Ethos public relations Manchester

Residents guaranteed to stay warm this winter

by Ethos public relations

Social housing landlord Symphony Housing Group has worked with maintenance company PH Jones to go that extra mile and ensure residents across the North West stay warm this winter.

PH Jones, part of British Gas provides a wide range of services including heating repairs to social housing properties. Together with the Asset Management team at Symphony Housing Group, they have completed work on hundreds of properties to ensure central heating systems keep working effectively during winter.

Ian Blease, Contracts Manager at Symphony Housing Group said: “We have worked with PH Jones to install an electric trace heater anti-freezing element on over 300 domestic central heating systems.

“These properties have been identified as being at risk of problems by monitoring previous breakdown history.

“Those which have resulted in emergency call outs over the last three years have been fitted with the device.”

The decision to go ahead with the service was made following previous harsh winters to ensure that residents are not left vulnerable to extreme cold.

Ian added: “We hope that this preventative forward planning will mean Symphony Housing Group residents will not need any future call outs for loss of heating over winter and thereafter.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Successful project is rolled out to Oldham estate

by Ethos public relations

An award winning project worker is collaborating for a second time with social landlord Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, to bring a successful community employment project to the St Mary’s estate in Oldham.

Liz Douglas, founder of the Roots project has previously worked with Contour Homes in Bolton and has now been commissioned by the company to develop a scheme which will help local people gain access to work.

Liz is working with residents to establish their own social identity, reduce worklessness and improve social and emotional development skills. Her team team is looking at issues which may prevent people from getting a job and working with them to teach them new communication skills.

They are currently working with people between 18 and 35 who are unemployed and never been in work.

“I am putting in place some personal development programmes which I hope will encourage people into employment, education, training or voluntary work,” said Liz.

“I can already see people are becoming more motivated and are setting new goals for their future.”

Contour Homes is developing 93 homes on land owned by the Council which is bounded by St. Mary’s Way, Egerton Street and Horsedge Street close to Oldham town centre. New residents are due to move in during 2012 and Liz hopes that her project will also help local people get to know each other a bit better and foster a sense of community.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Homes said: “We have established a community hub on site at St Mary’s which is being specifically used for community projects like this. Liz is renowned for getting results and we look forward to helping young people in the area exploit new opportunities.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here

Sophie Habibis pays a surprise visit to the Action For Kids Christmas Party

by Ethos public relations

X Factor Finalist, Sophie Habibis, helped to make the Action For Kids Christmas party this year a singing success, after paying a surprise visit to the event held at the Pavilion, home of North Middlesex Cricket Club, in Crouch End.

Sophie, from Highgate, met with Action For Kids students and their families as well as some of the children and young people the charity has helped over the years and entertained guests with a soulful rendition of classic Christmas carols, which she sang with the youngsters.

Sophie also posed for photographs before the Action For Kids students performed a Bollywood dance extravaganza, and members of staff put on a secretly rehearsed concert of pop classics.

“It was a fantastic event,” said Sally Bishop, Founder of Action For Kids. “And we were absolutely delighted that Sophie could make it.

“A lot of our students and the young people we work with just love the X Factor and they were thrilled to meet Sophie in person and be able to sing a few Christmas carols with her! It really did get us all into the festive spirit.

“Sophie created a storm of excitement and joy at the event and helped to make it a night to remember for so many deserving young people affected by disability. We cannot thank her enough.”

The evening was donated by a generous anonymous sponsor with gifts provided by Next, Sainsbury's Muswell Hill, Marks and Spencer Crouch End and Thornton's Budgens of Crouch End.

Sally Bishop added: “I would like to thank all those involved in helping to make our Christmas party such a fantastic event and we wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!”

Action For Kids, based in Hornsey, is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

The charity’s latest appeal is ‘12 Trikes for Christmas’ and you can donate now to help Action For Kids purchase and deliver new tricycles for twelve children with varying special needs and disabilities in time for them to open on Christmas morning.

To make a donation and to find out more about Action For Kids, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org

Click here to read more press releases for Action For Kids from Ethos public relations.

St Mary’s residents light the way

by Ethos public relations

Residents in the St Mary’s area of Oldham got into the festive spirit this week by taking part in a lantern parade organised by social landlord Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group.

The parade took place following a series of ‘lantern workshops’ held at Holy Cross Primary School and at the Contour Homes Community Hub on the new residential site which is being developed by Contour Homes on land owned by the council. Children had great fun creating their colourful lanterns to carry at the Parade.

Organiser of the event, Paul Brighouse, said: “With Christmas coming up we thought this would be a nice start to the festive season at St Mary’s - it’s also a great way of bringing the community together.

“This is one of a number of planned events at St Mary’s which will help to foster a sense of community and welcome new residents to the area.”

The parade was attended by 25 people including local residents, Holy Cross pupils and Contour Homes staff.

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

Students provide festive hampers to local community

by Ethos public relations

Rhyddings students have teamed up with social landlord Hyndburn Homes to bring season’s greetings to local vulnerable and elderly residents.

“We are delighted that local young people are supporting older people in their community by taking part in a Christmas collection,” said Dave Perry from Hyndburn Homes.

“Young people often get a bad press but as this imitative proves – most young people are only too keen to be positive citizens.”

Students from every form group will bring in a variety of non perishable food items to make up hampers which will be distributed to people in the local community. Each form group will also write a card and festive message to accompany their hamper.

Hyndburn Homes who will be providing funding for extra items and organising distribution. Rhyddings Head teacher Paul Trickett said:

“We are pleased to be working in partnership with Hyndburn Homes on this project. At this time of year it is appropriate for our students to understand and help with the needs of others, particularly in these trying times.”

After Christmas, members of the school Student Voice team will visiting local sheltered schemes and speaking to the residents. They will then present an assembly to other students on how the hampers have been received and how it feels to help others.

Save up to 75% on rugs and large rugs with the FrithRugs Winter Sale

by Ethos public relations

The FrithRugs winter sale will see thousands of pounds knocked off a range of high quality rugs – what better time to purchase a fabulous interior design classic which will grace your home for many years to come.

FrithRugs, the UK’s largest stockist of rugs and large rugs is offering up to 75% off all of its collections in a massive sale which starts on Tuesday 27 December.

To browse the sale from the 27th, go to http://www.frithrugs.co.uk. To read other news from Frith Rugs click here.

CIPR North West issues rallying call to safeguard “pivotal” local radio

by Ethos public relations

John Walding, honorary secretary of the CIPR North West Group, is calling on people to make their voices heard to “help safeguard the potential threat” to BBC Local Radio, in a guest blog for Ethos public relations.

John argues, the “pivotal role” of local radio is vital, so that everyone can learn about the “people, issues and events that affect and shape our localities”.

In the blog, John questions whether the proposed changes, which are outlined in BBC Director-General Mark Thompson’s 'Delivering Quality First' consultation, are the right way forward.

John’s blog follows a number of other guest blogs for Ethos public relations, which aim to provide a public platform for a range of PR, marketing and social issues. BBC broadcaster Allan Beswick, NUJ Organiser Chris Morley and MP Hazel Blears are among those who have put their point across for the Manchester-based PR agency.

Speaking about the latest guest blog, Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, said: “John raises some interesting issues in his blog. Cuts are being made across the board at the BBC, so it is important that as many people as possible have their say on the future shape of local radio, before the consultation ends on 21 December. We hope John’s blog provokes debate and encourages people to make their voice heard.”

To read John’s blog, visit www.ethos-pr.com/blog/local-radio-must-be-safeguarded or go to @EthosPR on Twitter.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Consumers and retailers urged to rally behind Wiganplus in run up to Christmas

by Ethos public relations

With recent figures from the British Retail Consortium (BRC) revealing the weakest high street trading for six months, consumers and retailers in Wigan have a unique opportunity to support the High Street in this all important run up to Christmas, thanks to Wigan-wide loyalty card, Wiganplus.

According to Mike Riddell, Head of Partnerships at Wiganplus: “These are very tough times for both retailers and customers and with the number of shopping days to Christmas reducing fast and so many people choosing to shop online, our high streets are continuing to suffer and many independent retailers are at risk.

“But by working together, we can really do something to help support the whole community here in Wigan.”

On Cyber Monday (Monday 5 December 2011) – the biggest online shopping day of the year - £19million was spent in one hour – a total of £456 million in just 24 hours.

Mike says: “The dismal BRC figures combined with how much shoppers are spending online underlines that we really must rethink the important role our high streets have in defining the economic and social fabric of our towns.

“With Wiganplus, people across our town have the opportunity to work together to get more out of our high street and keep more money in the pockets of local people, as not only does it give customers access to unique special offers but it also gives retailers access to local customers who want to support their businesses.”

By using smart card technology, Wiganplus connects individuals and organisations in the town and is now helping to strengthen Wigan’s economy and community. The card is completely free and rewards shoppers in Wigan. But the card is much more than a ‘discount’ card.

Mike Riddell explains: “The Wiganplus card is designed to create and encourage a sense of community and belonging in Wigan, using the latest technology to reward people for supporting local businesses, leisure and travel partners. Wiganplus members are not only rewarded for spending, but for trading and providing their resources and time within the community. Over the next few months we will have some exciting announcements about how the card can be used, so now really is the time to sign up and get yours!”

To find out more about Wiganplus and to sign up for a card, please visit the website www.wiganplus.com, email info@wiganplus.com or call the team on 01942 247091.

To read other news from HometownPlus click here.

New £60,000 Community Challenge Prize launches

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) have today launched a new £60k community buying challenge to inspire innovative models for buying together.

The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ is an exciting initiative to help inspire new models of community buying, stimulate enterprise and promote shared learning and both Co-operatives UK and BIS have both contributed £30k to the prize fund.

Community buying, which involves groups of individuals combining their buying power to purchase goods or services together and get better deals from shops and other suppliers, can help businesses spread their overheads and in turn lowers costs for consumers.

The competition is also open to groups and organisations within the public, voluntary or business sectors. The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ £60k pot will go towards training, mentoring and seed funding for stand out projects, including £15k for the overall winner.

Launching the ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ at a community buying conference at Westminster in London today, Consumer Minister, Edward Davey, said: “I am really encouraged by the experiences of the existing groups we’ve heard from today, who have realised significant benefits from community buying. And not just in monetary terms, but also through the huge social payback these schemes deliver, such as opportunities to develop new skills, increase confidence and build closer communities.

“This is another strand of our consumer empowerment strategy; giving consumers the tools and guidance they need to take more informed choices and get better deals. I look forward to seeing the new and exciting ideas that will be put forward for the prize and the benefits that it will bring for the wider community.”

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “Co-operative buying, whether informal with friends, student food co-ops or of crowd-sourcing online, is a growing trend among consumers and a good way to make your money go further.

“Our research shows that a quarter of people already buy in bulk with others and this is set to rise by 20 per cent this year. With household budgets under such a squeeze, we are finding more interest than ever in co-operative models of business.

“We are delighted to work in partnership with BIS to launch the ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ to recognise and inspire new models for buying together.”

The ‘Buy Better Together Challenge’ will be open for applications from January 2012. In May, shortlisted applicants will be asked to prepare a detailed business plan for the final stage, aided by a business mentor if they need it. The overall winner of the prize will be announced in October 2012.

To register your interest, please visit www.surveymonkey.com/s/STXL82C.

Or to find out more information about the project, visit www.uk.coop/challenge.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

CIH teams up with the Housing e-Academy

by Ethos public relations

The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH), as the professional body for housing, has joined forces with a leader in the field of e-learning to offer its members access to the latest training techniques and courses at a reduced rate.

Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 650,000 learners, already works with over 100 social housing providers across the country and the new partnership will promote its Professional Individual Membership (PIM).

This provides a choice of three continual professional development (CPD) accredited e-learning courses, as well as additional benefits such as free webinars and the latest housing training news.

Kathy Hanson, Head of Learning from the CIH, said: “As a professional body we see CPD as a vital tool in helping our members, keep their skills and knowledge up to date.

“Housing e-Academy is a well known and well respected deliverer of e-learning and this new partnership will allow our professional training to reach a wider audience, allowing more housing staff to respond to the challenges faced by the housing sector.

“We think that working with the Housing e-Academy will perfectly complement our existing products and services”.

Housing e-Academy courses focus on the strategic use of online solutions to enhance the traditional approach to education and training.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for our organisation. We have a wide range of courses suitable for anyone working within the housing sector including board members and tenants.

“One of the main benefits of e-learning is that the courses are so accessible. It adds to the range of activities that CIH members and non members have access to.

“Participants CPD points can still be accrued towards the 20 hours required each year. This new partnership will make learning even more cost effective and is a great opportunity for CIH members.”

The new partnership will be formally launched at the CIH offices on 31st January 2012 in London.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Don’t be tempted by loan sharks this Christmas

by Ethos public relations

Christmas can be an expensive time for everyone and the Revenue Services team from Contour Homes is advising people not to be tempted to use loan sharks to fund their extra expenditure during the festive period.

Ann Walton from Contour Homes said: Many people who use loan sharks are already financially vulnerable – on low incomes or do not use a bank account. Last year a report by Policis estimated that 310,000 households had borrowed from loan sharks or illegal money lenders.

“We work very closely with the England Illegal Money Lending Team and 20% of victims they work with took out their original loan to pay for Christmas.”

Most illegal money lenders are friendly to their borrowers at first, but through exorbitant rates of interest - as high as 131,000% APR in some cases - and additional arbitrary amounts, they will trap their victims into a spiral of debt. They rarely offer paperwork, keeping their victims in the dark as to what they owe, and some will even take bank cards and PINs to withdraw directly from accounts.

When victims are unable to pay, many loan sharks will also resort to threats, violence and intimidation.

Tony Quigley Head of England’s Illegal Money Lending Team said: “As Christmas approaches we would like to make it especially clear that no matter how desperate you are these criminals should always be avoided. This is a despicable crime that will not be tolerated. “

As they are not licensed money lenders, loan sharks operate outside the law. If you have borrowed from an illegal money lender - you haven't committed a crime - they have!”

Contour Homes’ Financial Inclusion Team suggests people can help to reduce the cost of Christmas in numerous ways including:

* Having a budget and sticking to it

* Organising a ‘secret Santa’ -instead of buying everyone a gift

* Making or baking a gift instead of buying one

* Sharing the provision of food and drink at parties

* Give a ‘time’ voucher and offer your time to provide services such as shopping, gardening, ironing or cleaning – instead of a gift.

Ann said. “The best way to have a happy Christmas is to have one you can afford. If you think you need a loan for the festive period then our advice is to look at an alternative funding source such as a credit union.

"Using a loan shark will just extend your debt misery for the rest of the year.”

Credit Unions can be a credible alternative, especially for people on low incomes or who do not have access to a bank account and they provide loans at a safe and affordable rate.

To find your local credit union, go to www.abcul.coop To report a loan shark operating in your area to 0300 555 2222, email reportaloanshark@stoploansharks.gov.uk or text loan (space) shark (space) + your message to 60003. Any information is given in the strictest confidence.

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

Co-operatives UK a partner in new Mutuals Information Service

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK is pleased to announce it is a partner in the new Mutuals Information Service, a service to deliver specialist advice and support to mutual organisations spinning out of the public sector.

Funded by the Cabinet Office, the Mutuals Information Service aims to inform public sector workers about mutual models and signpost those interested in setting up a mutual to appropriate guidance and support.

The Mutuals Information Service is being delivered by a consortium that includes Co-operatives UK, PA Consulting Group, Employee Ownership Association, Social Enterprise UK, Baxi Partnership and the Office for Public Management.

Co-operatives UK’s role in the service is two-fold:

- To promote understanding of the co-operative model to ensure that any new public sector mutuals are sustainable enterprises based on co-operative values and principles.

- To signpost enquiries to co-operative business development advisers in Co-operatives UK’s network of specialists.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “We’re pleased to see that this service has been set up. Setting up a mutual organisation is a very hopeful but daunting prospect for many public sector workers, who are going to need high quality information, advice and support through the whole process.

“The experienced consortium behind this service are acutely aware that the need for this support has never been higher.”

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Housing e-Academy reveal Best Practice Tips

by Ethos public relations

With Christmas fast approaching, Housing e-Academy, part of Virtual College with over 650,000 learners, has compiled its ‘12 days of e-learning’ advent calendar.

The calendar reveals top tips and best practice generated by social housing providers on what, in their experience, has been the best way to ensure successful implementation of e-learning across their organisations.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of Housing e-Academy said: “We work with 119 social housing providers across the country, they consistently provide feedback on our courses, and how e-learning has worked for them.

“We decided the best way to share this good practice would be in short bursts of information and at this time of year, what better way to do that than by using the 12 days of Christmas theme?”

Best practice ideas include suggestions on how to involve managers, how to engage learners and how to communicate and market your e-learning across the organisation and to tenants. Chloe also revealed that some days of the advent calendar would uncover more than just best practice ideas.

“I don’t want to give too much away but I will say that some dates will include a few festive treats and surprises! It is Christmas after all.”

If you would like to access the Housing e-Academy Advent Calendar, log on to www.housingea.co.uk every day from 13th December and click on the 12 days of Christmas link.

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Multi-faith day in Bolton proves a huge success

by Ethos public relations

Independent Living staff from social landlord Contour Homes recently took part in an event held at the Asian Elders Resource Centre in Bolton which brings together different faiths to celebrate the festivals of Eid, Diwali and Christmas.

The Asian Elders group, established in 1989, is a highly recognised charity in the North West, and provides valuable services such as activities, trips and simply somewhere to meet for older people in the Asian community of Bolton.

Staff from Contour Homes set up their own stall at the ‘Unity in the Community’ event which is held annually at the 3D centre in Bolton, and gave guests the chance to get creative in a Christmas cracker workshop, as well as learn about the services that Contour Homes offer.

Dawn Thornber from Contour Homes said: “This was a great opportunity for us to get involved with the local community and it’s good to see so many different faiths and cultures come together to celebrate the most important religious events of the year.”

“We really enjoyed the event and we were able to get our creative juices flowing on our craft stall- everyone really enjoyed creating their own Christmas crackers!”

Representatives from Greater Manchester Police attended the event, and priests representing each of the three faiths said blessings for all present. Local schools and choirs also performed, whilst henna painting, card design competitions and a raffle were also on offer.

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

Planning Committee threaten Scottish Government’s renewable targets

by Ethos public relations

The refusal of a planning application for two wind turbines at Cartland Muir by South Lanarkshire Council, undermines the Scottish Government’s target of 500MW of renewable energy in community ownership by 2020.

Paul Phare, Scottish Development Manager at Energy4All, the organisation behind the proposed 5MW Clyde Valley Energy Co-operative, between Carluke and Lanark, said: “This decision from South Lanarkshire Council’s Planning Department really is a missed opportunity.

“The Committee is effectively denying the people of South Lanarkshire their opportunity to benefit from a 100 per cent community-owned renewable energy project and is preventing them from contributing to the Scottish Government’s plans to have 500MW of renewable energy in community ownership by 2020.”

Energy4All - a not-for-profit social enterprise which facilitates and supports community ownership of renewable energy generation in the UK - has been working with local people to develop an innovative community-owned wind scheme, in which thousands of local residents could have jointly owned and benefited from the natural resource on their doorstep.

“This scheme would have provided enough electricity to power 3,000 homes, or half of all homes in Carluke and the refusal could mean that local people are not going to have an opportunity to do their bit for Climate Change,” said Paul Phare.

According to Energy4All, the proposed local wind energy co-operative is within the guidelines of the Council’s policy on wind turbine projects and shouldn’t have been refused on the grounds stated.

Energy4All will now review the Planning Officer’s report and reasons for refusal and will consider all its options for taking the project forward.

For more information about Energy4All, please visit www.energy4all.co.uk/scotland.

To read other news from Energy4All click here.

Housing ‘Passports’ to be extended

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes has been working with Accrington & Rossendale College to support a pilot Passport to Housing qualification. It has proved such a success that new tenants are now teaching the course to other potential tenants.

Linda Chelton from Hyndburn Homes said: “We are really pleased that Passport to Housing is becoming a peer led qualification.

"The initial pilot programme has now been extended to other regions in the area and will include tutors who have themselves gone through the course.”

Passport to Housing is a package of pre-tenancy training designed to provide tenant budgeting and money management. It also gives advice on work and training for those moving into new tenancies - with a focus on people in supported accommodation and on those in housing need. It is particularly beneficial to vulnerable adults and young people who want to secure and maintain a tenancy and is an accredited level one qualification.

To date Hyndburn Homes and Accrington & Rossendale College have delivered the course to 49 Hyndburn residents and around seven of these are now themselves going to be teaching the course as it rolls out. Other trainers include members of Hyndburn Homes staff, other social housing providers and volunteers.

Tracy Landon from Accrington & Rossendale College designed the course and continues to deliver it. She said: “People living independently for the first time often find it difficult to cope. This could be because they are young first time tenants, or they have issues around drugs, debt or mental health.

"Obviously we want to ensure people are good tenants and remain in their home and this scheme is one way to provide that support.”

After having its successful pilot in Hyndburn Passport to Housing is now being taken up by other organisation in the East Lancashire area including Burnley and Blackburn and Rossendale. To find out about the course and how it can help you contact Tracy Landon at Accrington and Rossendale College on 01254 354084 / 07970969728.

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

91 year old is thrilled with brand new home

by Ethos public relations

91 year old Peggy and her son Phillip are one of six households that have recently been allocated a home on Romney Avenue - the first new build affordable homes in Kirkholt - and developed by Brighter Horizons - the charitable development subsidiary company of Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH).

“RBH has done me proud,” said Peggy. “It’s such a lovely warm house and of course it will be a lot easier for me to manage.

“My family love it too and my son Mike and his wife Ann have come all the way from Australia to see it and to help us move. All my family have worked really hard to get me settled.”

The scheme has been financed through a £420,000 grant from the Homes and Communities (HCA) agency and prudential borrowing from Rochdale Council. Chief Executive of RBH, Gareth Swarbrick, said the scheme will provide much needed homes in the area.

“These new properties have been in great demand,” he said, “and residents like Peggy have been thrilled with their new modern homes which have been specifically designed to meet their needs.”

At a recent event, guests invited from the Council, the HCA and Board Members were able to look around the development and have a tour of one of the bungalows to see the quality build and high specification for themselves.

Peggy has lived in Kirkholt for over fifty years and raised her family of four children in the area. She had previously been living in a two-bed semi-detached. However, she had found it increasingly difficult to manage the external steps and stairs inside the house and was overjoyed when she found out she had been allocated a new home. An additional bonus for Peggy is that a former neighbour and friend is moving in next door.

“I have lived in this area for so long I have lots of lovely friends here and having my dear friend Vera living next door is a bonus I did not expect,” Peggy added.

Philomena Renshaw, Vice Chair of the RBH Board of Directors, was invited into Peggy’s home. “I have known Peggy for many years and it is touching to see her so happy in her new home.

“She really struggled in her former property and the bungalow is going to make life a lot easier for her.”

As well as offering purpose built, modern accommodation, the bungalows also include a garden and car parking space. They have been designed and constructed to meet Code 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, which makes them highly efficient to run. They also meet the HCA Design and Quality Standards, Lifetime Homes Standard and have Secure, by Design Accreditation.

Council Leader Colin Lambert, one of the guests at the opening event, said: “This is a fantastic scheme and I am sure residents here will be happy for many years to come.”

Much of the Kirkholt estate was built in the late 1940s and the long-term vision for the area is to offer a mix of modern housing for sale and rent, and much improved facilities. Guests were also invited to see the progression of another larger Brighter Horizons development close by on Curzon Road.

This scheme will see 25 three-bedroom houses, two four-bedroom houses and three two-bedroom bungalows completed next summer and, together with Romney Avenue, is part of a plan to create confidence in the private property market and encourage further investment by the private sector. Deborah McLaughlin, Executive Director North West for the HCA said:

“It’s really encouraging to see the regeneration of Kirkholt continuing to gather pace and I’m pleased our support has allowed Brighter Horizons to complete such good quality new homes.

“It’s thanks to the hard work and dedication of RBH and their partners that schemes like this are making sure that the long-term vision for the area is becoming a reality.”

The Romney Avenue project team consists of Great Places Housing Group as Development Agent, Kevin Shea Associates as Employers Agent, Pozzoni Architects and Tyson Construction is the contractor.

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Co-operatives UK launches last in series of guides for community enterprises

by Ethos public relations

The national trade association for co-operative enterprises has launched the final part of its Community Enterprise Toolkit at the Co-operatives UK Autumn Forum today (Tuesday 29 November) in Manchester.

The last in a comprehensive set of guides and online resources for new and existing community enterprises has been published by Co-operatives UK, to offer simple, step by step advice for the increasing numbers of communities doing things for themselves.

The ‘Simply Start-Up’ guide has been produced as a finale to a four year project that has helped over 350 community groups turn their ideas for a local, collectively owned business into a reality - from community supported agriculture projects in rural Gloucestershire to co-operatively run market gardens in East London.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, believes that there is something very different about the sorts of community enterprises that are now being set up.

“Our work seems to have tapped into a real sense of activism amongst people who have a specific idea and are more than happy to roll up their sleeves and get their hands dirty, together,” he says.

“The co-operative sector as a whole has been outperforming the UK economy since the start of the credit crunch, reflecting a turn to more trusted businesses following the financial crisis of the last few years.

“The rise of communities doing things for themselves - whether it's growing together on land, taking over their local pub or wrestling some control back over their football club - shows that people are frustrated by waiting for others to help their community and are transforming it themselves instead.”

To find out more about the Co-operatives UK Community Enterprise Toolkit and to download a copy, please visit www.uk.coop/simplyseries.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Salford’s first Live/Work units now available

by Ethos public relations

The first ever bespoke live/work units in Greater Manchester are now available to creative industries and small businesses.

Spark Studio has been part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and developed through a collaborative partnership with Salford City Council, University of Salford; Salford based Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, and local developer Godliman-Watson Homes.

Dominic Martinez is marketing the scheme on behalf of the partners and said: “Spark Studio is an exciting new project close to Manchester city centre, providing a fabulous base for creative entrepreneurs to live and work and so establish the ideal work-life balance.

“Offering an office and home with a combined rent from under £600 a month, we believe this represents excellent value for money as well as providing an ideal base for start-ups looking for the right environment in which to base their new business.”

Spark Studio is situated in a landmark listed building in Broughton and offers contemporary one-bedroom apartments with a high specification, including a fitted kitchen and bathroom. The apartments will be available to rent through Contour Homes using a flexible three-year tenancy agreement.

The office space, situated on the ground floor of the building, provides a secure base for a variety of businesses and also offers a host of free business support for the new tenants from a range of organisations.

In addition, the building offers a communal space which will include a reception area, a kitchen and a free high-spec meeting room, on-site parking, gardens and 24 hour access.

“The live/work units are available from £599 a month and with just eight units developed we are expecting interest to be high,” said Dominic.

“This is a unique opportunity for start-ups or even established SME’s to take contemporary, purpose built, living and working space at an affordable price using flexible terms."

Get in touch now to arrange your viewing. w: www.thesparkstudio.co.uk; e: info@thesparkstudio.co.uk ; t: +44(0)161 872 808.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

First affordable housing on Rochdale estate kicks off £4.1m regeneration

by Ethos public relations

Brighter Horizons, the charitable development subsidiary company of ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), has recently completed the first phase of a major new build programme in the Kirkholt area of the borough.

Guests from the Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) joined Board Members to view the development of six bungalows - the first new build affording housing in the area since the estate was built. The visitors also viewed progress at a second, larger scheme on the estate, situated on the corner of Curzon Road and Cumberland Road.

Gareth Swarbrick Chief Executive of RBH said: “The completion of our first new build in Kirkholt is an important milestone for the area itself and for Brighter Horizons.

"In 2010 our Brighter Kirkholt scheme received the biggest general needs HCA funding allocation in the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) region. It is exciting to see our plans take shape and become a reality.”

Much of the Kirkholt estate was built in the late 1940s and the long-term vision for the area is to offer a mix of modern housing for sale and rent and much improved facilities.

The new bungalows have been architect designed to meet the Lifetime Homes Standard, and the larger development will include a further three bungalows as well as 25 three-bedroom houses and two four-bedroom houses. These properties will include homes for sale, rent and shared ownership and it is hoped these homes will help to create confidence in the market and attract private developers to Kirkholt.

The new build is complemented by environmental works to surrounding homes and so supports a joined up approach to regenerating the estate with a scheme that provides additional jobs and training.

The total investment on the new build alone in Kirkholt is £4.1m including £2.32m grant funding from the HCA and prudential borrowing from Rochdale Council.

Deborah McLaughlin, Executive Director North West for the HCA said: “It’s really encouraging to see the regeneration of Kirkholt continuing to gather pace and I’m pleased our support has allowed Brighter Horizons to complete such good quality new homes.

"It’s thanks to the hard work and dedication of RBH and their partners that schemes like this are making sure that the long-term vision for the area is becoming a reality."

All of the new homes have been designed and constructed to meet Code 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes, the HCA Design and Quality Standards, Lifetime Homes Standard and have Secure by Design Accreditation. It is anticipated that the next property handover will be in March 2012 with the entire scheme completed in August 2012.

The development team is comprised of contractor Southdales Ltd, Great Places Housing Group as Development Agent, Kevin Shea Associates as Employers Agent, Pozzoni Architects and Trevena Blake as Structural Engineers.

Click here to read more press releases for Rochdale Boroughwide Housing from Ethos public relations.

House of Commons Fair and Reception showcases credit unions

by Ethos public relations

Credit unions and partners showcased their work to MPs and policy makers at an event at the House of Commons on Wednesday 23 November. The Credit Union Fair and Reception was organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions and sponsored by Santander.

Credit unions from across the country attended the event to show how they work with partners including housing providers, employers, schools and prisons to bring financial services, including convenient savings accounts, affordable credit and current accounts, to their members.

Alan Eagle from the Santander Foundation explained how the Foundation changed its policies a few years ago specifically to allow credit unions to benefit from its grants.

One of the Foundation’s most recent awards was to Clockwise Credit Union, one of the exhibitors at the event, allowing it to move into new, central premises in Leicester, helping to increase accessibility and grow membership.

Santander itself recently made a contribution to ABCUL’s back office project, enabling ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions, to develop tools to help credit unions more efficiently consider loan applications from members.

Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions, Damian Hinds MP, said: “Today’s event is testament to the excellent work credit unions are doing across the country with a wide range of partner organisations in order to bring ethical and affordable financial services to those that are most in need. Now that the Legislative Reform Order is in place, this type of partnership working will become much easier to expand to the great benefit of many across the country. It was particularly heartening to hear the cross-party support that credit unions enjoy in the Westminster Hall debate on Credit Unions and Financial Inclusion which took place alongside today’s Fair.”

Antony Macrow-Wood, ABCUL President, thanked attendees for their contribution to the legislative changes which were recently secured for the sector.

”Working together with successive Governments, parliamentarians, regulators and the rest of the co-operative sector, we have secured changes to legislation which will help credit unions build on the partnerships that are in evidence today, and enable many more people to benefit from credit union services.”

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Charity sleep out for Social Housing staff

by Ethos public relations

Members of staff from Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, recently slept out and faced the cold night air to raise money for two national charities.

The sponsored sleep out took place on the seventh floor of the Lowry Shopping Centre multi-storey car park in Salford, where the group of seven Contour Homes staff camped out in tents from 8pm until the following morning. The money raised by Contour is to go to the Salvation Army and Shelter, charities that work with the homeless.

Organiser Dawn Thornber said: “We wanted to do something different from the usual charity fundraiser, and considering we’re raising money for charities that help the homeless, we felt it would be appropriate to experience what it’s really like for people who live on the street.

“As our offices are based in the Lowry Mall, we thought the best and safest place to camp out would be in the car park, so we applied for permission and it was all systems go.”

The staff have raised over £300 so far, and hope to increase this amount from proceeds from a Christmas raffle which will take place in the lead up to Christmas.

“We are so grateful to everyone for donating, particularly when people are cutting back as much as possible and saving up for Christmas,” added Dawn.

“It was very cold but we had a lot of fun and it was for a good cause, which makes it all worthwhile.”

According to statistics from Shelter, over 1000 households in the North West are considered homeless, and last year over 440 streets* in England were counted as having a rough-sleeping problem.

*Statistics from www.communities.gov.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Nine year old Kent boy supports Rochdale kids

by Ethos public relations

Rochdale kids living on the Freehold estate will benefit from new footballs, new football kits and also secure their free football coaching session, thanks to a visit by a nine year old charity fund raiser from Kent!

Mohammad Azhar from the Freehold Community Group explains: “The Group organises numerous initiatives for young people on the estate and one of our most popular is free football coaching. However, due to the high demand for the sessions we just did not have enough footballs and equipment to be able to support all the young people we wanted to.

“An SOS on Facebook by landlord Rochdale Boroughwide Housing resulted in a call from 9 year old Jonjo Heuerman who offered to donate footballs and kits – and he would deliver them in person.”

Jonjo has received country wide recognition as one of the country’s youngest charity fundraisers. When his Nan died from bowel cancer earlier this year, he decided to raise money for The Bobby Moore Fund which supports research into the disease. With the help of his dad he planned his first charity walk from Wembley Stadium to his beloved West Ham United.

This 23 mile walk generated a lot of media interest and proved inspirational to many people who asked if they could join him in his next event. To date he has raised £37,000 for the charity and an estimated £1m in publicity for the Bobby Moore Fund.

This weekend, around 150 Rochdale children took part in a Junior Football Event organised by the Freehold Community Group, and Jonjo was guest of honour. Thanks to his kind donation, the Freehold Community Group was able to announce the re-launch of its free Football Coaching Sessions.

Miguel Cardona, trainee CSO/Housing Officer, and Chris Dobie the Coordinator of the group both said: “The event was supported by Rochdale Boroughwide Housing and other local organisations but our biggest thanks have to go to the local community and all the volunteers who help facilitate the football coaching along with the huge range of other initiatives on the estate.

“Everything we do is around inspiring our young people and providing them with leadership and positive role models like Jonjo. This event is a great example of people power at its best.”

Freehold Community Group supports a diverse and disadvantaged community on the estate who between them speak an incredible 25 different languages. The Group aims to improve their life skills and life chances. It is funded by the Lottery fund and is supported by volunteers and five members of staff.

Jonjo said: “It was great to meet so many new friends. In February 2012 I will be walking again and I want lots of people to walk with me and many of the Rochdale kids have said they will.

“You can find out lots about my walk on my website www.fornannyandbobby.moonfruit.com or you can follow me on Twitter www.twitter.com/jonjoheuerman or Facebook www.facebook.com/jonjos.walk.”

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Laser specialists warn against home appliances in lead-up to Christmas

by Ethos public relations

As Christmas is fast approaching, many people will be putting together their lists for Santa, and that could include a home laser hair removal kit.

These appliances are causing concern to professionals who believe that DIY appliances are neither as effective nor as safe as professional clinic treatments.

Laserase Bolton, a leading skin care and medical laser specialist in the North West, is urging consumers to consider buying clinic treatments as a gift rather than a DIY appliance that could cause them permanent damage if not used correctly.

Dr. Kiran Patel, Medical Director at Laserase Bolton, has been a qualified laser practitioner since 1994. He said: “Home appliances may be a cheaper option for most, but if used incorrectly then the damage caused can be irreparable and cost you a lot more in the long run.”

Using appliances to remove eyebrow hair, for example, can cause serious damage to your eyes and despite the lasers not being as powerful as ones used in clinics, there’s a higher risk of users burning their skin. Not only this, but the lasers used in home devices are a lot less effective than professional ones, and therefore hair removal is less permanent.

Dr Patel added: “If you attend a clinic, you will get a consultation from a fully qualified and licensed practitioner who will be able to answer any questions you may have about the treatment.

“There is also a much reduced risk of any damage from the treatment, and after the recommended amount of sessions, hair removal is more efficient.”

Laserase Bolton is currently offering deals on many treatments over November and December in the lead up to Christmas, with laser hair removal at just £20 a session for the first three sessions. If you would like to book a free consultation, contact Laserase Bolton on 01204 570900 or email your query to admin@laserase-bolton.co.uk.

To read other news from Laserase click here.

Bolton Project worker wins Award

by Ethos public relations

Liz Douglas, founder of the Roots Project which works on Contour Homes’ Pungle Estate in Bolton, has won an outstanding achievement prize in the Life Changers Awards.

Independently judged, Life Changers Awards are designed to genuinely recognise excellence in community development. They acknowledge the contributions made by businesses, civic leaders, charities and service providers as well as those successful individuals who truly set the standard and Liz said she was genuinely staggered to be part of them.

“I was delighted to be nominated for the category and invited to attend the ceremony in London but I honestly did not believe I would win,” she said.

“My fellow nominees were from across the world and I was the only white British nominee. I couldn’t believe it when my name was read out and I feel really honoured.”

Liz has worked with Contour Homes staff to get to the ‘root’ of problems in the area which in the past had a variety of social problems. Contour Homes donates a community house to the project as well as offering financial and practical support to Liz. It also allowed her free rein to get on with her unique approach to engaging youth.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Homes said: “Liz offered a refreshing approach to tackling anti-social behaviour that has really made a difference. She genuinely deserves this recognition.

“Her work has been so successful in Bolton that she is now working with us elsewhere to replicate that success.”

Liz says her approach is all about winning the trust of young people which is not something that can happen overnight. She was in fact nominated for this award by a young resident on The Pungle.

Liz is determined to carry on getting to the ‘root’ of social problems and is looking forward to new challenges.

She said: “Contour Homes has been a fantastic supporter of the project and a key partner. I am keen to roll out the Roots Project to other areas and there is really no reason why this can’t become a national initiative.”

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations

UK’s largest worker co-operative wins ‘People and Culture’ award

by Ethos public relations

Suma Specialist Wholesalers (Suma) has won a prestigious Phillip Baxendale award for People and Culture at the Employee Ownership Association (EOA) conference held recently in Birmingham.

Suma, the UK’s largest independent wholefood wholesaler and distributor, specialising in vegetarian, fairly traded, organic and natural products and the UK’s largest worker co-operative, received its accolade at the conference at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.

Owned and democratically managed by its worker-owners and committed to ethical business, Suma was voted The Baxendale People and Culture award winner for its culture of employee ownership, transparency and meaningful engagement with employees and driving notable activity to strengthen a culture of productive partnership.

Bob Cannell, Member Partner at Suma, said: “We are delighted and honoured to be given this award.

“Our multi-skilled, equal status, self-managing working culture is a successful formula that many of the big corporations are now trying to copy, with more and more introducing it into their own employee engagement programmes.”

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, the national trade association for co-operative enterprises of which Suma is a member, said: “We are very pleased that Suma has won this prestigious award for its people and culture. Suma is a superb example of a thriving worker co-operative and we are delighted the team has received this recognition.

“The success of Suma helps to highlight the strong co-operative economy that exists in the UK today. Our state of the sector report, The UK Co-operative Economy 2011, shows that there are 5,450 independent co-operative businesses owned by around 12.8 million people, with the co-operative economy outperforming the UK economy, growing by 21% since the start of the credit crunch in 2008.

“And demonstrating just how success can sit hand in hand with values and principles, last year the combined turnover of all UK co-operatives grew by 4.4% to £33bn.”

The judges of the awards, named after Phillip Baxendale, a pioneer for the employee-owned movement, were Julian Le Grand, head of the government’s Mutuals Taskforce, Professor Jonathan Michie from the Oxford University Centre for Employee ownership, David Erdal, author of ‘Beyond the Corporation – Humanity Working’, Patrick Lewis from the John Lewis Partnership and Patrick Burns of the EOA.

Other winners in Birmingham included: Des Fitzgerald, Waitrose, who won the Outstanding Leadership Award; Felicity Hill, Enuresis Service, Central Surrey Health, winning the award for Employee Innovation; Clansman Dynamics, receiving the Productivity and Performance Award; Navigo Health and Social Care, which scooped two awards – the Employee Ownership Rising Star Award and the Public Sector ELMO (Employee Led Mutual Organisation) Award; and Hugh Facey, Gripple, who won the Voice of Employee Ownership Award.

Joint winners of the Employee Ownership Champion Award were Partnership Council, Childbase and Future Branch Structures Consultative Committee (FCC), Waitrose.

The recipient of this year’s inaugural Philip Baxendale Fellowship Award, to celebrate the outstanding total contribution of a single individual to the cause of employee ownership, was Stephen May, who has been involved with employee ownership almost literally since birth, as his father, Paul May, was a close associate of John Spedan Lewis, the founder of the John Lewis Partnership.

To find out more about Suma and its work, please visit the website www.suma.coop. For more information about the co-operative sector, please visit the Co-operatives UK website www.uk.coop.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Young people in Oldham get creative

by Ethos public relations

A project which recently took place at St Mary’s in Oldham has seen a group of young people work together to create some impressive works of art for their area.

With the support of Contour Homes, Bramall Construction and Groundwork the youngsters wanted to capture the changes taking place on the St Mary’s estate and created a wide range of art boards that show the past, present and future of St Mary’s as they see it.

Contour Homes funded a professional artist to work alongside the group and Bramall Construction provided the materials to create the boards. The young people were also guided by staff at Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale who helped them develop ideas on what they could paint.

Shanine Meadowcroft, Community Investment Officer at Contour Homes, said: “This was a great opportunity for the community to get together and do something creative, we were really impressed with the group’s enthusiasm and the end result is really something to be proud of - it’s certainly going to brighten up the area!

“St Mary’s residents are looking forward to seeing them displayed around the estate over the next few months.”

The artwork will go on display around the St Mary’s area over the next few months and will be moved around to that as many people as possible have an opportunity to see them.

This is one of numerous community projects to be organised by Contour Homes and its partner who are now based at a Community Hub on site at St Mary’s.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

HometownPlus welcomes Ethos public relations to its community

by Ethos public relations

Manchester-based Ethos public relations has been handed the brief to raise the profile of HometownPlus, the organisation behind Wiganplus.

HometownPlus aims to improve communities and the well-being of their people, creating a sense of belonging, pride and increased prosperity, by bringing together individuals, businesses and local authorities and rewarding them for their participation.

As part of that vision, Wiganplus is a community co operative that uses smart card technology to connect individuals and organisations in Wigan. But the Wiganplus card is much more than a loyalty card – its goal is to strengthen the town’s economy and community.

Tony Meehan, Chief Executive of HometownPlus, explains: “At a time when our high streets are suffering, local businesses are struggling to compete and unemployment and prices are rising, it is vital that we do what we can to support our communities.

“The Wiganplus card is designed to create and encourage a sense of community and belonging in Wigan, using the latest technology to reward people for supporting local businesses and organisations. Wiganplus members are not only rewarded for spending, but for trading and providing their resources and time within the community.

"We are very keen to promote the benefits to the whole community in Wigan and Ethos public relations will be key to helping us achieve this.”

Ethos public relations will focus on helping Wiganplus grow its membership both in terms of individuals in the town taking up the free smart card and local businesses and organisations making offers through the scheme.

Shaun Fisher, Director at Ethos public relations, said: “The importance of communities and rebuilding community cohesion is more important than ever.

“Everyone should have a sense of pride and belonging in their home town, city or community and the HometownPlus model enables local people, businesses and local authorities to join together in one community which, in turn, rewards them for their participation.

“We are delighted to be working with HometownPlus to raise its profile and promote the Wiganplus model of corporate community engagement and we’re looking forward to getting started on the project.”

To find out more about Ethos public relations, please visit www.ethos-pr.com.

For more information about HometownPlus, visit www.hometownplus.co.uk. And to find out more about Wiganplus, visit www.wiganplus.com.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Bolton Victim’s Champion win Best Practice Award

by Ethos public relations

Bolton’s Anti-social Behaviour Victims Champion has won Best Practice at the recent 2011 Social Landlords Crime & Nuisance Group (SLCNG) ‘Delivering Results’ Awards.

The project was set up in August 2010 as part of a new initiative designed to provide intensive support services to vulnerable victims of anti-social behaviour.

Vicky Mulvaney, employed by Contour Homes, is the appointed Victims Champion and she said: “It was a fantastic feeling to win this Award, particularly as we faced such stiff competition from across the UK.

“The Award is testament to the fabulous partnership approach we have in Bolton and proves that when service providers work together and offer a seamless approach to this particular problem, we can get results.”

Vicky and her small team of volunteers are based in a shared office with Greater Manchester Police and Bolton Council.

Bolton Council’s Executive Member for Cleaner, Greener, Safer, Councillor Elaine Sherrington, said: “Victims can be severely affected by antisocial behaviour so to have a dedicated project that brings services together that help the victim is an important part of how we tackle anti-social behaviour in the borough.

“This national recognition is testament to the dedication that Vicky, her team of volunteers, and all the agencies involved have put in process to improving people’s lives.”

One crucial element of the project’s success has been the introduction of an Anti Social Behaviour Risk Assessment Conference or ASBRAC, which has been Vicky’s main vehicle to bring in agencies and to establish an action plan, centred on the needs of the victim.

Chief Superintendent David Hull, Divisional Commander for Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton Division, said: “Antisocial behaviour can make people’s lives a misery and for some it can even make life unbearable. This excellent new partnership approach allows us to identify victims who are suffering the most and are at most risk of harm.

“By sharing information and joining together to support the victim and tackle those responsible, we can make a real difference.”

Neil Kenyon from Contour Homes said:

“There was no precedent for the service and so she had to design the entire process from start to finish.

“She then tirelessly promoted the role to ensure she became an integral part of anti-social behaviour management across all housing tenures and within all agencies working in the Bolton area. This recognition is very well deserved.”

The project worked with 82 victims in its first year and has helped to dramatically increase the confidence and service offered to victims of anti-social behaviour across the borough.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

100 years of co-operation in the city is celebrated in style

by Ethos public relations

The Centenary of Holyoake House on Hanover Street in Manchester - the home of Co-operatives UK, the national trade association for co-operative enterprises - was celebrated in style on Friday 11 November 2011.

Manchester’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Harry Lyons, was on hand to cut the ribbon to officially open the building’s brand new reception which was transformed in time for the 100-year anniversary, then guests enjoyed a day of co-operative celebration!

With its theme - ‘Then, now and tomorrow’ – the 100-year anniversary open day, which kicked off with a welcome speech by Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, took visitors through a journey of co-operation through the ages, with special tours of the building, displays of co-operative archive materials and iconic photographs on show.

Holyoake House, originally built in 1911 by co-operatives to create a facility to house co-operatives, is now, not only home to Co-operatives UK, but is also the base for a number of other co-operative organisations, including the Co-operative College, Co-operative News, the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL), Ethos public relations and Loop Systems Architects.

Commenting on the day of celebration, Ed Mayo said: “It has been fantastic! We have celebrated our strong co-operative heritage here in Manchester and the 100-year anniversary of Holyoake House in true style.

“Not only has the open day been a real celebration of the history of the co-operative movement but it has provided us with the opportunity to see just how far we have come.

“Thank you to everyone who has helped to make the day such a success!”

For further information about the event, please visit the Co-operatives UK website www.uk.coop.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Peak Valley kicks off the season

by Ethos public relations

Hattersley FC’s new Under 8s team football season has kicked off to a great start with the help of sponsorship from Peak Valley Housing Association. The sponsorship has resulted in brand new kits for the team to begin their first ever season at the Club.

Chairman of Hattersley FC Neil Lonergan said: “We were thrilled when Peak Valley agreed to sponsor the kits, and the children feel very proud wearing them.”

The Club which is ten years old has has nine teams in total and has sponsorship for six of them but is looking for sponsors for its under 12s, under 17s and the veteran team - the over 35s! With 170 children paying football, the Club relies on local residents to volunteer their time.

“We are always looking for volunteers to help out with coaching,” said Neil.

“Our coaches are all Level 1 qualified and trained in first aid and child protection as well as being CRB checked.

“We have excellent facilities and fully-qualified football coaches, we compete regularly, and pride ourselves on our reputation and delivering safe and effective football sessions.”

In 2004, the Club gained the Charted Standard Award, which sets standards of coaching, administration and child protection for Clubs working with young people.

Frank Mullin from Peak Valley said: “Peak Valley is delighted to provide this sponsorship for Hattersley FC which is an integral part of the community in Hattersley.

"Many of the children live in Peak Valley homes and so we were keen to do our bit to support our residents. Hopefully their Peak Valley kits will provide them with a lot of luck this season.”

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, playing or sponsoring a team please contact Neil or Karen Lonergan on 0161 366 6483.

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Legislation change helps put co-operatives on a more equal footing

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK is delighted to announce that a long awaited Legislative Reform Order was formally accepted in Parliament on Tuesday 8 November – a reform that will make it easier for co-operatives to run their businesses.

The simplifications in the Legislative Reform Order (LRO), which help put co-operatives on a more equal footing with other forms of business, has been a central campaign for Co-operatives UK and the co-operative sector since 2002.

Helen Barber, Head of Legal Services at Co-operatives UK, comments: “This is a significant change for co-operative businesses, helping to ensure that co-operatives are treated equally to other models of business.

“Co-operatives UK and the wider sector has been working with its members and the Treasury to put this into effect for many years, so this Reform Order represents a significant victory.”

A Legislative Reform Order (LRO) is a legal procedure that government can use to remove or reduce burdens resulting from legislation. This LRO applies specifically to Industrial and Provident Societies and credit unions, making changes in three key areas:

Age Limits. The LRO allows people 16 and under to become members of co-operatives and those 16 and over to stand for committees or boards;

Share Capital. The £20,000 limit on share capital will now apply only to withdrawable shares; there will no longer be a limit on non-withdrawable, i.e. transferable, shares;

Interim Accounts. The LRO allows societies to publish un-audited interim accounts provided they are clearly identified and published alongside the most recent audited accounts. This is a change that will save co-operative businesses thousands of pounds in expense.

The LRO is expected to come into effect on 8 January 2012.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Superstore construction marks 5th Anniversary

by Ethos public relations

Peak Valley Housing Association marked its fifth anniversary this month with an event to celebrate the construction of a new Tesco store and community facilities on land off Stockport Road and Ashworth Lane.

Managing Director Phil Corris said the start on site was a milestone in the multi million-pound redevelopment of Hattersley.

“In 2006 Peak Valley Housing Association was established as a result of a housing stock transfer from Manchester City Council,” he said.

“At the time we promised to refurbish our housing stock and to revitalise the area with the help of our partners - Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and developer CTP. It’s a great feeling to have delivered on those promises.”

Morgan Sindall is now on site to construct a 90,000 sq ft superstore, which will create new employment opportunities, and to build a new community hub, which will bring core community groups and facilities under one roof in purpose built accommodation. This will include a police post, library, community centre and a new housing office.

Keith McCormack of developers CTP said, “We have been working with Tesco and land owners Peak Valley Housing Association and the Council to produce this exciting scheme for some time.

“It’s good to see the plans become a reality at last and bring much needed local facilities to the people of Hattersley.”

Earlier this year Peak Valley celebrated the completion of the £33.5 million refurbishment project, which saw its housing stock improved well above the Government’s Decent Homes Standard. Since being established in 2006 it has also built 64 new bungalows for the over 55’s, completed new Valley Parade shops and started a £5 million contract for environmental works in the area.

A further 41 new dwellings will be completed by the end of March 2012 Kieran Quinn, Executive Leader of Tameside Council said:

“It is exciting that all the partners involved in working to transform this area and bring jobs here, are finally seeing the plans coming to fruition.

“There have been some hurdles in our way – however, we’ve all worked extremely hard to make this project a reality and it promises to be an important chapter in the area’s continued development.”

The development is expected to open in summer 2012.

To read other news from Peak Valley click here.

Parliament approves credit union legislation changes

by Ethos public relations

Credit unions across Britain have welcomed news that Parliament has today (8th November) approved changes to legislation which will free up credit unions to reach many more members, including community groups and businesses.

A Legislative Reform Order (LRO), which makes changes to the Credit Unions Act 1979, has been approved by Parliament and new rules that enable credit unions to compete more effectively with banks and other lenders will be in place by January 2012.

Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions, said: “Credit unions in Britain are delighted that legislative reforms have been agreed by Parliament which free up the sector to compete on a more level playing field. ABCUL has campaigned long and hard for these changes so we’re happy that credit unions will be able to use the new powers from the New Year.”

Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Credit Unions, Damian Hinds MP said: “I’m very pleased that the LRO has now been made. It opens up so many new possibilities for the sector to evolve, innovate and grow. The regulatory changes will help credit unions work more effectively with partners including housing providers and employers, and encourage more people to develop a savings habit.”

The credit union sector in Britain is small compared to other countries such as the United States and Canada, where over 40% of the populations belong to a credit union. Credit unions in Britain have, up to now, been hampered by outdated restrictions which limit who can join, what services they offer and which places they operate in.

The Order makes a number of changes, including allowing credit unions to provide services to community groups, attract investment from local businesses and extend services to new groups, including housing association tenants and employees. Credit unions will also be able to pay interest on savings, instead of a dividend, so people will more easily be able to compare rates.

Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. They have no outside shareholders to pay and any profit they make stays in the community and is used to develop the credit union and provide a return to savers.

For more information about ABCUL please visit www.abcul.coop.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

New clubhouse for Crowborough Rugby Football Club nears completion thanks to unique funding

by Ethos public relations

A brand new clubhouse for one of the most successful rugby football clubs in East Sussex is near completion thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

The clubhouse for Crowborough Rugby Football Club (CRFC), at Steel Cross has been years in the pipeline - and thanks to a £150,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) and support from the Rugby Football Union (RFU), Wealden District Council as well as the club’s sponsors and patrons - work is nearing completion.

Richard Lambert, Finance Director at CRFC, said: “We are absolutely delighted with our new clubhouse.

“We really are a community club and now thanks to the funding we received from TSELF, our clubhouse, which has been described as one of the nicest in Sussex, will provide facilities for the entire community.”

The new building replaces the old structure built 48 years ago, and is set to become a real community asset. As well as being home to members and supporters of the rugby club, local residents, clubs and societies will be able to hire out the new large clubroom.

“We have already had enquiries from dance and exercise classes, nurseries and play groups about hiring the clubhouse,” Richard said.

Set up 75 years ago, CRFC is continuing to go from strength to strength with four senior teams, over 300 minis and juniors, a membership base of over 1,000 from across Kent and Sussex and now boasts a brand new clubhouse with superb facilities.

Sarah-Jane Davis, South East Regional Director at TSELF, said: “We are really pleased to have been able to help Crowborough Rugby Football Club in this way.

“Working closely with the CRFC Board and the Rugby Football Union (RFU), the project has been managed in a very professional manner from start to finish and it has all gone very much to plan.

“We are pleased to have been able to help Crowborough with their clubhouse which is set to become a focal point for the community.”

The new clubhouse will officially open around Easter 2012.

“We are here to help,” Sarah-Jane says. “So we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us.”

To find out more about TSELF in the South East, please visit the website www.tself.org.uk or call 0845 017 9613.

For more information about CRFC call 01892 654832 or visit the website www.crowboroughrugby.com.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

“Newspaper companies sabotaging their own titles”, says NUJ Organiser

by Ethos public relations

Chris Morley, the National Union of Journalists’ Northern and Midlands Organiser, has accused “remote and irresponsible owners” of local newspapers of killing local titles in a guest blog for Ethos public relations.

According to the former Industrial Correspondent at the Birmingham Mail, professionalism and quality are being bypassed in favour of profits. He has charged the newspaper companies with “sabotaging their own titles” and of being “divorced from the consumers they are trying to reach”.

He says declining newspaper readership has been blamed for the cuts at local newspapers but challenges this as a red herring. “The public has been conditioned to believe circulations are inevitably falling due to readers switching to on-line news and other fancy new distractions.”

Describing local newspapers as “part of our democratic fabric” Chris issues a rallying call to readers and media owners, saying that “the cutting has to stop and as a society we have to learn to cherish quality – and pay for it.”

Chris’s blog is the latest in a series of guest blogs for Ethos public relations, which aim to provide a public platform for a range of PR, marketing and social issues. Other guest bloggers have so far included BBC broadcaster Allan Beswick and MP Hazel Blears.

Speaking about the latest guest blog, Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, said: “Chris raises some controversial issues but access to local news and paying for quality journalism is really important to our society and we hope Chris’ blog encourages debate.”

To read Chris’s blog, click here or go to @EthosPR on Twitter.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

Hollinwood residents attend Halloween firework spectacular

by Ethos public relations

Over 1000 Hollinwood residents were treated to a dazzling fireworks display this week thanks to local organisations working together.

Hollinwood District Partnership, Contour Homes and Regenda Housing helped to fund the event, whilst local groups Oldham Roughyeds, the Youth Offending Service and Inclusion Service and St Margaret’s Church all played their part to ensure it was a success.

Sarah Furbey, Community Development Worker at Contour Homes, said: ‘I’m so glad that in these difficult financial times we were still able to go ahead with this event, and give local residents a chance to get together and have a great time.

“The firework display was safely organised, very impressive and was enjoyed by all.”

The event also included a Halloween Party at the Roughyeds Rugby Club, where traditional games of apple bobbing and a scariest pumpkin competition were held.

Ruth Eckerlsey from Regenda Housing said: “Regenda would like to thank Oldham Rugby for all the hard work and effort they have put into the event, and we hope to work together in the future looking forward to a long term relationship.”

The organisers are looking for local residents who would like to get involved in planning future events in Hollinwood, please contact Sarah Furbey on 07985 538229 if you would like to give your ideas.

Click here to read more press releases for Contour Homes from Ethos public relations.

Plymouth hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons

by Ethos public relations

A 20-year-old student from St Budeaux is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.

Emily Marley, who is currently studying Mechanical Engineering at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity for me to give something back,” Emily said. “My brother has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy – a life threatening, wheelchair bounding physical disability – and I know first-hand just how invaluable the support from charities like Action For Kids is for young people with physical and learning disabilities.

“My plan is to raise £2,000 to help provide the chance for others, in my brother’s situation, to be given all the necessary support to remove the barriers to their independence.”

The New York City Marathon is a major annual marathon with the course running through all five boroughs of New York City, and is one of the largest marathons in the world, with 45,103 finishers in 2010.

Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Emily and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”

The marathon, organised by New York Road Runners (NYRR) has taken place every year since 1970. It is held on the first Sunday of November and attracts professional competitors and amateurs from all over the world.

Action For Kids helps to support children and young people with physical and learning disabilities and their parents and carers across the country. Through its “Towards Independence” programmes, the charity helps disabled children, young people and their families lead more independent lives through the provision of specialist services such as: training in independent living skills and work related learning; a family support service; a national help line and much more.

The charity also provides disabled young people, up to the age of 26, with specialist mobility equipment, and an on-going maintenance program to keep wheelchairs working. The equipment, which is provided on a permanent loan scheme, means that Action for Kids covers the cost of maintaining and servicing the wheelchairs on an ongoing basis, removing a major financial burden from families.

To sponsor Emily, please visit her personal sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/emily-m.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

ABCUL calls for credit union alternative to NS&I at Post Offices

by Ethos public relations

Following the announcement that people will no longer be able to use Post Office branches to manage their National Savings and Investments (NS&I) savings products, ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd – has called for credit union services to be made available through the Post Office network.

ABCUL Chief Executive Mark Lyonette said: “Many people rely on their local Post Office for simple cash based savings products that they have valued for many years. The prospect of a big reduction in such products available through the Post Office network leaves a big gap which credit unions would be very well placed to fill.

“Credit unions offer simple, safe savings products to nearly a million people across Britain, but access in many areas to these services is limited. With the potential investment in the sector that the Government is currently considering, credit union savings and affordable loan products could be made available through the Post Office network.

“This could make local and mutual financial services accessible to millions more people and ensure that the Post Office remains a valued provider of the products people need.”

The Government announced in March 2011 – www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2011/mar-2011/dwp025-11.shtml – that it would invest up to £73 million in the expansion and modernisation of credit unions. A feasibility study for the programme has recently been submitted to the Project Steering Committee and a decision on the investment is expected by the end of 2011. More information is available here: www.dwp.gov.uk/other-specialists/the-growth-fund/latest-news.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

West Sussex hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons

by Ethos public relations

A 20-year-old student from Chichester is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.

Verity Turner, who is currently studying Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

“I love New York,” Verity said. “And after speaking to people who had taken part in the New York City marathon, and finding out that I could go with the team of students from Loughborough University, I just had to sign up for it! I am really looking forward to the challenge and hope to raise £2,000 for Action For Kids.

“I have been doing many different forms of training to prepare for the marathon, including aqua jogging,” Verity added. “I developed shin splints through all the training and found that this was the best way for me to keep my mileage up and the impact on my shins down!”

Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Verity and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”

To sponsor Verity, please visit her personal sponsorship page at www.virginmoneygiving.com/VerityTurner.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Affordable homes now available in Clitheroe

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes and Ribble Valley Homes, both part of the Symphony Housing Group, are working together to deliver a £2.1 million affordable housing scheme in Clitheroe.

Nicky Harris Project Manager for Symphony Housing Group said: “Contour Homes has developed the new properties at Primrose View which will comprise of 13 rented properties and 12 shared ownership properties. Ribble Valley will become the managing agent and the company is now asking anyone interested in the shared ownership properties, which will become available in January, to register their interest now.”

The homes available via shared ownership include 2-bedroom mews homes, which have been valued at £150,000. Local people can buy a minimum initial equity share of 25% for £37,500. These properties comprise a hallway, kitchen, cloakroom and open plan lounge-diner on the ground floor with two bedrooms and a family bathroom on the first floor.

The 3-bedroom properties have a market value of £160,000 and families can get a foot on the property ladder with a £40,000 investment, which represents a 25% equity share.

Buyers can purchase up to a maximum share of 75% on the properties and further shares can be purchased later to increase ownership to 100%. A rent is payable on the portion of the property that you do not own.

Nicky Harris adds: “In order to qualify for these sought after properties we have established a purchase criteria. This includes purchasers being 18 years old and over and in full time employment with a household income under £60,000 per annum.

"First time buyers living or working in the Ribble Valley area will take precedence over non first time buyers as we want to encourage local people on to the property ladder.”

The properties are built to a high standard and include fully fitted kitchens with gas hob, electric oven and extractor canopy with either white or walnut effect units. The family bathrooms have a fitted three-piece suite and each home has a rear garden and one allocated parking space at the front.

In addition, the properties are fitted with solar panels on the roof, which will reduce energy bills and help make the properties more cost effective to run.

Situated in a good position on the outskirts of Clitheroe and enjoying good long distance views across open countryside, local estate agency Atherton’s is confident these new homes will prove very popular. Martin McShane, director at Atherton’s said:

“Shared ownership is the best option for those who can’t afford to buy a home straight away. If you would like more details about these homes call 01200 420100 or register your interest at www.plumlife.co.uk and complete the online application form.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Bangor hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons

by Ethos public relations

A 20-year-old student from Bangor is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.

Gethin Jeffreys, a Maths and Sport Science student at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity and challenge for me,” Gethin said. “And I want to raise at least £2,000 for Action For Kids.

“Knowing that the money I manage to raise will help to make a real difference to someone’s life, is a great incentive and I’ve been doing a lot of regular training in preparation for the event!”

Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Gethin and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”

To sponsor Gethin, please visit his personal sponsorship page at www.justgiving.com/Gethin-Jeffreys.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Showers forecast at Royce Court

by Ethos public relations

Residents at Contour Homes’ Royce Court sheltered scheme in Knutsford were able to try out a new shower and bathroom furniture recently - when facilities were set up in the communal lounge!

Dan Thomson an assistant surveyor for the company said: “Royce Court provides 41 flats for people over the age of 55 and Contour Homes is investing £85,000 in a refurbishment of all the bathrooms.

“Rather than just provide a leaflet about the new equipment being installed, we decided to erect a bathroom and shower in the communal lounge. This allowed the Suppliers ProCare to answer questions - and of course residents couldn’t resist trying out the facilities and having quite a giggle!”

As well as new bathrooms, all of the flats will also benefit from new central heating systems and electrics as part of the refurbishment programme. 74 year old Vicky Barlow who has lived at Royce Court for four years, was keen to try out the new shower.

“We can’t wait to get our lovely new bathroom suite or shower,” she said. “It’s nice that Contour Homes is providing bespoke designs to suit our individual needs and this work will really complete our homes.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Hattersley make over

by Ethos public relations

After investing millions of pounds on bringing its housing stock up to date in Hattersley, Peak Valley Housing Association is now turning its attention to the estate environment with a £5 million investment in environmental works.

Sue Edge, Project Manager for Peak Valley Housing Association said: “We have now appointed The Casey Group to complete work to the value of £1 million in phase one of the environmental works on Hattersley.

“The contract will benefit not just Peak Valley tenants but everyone living and working in the area.”

The environmental external works will cover such things as new fencing, replacement of boundary walls and in-curtilage parking and will include around 350 properties – representing a quarter of Peak Valley’s housing stock.

Sue Edge adds: “We have worked closely with The Casey Group on other projects and they have already developed a great working relationship with residents in the area.

“This next phase of work will complement the refurbishment of our housing stock.”

Click here to read more press releases for Peak Valley from Ethos public relations.

Top ten skills for all Housing staff

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 600,000 learners, has identified a number of key transferable skills that staff working in the housing sector should have in today’s workplace.

“As social landlords work to become more efficient, housing staff are being asked to do more and to take on new roles,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of The Housing e-Academy.”

“What started as a drive for value for money has resulted in many landlords creating a flexible working environment which benefits both the organisation and the individual, as people learn new skills and also bring new ideas to the table.”

The top ten key transferable skills are Presentation, Time Management, Effective Meetings, Communication, Environmental Awareness, Questioning, Lean Office, the Appraisal Process, the Recruitment Process and Project Management.

Chloe said before embarking on any new training, managers must talk to staff to find out how they prefer to learn. The Housing e-Academy experience suggests that using online learning resources is having a positive impact on learning and keeping the costs down. Having managers' input in the delivery of training is also important.

The Housing e-Academy has now developed a Baseline Package which provides short courses on the key transferable skills.

“This package is the perfect way to introduce e-learning to all areas of your organisation and provide a quick and easy way to fulfill a wide range of training needs,” said Chloe.

“Having a majority of staff with some understanding of these key skills will make your housing association operate at its best.”

For more information about e-learning call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk

Click here to read more press releases for Housing e-Academy from Ethos public relations.

Loughborough hopeful to hit Big Apple for one of world’s largest marathons

by Ethos public relations

A 20-year-old student from Loughborough is in training for the New York City Marathon – one of the largest marathons in the world - to help raise money for national disability charity, Action For Kids.

Simon Phillips, an Aeronautical Engineering student at Loughborough University, is one of 15 runners taking part in the marathon on Sunday 6 November to help raise funds for the charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

“The New York City Marathon is an incredible opportunity and challenge for me,” Simon said. “And I have been doing a lot of training in preparation for it - 30 to 40 miles of road running each week!

“My aim is to complete the marathon in less than three and three quarter hours and I hope to raise at least £1,500 for Action For Kids.”

Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action for Kids, said: “It is fantastic to have Simon and the whole team running for us. They have all set themselves fundraising targets and hope to raise £21,000 or more for the charity, which is just brilliant! We are truly grateful to everyone who is taking part.”

To sponsor Simon, please visit his personal sponsorship page at: www.justgiving.com/simonphillips91.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

And for more information about the New York Marathon, please visit www.nycmarathon.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Community hub for OL1 residents

by Ethos public relations

Residents and community groups living in OL1, the St Mary’s ward, now have a meeting place thanks to social landlord Contour Homes.

The company has just launched a community hub at its St Mary’s development, which will open several hours a day to provide a base for community groups as well as local services providers such as the police and the council.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Homes will have a base at the Community Hub.

She said: “We have done a considerable amount of consultation with residents living around the new St Mary’s scheme and residents said they wanted a base on their door step to provide facilities like this.”

Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, is transforming the St Mary’s area and building 93 homes, some of which will be for general rent and some for purchase through a shared ownership scheme.

In addition to the new homes, the company has a comprehensive community development strategy in place provided by a 7-strong team.

Over the next few months the Community Hub will host community events, meetings with residents, training and employment advice. In addition, we will also hold a Christmas, Easter and Summer event. For more information about the Community Hub contact Shanine Meadowcroft, Community Investment officer on 0782 5065138.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

UK Energy sector goes co-operative

by Ethos public relations

With an announcement due imminently on a review of the feed-in tariff (FiT), it seems that the UK population may already be taking energy into its own hands, with a 24% rise in the number of ‘member owned’ energy co-operatives in the last four years.

The new figures from Co-operatives UK, the national trade association for co-operative enterprises, show that member owned energy organisations is the fastest growth area for co-operative businesses in the UK.

The data is released alongside a comprehensive research report on the sector - ‘A Co-operative green economy – New solutions for energy and sustainable social justice’ written by Pat Conaty and published by Co-operatives UK, which explores the potential for co-operative solutions in renewable energy and household energy reduction.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, says: “Co-operative energy businesses are owned by members and run for members. The co-operative model is a perfect antidote to current energy practices – co-operatives put their members in control of where profits go whether that is back to members, back to the community or to invest in viable green energy projects.

“The big six energy companies are still the giants in the market, but grassroots co-operatives are now organising under their feet.”

Ovesco, in Sussex, is one of Britain’s first community-owned renewable energy providers, formed to help its community invest in localised zero-carbon energy generation. It helps set up community owned energy schemes, fitting solar panels and providing energy advice.

Chris Rowland, Director at Ovesco, said: “The feed-in tariff (FiT) is great. It allows communities to bring in income from renewable power projects and then go on to carry out low carbon work as well as energy efficiency work within our communities.

“Without it, the big six energy companies will always dominate the market.”

For more information about the Co-operatives UK report and to download a copy, please visit www.uk.coop/energy.

To find out more about Ovesco, please visit www.ovesco.co.uk.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Awards for North West residents

by Ethos public relations

Residents and staff have been rewarded for outstanding achievements at the first ever imPaCt (Inspiring and Motivating Peak Valley and Contour Homes tenants) Awards recently held by Peak Valley Housing Association and Contour Homes, both members of Symphony Housing Group.

The red carpet event was hosted at the Imperial War Museum North and attended by 130 people.

Phil Gandy Group Chief Executive at Symphony Housing Group said: “It is important that we acknowledge those people who inspire us. We know that enabling genuine involvement by our tenants is fundamental to ensuring great service and continuing improvements. This event is a massive thank you to our fabulous tenants and residents.”

The winners in each category are:

Community Safety Award, sponsored by Morrison and won by Elsie Dixon for her work in Hattersley.

Going Green Award sponsored by Arcus Consulting and won by George Davison for his clean up campaigns in Hattersley.

Going the Extra Mile Award won by Contour Homes Neighbourhood Officer in Handforth. Gwynn Lloyd.

Making a Difference Award sponsored by Mears and won by Lucy Gore for making her Salford community a nicer place to live.

Good Neighbour Award sponsored by Mears and won by Ruth Wilkins for being supportive and always happy to help her neighbours in Whitefield.

Outstanding Achievement Award presented to Hattersley tenant Mel Humphries for her contribution to the development of tenant services.

Outstanding Young Person Award sponsored by Bramall Construction and won by 14 year old Madison Furbey for her work in the community in Oldham.

The event organisers set a target to achieve 100 percent sponsorship for the event and succeeded. Belinda Hayes from Contour Homes said: “In these austere times we were overwhelmed by the generosity of our sponsors who made the event such a success.

“The sponsors, the venue, the entertainment and of course our fabulous residents, tenants and staff have secured the imPaCt awards a place in our annual calendar.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here or for more about Peak Valley click here.

21st Century Apprenticeships up for grabs

by Ethos public relations

The Housing e-Academy, which is part of the Virtual College with 580,000 learners, has just launched a 21st Century Apprenticeship Programme, which is free for social housing employers.

Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, said: “The 21st Century Apprenticeship package has been developed to streamline the apprenticeship process – from advertising and hiring, to recording and assessing apprentice development. We recognise that some businesses can be put off by the administration of apprenticeship schemes and we are determined to remove this barrier and make the process as easy as possible.”

Earlier this year, the Coalition Government said it was increasing its annual funding for apprenticeships by £250 million. This extra cash – which is on top of the £398 million a year currently available – will be up for grabs by 2014/15 and could deliver 75,000 more apprenticeship places**. It is clear that apprenticeships will become an integral part of many businesses in the future and social housing providers should get involved as early as they can.

Any RSL or ALMO interested in the new 21st Century Apprenticeship Programme should register with the Housing e-Academy and tell them how many apprenticeships they have available. The Housing e-Academy will source a training provider and advertise the apprenticeship. Applicants take an online suitability assessment and are shortlisted for interview.

Once hired, the apprentice, the training provider and the social housing provider have access to an online apprenticeship system where they can view and assess progress.

“The Housing e-Academy is a specialist in the sector and so we are well aware of the issues and demands on your business,” said Chloe.

“We are also uniquely placed as part of Virtual College, to have access to the experience and knowledge of one of the UK's leading providers of total solutions within the e-learning arena. Therefore, we can provide housing organisations with the best in both housing and learning expertise.”

“There is no doubt that a 21st century organisation needs a 21st century apprentice,” said Chloe. “The first organisations to join the programme are going to get the best people, so register your interest sooner rather than later.”

** source - http://www.insidehousing.co.uk/searchResultsEditorial.aspx?qsearch=1&qkeyword=apprenticeships&x=25&y=

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Ethos public relations creates a buzz

by Ethos public relations

Staff and clients at Manchester-based Ethos public relations are set to benefit from a bumper harvest following the company’s sponsorship of a beehive as part of its support for Salford Bee Collective.

Jars of pure, local Salford honey from one of The Salford Bee Collective’s urban beehives will be presented as special gifts in time for Christmas.

Shaun Fisher, Director of Ethos public relations, says: “When we found out about The Salford Bee Collective and their plans for the future, we couldn’t wait to pledge our support.

“We have a real interest in promoting local, sustainable food and are keen that more people understand where their food comes from. Salford’s bees have been working really hard this year and we’re delighted to see such a good crop of local honey.”

Chris Guthrie of Salford Bee Collective says: “We have been looking to get local businesses involved in this initiative and are delighted that Ethos public relations has helped by sponsoring a hive. The money will go towards developing The Salford Bee Collective and helping us develop our plans for the future.

“Bee numbers are declining worldwide and we wanted to do our bit to halt this. We are continually looking for other sponsors, so if any other businesses want jars of honey for their office then please get in touch.”

The Salford Bee Collective is made up of individuals and organisations in Salford and it purchased its first hive in June 2010. It has as one of its partners, Salford City College, whose Woodwork and Joinery Department make the hives for use by community hive recipients.

Shaun Fisher adds: “Our support for The Salford Bee Collective is going way beyond pure sponsorship and we will be helping the Collective realise its business objectives which include ambitious plans for setting up a co-operative to collect, process and market Salford honey.”

To find out more about Ethos public relations, visit www.ethos-pr.com. To find out about Salford Bee Collective, email salfordbeecollective@gmail.com.

To read other news from Ethos public relations click here.

New Work Club launches in Hollinwood

by Ethos public relations

A new Work Club, where job seekers can get advice and support on finding employment is being launched in Hollinwood, Oldham thanks to the collaboration of local organisations.

The Work Club will give people of Hollinwood the chance to meet others looking for work, build new contacts, share job hunting experiences and get advice on interview techniques, basic computer skills, updating a CV and even volunteering opportunities.

Sarah Furbey, Contour Homes Community Development Worker will be running the Club and be supported by other local organisations including Regenda Housing, Hollinwood Children’s Centre and volunteers and staff from the Library Service.

Sarah said: “Research shows that the best way to find another job is through friends, family or social networks, which is why we have set up a Work Club in this area.

“Sessions will also include guest speakers from local businesses, who will share their advice and news about any opportunities in the area.”

The first Work Club will be 20th October and then every Thursday at Limehurst Library between 1pm and 3pm. Make an appointment on 0161 624 0351 or email limehurstlibrary@oldham.gov.uk.

If you are local company who would like to add its support, please contact Sarah Furbey on 07985 538229.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

UK’s 2012 International Year of Co-operatives website goes live

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK has today launched the UK’s website for the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives 2012 - www.uk.coop/2012.

The website provides information on what is happening across the country and features a range of useful resources about co-operatives and the International Year for businesses, individuals, journalists and all those interested in learning more.

Also available on the website is a UK identity mark for the International Year. Developed by The Co-operative Group and Co-operatives UK, it can be downloaded in various formats by co-operative businesses and supporters for use in communications and campaigns during the International Year.

In addition, toolkits and leaflets can now be ordered from the site. A range of materials will be added over the coming months – case studies, images and films – which businesses and supporters can use to make the most of the International Year.

The 2012 website also provides extensive links to other activities and sites across the world, including a feed to the Global News Hub and a forthcoming link to www.stories.coop, a new International Co-operative Alliance initiative which is due to go live at the start of 2012.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “2012 is a unique opportunity. We’d love to see everyone in the sector – and beyond – make it a co-operative year by promoting their co-operative values.

“This new website will help businesses and individuals make the most of it – an online events map, useful resources to order or download and links to what else is happening. It will be an online hub for everyone in the UK involved or interested in the International Year of Co-operatives.”

To find out more, please visit the website www.uk.coop/2012.

Get fruity with your work colleagues – set up a cider co-operative

by Ethos public relations

With 179,000 tonnes of uneaten apples thrown away every year in the UK*, a new guide launched today is encouraging people to set up a cider co-operative at work, to celebrate Apple Day 2011 (Friday 21st October).

The new guide, ‘Setting up a cider co-operative at work – Get fruity with your colleagues!’ by Co-operatives UK, shows how work colleagues can get together to make use of the tonnes of uneaten apples that go to waste each year and sets out advice on creating cider co-operatives at work.

According to Arthur Potts-Dawson, chef and visionary behind The People’s Supermarket: “Cider clubs are a new flavour of co-operative. Setting up a cider co-op at work is an easy and sociable way to make the most of one of the UK’s most unsung fruits.”

Mark Simmonds, the guide’s author from Co-operatives UK, says: “If colleagues get together in the next few weeks and bring in their excess apples from their gardens they can have quality, local cider ready for Christmas or the New Year.

“And it is simple to set up a cider co-operative at work. The structure tends to be very informal and anyone who provides some apples can become a member of the co-operative, allowing them to have a say and get some cider in return.”

Now businesses across the UK can help to save so many apples from going to waste every year, by starting their very own cider co-operatives with the help and advice that can be found in the new guide. All businesses can have a co-operative in them.

If you are interested in finding out more about how to set up your own cider co-operative at work, please download a copy of ‘Setting up a cider co-operative at work – Get fruity with your colleagues!’ – www.uk.coop/fruity.

* WRAP research – www.wrap.org.uk

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Band on the Wall announces it’s very first Christmas party packages

by Ethos public relations

Band on the Wall, Manchester’s legendary music venue is challenging Christmas party organisers to ditch soulless venues for a bespoke and unique event with a full live band.

The world famous city-centre venue, which can hold up to 320 guests, can help you hold the party of a lifetime, with full live band, delicious food and welcome drinks for as little as £19.50 per person. *

The award winning venue offers all the latest facilities whilst including some unusual additions like a Sound studio, an AV Studio and High Definition Video Cameras. Additionally you can let the team at Band on the Wall arrange everything for you while you sit back and enjoy professional musicians playing a range of music from genres including Latin, Pop, Jazz R&B, Funk, Soul and the Blues.

Najia Bagi, Development Manager at Band on the Wall, said “Planning any event can be stressful - and Christmas parties are even more so. That is why we offer a bespoke service where we can sort everything out for you – letting you enjoy the unique style and perks that Band on the Wall has to offer – all at a great price.

“We have been voted Best Small Venue in the North West (2011 – NME) and Manchester’s Best Night Out (2010 - Manchester Tourism Awards) so you know that you are guaranteed to have a great time here.”

To find out more about Band on the Wall and booking your party visit www.bandonthewall.org and contact Najia Bagi, Development Manager, on 0161 830 3883 or at najia.bagi@bandonthewall.org.

Band on the Wall - The Inspirational Choice For Your Event

* Dependent on size of party

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Free Neet tenant training for tenants

by Ethos public relations

Statistics just released show that 16-24 year olds not in employment is at a record high of 91,000* and a significant number of young people are now considered ‘Neet’ - not in education, employment or training.

“The Neet figures are continuing to rise,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of the Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 600,000 learners. “One in six 16 to 24 year olds (16.2%) are currently not in education, employment or training.

“The increase in tuition fees, along with the abolition of the Educational Maintenance Allowance, means that many young tenants, or children of tenants, will benefit from any help their housing provider can provide.”

With this in mind, the Housing e-Academy via its parent company Virtual College, is offering free training to Neet tenants. The on-line courses available include time management, customer care, health and safety in the workplace, data protection in the workplace, money matters and climbing the career ladder.

“We recognise that many housing providers are already doing a lot of work to support Neet tenants where they can,” said Chloe.

“We believe our free training will be a welcome addition to existing programmes and help to make finances stretch that bit further."

The learning can be completed at home or at a designated office. Housing providers can even assess the young person’s training record and print out a certificate of completion.

Organisations who want to do this and set up a learning management system can do this for free. Individuals - (NEETs) - can also self-register with Virtual College.

“Data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) show that British school-leavers are more likely to be classed as Neet than in countries such as Estonia, Portugal, Hungary, Slovakia and Slovenia,” said Chloe.

“It’s vital that the business community does what it can to help our young people gain knowledge and confidence in what is an increasingly competitive job market.”

For more information about the free Neet training telephone 01946 605976 or email info@virtual-college.co.uk.

*Report by The Office for National Statistics.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Red carpet awards for residents

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes and Peak Valley Housing Associations, both part of the Symphony Housing Group, will be hosting their first ever awards later this month, which recognise inspiring and motivating tenants.

The imPaCt Awards will be held at the Imperial War Museum North and organiser Belinda Hayes, Resident Engagement Officer for Contour Homes and Peak Valley said the ‘red carpet’ event would not have been possible without the support of key partners.

“Social housing repairs and maintenance company Jackson Lloyd, part of The Mears Group PLC has been the main sponsor of the awards,” she said. “We have also had generous support from Acrus Consulting, Bramall Construction and Morrisons (Manchester Working). Between them, they have sponsored the entire event, which will include a three-course dinner at the prestigious Imperial War Museum North."

A judging panel comprised of residents and staff including Judith Winterbourne, Contour Homes Group Customer Services Director decided who should be recognised in the areas of Community Safety, Going Green, Good Neighbour, Outstanding Achievement, Outstanding Young Person, Making a Difference (in the community) and Going the Extra Mile.

“We are now putting the final touches to the event which we hope will become a permanent fixture in our calendar,” said Belinda. “We are confident that our sponsors and our guests will enjoy a fabulous night out where we can pass on our thanks for the un-sung heroes that live in our communities.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here or for more about Peak Valley click here.

A mutual milestone for RBH

by Ethos public relations

ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) today welcomed the decision of Rochdale Council to commence formal consultation with its tenants on proposals to transfer its 13,700 housing stock to a new mutual RBH. If the transfer goes ahead RBH would become the first social housing organisation in the UK to become a mutual - with both tenants and employees as members.

Gareth Swarbrick is Chief Executive of RBH. “We have been working with the Council on this for the past year,” he said. “We are really pleased that we now have the green light from the Council for formal tenant consultation on the transfer to begin, and to take a further step forward in the creation of our new and unique mutual organisation.”

“If transfer goes ahead RBH would become the largest mutual housing organisation in the country and we are very aware that many other organisations, particularly in the housing sector will be watching developments in Rochdale with great interest. We have learnt much from the existing tenant owned transfer organisations in England (Community Gateways) and Wales (Community Mutuals). We are seeking to go a stage further by offering employees the opportunity to become members as well.”

The pioneering spirit is a feature of Rochdale as it was here in 1844 that the first successful co-operative enterprise began. The Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society sparked a worldwide movement that now boasts more than 800 million members and employs over 100 million people.

RBH’s vision is to use its new mutual ownership structure as a catalyst for a new way of working in which tenants and employees work together to shape the organisation’s response to future challenges. Under its proposals, tenants and employees could choose to become members of the organisation from the date of transfer with the full new mutual decision-making structures being put in place over the 15 months following this - as the membership base grows.

RBH has been advised throughout the process by Mutuo. Since 2001, Mutuo has worked to promote new mutuals. This has led to renewed growth in the mutual sector, with public sector mutuals established in health, housing and education and new community based businesses ranging from football to childcare.

Mutuo Chief Executive Peter Hunt commented: “RBH has chosen to blend together the best features of tenant and employee engagement to create a unique and progressive way of delivering high quality social housing services. The work carried out at Rochdale will be of major significance to local authorities that are seeking new ways to co-produce their services with communities and staff.”

RBH and the Council have also worked closely with the Homes & Communities Agency (HCA) to take forward the mutual transfer plans. Deborah McLaughlin executive director North West said: “This looks to be a great opportunity for Rochdale that will give residents further direct involvement in making local housing decisions which will help shape their neighbourhoods and services”

The new Rochdale pioneers are confident that their model could signal a different way to do business for the social housing sector.

Gareth adds: “The shift in the political and financial landscape within our sector has brought a whole new set of challenges. To face up to these and find solutions that work for local communities we need the active involvement of both tenants and employees. This is what our model is all about.”

To read other news from Rochdale Boroughwide Housing click here.

Rivers is blooming!

by Ethos public relations

The Mayor of Bury, Councillor Yvonne Creswell and Mr Alan Creswell the Mayor's Consort, were guests of honour at the Rivers estate in Whitefield this week as they presented prizes to the ‘Rivers in Bloom’ gardening competition winners.

Andrew Taylor, Senior Community Warden for landlord Contour Homes said: “’Rivers in Bloom’ is a well established annual event and our thanks go to everyone who work to make the area so bright and beautiful.”

Residents were invited to enter five categories and the first prize winners were presented with certificates and cheques for £75, whilst Second and Third prize-winners were awarded £45 and £30 respectively.

And the winners are:

Best Tenants’ Individual Garden

1st – Douglas Wolden – (2nd – Harry and Hilda Creegan, 3rd – Bernard Philbin)

Best Communal Garden

1st - Irene Howlett (2nd – Joyce Pritchard, 3rd – Bill Healey)

Best Basket/Tub Display

1st – David Nield (2nd – Marion Wilkins, 3rd – Stephen Oates)

Most improved Garden

1st – Mr & Mrs Norman (2nd – Ema Bennett, 3rd – Jackie Ashworth)

Best Balcony Display

1st – Jean Fearon (2nd – Bernie Burgess, 3rd - Ms K. Severs)

People who had not won a category prize but had made a visible contribution to the area by tidying and planting were also included and received Certificates of Appreciation and a £5 voucher kindly donated by Giants Seat Garden Centre in Stoneclough, Bolton.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

E-learning helps explain Gypsy and Traveller culture

by Ethos public relations

Evictions have long been a feature of traveller life but the eviction at Dale Farm has attracted media attention on a scale previously unseen.

“The Dale Farm story perfectly highlights the tensions between Gypsy and Traveller communities and the rest of the population,” said Chloe Weatherhead, Head of The Housing e-Academy, part of Virtual College with over 600,000 learners.

“It has raised the issues faced by this particular community like none other - and has divided opinion right across the country. This story comes on the back of the TV series My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding which many claim has also enforced negative perceptions about the Gypsy and Traveller culture.

“The housing sector prides itself on being professional and so it is important we are not using out-dated stereotypes which fail to grasp the big picture and to ensure we are fully aware of the issues facing these communities.”

Chloe believes that changes to planning legislation mean we could see more stories like this - albeit on a smaller scale. It is likely that social landlords could be involved and so it is vital that frontline staff have some knowledge of the communities they are working with.

She said: “Housing staff could be called on to play ‘enforcer’ as they deal with issues around anti-social behaviour or ‘social worker’ as they help to reduce discrimination or embed any support initiatives that are introduced.

It is with this in mind that The Housing e-Academy has worked in conjunction with Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (GATE) to develop a new e-learning course to objectively outline the past, current and present issues faced by Gypsies and Irish Travellers in the UK. It examines how negative situations for this community can be challenged and looks to the future to reduce prejudice and discrimination.

“Prejudice against Gypsy and Traveller communities continues to run deep,” said Chloe. “Housing professionals should ensure they are leaders in breaking down barriers and helping to erase this prejudice.”

Understanding Gypsy & Irish Traveller Identity in Society is due for release October 2011. For more information contact a member of the team on 01943 885085 or email info@housingea.co.uk.

To read other news from Housing e-Academy click here.

Action For Kids secures London 2012 Inspire Mark

by Ethos public relations

National disability charity, Action For Kids has been granted the Inspire Mark by the London 2012 Inspire programme, in recognition of its Multi Activity School Holiday Programme.

The London 2012 Inspire programme recognises innovative and exceptional projects that are directly inspired by the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and Action For Kids has been awarded the mark for its holiday activity programme for young disabled people, which includes a range of Paralympic sports.

Sports such as boccia, volleyball and tennis are featured within the charity’s participative and stimulating holiday programme, to help build anticipation and excitement amongst its students ahead of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, said: “We want to use the power of the Games to inspire change. The Inspire programme is recognising the work our partners all round the UK are doing to help us achieve this vision now – one year away from the start of the Games. I congratulate everyone involved in the Action For Kids’ Multi Activity School Holiday Programme for securing the Inspire mark and wish you every success with your work.”

In addition to its range of Paralympic sports, the Action For Kids Multi Activity School Holiday Programme includes music classes, gardening, arts and crafts, dance workshops as well as picnics and day-trips. The programme also gives students the chance to develop their office skills and confidence in a vibrant and fun environment as part of the charity’s Work Related Learning programme.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been granted the Inspire Mark for our Multi Activity School Holiday Programme,” said Sally Bishop, founder of Action For Kids.

“The mix of activities and the range of sports which we feature in our programme enables our students to really get involved and feel a part of the build up to the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and it is great to see just how enthusiastic and excited they are, with just one year to go!”

Action For Kids is a charity that is dedicated to helping transform the lives of children and young people with physical and learning disabilities across the country by removing barriers to independence.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Co-operatives across the UK share in Co-operatives Fortnight success

by Ethos public relations

An independent evaluation of this year’s Co-operatives Fortnight, from 25 June to 9 July, has revealed that large numbers of co-operatives up and down the country took part in the campaign helping to make it a resounding success.

Co-operatives Fortnight 2011, the second ever annual campaign for the sector, with its theme of ‘Yours to Share’ saw people everywhere getting involved, to show how co-operatives share profits, give people an equal say and help build a better world.

The evaluation of Co-operatives Fortnight’s impact, demonstrates that:

Over 290 events, activities and promotions took place which together reached over 4 million people;
More than 1.7 million people heard about or talked about co-operatives online. For the first time ever, co-operatives trended on Twitter – it was the second most popular topic, after Cheryl Cole;
Over 100 media outlets covered the co-operative sector during the Fortnight – from BBC Radio 5 Live to the Financial Times. The combined reach of all media coverage was over 145 million, meaning that every person in the UK would have been able to read about or hear about co-operatives two or three times during Co-operatives Fortnight;
With receptions, lectures and new reports, every UK politician had at least three opportunities to learn more about co-operatives;
The campaign petition was signed by over 7,000 individuals and supported by 38 organisations representing many more, including national businesses, charities and campaigning organisations such as Groundwork UK, NUS, Nationwide and Friends of the Earth.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, which co-ordinates Co-operatives Fortnight, said: “We’re pleased that so many organisations decided to get involved in Co-operatives Fortnight this year, from co-operatives large and small to our many supporting organisations.

“We’re only just starting to build movement-wide momentum behind the Fortnight as an annual campaign, but it’s clearly working. With a big presence online, in-store and across the media, our research shows that both recognition and understanding of co-operatives is on the rise.”

As Ben Reid OBE, Chief Executive of The Midcounties Co-operative, said: “I believe that Co-operatives Fortnight is a great opportunity for the movement to showcase all that is best about the co-operative model. At Midcounties we are 100% behind the principle of taking time out once a year to celebrate co-operation.

“We look forward to 2012 when we can work within the framework of the International Year of Co-operatives to make this Fortnight an even greater success.”

Sally Reith of Shared Interest commented: “As a UK based co-operative, Co-operatives Fortnight is a great opportunity for us to attend local and national events, promoting Shared Interest and the work that we do in the international community. As a co-operative supporting other co-operatives the dedicated fortnight obviously gives us a lot to shout about.”

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Success in Poland thanks to International co-operative support

by Ethos public relations

The Polish parliament has rejected laws against co-operatives which threatened to turn them into shareholder companies, thanks to support from the international co-operative sector, with particular input from the UK.

Pressure from all sides and significant support on the ground from Dame Pauline Green, the ICA’s president, and Felice Scalvini, President of Co-operatives Europe, has resulted in the Polish Parliament rejecting two laws which seriously threatened to demutualise the entire co-operative sector.

The Polish co-operative sector had been fighting to prevent the adoption of the two pieces of damaging legislation, one which threatened Polish housing co-operatives, the other allowing government to interfere with the governance of co-operatives – moving it away from the accepted principles of the global movement.

Letters of support were sent to the president of the Polish Co-operative Council by Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, and The Co-operative Group.

Alfred Domagalski, president of the Polish Co-operative Council, said: "I would like to thank Co-operatives UK and its members for your support in relation to the recent legislative threats to co-operatives in Poland.

“I am sure it helped with contacts with politicians, but it also helped to build a better sense of unity across co-operators in Poland.

“For now, the immediate threat, in the form of two legislative initiatives, has gone away because of the energetic response across the co-operative movement inside and outside Poland. But we are still vigilant."

Ed Mayo added: “This is a welcome reversal but the threat to the co-operative sector will reappear unless the movement is organised. International support is key to this.”

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

North West Social Enterprises set to benefit from ERDF grant

by Ethos public relations

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) wants to hear from North West social enterprises with innovative business ideas after being awarded money by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The ERDF funding will enable TSELF to provide loans of up to £50,000 for social enterprises across the region as part of the Government’s ‘Solutions for Business’ scheme. In addition, TSELF can accommodate applications up to £250,000 for the right proposal, meeting the difference from its own funds.

Sir Howard Bernstein, Vice Chair of the North West European Regional Development Fund Local Monitoring Committee, said: “The Social Enterprise Loan Fund has the potential to make a huge difference to businesses unable to secure sufficient funding from mainstream sources.

"With a particular focus on supporting businesses operating in disadvantaged areas, this fund can provide a major boost to localities, communities and people who need it the most by safeguarding jobs and creating employment opportunities.”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “The work of social enterprises is invaluable. There is a vibrant social enterprise sector in the North West which we want to see grow. The grant from the ERDF is a great boost, and we are looking forward to working with more social enterprises and charities across the region.

“We are particularly keen to hear from social enterprises that are exploiting innovation and knowledge. We have the funds available to support eligible social enterprises with innovative business ideas which can be translated into economically valuable products and processes, generating turnover, market share and new employment opportunities.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity which has, to date, invested £8 million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

TSELF has until March 2013, to lend the money from the ERDF grant, to social enterprises across the region.

For further information and to find out more about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261019.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Local park counting on your support

by Ethos public relations

The Friends of Limeside Park group and Contour Homes are counting on the people of Oldham to help them secure funding for new play equipment at the park, by going online and voting for funding to support this local scheme.

The Group has already been successful in securing £50,000 from the Lotteries Community Spaces Programme. This money has funded toddler play equipment and fencing (soon to be installed), and the Group is now keen to get some play equipment for older children.

The Friends of the Park group has applied to the Natwest Community Force Scheme and needs your support to secure £6,000, which they will use towards junior play equipment.

Sarah Furbey Contour Homes Community Development Worker and Secretary of the Group said: “It is vital we create a play area for children of all ages and we want to do all we can to ensure the park is available for everyone in the community to enjoy.”

To vote for the project, use this link to access the projects and then add your support to Limeside Park between 26 September to 7 October - http://communityforce.natwest.com/project/2979

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

The transformation begins at St Mary’s

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, recently invited a variety of guests from the public and private sector to enjoy a tour of its flagship housing scheme, St Mary’s in Oldham, as the first of the 93 new homes come out of the ground.

The visitors walked around the 2.2 hectare site to see for themselves how the development was progressing.

Vicky Carroll, Group Assistant Director for Symphony Housing Group said: “This is currently the biggest development project on the books of our subsidiary Contour Homes and the team is deservedly proud to be transforming what is a gateway site for Oldham.”

The site was previously home to deck access flats which were demolished over ten years ago. After several failed attempts to bring the site back to life this ambitious proposal for 52 social rented homes and 41 Rent to HomeBuy properties including some of the most eco-friendly design in the North West, has been fully supported by Oldham Council which granted planning permission in 2010.

Louise Marsden, Project Manager for Symphony Housing Group said: “The project has provided Contour Homes with an excellent opportunity to explore more sustainable construction methods helping limit the effects of climate change.

“The St Mary’s scheme will now feature 4 homes built to the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6, the highest level of sustainable construction which will offer many benefits to both our residents and our environment.

“Contour Homes are also exploring an application to proceed with a further pilot scheme to construct two Passivhaus units on the site. Developed in Germany in the early 1990’s the Passivhaus standard requires homes to be constructed using extremely thermally efficient building fabrics. This element, coupled with the excellent air-tightness and mechanical ventilation demanded by Passivhaus eradicates the need for a traditional central heating system.”

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration said: “The development of this site is long overdue so this announcement is very good news.“St Mary’s is a key site and this agreement will provide a lasting legacy of high-quality housing for the future.”

Contour Homes along with developer Bramall Construction have provided a ‘community hub’ on the site which Contour Homes will staff for around 20 hours a week. The hub will provide a base for the local community to meet to discuss specific projects, undertake a variety of training and be a drop-in facility for various community groups.

Andrea Swanwick from Contour Homes is Project Manager. “St Mary’s is not just about building new homes but breathing new life into the wider area. A major part of our remit is to work with the existing local community on a range of initiatives which we hope will bring wider benefits."

The St Mary’s open day culminated in guests browsing an exhibition entitled Photography for Change, which was co-ordinated by Contour Homes and involved young and older people in the Hollinwood, Coldhurst and St Mary’s areas. They compared Saturday night entertainment for teenagers from the British and Bangladeshi communities in the 1950’s and the present day. The exhibition at Oldham Art Gallery is open to the public until Sunday 25th September 2011.

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

Summer antics at Hollinwood

by Ethos public relations

Residents living in the Hollinwood area of Oldham have enjoyed an active summer holiday thanks to Hollinwood Group ‘Parents for Play’ who have been busy running various play sessions.

Parents for Play successfully obtained approximately £5,000 in funding from The Community Foundations Grassroots Fund, to provide the sessions over the last three years. They were also successful in obtaining additional funding from Oldham Council Extended Schools and Contour Homes.

Sarah Furbey, Contour Homes Community Development Worker and leader of Parents for Play said: “The sessions have been very popular with over 100 children attending and benefiting from the sessions. Parents also attended with their children giving them a chance to get together and socialise during the long summer break.

“The group’s main aim is to provide and maintain a multi-sensory play centre in Hollinwood and we hope that we will be able to secure funding enabling us to run the sessions again next year.”

The group also provides monthly play sessions for children with additional needs on the last Saturday of every month. Anyone who would like more information can contact Sarah on 07985 538229 or visit www.parentsforplay.org.uk.

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

Get the real X Factor with Band on the Wall

by Ethos public relations

Band on the Wall, Manchester’s legendary music venue, is encouraging any budding singers, dancers and musicians to sign up to their Learning and Participation Programme.

With talent shows such as the X Factor and Strictly Come Dancing appearing back on our TV screens, the not-for-profit venue, which is run by registered charity Inner City Music, has launched its Autumn Programme of music courses.

The Programme offers a range of inspiring, interesting and challenging opportunities for non-formal, hands-on learning for people of all ages and abilities.

Courses this season include:

•    Tap Rhythm Project
•    Harmonica Class
•    Jazz Improvisation Course
•    Picturehouse Choir
•    Beginner Guitar Course
•    Jazz Guitar Course
•    Jazz Foundations Course
•    Global Grooves: Pernambucan Percussion

Tim Chatterton, Learning and Participation Officer at Band on the Wall, said: “Our courses are a great way for everyone to learn more about music. You get to acquire a new skill, in a fantastic venue, while meeting new friends.

“Whilst we have regular courses like singing classes and guitar classes, the Learning and Participation Programme – like the venue itself – champions many genres of music. With tap dance and harmonica classes – there really is something for everyone.

“As a charity, all the money we make from the venue goes back into programmes like this. These programmes benefit the community and enable everyone and anyone to enhance their experience of music and I encourage as many people to take part as possible.”

To find out more about Band on the Wall and its Learning and Participation Programme, visit www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Wigan Casino founder and Northern Soul legend launches new club night at Band on the Wall on landmark date

by Ethos public relations

Russ Winstanley, founder of the legendary Wigan Casino and champion of Northern Soul music, is launching a new club night at Manchester's iconic Band on the Wall on 23 September – 38 years to the day after the Casino hosted its first ever Northern Soul all nighter.

Russ Winstanley's Heart of Soul is a monthly club night that will also see the BBC Radio Lancashire DJ joined by well-known names from the Casino era.

Speaking about the residency, Malcolm Duffin, Director of Marketing at Band on the Wall, said: “We can’t wait for Russ Winstanley's Heart of Soul to kick off. We have a history of championing all genres of music at Band on the Wall and are delighted that Russ will be DJing at the venue.

“Over four million people passed through the doors at Wigan Casino and it was once voted the world's number one club by Billboard magazine – while Russ was crowned the world’s No 1 soul DJ. In our view this reputation continues to this day.

“Russ Winstanley's Heart of Soul will be a great night and we encourage all soul enthusiasts to dust down their dancing shoes and get their tickets as soon as possible!”

Heart of Soul launches on the 23 September and will kick off at 10.30pm when well-known broadcaster, writer and musician John Robb will be having a live "In Conversation..." with Russ and his guest DJs.

To learn more about the event and about Band on the Wall, go to www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

A dog is for life

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes is urging residents to be responsible pet owners after it was recently involved in the rescue of some very badly neglected dogs.

“In this particular instance the neglect was brought to our attention by a concerned neighbour,” said Jayne Brignall from the company. “The RSPCA carried out an emergency rescue and the animals are now on the way to recovery.”

50% of homes in the UK include a pet of some description and Hyndburn Homes allows its residents to keep domestic pets providing they are kept under control and do not cause a nuisance.

“We take any reports about noise or nuisance from pets very seriously,” adds Jayne. “We also work closely with other agencies to monitor any potentially dangerous dogs reported in our properties and it’s important that all pet owners take their responsibilities seriously.”

Owning a dog for example can cost around £5,000 over its lifetime – and that’s assuming there are no major vet bills. In May this year animal charity The Blue Cross reported a 19% increase in stray and abandoned animals and said that higher insurance premiums, rising vet bills and rocketing pet-food prices were to blame.

“One of the most common complaints we receive is around dog mess,” said Jayne. “If you have a dog, you should be prepared to clean up after it.”

The UK dog population is about six million which produces a staggering 1000 tons of faeces a day and over 350,000 tons of dog excrement is deposited each year in children's playgrounds!

“Apart from being horrible to look at, this unpleasant material very often contains a parasitic roundworm, Toxocara Canis, which can cause blindness in humans,” adds Jayne. “Over 100 people each year are known to catch a disease resulting from this problem, and many of these victims are children. Make sure you take your pooper scooper when you take your dog for a walk.”

Finally warm weather can also cause problems for pets. You should ensure dogs and cats always have access to plenty of fresh water and can go into a cool, shady place. You should never leave your dog in a car or any pet in a conservatory or even a caravan if it is very hot – the inside temperature can soar very quickly over a short space of time.

Jayne adds: “The Animal Welfare Act means that all pet owners form a legal duty of care to their pets. If you need help or advice about caring for your pet then contact the RSPCA”

For more news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

The North West gets philosophical again

by Ethos public relations

Schools, community groups, businesses, registered social landlords (RSL’s) and pub philosophy groups from across the North West got philosophical recently when they took part in the second annual Big Chin Rub – an event organised by Salford based Contour Homes.

Event organiser, Sam Cooper said over 20 groups and around 100 people from across the North West joined the Big Chin Rub and debated the question ‘What does it really mean to own something?

“Philosophical enquiry is a method of getting groups to talk to each other in a different way,” said Sam. “Contour has used it very successfully to encourage individuals, communities and organisations to question, challenge and change their perspectives. It‘s also good fun!”

From primary school children to residents in sheltered schemes, from pub groups to residents associations – people across the region embraced the idea of philosophical enquiry.

The feedback received from people who have tried this method of debate for the first time has been very positive, and described as a great process and a really interesting question.

James Williams, Community Investment Leader said: “Participants all agreed that Philosophical discussions can help to develop skills such as confidence, listening and speaking in a group. It can also help people from different backgrounds work together more effectively.

“If you are interested in hosting your own Big Chin Rub, our next course is on Friday 30th September visit www.veryphilosophical.com/learning for details.”

Go to www.veryphilosophical.com to read more about The Big Chin Rub 2011, see videos and watch philosophical enquiry in practice.

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

Last chance to buy at Wilmslow View

by Ethos public relations

If you are looking for a new home in Cheshire but think this prestigious address is out of your price range – think again. Contour Homes has two homes remaining available for sale at its Wilmslow View development in Handforth where you can buy a share of a two-bedroom apartment.

The properties went on sale in October last year and in ten months have almost sold out.

Nicky Harris, Project Manager for Contour Homes, said: “We worked closely with the Council to develop properties that met the housing needs of the area and we knew that demand would be high – we were right. The location, together with a high specification and the opportunity to buy a share has made Wilmslow View a winner.”

Handforth is a popular location, close to local amenities including shops and restaurants. It has good public transport links with Handforth rail station less than a mile away and access to the motorway network.

The properties themselves feature an entrance hallway, a lounge/diner, a fully fitted kitchen with integrated appliances, a master bedroom, a fitted bathroom and a second bedroom with a choice of carpeting. Each property has an allocated parking space and secure bike store. They also benefit from a range of renewable technologies such as rainwater harvesting system and Photovoltaic Panels on the roof - which all help to make the properties economical to run.

The two remaining properties are available to purchase from £122, 450,” said Nicky. “However, using the Government New Build Home Buy scheme you can purchase 25% of the property which means you only need a mortgage for £30,612 and will pay a rent on the remaining 75%. It’s a very popular way to get on the property ladder which is why so many professional people have already purchased at Wilmslow View.”

With just two properties remaining for sale, people are urged to move fast if they want to secure a property. A show home is available to view and to make an appointment contact the sales team at Bridgfords on 01625 838476

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

Franklin Ainsworth House complete

by Ethos public relations

Residents at Franklin Ainsworth House, a sheltered scheme in Great Harwood, are celebrating the £600,000 refurbishment of the development.

Jayne Brignall from Hyndburn Homes said: “Hyndburn Homes and its contractor Bramall Construction have recently completed the make-over at Franklin Ainsworth House. The work has seen individual flats being brought up to Decent Homes standard as well as giving a fresh new look to communal areas and the exterior of the building.”

Franklin Ainsworth House provides 25 self contained flats to people over the age of 55. The flats have had new modern bathrooms and kitchens installed as well as an overhaul of their central heating and they have been redecorated.

Resident, Hannah Whitehead said: “I think most of us have really enjoyed having the workmen in the place! Now all our flats are like new – they are lovely.”

Terry Hannon at Bramall Construction said: “Some of the residents here are quite vulnerable and so we have had to plan our work carefully to ensure minimum disruption. However, things have gone very smoothly and to celebrate we are hosting a buffet for the residents to say thank you for their support.”

The refurbishment of Franklin Ainsworth House is part of a multi million pound investment programme carried out by Hyndburn Homes to upgrade its housing stock.

For more news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Credit Union Current Account gives customers full ATM access, even if banks won’t…

by Ethos public relations

Another one of the high street banks may have announced that it is restricting access to cash machines for nearly a million of its customers, but the Credit Union Current Account provides a fair and affordable alternative with full ATM access.

News that RBS is to stop its basic bank account holders getting their money out of other banks’ cash machines is the latest example of the limited services available to people on lower incomes from the high street banks. However, credit unions are stepping in to fill the gap with their own current account.

Credit Union Current Account customers can use over 40,000 free to access ATMs around the country, as well as getting cash back in stores. The Credit Union Current Account provides a VISA debit card, free same day access to credit union savings, and the opportunity to set up direct debits, standing orders, funds transfers and bill payments. Account holders can also have their salaries, pensions or benefits paid in directly, and can use their card for online purchases and Chip and PIN transactions in stores.

“When people say their bank is treating them unfairly, we point out that there could be a credit union alternative waiting for them locally,” says Abbie Shelton, Policy and Communications Manager at ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions. “The Credit Union Current Account provides the perfect answer for anyone who wants to access their money from as wide a network of ATMs as possible, as well as a wide range of other benefits which set it apart from high street banks’ basic accounts.”

The Credit Union Current Account is currently available from 25 credit unions around the UK, with more working towards offering it, and there are now over 31,000 credit union members with an account. Credit unions are financial co-operatives owned and controlled by their members. As they are managed locally and have no outside shareholders to pay, credit union members are happy to know that their money stays within their community.

To find your local credit union visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk. To find out which credit unions offer the Credit Union Current Account visit www.abcul.coop/about/productsservices/cuca.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Hyndburn Homes Repairs continues to expand its business activity

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes Repairs, the largest direct works organisation in the area, and a subsidiary of the Symphony Housing Group, has developed a growth strategy to increase its turnover by 50% by 2016.

David Cross Operations Manager for Hyndburn Homes Repairs said this is great news for the company, its employees and the local economy.

“We are part of the Symphony Housing Group which is at the forefront in terms of social housing and regeneration,” explains David. “The Group has contracted us to work across areas of its business, which over the next four years should increase our turnover from £4 million to £6 million.”

In terms of the current year, Hyndburn Homes Repairs has negotiated additional contracts, which include; a Group wide painting programme and fire risk assessment work, along with additional improvement works for Hyndburn Homes.

Currently Hyndburn Homes Repairs provides repairs and maintenance services to Hyndburn Homes, and employs around 60 skilled workers which include; joiners, electricians, plasterers, plumbers and gas engineers along with grounds maintenance and painting teams, the Team is supported by dedicated customer service and supervisory staff.

“This news enhances job security for our existing staff and raises the profile of our company, it also means we will be able to take on new staff and develop our apprenticeship scheme,” adds David. “In these harsh economic times the announcement provides some good news for the local economy.”

“This is also good news for Hyndburn Homes. Any surplus generated from the new contracts will ultimately be ploughed back into providing services to local residents.”

For more news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Social Landlord at the V&A

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes believes it is the first social housing provider to ‘exhibit’ at the Victoria and Albert museum (V&A) in London.

Earlier this year, the company worked with the University of Central Lancashire on an employment and community project work at its Callon estate in Preston. The project is now set to be featured at an exhibition at the museum in September.

Ross Hemmings from Contour Homes said: “The residents of Callon and Contour Homes staff are really pleased to be featured in this prestigious museum. We know it’s a first for us - but we are pretty sure it’s a first for the sector too”

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

Tenants love e-Learning

by Ethos public relations

Tenants love e-learning say the Housing e-Academy, a division of Virtual College with over 580,000 learners. The company has been staggered by the number of requests it has received for its free tenant training mini courses which it has been releasing throughout August.

“As a result of feedback from our existing members, we have developed a series of free training courses,” explains Head of the Housing e-Academy, Chloe Weatherhead. “We have deliberately kept everything really simple to use so that all housing organisations have to do is register online - then tenants just sign in to access the courses.

“In just a few weeks we’ve had over 50 new housing organisations sign up, that’s in addition to our existing member organisations already using the courses.”

The Housing e-Academy has worked with TAROE (the national umbrella organisation for tenants and residents associations) and Leeds GATE (gypsies and travellers exchange) to develop the learning, which covers a wide range of subjects.

They include consumer topics such as How to Save Energy and Feeding a Family on a Budget – to more community focused activities such as Building a Community or Issues around Alcohol. Some of the courses are designed to help residents develop their personal skills such as Getting Started with Social Media or Preparing for Interviews.

The most popular module so far has been Dealing with Anti-Social Behaviour.

Accent Group own and manage over 19,000 properties across the country and are a keen advocate of e-learning. Management Information Systems Co-ordinator, Kelly Hogg, said the Group has welcomed this initiative, which helps meet some of its own corporate objectives around resident involvement.

“We have set a target to provide training to 20% of our tenants,” she said. “We are promoting the Housing e-Academy mini courses via an e-learning leaflet and in our tenant magazine.

“This really is a timely idea from the Housing e-Academy. The free courses are particularly welcome at a time when our budgets are being squeezed and they will also help Accent Group meet its training target quickly.”

There are 18 courses available for tenants to try. For more information about the free tenant mini courses call 01943 885085 or e-mail info@housingea.co.uk.

For more news from Housing e-Academy click here.

First green homes for Rochdale

by Ethos public relations

Brighter Horizons, the charitable development subsidiary company of ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) recently welcomed residents to new ‘green’ homes on Dover St, Rochdale.

Chief Executive of RBH Gareth Swarbrick said: “We are particularly pleased to have completed what is essentially our first new build ‘green scheme’ which has used the latest in sustainable building techniques.”

The company has built six two bedroom bungalows on a disused former play area, supported by £360,000 grant funding from the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA), Deborah McLaughlin, Regional Director North West of the HCA, said: “We are particularly pleased we have been able to support this scheme which provides affordable homes of high environmental standards.”

Dover St was designed by Pozzoni architects to achieve Code for Sustainable Homes Level 4 which includes Insulated Concrete Formwork (ICF) Technology – where twin-walled expanded polystyrene panels are built up to create the walls of the property. This formwork is then filled with ready mix concrete and is quick and easy to build and efficient to run for the householder.

Gareth Swarbrick added: “The sustainable features used in these properties will reduce energy bills for the tenants - and with rising utility prices this is becoming an important element of new build.”

Other features of the homes include a Solar Thermal Hot Water System, Rain Water Harvesting System and restricted water usage system. A Mechanical Ventilation unit with Heat Recovery has been fitted in the loft of each property as well as low energy light fittings in each room.

Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Cabinet member for Performance and Partnerships said: “The Dover Street scheme has brought significant investment into the Rochdale Township and provided much needed new energy efficient bungalow accommodation for rent. The scheme is also an excellent example of partnership working between the Council and RBH to deliver the regeneration of a disused play area site”.

The main contractor on the scheme was Rochdale based Jackson and Jackson and the Employers Agent was Poole Dick Associates.

For more news from RBH click here.

Co-operatives UK joins Village SOS campaign to help revive rural communities

by Ethos public relations

Co-operatives UK has joined a new campaign, which launches today, to help people in rural areas reverse the trend of decline by assisting them in setting up and running community enterprises.

As part of Village SOS Active, an exciting campaign by the Big Lottery Fund, Co-operatives UK will work in partnership with The Plunkett Foundation, Locality and Action with Communities in Rural England (ACRE), to provide a national advice line and expert support.

The Active campaign will officially launch on Wednesday 10 August as part of a new six-part documentary series on BBC1 called ‘Village SOS’. And dedicated expert advisers will provide support and guidance to people inspired by the series to set up and run their own community enterprises - from shops and pubs to broadband services and transport systems.

In addition to the Co-operatives UK advice line, Village SOS Active has a dedicated website (www.villagesos.org.uk) with downloadable materials such as start-up guides, ‘How to…’ documents for different kinds of enterprises and template documents to help people write business plans or market their enterprise. The website also includes a community network area, for communities to share ideas and inspire each other.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, said: “Co-operatives UK is delighted to be an active partner in Village SOS Active. The campaign will inspire and empower people in rural villages to really think through setting up their own rural enterprises.

“As the trade association for co-operatives, we want to see co-operatives thrive in all areas of the economy, and we will work hard to advise and support these start-up businesses to ensure they become successful and sustainable community enterprises.”

Ed Mayo adds: “Many of these enterprises will begin to flourish in 2012, which is the United Nations International Year of Co-operatives, and as our vision is to ‘Build a better world through co-operation’ what better programme to be partnered with.”

Peter Couchman, Chief Executive of the Plunkett Foundation, said: “The closure of village shops and the boarding up of local pubs is an all too common story for rural communities across the UK.

“But an increasing number of rural communities are fighting back against such closures by setting up and running their own enterprises. There are now 260 community-owned shops across the UK which have a 97% business success rate. Through Village SOS Active, we hope to continue to enthuse and inspire villages to build on this success.”

The first of the six-part ‘Village SOS’ documentary series, can be seen on BBC1 on Wednesday 10 August at 8pm.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Unique loan puts Cumbrian outdoor learning centre in field of its own

by Ethos public relations

An outdoor learning social enterprise in Cumbria is now helping even more people of all ages and abilities get closer to nature thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

Learning Fields CIC, in Appleby, recently received a £30,000 loan from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) which supplemented support from Natural England and Cumbria County Council’s Community Regeneration Fund, to enable the organisation to establish its residential facilities.

Set up in 2007, Learning Fields Community Interest Company (CIC) is based at Nag's Head Farm in Hoff. Spanning ten hectares of grassland and woodland, the centre provides an opportunity for individuals or groups to observe and enjoy the countryside in a safe environment, with facilities including a sensory area, nature ponds, kitchen garden and woodland activities.

Founder Director of Learning Fields, Alex Chalmers, said: “We are delighted to have received such invaluable support from TSELF, which has really helped us to create our visitors’ accommodation.

“The loan has enabled us to build a brand new kitchen and dining area, bunk room for up to 12 people, a bedroom for teachers or carers, a shower, toilets and a classroom which we can also now use for general meetings.

“All the renovations have been carried out to the highest standards and they are all easy to access and easy to use for less able visitors.”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “Working closely with local schools and disability charities to both educate and entertain, Learning Fields offers a fantastic service to many people in the area and we are pleased to be able to assist in this way.

“The new accommodation provides superb facilities for visitors of all ages, teachers, carers and families, and enables Learning Fields to welcome even more people to the unique outdoor learning centre, especially those from further afield.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity providing loans ranging from £3,000 to £250,000 to social enterprises and charities and has, to date, invested £8 million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places. And now, thanks to financial support from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), TSELF can provide funding to even more social enterprises across the region.

“We are here to help,” Roy says. “So we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us. With the recently acquired grant that we’ve received from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) we are looking to invest in social enterprises who are looking to grow and employ new people or who wish to exploit innovation and knowledge in their expansion plans.”

To find out more about TSELF in the North West visit www.tself.org.uk or call 01829 261 019. For more information about Learning Fields call 01768 353 860 or visit http://learningfields.co.uk.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

Contour residents are ‘In This Together’

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes and Peak Valley Housing Association have recently developed a joint resident group with the specific aims of removing any barriers that may deter residents from accessing services.

Known as the ‘In this Together’ Group, Chair Murray Corbin believes it is quite unique in the sector.

“We are not simply an Equality & Diversity Panel,” he said. “We want to ensure that customer data is effectively used to shape and tailor services. This is an innovative way to engage with residents, to identify barriers and to make recommendations on how they can be overcome.”

The Group has made a deliberate decision to steer clear of the minutiae of equality and diversity – such as approving policies. Instead it expects the organisations to involve the group in all aspects of engagement and shaping services which means it is more involved in major corporate areas of work like customer profiling.

Murray adds: “For example a key focus of our work at the moment is to review the use of vulnerability flags – how are they working? How are Contour Homes and Peak Valley linking customer profiling and vulnerability flags?

“Group members will also be mystery shopped to ensure what we agree is actually being embedded across the organisation."

The Group is part of the Equality, Diversity and Engagement Centre of Excellence at Contour Homes and Peak Valley and Manager Rachel Gee believes it’s vital that residents lead and shape this agenda.

“’In this Together’ has been given the same level of equality and diversity training as our staff,” she said. “The Group work with staff to agree and deliver the action in our Single Equality Scheme and address any areas of improvement that residents tell us about. “We see this Group as being genuinely empowered and we want to encourage them to do as much as possible in this field.”

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

Couple to celebrate first wedding anniversary by running Royal Parks Half Marathon for charity

by Ethos public relations

Keen charity supporters, from Lewisham, will be celebrating their first wedding anniversary in a unique way this October, by running the Royal Parks Half Marathon in London to raise money for charity.

Luke Slatford and his wife Roxsanne, who live in Forest Hill, are in training to complete ‘the most beautiful city run in the world’, on Sunday 9 October, to raise as much money as they can for their nominated charities.

The Royal Parks Half Marathon is one of the most scenic city runs in the world. Starting and finishing in Hyde Park, the 13.1 mile route races through four of London’s stunning Royal Parks - Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park and St James’s Park - and offers runners magnificent views of some of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, including Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, the London Eye, Marble Arch and the Royal Albert Hall.

Luke, an Associate Director at Takeda Global R&D Centre (Europe) Ltd in Aldwych, along with his work colleagues, has already worked hard this year fundraising for the organisations’ nominated charity, Action For Kids, and so far they have managed to raise almost £11,000. Now Luke and his colleagues are determined to raise another £500 for the charity to ensure they exceed this, by completing the half marathon.

Roxsanne, who works for QVC, is competing to raise £1,000 or more for her company’s nominated charity.

“We are both really looking forward to taking part in the event,” says Luke. “It’s a bit of a different way to celebrate our first wedding anniversary, but it will be great fun and I am sure we’ll both enjoy it! Training wise, we have done the British 10K together. Roxsanne runs twice a week I have been training for the London Triathlon which took place on Sunday 31st July!

“In terms of time, I am trying for one hour 50 minutes, which is quite ambitious as I’ve never done over a 10K before! If Roxsanne runs under two and a quarter hours, she will be very pleased.”

Carolyn Mwaniki, Events and Community Fundraising Manager at Action For Kids, said: “We are very grateful to Luke for taking part in the event to raise money for Action For Kids - particularly as it’s his and Roxsanne’s first wedding anniversary. The pair of them are true charity champions! The Royal Parks Half Marathon is always great fun and a fantastic day out for all the family. And we still have spaces left for the event, so to avoid missing out, we urge anyone interested in taking part to contact the events team on 020 8347 8111 or email events@actionforkids.org.”

To sponsor Luke in The Royal Parks Half Marathon, please visit http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/takedaroyalparkshalf.

To find out more about the costs involved and for more information about Action For Kids and its work, please visit www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

New homes complete Rossendale Hall

by Ethos public relations

The Rossendale Trust celebrated the completion of a £2.4 million redevelopment recently and new tenants invited family, friends and supporters of the Trust for afternoon tea on the lawns outside their new homes.

Mike Frost, Chief Executive of the Rossendale Trust, said: “We are delighted to formally open the Rose Gardens apartments which is home to 16 tenants and they join those tenants who moved into the Riverside apartments which opened last year. Rose Gardens completes the multi million pound redevelopment at the Rossendale Hall site in Sutton, which provides tenants with care and support in their homes, leading to a more independent lifestyle.”

Previously 27 tenants had lived in communal residential accommodation in the older part of the Hall which was no longer fit for purpose. Now 32 tenants enjoy living in smaller groups of four people, each with their own bedroom and sharing a communal kitchen, living room and bathroom facilities.

Visitors to the event included Phil Gandy, Chief Executive of Symphony Housing Group, which was responsible for securing £1.4 million in grant funding from the Housing Corporation (now the Homes and Communities Agency) to develop the new housing. Its subsidiary, Contour Homes, now becomes the new ‘landlord’ for the tenants.

Phil Gandy said: “We have worked closely with residents to deliver future proof housing that better suits their needs and considerably improves upon their previous accommodation. It was lovely to meet the tenants who are clearly very proud of their new homes.

“We enjoy a strong relationship with the Rossendale Trust and look forward to future joint opportunities.”

Macclesfield based contractors Rowlinson Constructions Ltd carried out the build and worked very closely with tenants and their families to ensure minimum disruption.

Rowlinson Contracts Manager Steve Weir said: “Working with tenants on what has been a positive, life changing experience, and having the chance to see them settle into their new homes, has been very rewarding for the construction team. “

Gordon Brown calls on credit unions to ‘set the agenda’

by Ethos public relations

Gordon Brown has praised credit unions for their work to tackle inequality and called on them to set the agenda for the financial system based on the principles of fairness and responsibility.

The former Prime Minister was speaking at the World Credit Union Conference in Glasgow to an audience of 1,400 people from over 50 countries.

Gordon Brown said: “We have seen the biggest financial crisis of our history which was caused by the banks forgetting the basic values of fairness and responsibility which we all adhere to as a matter of course in our personal and professional lives. Credit unions, which have already seen fantastic growth in recent years, are faced with enormous opportunities because they are based on fundamental values of fairness and responsibility...

“We should build the financial system of the future based on principles of fairness and responsibility that have always been at the heart of the credit union movement. So there is a big agenda ahead and, from Glasgow this week, I hope that you can set that agenda.”

Mr Brown also remarked on the growth of credit unions in Britain which now provide services to over 900,000 people, including 5,000 in his own constituency. He observed how this has been helped by the Growth Fund, introduced by the last Labour Government, which provided over 400,000 affordable loans to the value of £175 million, mainly through credit unions, and saved borrowers a similar amount in interest payments.

Association of British Credit Unions Limited (ABCUL) Chief Executive Mark Lyonette said: “I know that the credit union representatives around the world will have been very pleased to hear Gordon Brown express such respect and faith in both their work and their potential. Credit unions in Britain have benefitted greatly from Government investment in recent years and it is testament to the success of the Growth Fund and credit unions’ ability to change lives that the current Government is carrying out feasibility studies to examine the best way to carry forward this investment and continue growing the credit union sector.”

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Royal Wedding boost for UK neighbourliness

by Ethos public relations

The UK has become a more neighbourly country in the last year. We know more of our neighbours and we are speaking to them more often, according to a survey by Co-operatives UK.

Researchers conducting the annual survey into community co-operation for Co-operatives UK, are attributing this change to greater economic hardship encouraging us to share and rely on neighbours more, as well as events such as the Royal Wedding which saw an estimated 5,500 street parties take place across the UK.

The average adult in the UK now knows eight of their neighbours by name (up from seven a year ago) and each day an estimated 26 million conversations between neighbours take place (an increase from 21 million). Over 16 million of us (16.3m) visit our neighbours at least once a month, an increase of 2 million since 2010.

We are also helping our neighbours more, with increasing numbers looking after pets or plants (32% up from 23%), fetching shopping (15% up from 6%) and accepting mail or parcels (73% up from 63%).

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, believes that increased sharing is a natural result of people feeling under financial pressure. “It’s a bit of cliché, but genuinely a crisis seems to bring out the best in people.

“There are many practical financial advantages to being more neighbourly, sharing costs and getting free help with household tasks. Also, we know that sharing increases our sense of well-being and happiness, so getting more immersed in local community is a simple way people can help cope with stressful times and financial pressures.

“Also, national events such as the Royal Wedding do tend to have a legacy of greater community spirit as demonstrated by our findings.”

However, it seems that increased contact with our neighbours may also lead to a rise in disputes, with the number of people reporting problems with their neighbours rising to 50%.

The most common disputes involve noise (24% experienced such problems), poor behaviour (11%), the growth of trees and bushes (10%) and disruptive children (10%).

For more information about Co-operatives UK, please visit www.uk.coop.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Credit unions welcome changes to legislation

by Ethos public relations

ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions – has welcomed steps taken in Parliament this week which will see increased access to safe and ethical financial services in communities and workplaces across the country. A Legislative Reform Order, which will make changes to the Credit Unions Act 1979, was re-laid before Parliament on Tuesday (19 July).

The Order will make a number of changes to the Act including allowing credit unions to provide services to community groups, attract investment from local businesses and extend services to new groups, including housing association tenants and employees. Credit unions will also be able to pay interest on savings, instead of a dividend, making saving in a credit union more attractive.

Subject to scrutiny by Parliamentary Committees, the changes should be in place early in 2012.

Chief Executive of ABCUL Mark Lyonette said: “Credit unions around the country along with their partners have been eagerly awaiting these changes, and so I’m delighted that they are on track to be in force by next year.

“In campaigning for these changes we’ve taken a great deal of inspiration and received much assistance from our international colleagues. The timing of this announcement couldn’t be better as we will be able to share this news with them when they arrive in Glasgow this weekend (22nd July) for the World Credit Union Conference.”

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Proposed wind energy co-operative responds to attack from protest group

by Ethos public relations

Social enterprise, Energy4All Scotland, is advising local residents not to be influenced by inaccurate information being circulated by protestors trying to block plans to develop an innovative community-owned wind project at Cartland Muir.

“We are being targeted by a campaign of disinformation,” says Paul Phare, Scottish Development Manager at Energy4All. “We appreciate there are differing views about wind energy projects, but the protestors are trying to halt what could be a significant local asset to the wider community who may wish to invest in alternative energy and do something positive for climate change.”

A planning application for two wind turbines, which will make up the proposed 5MW Clyde Valley Energy Co-operative, between Carluke and Lanark was submitted on 17th June. Since then, Energy4All, has learned that an email is being distributed to local residents in an attempt to encourage them to write to planners and oppose the development.

“The email is unhelpful because it is more an attempt to spread misinformation than engage in proper debate, said Paul. “Of course some people may have concerns around the planning application and if that’s the case let’s have an honest, transparent debate so that we can present the facts.”

Energy4All points out two particular examples of misinformation in the email:

One which states: ‘There is no perceived benefit to the local community despite the company describing themselves as a community based co-operative.’

“Energy4All exists to create the opportunity for communities to individually and collectively benefit from renewable energy projects,” Paul Phare explains. “Energy4All has successfully delivered seven other wind co-operatives in the UK.

“Should this project be granted consent, local people will be invited to become members of the Clyde Valley Energy Co-operative, which will own and operate this project, and they will receive an attractive financial return on their investment. Any surpluses will be used for the benefit of the communities living close to the turbines.

“Energy4All is the only organisation in the UK that develops a wind project, and then invites local people to own, operate and directly benefit from it.”

And the other, which states: ‘It has been reported in the press that several turbines have broken causing flying debris. The blades will also throw ice in the winter which has the potential to cause severe harm and injury to people and property.’

“Again, fitting turbines with sensors and applying shutdown scenarios prevents ice throw,” says Paul Phare. “Turbine failures are very rare events; modern day operational analysis of performance – including any of the sensors installed – can predict and prevent catastrophic failure such as blade damage in most cases. Wind energy is one of the safest energy technologies. It is a matter of record that no member of the public has ever been injured during the normal operation of a wind turbine.”

Other inaccuracies in the protestors’ email are around noise and shadow flicker (strobing) and Energy4All has responded to all the points raised in the email, so that the public can make up their own mind about wind turbines.

Paul Phare adds: “The People of Carluke and Lanark are being deliberately misinformed by the protestors and we hope that the environmentally aware people within the region will see these statements for what they are and make up their own minds about whether the proposal has merit.”

For more information about Energy4All, please visit www.energy4all.co.uk/scotland.

To read other news from Energy4All click here.

St Mary’s scheme gets arty

by Ethos public relations

Symphony Housing Group, one of the region’s largest housing and regeneration companies, recently marked the start of Oldham’s gateway residential scheme with a dazzling display of artwork from local school children.

Vicky Carroll, Group Assistant Director for Symphony Housing Group said: “Our staff worked closely with three local schools and the children created artwork for the hoardings around the development. Schoolchildren and teachers joined guests on site to unveil the 59 pieces of work that will be erected around the scheme.”

Bramall Construction, the developer for the scheme, worked with Symphony Housing Group and The Blue Coat School, Holy Cross CE Primary School and Beever Primary School to find the winning entrants.

“St. Mary’s is not only a flagship scheme in terms of build but also in terms of the high level of community involvement,” explained Bramall Construction Area Director Steve Parrington. “There is a major community plan running parallel to the development and this is just one of numerous initiatives that the local community can expect to see as the build programme develops over the next 18 months.”

Bounded by St. Mary’s Way, Egerton Street and Horsedge Street close to Oldham town centre, the site was previously poor quality deck access flats and had been derelict for some time. This £15 million scheme will comprise 93 homes, with houses available to local people to purchase via the Rent to Homebuy scheme as well as to rent. Residents for the social homes will be nominated from Oldham Council’s waiting list and local people will have first refusal on the Rent to Homebuy properties.

Councillor Jean Stretton Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Oldham Council said: “I’m very impressed with the high standard and quality of the artwork produced by the young people involved in this project – it is a very welcome and colourful addition to this regeneration scheme.

“The 93 new affordable houses that are being build at St Mary’s will help to address Oldhams housing needs and helps transform this area of the Borough.”

The plans for St Mary’s also include a newly-landscaped area of public open space, considerable landscaping and planting, a bus lay-by and a toucan crossing.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Starting summer with a week of sport

by Ethos public relations

Residents living on the Pungle Estate in Bolton can enjoy an active week of sport (25th – 29th July) at the start of the summer holidays thanks to social landlord Contour Homes.

Neil Kenyon from Contour Homes said: “In the past the area had been known for anti social behaviour but now because of a strong partnership between Contour Homes, the Roots Project, the Police, and the Local Authority Safer Neighbourhood Team - anti social behaviour in the area has been greatly reduced. This allows us to concentrate on providing residents with lots of fun activities and events.”

The sports activities will include football, cricket, handball, tag rugby, dodge ball and multi-sport which will run on various days throughout the week in the local field adjacent to the Pungle.

If the young people want to continue their sporting activities the following week they can take advantage of the free activities being organised at Westhoughton Community Leisure Centre courtesy of Contour Homes.

All sports are free of charge and available to all tenants aged between 8 and 18 years old.

If you want any further information about any of these activities or a timetable of events contact staff at the Community House on Pinfold Close, or the Contour Homes team at Bolton on 0345 602 1120.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Unique funding boosts Greater Manchester social enterprise network

by Ethos public relations

Together Works, the social enterprise network for Greater Manchester, is promoting social enterprise as a business model to more start-ups and providing increased business support services to social enterprises across the region, thanks to financial support from a unique loan fund.

A recently awarded loan of £50,000 from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) will help Together Works Community Interest Company manage cashflow and operate efficiently, delivering effective services to and with the social enterprise sector.

Paul Halfpenny, one of the Directors of Together Works, said: “Together Works is delighted to be working with the Social Enterprise Loan Fund.

“Having to cashflow all of our activities for the past few months has been difficult. However, now thanks to our loan from TSELF, we have been able to focus on our business aims rather than having to spend a lot of time and energy trying to wrestle our cashflow.”

Together Works promotes social enterprise as a business model across the region and works to develop a strong, independent and cohesive social economy in Greater Manchester that delivers outstanding financial, social and environmental benefits to communities.

Paul added: “We are truly grateful for the superb support we have received from TSELF.

“Our aim is to maximise access for new and established social enterprises to high quality, affordable support services and thanks to the funding from TSELF, we are able to do just that!”

Roy White, North West Regional Director at TSELF, said: “We are delighted to be able to help Together Works in this way. The organisation offers something very important to the Greater Manchester region and we are thrilled to have been able to provide this loan.

“TSELF provides loans to social enterprises and charities ranging from £3,000 to £250,000. We are here to help, so we would encourage any social enterprises looking for loans, to contact us.”

The Social Enterprise Loan Fund (TSELF) is a Community Development Finance Institution (CDFI) and a registered charity aiming to support social enterprises engaged in social regeneration projects with the provision of loan finance.

TSELF has, to date, invested £8million in social enterprises across the UK, helping clients to generate job opportunities as well as training places.

For further information about Together Works, visit www.togetherworks.org.uk or call 0161 273 3237.

To find out more about TSELF visit www.tself.org.uk or call 020 7680 1028.

To read other news from The Social Enterprise Loan Fund click here.

UK shares in Co-operatives Fortnight success

by Ethos public relations

For the last two weeks, from 25 June to 9 July, individuals and organisations across the country have contributed to making Co-operatives Fortnight 2011 an outstanding success.

Co-operatives Fortnight 2011, the second ever, was officially launched at Co-operative Congress 2011 in Birmingham, with nearly 1,000 delegates attending to learn, network and be inspired by co-operative action.

With its theme of ‘Yours to Share’, the Fortnight has seen people everywhere getting involved, to show how co-operatives share profits, give people an equal say and help build a better world. Provisional feedback shows that:

Over 200 organisations ran Co-operatives Fortnight activities, from conferences to competitions, events to e-bulletins;
Over 220,000 people talked about, promoted and heard about Co-operatives Fortnight on social media including Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn. Starting with the co-operative sector ‘trending’ on Twitter, there has been a constant social media buzz;
Over 70 media outlets covered the co-operative sector during the Fortnight – from coverage in local and trade media to national interest in the growth of the co-operative sector from the Financial Times to BBC Radio 5 Live;
Seven activities took place for elected politicians in all devolved nations – from parliamentary debates and receptions to lectures and visits. All politicians received essential reading for the close of the Fortnight: The UK co-operative economy 2011;
Over 30,000 activity packs, badges and pocket sized facts about co-operatives were used by activists, businesses and supporters to promote the Fortnight.

Ed Mayo, Secretary General of Co-operatives UK, which co-ordinates Co-operatives Fortnight, said: “I would like to thank everyone for their enthusiasm and contributions to this year’s Co-operatives Fortnight.

“By coming together in a burst of energy for two weeks, the co-operative sector acts as a movement, showing everyone how they help build a better world.”

Co-operatives UK will now begin a thorough evaluation of Co-operatives Fortnight which will be available by the end of the summer.

To read other news from Co-operatives UK click here.

Search is on for the UK’s best new music talent

by Ethos public relations

Up and coming bands and solo artists from across the UK are being given the opportunity to perform at legendary music venue Band on the Wall in a new competition to find the UK’s best new talent.

Ticketwall New Music Competition is open to acts from across the UK looking to hit the big time. The successful artist will not only win a nationally promoted gig in 2012 at legendary venue Band on the Wall, which has played host to thousands of international artists, but will also have their gig filmed and will have the opportunity to meet industry professionals who could help their career.

Entering the competition couldn’t be easier. Artists are being encouraged to go to www.ticketwall.org and upload their original tracks.

This competition marks the launch of Ticketwall - the UK’s first online ticket store where every ticket bought directly supports the development of music making in Britain.

When tickets are purchased on the website, 3p from every £1 spent will go towards supporting and nurturing the development, performance and enjoyment of music across the UK through projects, courses, classes and events.

Gavin Sharp, CEO of Band on the Wall, said: “Ticketwall New Music Competition is a great opportunity for an up and coming act to begin their journey to become a professional artist. The chance to perform at Band on the Wall is one that I am sure will excite many aspiring musicians. We are really looking forward to hearing all the great music that will be sent in and encourage as many acts as possible to take part.”

Nominations for Ticketwall New Music Competition are now open and will close on 31 December.

Ticketwall sells tickets for thousands of musical, comedy and sporting events across the UK with the same level of service as other online ticket shops. To find out more, visit www.ticketwall.org. Follow the Ticketwall New Music Competition on Twitter @ticketwall.

To learn more about Band on the Wall, go to www.bandonthewall.org.

For more news from Band on the Wall click here.

Treasury’s announcement offers opportunity for community-owned renewable energy schemes

by Ethos public relations

The Treasury’s announcement (Thursday 7 July) that it is to reverse a decision that renewable energy initiatives benefitting from the feed-in tariff would no longer qualify for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), has been welcomed by the UK’s leading expert in community-owned renewable energy schemes.

Energy4All, a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and supports community ownership of renewable energy generation in the UK, says the reversal is a great result for all those who believe in co-operative solutions to climate change.

“We welcome this announcement and we are grateful that the government has acknowledged the role co-operative and community-led renewable energy initiatives can make,” said Marna McMillin, chief executive of Energy4All.

The initial decision, that renewable energy initiatives benefitting from the feed-in tariff would no longer qualify for the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), a tax relief for investors in small high risk businesses, was met with dismay by communities across the UK, as it would have severely disadvantaged communities hoping to benefit from local renewable energy schemes.

“Now that this has been reversed,” Ms McMillin added, “there are more opportunities for co-operatively-owned wind energy projects throughout the UK.

“Collectively, individuals and communities can make a much greater contribution to the renewable energy revolution than they can acting alone. A co-operatively-owned wind farm is a much stronger use of community skills and capabilities than, say, a commercial one that simply pays some money into a community fund.”

Community co-operatives offer the opportunity for local residents to purchase a stake in the projects and receive an annual share interest payment from the income.

Membership of the co-operative provides an opportunity for people to engage in an active way with the issues of climate change and energy insecurity.

The projects also provide a fund for use by local communities on energy efficiency and climate change awareness projects.

Energy4All, which was formed in 2002, has created seven renewable energy co-operatives across the UK, and is continuing to develop additional projects up and down the country.

For more information about Energ4All and its projects, please visit www.energy4all.co.uk.

To read other news from Energy4All click here.

Collaboration is key to success for credit unions

by Ethos public relations

New research launched today, reveals that credit unions must work together and in partnership with a wide range of public and private sector organisations in order to fulfil their potential and reach all those who need their help.

Community finance for London - scaling up the credit union and social finance sector, is a major new strategic piece of research which examines how to develop affordable financial services in Greater London. The report was developed by Paul Jones of the Research Unit for Financial Inclusion at Liverpool John Moores University with Anna Ellison of Policis, and was funded by Santander. It is designed as a blueprint for the credit union and social finance sector and it demonstrates the important role of credit unions in enhancing the social and economic cohesion of communities.

Speaking at the launch in the Houses of Parliament, Paul Jones said: “The credit union sector needs to modernise and to achieve sufficient scale in order to offer affordable financial services to a wide range of households on low and modest incomes. However, it also needs to maintain the community finance ethos and vision that defines and differentiates it from the mainstream.

“The report explores the fit between the need for affordable financial services and the capacity of community finance in London. It investigates the nature of the challenges facing the sector in scaling up to meet demand and it reveals how credit unions are strengthening the social and economic cohesion of local neighbourhoods and communities.”

Rob Hailey, Senior Public Policy Manager at Santander UK plc, said: “We are delighted to support this important piece of research into the community finance sector. Though focused on London, many of its recommendations will be relevant for credit unions and others across the country. We hope it will contribute to the strengthening of the sector and ultimately to reducing financial exclusion.”

The report describes a vision of credit unions and social lenders working in partnership with central government, local authorities, social housing providers, money advice agencies and other locally-based organisations, to provide quality and competitive financial services at affordable rates whilst actively contributing to local social and economic development.

Credit union membership in London has grown by over 90 per cent since 2005. Now, everyone who lives or works in 27 out of the 33 London boroughs can join a credit union, and there are plans to expand into two more boroughs in the near future. However, despite this success, credit unions and the social finance sector in general, still lack the capacity and the reach to extend their services to the many more low and moderate income Londoners who could stand to benefit from access to affordable financial services.

Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL, said: “This timely report sets out a route map for the development of the credit union sector in Britain.

“Credit unions in this country are on the threshold of a major expansion, with new legislation in the coming months freeing up the sector to serve more people with a wider range of services. However, as this study shows, for credit unions to really fulfil their potential and reach all those in need of their help they must work together and with other agencies to achieve the scale and quality of services required.”

The study was funded by Santander as part of its work to support the community finance sector. The bank is also providing a £100,000 investment into a new credit assessment system for credit unions, being planned by the Association of British Credit Unions Ltd in partnership with Experian. The new system will play an important part in the development of credit union back office services in Britain.

To download the report go to: www.abcul.coop/media-and-research/research/london-community-finance-report.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

Affordable Credit comes to Rochdale thanks to Housing Providers

by Ethos public relations

A Partnership between ALMO Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH), Riverside Housing and Manchester Credit Union (MCU) has seen the introduction of affordable credit to the borough of Rochdale.

MCU recently obtained permission from the Financial Services Authority to extend its common bond to cover the Rochdale area and RBH and Riverside have become key stakeholders and partners.

Angela Havens Financial Inclusion Manager for RBH said: “We have worked closely with the Council to look at how people on low incomes can access affordable credit. There has been an explosion of high interest lenders in the borough and without any alternative means of accessing credit we are seeing more and more people approach our team for debt advice.”

Rochdale Council commissioned Salford University to do research into financial exclusion and affordable credit and the subsequent report highlighted the need for a community credit union in Rochdale.

Naila Ilyas said: “The research highlighted several financial exclusion issues in the borough including fuel poverty, financial literacy and the lack of affordable credit and the fact that the borough is losing £1.4m every year to expensive lenders. Therefore Manchester Credit Union’s expansion in the borough is important because it marks the first but a major step in our co-ordinated approach to address these issues in our local communities.”

RBH and Riverside have provided financial support to help MCU expand into Rochdale and set up a separate branch in the borough. Both housing organisations will promote MCU services to their residents and RBH will have a seat of the MCU Board.

Christine Moore from MCU is excited at the credit unions expansion. “We have been established for 20 years and Rochdale has been a part of our growth strategy for some time now. The financial support offered by RBH and Riverside means we can commence our Rochdale operation much faster than we had anticipated.”

Both the unemployment rate and the number of people out of work and claiming benefit in Rochdale is higher than the regional and national average which means there is a great demand for affordable credit.

MCU will provide a variety of savings products, affordable loan products, budgeting and bill payment account, family protection plans, loan protection and life savings insurance as well as offering money guidance sessions and debt advice.

Sharon Thomas from Riverside adds: “We are pleased to be able to help bring much needed affordable credit to Rochdale. MCU will be plugging a significant gap and in order to offer an accessible service to everyone living and working in the borough it will operate from a number of key locations each day.”

As well as social housing residents MCU will be looking to attract a wide range of customers and will be working with key employers like RBH, the Council and the NHS to encourage its employees to sign up to MCU services using a payroll deduction scheme.

“We hope to see a significant reduction in people using high interest service providers which have recently take a foothold in the town,” said Angela. “We believe demand for the services of a credit union is such that the Rochdale branch will be entirely self financing by year three. In the meantime, we are pleased to have been able to help get the ball rolling in Rochdale.”

Local fundraiser completes Extreme 5 Challenge for Action For Kids

by Ethos public relations

Keen charity supporter and personal trainer, Andy Shaw, from Crouch End has raised £1,155 for Action For Kids after completing the Extreme 5 Challenge.

31-year-old Andy completed the challenge, which included a 1.5km swim, followed by a 10km kayak, then a 40km cycle and finally a 10km run at Willen Lake in Milton Keynes, on Sunday 10th July in an attempt to raise over £1,000 for the charity.

Andy, who recently set up his own personal training company, ‘Intelligent Exercise’ in Crouch End, was asked to join the Queenswood Medical Practice team who had signed up to the Extreme 5 Challenge and, after agreeing to take part, decided to raise money for his local charity, Action For Kids.

“I have done a number of charity events in the past including the Three Peaks Challenge, five Great North runs and others,” Andy said. “But this has been quite a different event altogether, especially with the 10km kayak - something I had never done before!

“With setting up my new business, it has been a busy period for me, and finding the time to train properly for this challenge, was pretty tough. But the aim of my business is to inspire and educate the local community to enjoy regular exercise to enhance their lives, and so I wanted to show what can be achieved when you put your mind to something.

“My aim was to raise over £1,000 by doing the Extreme 5 Challenge, the first of many for Action For Kids, so I am delighted that I’ve managed to raise £1,155 for the charity, with more donations still to come. Thank you to everyone who has donated,” he said.

Sally Bishop, founder of Action For Kids, said: “We are so grateful to Andy for his efforts and his continued commitment and support – we are very lucky to have such an inspirational fundraiser on our doorstep!

“The money Andy has managed to raise will help make a real difference to our work - helping provide more independence, opportunities and support to disabled children and young people all around the UK, so a big thank you to Andy!”

To sponsor Andy in the Extreme 5 Challenge, please visit www.justgiving.com/QueenswoodIntelligenceExtreme5Challengeforthekids.

To find out more about Action For Kids and its work, please visit the website www.actionforkids.org.

To read other news from Action For Kids click here.

Credit union merger brings big benefits

by Ethos public relations

One of the biggest credit union mergers ever to take place in Britain sees the official launch of North Wales Credit Union today (11 July). Five successful credit unions have merged from a position of strength to offer more services to even more people.

Far from being forced into merger out of necessity, which is often the perception of mergers, these credit unions saw a huge opportunity to expand their services by working together.

“The formation of North Wales Credit Union is a landmark for the credit union sector in Britain,” said Mark Lyonette, Chief Executive of ABCUL – the Association of British Credit Unions. “The merger demonstrates the importance of credit unions working together to deliver a wider range of services and provide the consistently high quality of service necessary to attract a mix of members.”

Credit unions around the world have shown that, to be successful, they need to serve as broad a range of consumers as possible – not just those on the lowest incomes – and to achieve this they must collaborate.

The merger will enable the new credit union to deliver improved levels of service, with a wider network of offices and collection points, improved opening hours, higher savings limits and larger loans. In addition, it will be able to offer a broader range of services, such as insurance, budgeting and financial planning, as well as extending access to the Credit Union Current Account.

The new credit union has received the backing of the Welsh Government, as they believe it will enable many more people to access local financial services.

Speaking at the launch, Carl Sargeant AM, Minister for Local Government and Communities, said: “Tackling poverty and social exclusion where it persists in our communities is one of my key priorities over the next five years. Credit unions are ideally placed to help achieve this.

“To do so, credit unions need to be financially viable and sustainable in their own right. Greater collaboration between credit unions has clear advantages – to the credit unions themselves, their members and the wider communities. Where appropriate, merger between credit unions should be encouraged.

“The experience here in North Wales is a positive one and shows how a merger can work well.”

According to the Board of North Wales Credit Union (NWCU), the merger will create a strong, viable credit union which supports both existing and potential new members, providing them with a safe home for their savings.

Chair of NWCU John Killion said: “This exciting union not only builds on the strong foundations laid by all the merging credit unions, but heralds a new range of products and services for members.”

The Department for Work and Pensions at Westminster recently announced a £73 million fund to support suitable credit unions to expand and become financially sustainable – helping up to one million more people access clearer and fairer credit.

For more information about North Wales Credit Union visit www.northwalescu.co.uk. To find your local credit union visit www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk.

To read other news from ABCUL click here.

It’s Back! The Big Chin Rub 2011

by Ethos public relations

Social housing providers, community groups, schools and businesses looking for a new and exciting way to engage with their local communities may like to take part in The Big Chin Rub - an event organised by Contour Homes during the week 18 - 22 July.

Over 48 different groups representing over 1000 people from across the country registered to take part in one big philosophical conversation, during a week in July last year - It was so much fun that Contour Homes decided to do it all over again.

Groups of all shapes, sizes and ages from across the North West are invited to take part in a philosophical enquiry session and discuss a key issue. Organiser Sam Cooper says people should not to be deterred by the ‘p’ word.

“Philosophical enquiry is a tried and tested method of getting groups to talk to each other in a new way,” said Sam. “Contour has used it very successfully to encourage individuals, communities and organisations to question, challenge and change their perspectives. It‘s also good fun!

“This way of thinking together is a great way to get to know other people and helps us to all think through things in a different but natural way – because philosophy is something that we all do.”

Contour’s philosophical enquiry techniques have been widely acclaimed and have received several awards including a good practice in neighbourhood renewal and development award from The International Journal of Neighbourhood Renewal; and a North West Together We Can award which champions empowerment and active citizenship. It has also been demonstrated at The House of Lords.

Any group wishing to take part is asked to register their interest on www.veryphilosophical.com. Contour Homes will provide supporting material, posters and a how to fact sheet to everyone who registers. The Big Chin Rub question for debate will be revealed on the 18th July when you register.

Go to www.veryphilosophical.com to register and to find out more about the Big Chin Rub, follow us on Twitter at @bigchinrub or contact us on 0161 875 8049.

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

It’s Back! The Big Chin Rub 2011

by Ethos public relations

Go to www.veryphilosophical.com to register and to find out more about the Big Chin Rub, follow us on Twitter at @bigchinrub or contact us on 0161 875 8049.

For more news from Contour Homes click here.

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