 > 0:16:32relying on the Lalley's food bank.
0:16:32 > 0:16:34I'm sure there are people that just dip in and out
0:16:34 > 0:16:37of food banks as and when they need them.
0:16:37 > 0:16:41We have young children. We struggle, and that's it.
0:16:41 > 0:16:44Her top-ups from the food bank mean she doesn't need to worry about
0:16:44 > 0:16:48whether she can afford to provide three meals a day for her children.
0:16:48 > 0:16:50My kids used to say things like,
0:16:50 > 0:16:53"Are we going to get lunch today or are we just having dinner?"
0:16:53 > 0:16:56And there was always this sort of anxiety, "Is this lunch or dinner?",
0:16:56 > 0:16:59but now that stress has been removed.
0:16:59 > 0:17:02My heart goes out to these people.
0:17:02 > 0:17:07They have all the pressures of a working day,
0:17:07 > 0:17:11but not the benefits. The pay is so pathetic
0:17:11 > 0:17:15that they can't really manage their lives on what they're getting.
0:17:15 > 0:17:21So I just think they need even more consideration
0:17:21 > 0:17:24than the people who can't get jobs and are coming in for food.
0:17:24 > 0:17:25I'll hold your tea for you.
0:17:25 > 0:17:28When I first came, I was expecting that there would be people
0:17:28 > 0:17:33homeless or...I don't know, druggies.
0:17:33 > 0:17:35And then when I came in and I saw,
0:17:35 > 0:17:37"Oh, look it's mums and families,"
0:17:37 > 0:17:40you know, I saw one or two people in their work uniforms
0:17:42 > 0:17:44There have been dissenting voices amongst some of the others
0:17:44 > 0:17:47using the food bank, who don't agree that the service
0:17:47 > 0:17:50should be available to people in work,
0:17:50 > 0:17:52assuming that having a job brings in enough money
0:17:52 > 0:17:56to buy food, rather than take it for free.
0:17:56 > 0:17:59And while, for Tanisha, the top-up supplies
0:17:59 > 0:18:02she gets from the Lalley make all the difference,
0:18:02 > 0:18:05her situation has made her question whether she'd be better off
0:18:05 > 0:18:07if she DIDN'T have a job.
0:18:07 > 0:18:10What I think is happening is that those who are working
0:18:10 > 0:18:13and are trying, we get penalised more than those who are not
0:18:13 > 0:18:14doing anything at all.
0:18:14 > 0:18:17It's really, really stressful.
0:18:17 > 0:18:19'Being on benefits is much more easier, I reckon.'
0:18:21 > 0:18:24Tanisha would like to work more,
0:18:24 > 0:18:27but can't due to her son, who has medical issues,
0:18:27 > 0:18:30and relying on benefits wouldn't be the right choice for her.
0:18:30 > 0:18:33So, she's sticking with her job and using the food bank
0:18:33 > 0:18:37as and when she needs to, depending on what bills need to be paid.
0:18:37 > 0:18:39Sister Rita doesn't make a distinction between those
0:18:39 > 0:18:43who need short-term assistance and those who come back week after week.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45She just wants to help, no matter what.
0:18:46 > 0:18:48Er, no.
0:18:50 > 0:18:53When you've finished talking... Thank you.
0:18:56 > 0:19:00But she knows the secret to keeping the centre running smoothly
0:19:00 > 0:19:03is the volunteers who give up so much time to help.
0:19:03 > 0:19:07She's keen to make sure they understand just how much
0:19:07 > 0:19:09their contribution is valued.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12Right, girls, come on, let's get out.
0:19:12 > 0:19:16So today she's rewarding her faithful team with a day out
0:19:16 > 0:19:19and taking them to Blackpool.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Well, I would like to do far more for the volunteers, actually,
0:19:21 > 0:19:26than what we do, but we do take them for a day out in Blackpool.
0:19:26 > 0:19:28Now, they're very happy with that.
0:19:28 > 0:19:33We have great camaraderie in the bus, great fun, great laughter.
0:19:35 > 0:19:39Even on days out, it's Sister Rita who has her foot on the gas.
0:19:39 > 0:19:41Will you shut up at the back!
0:19:42 > 0:19:44In the name of the Father, and of the Son
0:19:44 > 0:19:46and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
0:19:46 > 0:19:49Lord, we ask you today to protect us,
0:19:49 > 0:19:52to help Rita to be able to drive the van,
0:19:52 > 0:19:55and to able to find all the controls.
0:19:55 > 0:19:56We're off, people.
0:19:58 > 0:20:01Are we going to hit that blue car?
0:20:01 > 0:20:03- Oh, my God.- Keep going.
0:20:03 > 0:20:06- It's tight.- It's fine.
0:20:06 > 0:20:09Safely parked up, the volunteers are free to enjoy
0:20:09 > 0:20:12the sights and sounds of the seaside.
0:20:12 > 0:20:13FAIRGROUND MUSIC PLAYS
0:20:15 > 0:20:18- Are you going on the Big Dipper?- No. - THEY LAUGH
0:20:18 > 0:20:20- Now listen... - I want to come to watch you.
0:20:20 > 0:20:24No, let's get this straight, I am going on no Dipper.
0:20:24 > 0:20:27I've always liked Blackpool. The air is nice.
0:20:27 > 0:20:29Beautiful day. We're very blessed.
0:20:31 > 0:20:34And while riding the Big Dipper doesn't appeal to Sister Rita,
0:20:34 > 0:20:38she takes pleasure from watching her team make the most of the rides.
0:20:42 > 0:20:44Oh, my goodness.
0:20:44 > 0:20:48I hope then can walk when they get off that.
0:20:48 > 0:20:51Days like this are a rare opportunity for her volunteers
0:20:51 > 0:20:54and staff to mix, away from the constant demands
0:20:54 > 0:20:56of their work at the Lalley.
0:20:56 > 0:20:59You can relax more, you're not seeing to anybody else.
0:20:59 > 0:21:01It's our free time, between ourselves,
0:21:01 > 0:21:03get to know each other better, outside the Lalley.
0:21:03 > 0:21:06Cos we never get a minute to chat when we're at the Lalley,
0:21:06 > 0:21:09or spend any time or have a cup of tea together.
0:21:09 > 0:21:14It's all full-on, isn't it? So these days are great.
0:21:15 > 0:21:19Sister Rita's delighted to have found a moment to show her team
0:21:19 > 0:21:21that without them, she wouldn't be able to get on
0:21:21 > 0:21:24with the job of helping the people of Collyhurst
0:21:24 > 0:21:27No one person runs the Lalley Centre.
0:21:27 > 0:21:31It's a team effort and if we haven't the team,
0:21:31 > 0:21:32we can't do it.
0:21:32 > 0:21:35- SHE LAUGHS - Come on, Anthony!
0:21:39 > 0:21:40THEY CHEER
0:21:40 > 0:21:44But all too soon, it's time to get back to the Lalley.
0:21:44 > 0:21:45Is everybody in?
0:21:48 > 0:21:50Very, very, very successful day.
0:21:50 > 0:21:54I'm so pleased that they all enjoyed themselves and I know that they did.
0:21:59 > 0:22:02Once back in Collyhurst, it's business as usual.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05The team has heard from a local couple with an unexpected
0:22:05 > 0:22:08need for help, and no idea where to start.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13So Sister Rita's despatched Kath to make a home visit.
0:22:13 > 0:22:18Well, Kath is a law unto herself, and she goes in...
0:22:18 > 0:22:19She'll go the extra ten miles
0:22:19 > 0:22:22because she has a heart as big as a mountain.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26We want to do it because people can't always get out to us,
0:22:26 > 0:22:29and we want to do it. That may not be physical.
0:22:29 > 0:22:33That may be mental, and that may be that they can't face it.
0:22:33 > 0:22:35Kath's going to meet Edward and Hilary,
0:22:35 > 0:22:37who until recently were both in work.
0:22:38 > 0:22:40Take your time.
0:22:40 > 0:22:43I am. I'm all right.
0:22:43 > 0:22:45But their lives were turned upside down when Edward
0:22:45 > 0:22:49suddenly became seriously ill with a disease that weakens the muscles,
0:22:49 > 0:22:52and had to give up his job as a forklift truck driver.
0:22:52 > 0:22:56His wife has also had to stop working to be his full-time carer.
0:22:56 > 0:23:00I can't get up the stairs. That's why I'm sleeping down here.
0:23:00 > 0:23:02I can't wash myself properly.
0:23:02 > 0:23:05I'm reliant on her 24 hours a day.
0:23:05 > 0:23:07I'd be lost without her, to be honest with you.
0:23:07 > 0:23:09I'd never tell her that.
0:23:09 > 0:23:11You've just told me!
0:23:12 > 0:23:16With both of them suddenly no longer working, the couple's income
0:23:16 > 0:23:18has fallen from around £350 per week,
0:23:18 > 0:23:22to Edward's statutory sick pay of £88 a week.
0:23:22 > 0:23:25They've asked for help identifying what support or benefits
0:23:25 > 0:23:26they may be entitled to.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29And on top of everything else they're dealing with,
0:23:29 > 0:23:30they don't where to begin.
0:23:31 > 0:23:37We've never been through it, so I haven't got a clue what you do.
0:23:37 > 0:23:40So that's why we're relying on the Lalley Centre.
0:23:40 > 0:23:44I wouldn't even know how to go about it, you know.
0:23:44 > 0:23:47Edward's illness means he's unable to walk much further
0:23:47 > 0:23:49than his front door.
0:23:49 > 0:23:52But it's at least a bit of fresh air, isn't it?
0:23:52 > 0:23:54And a few of the people that are around, you know...
0:23:55 > 0:23:58It's also affected his ability to swallow,
0:23:58 > 0:24:02meaning he can't eat solid food and is currently fed through a tube.
0:24:02 > 0:24:05You've been through a massive amount, haven't you?
0:24:05 > 0:24:08- I'm still here to tell the tale, aren't I?- Yeah!
0:24:09 > 0:24:13There is lots of help available if you suddenly find yourself ill
0:24:13 > 0:24:17and unable to work, or with a dramatic drop in your income.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20But understanding how to get it isn't always easy.
0:24:20 > 0:24:24Organisations such as Citizens Advice are a great first stop
0:24:24 > 0:24:27and it's a key part of the work of centres like the Lalley
0:24:27 > 0:24:30to help get you through your options too.
0:24:30 > 0:24:32Part of my role is to maximise your money
0:24:32 > 0:24:36- and to make sure you're getting things you should be getting.- Yeah.
0:24:36 > 0:24:38THEY LAUGH Kath thinks their best option
0:24:38 > 0:24:42is to claim for a Personal Independence Payment, PIP for short,
0:24:42 > 0:24:46known as the Disability Living Allowance until 2013.
0:24:46 > 0:24:50It provides financial support to help cope with long-term health issues.
0:24:50 > 0:24:55The Personal Independent Payment, it's a passport to other things.
0:24:55 > 0:24:58It will impact on other things about what you pay in council tax...
0:24:58 > 0:25:00Oh, right, yeah.
0:25:00 > 0:25:05- And that can be backdated for three months.- Right. Yeah.
0:25:05 > 0:25:09So, as soon as that's awarded, then we can apply for the carer's
0:25:09 > 0:25:11and that's quite a quick thing, and look at support for you
0:25:11 > 0:25:13cos you were working.
0:25:13 > 0:25:17A Personal Independence Payment award could also open the door
0:25:17 > 0:25:20for Edward qualifying for a round-the-clock carer,
0:25:20 > 0:25:23meaning Hilary could be able to go back to work at least part-time
0:25:23 > 0:25:26to help ease the burden on the couple.
0:25:26 > 0:25:29They feel a bit up in the air with their finances, you know.
0:25:29 > 0:25:34He's on his statutory sick pay and it's a low amount.
0:25:34 > 0:25:37I mean, Hilary's given up her job to be able to care for him,
0:25:37 > 0:25:40so they've got that income that's gone.
0:25:40 > 0:25:44I think we should put him in for the top 24-hour care,
0:25:44 > 0:25:47and you'd definitely meet all the criteria for that.
0:25:47 > 0:25:50I've done a lot of those forms and, you know,
0:25:50 > 0:25:53you've got all your evidence there and your health.
0:25:53 > 0:25:55Smashing.
0:25:55 > 0:25:58Really... I wouldn't know where to start with it.
0:26:00 > 0:26:03For people who can't get to the Lalley Centre,
0:26:03 > 0:26:06home visits like this are a vital part of the service
0:26:06 > 0:26:09Sister Rita and the team offer the Collyhurst community.
0:26:10 > 0:26:14I'll just make my way out. OK. Thank you.
0:26:14 > 0:26:16If the claim Kath's helping him with is approved,
0:26:16 > 0:26:21Edward could double his weekly income to around £160.
0:26:21 > 0:26:24And Kath's relieved she's been able to help the couple start
0:26:24 > 0:26:27the process of getting their lives back on track.
0:26:27 > 0:26:29It went really well.
0:26:29 > 0:26:33It's quite demanding completing one of those forms,
0:26:33 > 0:26:37so it's quite a bit of work to do there, and I'm quite happy to come
0:26:37 > 0:26:41and fit it in and make sure that they're feeling OK.
0:26:46 > 0:26:50Back at the Lalley Centre, Sister Rita is continuing with her plan
0:26:50 > 0:26:53to transform the look and feel of Collyhurst,
0:26:53 > 0:26:56in the hope that the whole community will get behind the project
0:26:56 > 0:26:59and start caring just a little bit more about the place where they live.
0:27:01 > 0:27:03All right, Peter, my name is Sister Rita.
0:27:03 > 0:27:07I'm project leader at the Lalley Centre in Collyhurst
0:27:07 > 0:27:09and I'm a social worker.
0:27:09 > 0:27:12She's joined forces with Margot from a charity that organises
0:27:12 > 0:27:14community action.
0:27:14 > 0:27:17But the first litter pick they ran didn't have the impact they'd hoped,
0:27:17 > 0:27:21as the turnout was mostly limited to volunteers from the Lalley.
0:27:21 > 0:27:25So, to avoid that happening second time around, Sister Rita and Margot
0:27:25 > 0:27:28are determined to come up with ways of getting more people involved.
0:27:30 > 0:27:33Well, we had some success in that we collected a lot of litter
0:27:33 > 0:27:36but there weren't as many people there as we'd hoped to have.
0:27:36 > 0:27:40And we were hoping for some families to come, which didn't happen.
0:27:40 > 0:27:42Perhaps if I do a bit of work in the four primary schools...
0:27:42 > 0:27:46- That'd be brilliant.- ..and bring the flyers in and do a bit of a talk.
0:27:46 > 0:27:49Well, I think that's a good start, and then to sort of say,
0:27:49 > 0:27:52"Why don't you try and get your mum or your dad to come? Or both?"
0:27:54 > 0:27:58Sister Rita and Margot have hatched a plan to go into the local school
0:27:58 > 0:28:01and encourage pupils to come to the next litter pick.
0:28:01 > 0:28:04They hope that by interesting children in the community,
0:28:04 > 0:28:07there's a better chance of changing things longer term.
0:28:07 > 0:28:10She's encouraged me to go into the four primary schools in Collyhurst
0:28:10 > 0:28:12to talk to the older children about the litter pick,
0:28:12 > 0:28:15and use their pester power on their parents to encourage them
0:28:15 > 0:28:19to come along and help with the litter pick.
0:28:19 > 0:28:22So, while Margot targets the children in their school assembly...
0:28:22 > 0:28:25OK, so we're going to meet tomorrow at 11 o'clock at the Lalley Centre,
0:28:25 > 0:28:28which is right here near the school, and we're going to go,
0:28:28 > 0:28:31and we're going to collect litter from around Collyhurst.
0:28:31 > 0:28:33We hope that that's going to make Collyhurst
0:28:33 > 0:28:36look like a really, really nice place.
0:28:36 > 0:28:39..Sister Rita braves the rain to canvass
0:28:39 > 0:28:41the parents at the school gates.
0:28:41 > 0:28:43- Will you try and come? - Course I will.
0:28:43 > 0:28:45- Bring her with you. I want her with us.- Thank you, Sister!
0:28:45 > 0:28:47OK, thank you.
0:28:47 > 0:28:52Come here! Do you see that? It says, "Collyhurst litter pick, Saturday."
0:28:52 > 0:28:54I have to get up out of bed. Why don't you just come and join me?
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Bring her. She'd be brilliant. You will, won't you?
0:28:57 > 0:29:00- Good girl.- Here you are.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03To remind you. There you are.
0:29:03 > 0:29:06They've had a positive response.
0:29:06 > 0:29:09But the nun and Margot will have to wait till Saturday
0:29:09 > 0:29:11to see if their work has paid off.
0:29:11 > 0:29:13I'm hopeful for a good turnout.
0:29:13 > 0:29:18I'm not saying it's going to happen but, if it does, it'll be great.
0:29:22 > 0:29:24While the formidable Sister Rita is the force that drives
0:29:24 > 0:29:28the Lalley Centre, she's the first to admit that everything she does
0:29:28 > 0:29:32depends on the work of not just her volunteers, but her core team,
0:29:32 > 0:29:36none more so than her right-hand man, Max Leon.
0:29:36 > 0:29:42Max is everything really that you could desire in somebody
0:29:42 > 0:29:46you're working close with. He's very supportive of me,
0:29:46 > 0:29:52very protective of me, and always there when I need him. Always.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55You're going to fill this form now
0:29:55 > 0:29:59- and next time you're going to bring documents.- OK.- OK?
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Originally from Peru, Max left there to be with Maria,
0:30:03 > 0:30:04who's a teacher in the UK.
0:30:04 > 0:30:06They've now been married for seven years
0:30:06 > 0:30:10but coming to Britain wasn't a straightforward decision.
0:30:10 > 0:30:13To leave my country,
0:30:13 > 0:30:19my family, my job, my business, everything.
0:30:23 > 0:30:25It was a very difficult step to do.
0:30:27 > 0:30:30In Peru, Max worked as a paragliding instructor.
0:30:30 > 0:30:32When he arrived in Manchester,
0:30:32 > 0:30:35he came across the Lalley, where he asked to volunteer.
0:30:35 > 0:30:38As he began to volunteer,
0:30:38 > 0:30:42I could see there was more to this man than meets the eye.
0:30:42 > 0:30:46Max has great empathy with people.
0:30:46 > 0:30:48He has a love for people.
0:30:48 > 0:30:51Max is a lamb and I am the lion.
0:30:52 > 0:30:54That's the difference.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59After a year of volunteering, Sister Rita gave him a paid job
0:30:59 > 0:31:02helping her to manage the Lalley.
0:31:02 > 0:31:06But as he's not from the EU, Max has to apply for a visa every two years
0:31:06 > 0:31:09just to live and work in the UK.
0:31:09 > 0:31:11So the couple have had to live with the uncertainty that Max
0:31:11 > 0:31:14could one day be forced to return to Peru.
0:31:15 > 0:31:21'We've spent £9,500 on visas,'
0:31:21 > 0:31:25and we've just applied for indefinite leave to remain,
0:31:25 > 0:31:27so hopefully that will come through
0:31:27 > 0:31:30and then we can apply for citizenship.
0:31:30 > 0:31:32And Sister Rita's just as eager as Maria
0:31:32 > 0:31:35for Max to finally get his visa to remain in the UK.
0:31:37 > 0:31:41She wants him to take more control in the Lalley,
0:31:41 > 0:31:45and I think he would be very good cos he's got an approachable nature.
0:31:47 > 0:31:50Sister Rita knows that one day she's going to need to hand over the reins
0:31:50 > 0:31:52of the Lalley to someone else.
0:31:52 > 0:31:54I wouldn't like to follow myself.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01My standards are very high and I'm a bit demanding on workers.
0:32:03 > 0:32:09Max would be the, I suppose, next best thing to me,
0:32:09 > 0:32:13maybe higher on a lot of issues.
0:32:13 > 0:32:16The people love him. They absolutely love him.
0:32:16 > 0:32:20So hopefully, by the time I ride off into the sunset,
0:32:20 > 0:32:23he will have exactly what he needs to take over the Lalley.
0:32:24 > 0:32:28It's now three months since Max applied for his leave to remain,
0:32:28 > 0:32:31and the envelope containing that decision has finally arrived.
0:32:32 > 0:32:33I have this envelope.
0:32:35 > 0:32:38I want you to open it because I am scared.
0:32:44 > 0:32:46Dun, dun, dun. Home Office.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52"Please find attached your Biometric Residence Permit.
0:32:52 > 0:32:55"It is proof of your right to stay, work and study
0:32:55 > 0:32:57"in the United Kingdom." Yay!
0:32:57 > 0:33:00At least I get it.
0:33:00 > 0:33:03Yes! God save the Queen.
0:33:03 > 0:33:06- Cheers.- Salud.- Salud. Salud.
0:33:07 > 0:33:10It's good news for the couple AND Sister Rita,
0:33:10 > 0:33:13that Max can stay in the UK permanently
0:33:13 > 0:33:16and he's now on the first step towards becoming a British citizen.
0:33:16 > 0:33:20Well, I never had any doubt that the Lord would send him back to Peru
0:33:20 > 0:33:24because he was crucial in the life of the Lalley Centre.
0:33:27 > 0:33:31With Max's future sorted, Sister Rita and the team can focus
0:33:31 > 0:33:34on their aim of helping as many people in the area as they can.
0:33:34 > 0:33:35Did you hear what I've just said?
0:33:35 > 0:33:37- SHOUTING:- Yes!
0:33:37 > 0:33:39Thank you. I am deaf.
0:33:40 > 0:33:44And Kath is on her way to once again visit Edward and Hilary,
0:33:44 > 0:33:47who contacted the Lalley after a sudden serious illness
0:33:47 > 0:33:49left Edward unable to work and needing assistance
0:33:49 > 0:33:51in applying for benefits,
0:33:51 > 0:33:54something he's never before had to do in his life.
0:33:55 > 0:33:58Since Kath last saw Edward, he's had some good news.
0:33:59 > 0:34:01That's a lot better, isn't it?
0:34:01 > 0:34:04Let's try it with the biscuit and just see how you're managing that.
0:34:04 > 0:34:07Is that all right? Cos certainly the fluids seem a lot better.
0:34:07 > 0:34:10A hospital appointment revealed he's made a breakthrough
0:34:10 > 0:34:12with his condition.
0:34:12 > 0:34:15- It's a remarkable difference in your swallow.- It is, isn't it?
0:34:15 > 0:34:17- You're back eating and drinking normally now.- Yeah.
0:34:17 > 0:34:21- And enjoy many more steaks. - And a few pints now.
0:34:21 > 0:34:24And a few pints. Yeah.
0:34:24 > 0:34:26Drop us off at the pub on the way home!
0:34:29 > 0:34:32As a result, Edward has been able to eat solid food once again
0:34:32 > 0:34:36- with his wife, Hilary, and their grandchildren.- Go on, then.
0:34:36 > 0:34:38You can't beat a good meal, can you?
0:34:38 > 0:34:40It's better than that liquid, I'll tell you.
0:34:42 > 0:34:45Though it's an important step in his recovery,
0:34:45 > 0:34:47Edward is still a long way from returning to work,
0:34:47 > 0:34:50and with Hilary also having to give up her job
0:34:50 > 0:34:53to provide full-time care for her husband,
0:34:53 > 0:34:55the couple have seen their income fall dramatically
0:34:55 > 0:34:58to under £100 a week between them.
0:34:58 > 0:35:01Will you take it in for me, darling, please? Don't drop it.
0:35:01 > 0:35:05Now though, Kath has more good news for Edward and Hilary.
0:35:05 > 0:35:06She's helped them apply
0:35:06 > 0:35:09for the benefits she believes they're now entitled to.
0:35:09 > 0:35:12And she's just learned the claim has been successful.
0:35:13 > 0:35:17I've come along today to follow up the phone call
0:35:17 > 0:35:21about the Personal Independent Payment award.
0:35:21 > 0:35:24You've been awarded the high rate
0:35:24 > 0:35:28of Personal Independent for care.
0:35:28 > 0:35:31Smashing. I wouldn't have a clue what to claim for.
0:35:31 > 0:35:33Well, you've never been in that position.
0:35:33 > 0:35:36It's understandable, isn't it?
0:35:36 > 0:35:38The PIP payment Edward will now receive,
0:35:38 > 0:35:40won't just improve the couple's finances.
0:35:40 > 0:35:43It also means he can afford round-the-clock care,
0:35:43 > 0:35:48giving Hilary a break and the chance to perhaps return to work part-time.
0:35:48 > 0:35:52And 63-year-old Edward is hopeful that his recovery will continue
0:35:52 > 0:35:55and he'll eventually be back driving his forklift truck at work.
0:35:56 > 0:35:59How are you coping with actually being at home?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01- It's doing my head in. - Is it doing your head in?
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Yeah, honestly. I just can't get my head around it. Honestly, I can't.
0:36:04 > 0:36:08- Well, I am going back to work. I'm determined.- Are you?
0:36:08 > 0:36:12Kath's help in winning the couple their first benefit payment
0:36:12 > 0:36:14is only the beginning of the support they can expect
0:36:14 > 0:36:16from the team at the Lalley during Edward's recovery.
0:36:17 > 0:36:20The next step is to help them navigate through
0:36:20 > 0:36:23the other possible benefits that might be available.
0:36:23 > 0:36:25Well, I'll be with you every step of the way,
0:36:25 > 0:36:27make sure you know what you're applying for
0:36:27 > 0:36:31and we'll do it well in advance, so don't worry about anything.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34- Just getting yourself right's the main thing.- Yeah.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Sometimes the best help Sister Rita and her team can provide
0:36:39 > 0:36:43is simply letting people know they're there when needed,
0:36:43 > 0:36:46as they've been doing with Tommy Hibbs at the weekly job club.
0:36:46 > 0:36:49And for him, too, things are starting to look up.
0:36:49 > 0:36:52He's been doing a series of temporary jobs over the last few weeks
0:36:52 > 0:36:55so for the first time in years he's earning money,
0:36:55 > 0:36:58and he's been able to stop relying on benefits.
0:36:58 > 0:37:01The first thing he wants to do is use some of that cash to decorate
0:37:01 > 0:37:04his house and make it a home he's happy to live in.
0:37:06 > 0:37:10I couldn't afford a tin of paint. Just couldn't afford it.
0:37:10 > 0:37:13That's two or three days' eating.
0:37:13 > 0:37:15When you're on the dole, you can't do it.
0:37:15 > 0:37:17Now I can get it how I want it,
0:37:17 > 0:37:19putting my own mark here and making it mine.
0:37:19 > 0:37:22It makes you proud if people can come in.
0:37:22 > 0:37:26It will be fresh, decorated, look clean.
0:37:26 > 0:37:28That's what it gives you.
0:37:29 > 0:37:33Having work for the first time in years means Tommy's no longer
0:37:33 > 0:37:34reliant on the Lalley.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38But he's grateful for the help it gave him when he needed it.
0:37:38 > 0:37:42I wouldn't hesitate to go back if I was ever in the situation again,
0:37:42 > 0:37:46especially to places like the Lalley Centre, cos they helped me.
0:37:46 > 0:37:49They fed me and put food in me cupboards,
0:37:49 > 0:37:51and I couldn't ask for more than that.
0:37:51 > 0:37:54Today, after receiving news of another temporary contract,
0:37:54 > 0:37:58Tommy's come to update Sister Rita on how he's doing.
0:37:58 > 0:38:00- I start another job next Thursday. - What is it?
0:38:00 > 0:38:03- On the trains.- On the train!
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- And I've got another one straight away.- I'd love that job.
0:38:05 > 0:38:08- You don't think they'd have one for me?- It's just replenishing the trolleys.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11- Next Thursday, I start. - Well done, you.
0:38:11 > 0:38:16That woman deserves everything that she gets cos she's a brilliant woman.
0:38:16 > 0:38:20Delighted by Tommy's good news, Sister Rita can't wait to share it.
0:38:20 > 0:38:22A fella told me this morning he's got a job.
0:38:22 > 0:38:24Will you give him a clap, please?
0:38:24 > 0:38:26CHEERING
0:38:28 > 0:38:30Now, you follow his lead, all of you.
0:38:30 > 0:38:35It was wonderful to tell them this morning that one of them,
0:38:35 > 0:38:37because they're a community here, has got a job,
0:38:37 > 0:38:41and you could see the obvious delight when they heard that.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44They were over the moon. You can't buy that, can you?
0:38:44 > 0:38:46You can't buy it.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49That's one of the greatest pleasures I get out of this place
0:38:49 > 0:38:53because the people themselves are the salt of the Earth.
0:38:53 > 0:38:55They're really wonderful.
0:38:56 > 0:39:00For Sister Rita, it's a real joy to be able to give people
0:39:00 > 0:39:02the boost they need to make things happen,
0:39:02 > 0:39:05either for themselves, or the wider community.
0:39:06 > 0:39:08One of her latest plans has been to encourage locals
0:39:08 > 0:39:11to get behind the regular litter pick she's organised.
0:39:11 > 0:39:14And the Sister's hoping that she's now drummed up enough interest
0:39:14 > 0:39:18at the local school to make the next event a success.
0:39:19 > 0:39:22I know what's going to happen, I will be on my own
0:39:22 > 0:39:26at the litter pick and all of you will be in bed. Is that right?
0:39:26 > 0:39:30Bring the kids. They're nearer to the ground than I am.
0:39:30 > 0:39:33The Sister's ambition is about much more
0:39:33 > 0:39:35than making the area look better.
0:39:35 > 0:39:38'The litter pick is very important,'
0:39:38 > 0:39:42and it does what we're trying to do in the Lalley
0:39:42 > 0:39:46by gathering people together. That's what it does.
0:39:46 > 0:39:50Working together, laughing together, playing together.
0:39:52 > 0:39:56But as the day of the next litter pick dawns, things don't look good.
0:39:56 > 0:40:00Along with Margot from community action group The Big Local,
0:40:00 > 0:40:03Sister Rita's worked hard to inspire people to come along.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07But she's worried the weather could make it another damp squib.
0:40:07 > 0:40:12It's like a hurricane. The wind is dreadful.
0:40:12 > 0:40:14It's raining again now.
0:40:14 > 0:40:17Maybe that will stop. I don't know.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20It seems though that her efforts to encourage more of a sense of pride
0:40:20 > 0:40:24in the neighbourhood have struck a chord with local residents.
0:40:24 > 0:40:27Despite the weather, around 40 people have come to help,
0:40:27 > 0:40:30including a good few children from the local school.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33It's a much bigger turnout than last time.
0:40:33 > 0:40:36Lalley volunteer, Muriel, who was on the first litter pick,
0:40:36 > 0:40:37is thrilled with the numbers.
0:40:37 > 0:40:41With the weather, I didn't think anybody would turn up, really.
0:40:41 > 0:40:44We're really lucky. So, let's hope they get stuck in.
0:40:44 > 0:40:49Though equally delighted, Sister Rita realises that even in heavy rain
0:40:49 > 0:40:51she'll need to lead from the front.
0:40:52 > 0:40:55I am so impressed today,
0:40:55 > 0:41:00and I had every intention of backing out of this, and I said,
0:41:00 > 0:41:03"Get on and do it yourselves and I'll put the kettle on,"
0:41:03 > 0:41:06but I'm afraid I HAVE to do it now, when I see all of you.
0:41:06 > 0:41:09I have no option. I have to come with you.
0:41:09 > 0:41:13- Right, John, are you all finished there?- Yeah.
0:41:13 > 0:41:17I think Sister Rita is Collyhurst's secret weapon.
0:41:17 > 0:41:20If they know events are happening, they'll come along and help.
0:41:20 > 0:41:22If they don't know, they don't.
0:41:22 > 0:41:24But it's getting the message out there.
0:41:24 > 0:41:28But the bigger turnout brings its own problems for the organisers.
0:41:28 > 0:41:31There aren't enough litter picking tools for every volunteer.
0:41:31 > 0:41:33The last time there were maybe six or seven people,
0:41:33 > 0:41:35so we had loads of equipment and today
0:41:35 > 0:41:37we just don't have quite enough.
0:41:37 > 0:41:41A parent who's turned up for the first time is Lee Currie.
0:41:41 > 0:41:44He answered Sister Rita's call to arms after being collared by her
0:41:44 > 0:41:47at his children's after-school club at the Lalley.
0:41:47 > 0:41:49Right, why have you come here today, sir?
0:41:49 > 0:41:52- Because we want to live in a cleaner society, Sister.- Oh, do you?
0:41:52 > 0:41:55We do. My kids, I'm constantly on at them to pick the rubbish up
0:41:55 > 0:41:57and throw it in the bin, yeah.
0:41:57 > 0:42:00For Lee, it's important his children understand
0:42:00 > 0:42:03the need to keep their community free of litter.
0:42:03 > 0:42:06Community is vital, no matter where you live,
0:42:06 > 0:42:09and we seem to have lost a sense of community
0:42:09 > 0:42:12in a lot of neighbourhoods, and I don't want to ever lose
0:42:12 > 0:42:15the sense of community in the Lalley Centre.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18That to me is priceless.
0:42:18 > 0:42:21If there's no litter, it goes a long way, doesn't it?
0:42:21 > 0:42:24If your children are falling over outside
0:42:24 > 0:42:27and they're falling on dirty cans and bottles and whatnot,
0:42:27 > 0:42:30it's not ideal, so let's get it cleaned up.
0:42:32 > 0:42:35Head teacher Janine Parker is pleased to see pupils and parents
0:42:35 > 0:42:38coming together for the community.
0:42:38 > 0:42:41We all know you can't say no to Sister Rita.
0:42:41 > 0:42:44Yeah, nobody can say no to Sister Rita. She just has that effect.
0:42:44 > 0:42:50I wanted to help picking the litter up so Collyhurst is not dirty.
0:42:50 > 0:42:54I came down today to do a litter pick to make Collyhurst cleaner.
0:42:55 > 0:42:59With a haul of more than 20 bags of rubbish, the volunteers head back
0:42:59 > 0:43:02to the Lalley to congratulate themselves on a job well done.
0:43:02 > 0:43:08I just want to say a really sincere thank you for coming here today.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11Well done, Collyhurst. You are wonderful.
0:43:11 > 0:43:15But I always knew that anyway. Thank you.
0:43:15 > 0:43:16THEY CLAP
0:43:17 > 0:43:20I was blown away by the response, if I'm honest.
0:43:20 > 0:43:23I just couldn't believe that they did it, you know?
0:43:23 > 0:43:26It's just... It was a great feeling
0:43:26 > 0:43:30that people were interested enough in their area.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33Sister Rita's shown what can be achieved
0:43:33 > 0:43:35when a community pulls together.
0:43:35 > 0:43:37But as Christmas approaches, she's going to need to bank
0:43:37 > 0:43:39on even more of that goodwill
0:43:39 > 0:43:42if she's to make good on her next challenge -
0:43:42 > 0:43:45to make sure as many residents as possible have a Christmas
0:43:45 > 0:43:46they'll never forget.
0:43:51 > 0:43:53On the last day of her mission to make a difference,
0:43:53 > 0:43:58Sister Rita celebrates her 50 years of being a nun as only she could.
0:43:58 > 0:43:59How fast would you like to go?
0:43:59 > 0:44:01About 140.
0:44:01 > 0:44:04Don't be scared, Chris. Everything will be fine.
0:44:04 > 0:44:08And as Christmas comes to Collyhurst, the team pulls out all the stops
0:44:08 > 0:44:11to spread as much festive cheer as it can.
0:44:11 > 0:44:14We could not do this without you.
0:44:14 > 0:44:16I'm really grateful for Sister Rita. She's done a lot.
0:44:16 > 0:44:18This is yours, I do believe.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22Father Christmas is SPECIALLY coming to you.
0:44:22 > 0:44:24- HIS MUM LAUGHS - Thank you so much.