Ethos Public Relations Manchester

New Chair for new committee

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes has confirmed 76 year old Len Lloyd MBE.JP as Chair of the new Customer Services Committee – a Committee formed as part of the recently formed Customer Services Directorate established by the company.

Len, who lives in Stretford, has been a tenant activist since 1992 when he was asked to establish a residents association in a sheltered scheme where his wife was manager. He has served in the Regular and Territorial Army for 42 years and then has also served as a magistrate for over twenty years. Len has been heavily involved with Contour Homes including serving as Chair of the Tenants Forum to sitting as a member of the Collingwood then Contour Homes Board.

The new Directorate is a result of a major internal re-structure at Contour Homes, one of the North West’s biggest social housing organisations, and Len admits that initially he was somewhat sceptical about the plan.

“When the changes were first proposed I had some reservations,” he said. “However, my opinion was changed by the commitment, dedication and enthusiasm of the Focus Group tasked with setting up the new Committee.

“Now I believe this new approach will increase customer satisfaction. It is a radical move that will shake the company out of its traditional method of operation.”

The new Customer Service Directorate is headed by Judith Winterbourne. She said:  “Len’s commitment and enthusiasm will challenge the team to ensure we deliver the best service to our customers and place customer satisfaction at the heart of everything we do.”

Contour has invested considerable effort in scrutinising how it engages with tenants and is re-organising its business to provide a better service. The Directorate has seen the establishment of Centres of Excellence as well as new Regional Teams.

The Customer Services Committee is comprised of twelve members and is a sub committee of the main Board.  It will meet eight times a year and Len says it will ensure that tenant voice is central to everything it does.

“We will be appointing Service Champions on the Committee who will focus on specific areas so that the Champion becomes very knowledgeable in his or her field,” he adds. “Our first priorities will be around tenant involvement and repairs, and the main aim of the committee will be to ensure that the Customer Services Directorate delivers.

“Though, under the new government, the future of tenant involvement and the TSA remain uncertain, tenant activists have worked too hard and come too far to give up their voice and influence. Whatever the future of the regulator – tenants will continue to play a significant role in the sector.

“Contour Homes has adopted what I believe is a unique approach to its business which should result in significant positive changes for its thousands of customers. “I believe that more housing associations will adopt this new approach and I am pleased that Contour has been one of the first to move out of its comfort zone.”

Posted at 3^rd September 2010

Contour Homes launch new Directorate

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, one of the biggest social landlords in the North West, has launched a new Customer Services Directorate. The Customer Services Directorate, headed up by Judith Winterbourne, has been introduced to allow the company to focus on delivering outstanding frontline services.

“The Customer Services Directorate comes after a two year detailed review of the way we deliver our services now and by looking at what we want to achieve in the future,” said Judith. “This new way of doing business will meet our core goals of providing excellent and efficient services and doing more for more people.”

The new Directorate will be comprised of several Centres of Excellence including Independent Living, Revenue Services, Housing Options, Community Safety and Equality, Diversity and Resident Engagement - and all will be staffed by experts.

In addition the company will be operating new regional offices to serve the thousands of Contour Homes' residents who live across 27 local authority areas.

A newly formed Customer Services Committee will monitor and review the Directorate and recently elected Chair Len Lloyd is excited about this new way of doing business. “This new approach will increase customer satisfaction. It is a radical move that will shake the company out of its traditional method of operation,” he said.

The new Centres of Excellence, new regional office teams and revised staff structure ‘opened for business’ on September 1st and are supported by a new Customer Contact and Support Team.

“I do want our customers and partners to see a difference in the way we operate,” adds Judith Winterbourne. “I want them to see an improved organisation at all levels.

“I believe this new way of operating is a genuine departure from the traditional housing association business model and I am confident that it is one that others will eventually adopt.”

Posted at 1^st September 2010

Contour shortlisted for two CIH UK Housing Awards

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group one of the North West’s leading housing and regeneration organisations has been shortlisted for two CIH UK Housing Awards - Regenerating communities and Supporting social and economic inclusion.

“It’s lovely to be shortlisted for one award – but two is really great news and testament to the creative work of our staff and our partners,” said Vicky Carroll, Group Assistant Director.

The Group has been nominated for its community regeneration work on the New Broughton development in Salford as well as range of other activities which promote social inclusion and tackle worklessness.

Finalists will be announced in November.

Posted at 17^th August 2010

Local housing association looking for apprentices

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group, one of the North West’s biggest housing and regeneration companies, is offering five young people the chance to join its Apprentice Scheme based at the company’s head office at Salford Quays.

Gaynor Leary, Organisational Development Officer at Contour Housing Group said: “Unemployment, particularly for young people is becoming a major problem.
Apprenticeships offer a genuine route to employment and provide real job experience.”

The apprenticeship in Business Administration is a 12 month programme where candidates will be working toward a Level 2 qualification. Applicants should be aged 16-19 years old with GCSE’s English and Maths at Grade C.

18 year old Kate Garner from Little Hulton is two thirds of her way through the scheme.  “I didn’t have a clue what I wanted to do when I left school,” she said. “I would never have considered housing as a career option but the Contour Apprentice scheme seemed like a good opportunity to gain some valuable business skills.

“To date I have worked across a range of departments including IT, HR, Sheltered and Supported Housing and Leasehold. I’ve got a really good variety of skills now and I have decided that I want to focus my career in the Leasehold department which I really enjoy.

“I would recommend anyone looking to get real life work experience and further qualifications to apply for the Apprentice scheme. I’ve really enjoyed it and I hope to be working full time with Contour when I finish the Apprenticeship. Whatever happens, I think I have a lot to offer any potential employer in the future.”

Application packs and further information is available by contacting 0345 602 1120 or by emailing gaynor.leary@contourhousing.co.uk. Closing date for candidates to apply for this scheme is 31st August.

Posted at 17^th August 2010

Come along to Preston community film premiere

by Ethos public relations

The Contour Housing Group and People’s Voice Media partnership is inviting people to attend an Open Day in Preston next Wednesday 18th August to see the Callon, Fishwick and Avenham community researchers film premiere.

Contour Housing Group has been working with community media specialists, People’s Voice Media, to create an informal learning network for the local people using social media to develop dialogue and community cohesion enabling communities to have a voice.

Ross Hemmings, Regeneration Investment Officer for Contour, said: “There will be a feature presentation at 4pm showcasing the work the community researchers have carried out over the last six months, engaging with the community using interview, video and social media techniques.

“The event is free to attend and all ages are welcome. Refreshments and food will be provided and there will be workshops and games to enjoy. Please come along and see for yourselves the great work the community researchers have done in your community.”

The Open Day is on Wednesday 18th August at St Joseph’s Sports & Arts Centre on Rigby Street, Preston PR1 5XL from 5.30pm to 8pm, with a feature presentation at 4pm. If anyone would like any more information go to www.cavemedia.org.uk or contact Ross on 0161 875 8069 or email ross.hemmings@contourhousing.co.uk.

Posted at 13^th August 2010

Soak up the fun in Limeside this summer!

by Ethos public relations

Residents living on the Avenues & Hollins estate in Oldham are enjoying an active summer thanks to Contour Homes.

Parents for Play are running drop in summer play sessions for children aged between 3 and 11 at The Community Hall on First Avenue. The sessions cost £1 per child run 1-3pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday until Wednesday 25th August.

The group is running monthly drop in play sessions for children with additional needs on the last Saturday of every month from1-3pm.

Sarah Furbey from Contour Homes adds, “The aim of the group is to provide and maintain a multi-sensory play centre for children with disabilities or special needs in Hollinwood More information can be found on the website – www.parentsforplay.org.uk.”

For children who love football, football coaching sessions run by Football Coaching for the Communities (FCFC) and funded by Contour homes are running for children aged 6-12.

Sarah Furbey from Contour homes said: “If you want to attend - a registration forms must be completed and these are available from the Contour Homes office on First Avenue or from any of the FCFC sessions.

“We are hoping to form a team at the end of the sessions and are looking for local residents who would be interested in undertaking a level one football coaching course.”

If you want any further information about any of these activities or a registration form pop into Contour Homes office on First Avenue or contact Sarah Furbey on 0161 682 4019 or email sarah.furbey@contourhousing.co.uk.

Posted at 10^th August 2010

Contour team at their Peak

by Ethos public relations

Colleagues from Salford based Contour Housing Group recently took part in the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge.

The team walked around 25 miles to raise money for charity.

“This was a great experience and there’s no doubt that the team and I felt a wonderful sense of achievement,” said Louise Marsden one of the organisers.

The housing association team raised over £800 for charities Help for Heroes and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Posted at 2^nd August 2010

Contour help you make the most of your money

by Ethos public relations

One of the region’s biggest housing and regeneration companies has published a Money Saving Ideas booklet. Containing hints and tips from its thousands of residents, the booklet should help everyone make the most of their money.

Ann Walton for Contour Housing Group said:  “While officially we may be out of recession, there is no doubt that many people are still looking to make their money go as far as possible.

“We asked Contour residents for their ideas on how to save the pennies and help balance the household budget.  They responded in their hundreds and so we’ve compiled the best ideas in a booklet which is available both online and in a hard copy version.”

From devising a car share plan for work or days out - to using sodium bricks in your toilet to save water - the booklet provides numerous ideas that could save you pounds.

Go to http://www.contourhousing.co.uk/?appid=3964 to read and download a copy online or for your own personal copy of Money Saving Ideas or telephone 0345 602 1120 to request a copy.

Posted at 23^rd July 2010

Lower Broughton’s bloomin’ gardens

by Ethos public relations

One woman’s devotion to transform her garden into a flower-lover’s paradise saw her scoop first prize for the second year running in the annual Contour Homes’ Lower Broughton gardening competition.

Ann Law, 55 and from Duke Street was delighted and surprised to win for a second year: “I love gardening and it gives me a real pleasure to be able to create a colourful oasis on my doorstep. I spend a few hours every day outside planting flowers so that there are always new varieties coming up throughout the seasons.”

The Mayor of Salford, Cllr George Wilson, presented the winning trophy to Ann along with £200 high street vouchers. Gardens were judged by the Mayor who gave marks for best use of space, attractions for wildlife, use of recycled materials and range of foliage.

The Mayor said: "We would like to congratulate all of the Broughton residents who took part in the competition. They have taken great pride in tending to their gardens showing fantastic skill and creativity, their efforts really help to brighten up the community. Well done particularly to Ann for winning a second time.”

Runners up were Val Broadbent of Duke Street and Heather Jolly from Camp Street

Posted at 22^nd July 2010

The North West gets philosophical

by Ethos public relations

Community groups, schools and businesses across the North West got philosophical recently when they took part in the first ever Big Chin Rub – an event organised by Salford based Contour Housing Group.

Sam Cooper who organised the event said over 50 groups and around 1000 people from across the North West joined the Big Chin Rub and debated the question ‘What Makes a Good Community?’

“Philosophical enquiry is a new and exciting way to engage with people,” he said. “We have been using it very successfully for several years as it encourages individuals, communities and organisations to question, challenge and change their perspectives. We wanted to use The Big Chin Rub to introduce philosophical debate to a wider audience and we have been delighted that so many have been able to get involved.”

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 Contour intend to have a Big Chin Rub every year and attract new people to the idea of philosophy.

“Northerners have shown that you don’t need to be afraid of the ‘p’ word,’ said Sam. “Philosophy is just another way of talking and as we demonstrated last week – it’s really good fun. Next year we want more people to join the debate.”

Go to www.veryphilosophical.com to read more about The Big Chin Rub 2010, see videos and watch philosophical enquiry in practice.

Posted at 19^th July 2010

Contour looks for young blood

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group is advertising for young people to join its head office Apprentice Scheme based in Salford.

The company, which is one of the biggest housing and regeneration organisations in the North West, started its apprenticeship scheme in 2008 and says it has benefited the business in many ways.

“Apprentices bring a fresh approach and a keenness to learn,” said Gaynor Leary Organisational Development Officer for the company. “Initially we started the scheme because we felt the general recruitment process was failing to provide the quality candidates we wanted.

“Offering a thorough grounding in company departments provides apprentices with an understanding of the sector in general and our business in particular. We can then select permanent staff from those young people who demonstrate a commitment and interest in what we do.”

The young people will benefit from a one year apprenticeship in Business Administration working towards a Level 2 qualification.

“It is increasingly difficult for young people to find employment,” said Gaynor.

“Apprenticeships offer a genuine route to employment that provides remuneration and real job experience.

Of the seven apprentices who started on the initial scheme, five are nearing the end of their second year in a three year scheme. Contour is now looking to recruit a further five.

“These young people should not be seen as cheap labour or a quick fix to a staff problem. “The scheme takes up a considerable amount of time, resources and investment, but we feel that it benefits both unemployed young people and our own business.”

Closing date for candidates to apply for this scheme is 31st August and more information and an application pack is available by contacting 0345 602 1120 or by emailing gaynor.leary@contourhousing.co.uk.

Posted at 16^th July 2010

Contour encourages tenants to blab on a blog

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group has teamed up with Manchester based digital media company AND Digital, to develop the Community Blog Awards – a new medium to encourage local communities to talk to each other using blogs.

Samuel Cooper from Contour said: “The Community Blog Awards provide a great opportunity to encourage communities to engage with each other. Blogs can spread good news, provide opinion, start a campaign, create awareness about an event or just ensure local people talk to each other. It is important that local communities have a voice in the increasing social media landscape.”

Any of Contour’s 20,000 residents and tenants living across the North West region is eligible to enter – regardless of age. And for those not familiar with blogging Contour and And Digital are offering a free training course to provide help and advice on how to write and market a blog.

Tom Cheesewright from AND Digital said: “From the pithiest twitter stream to the most verbose commentaries, great blogs entertain or educate, engender debate and sometimes enrage. We’re looking for entries that fit all of these descriptions, but we’re also interested in what the blog can give its author – an outlet for their thoughts and a platform to learn web, design and copywriting skills.”

There are three categories to enter: best personal blog, best local blog and best advice blog. Categories will be judged on originality, wit and the value they add to the community.

The judges include Tom Cheesewright, Dave Carter Head of the Manchester Digital Development Agency and Kate Feld a freelance writer and creator of The Manchizzle, one of Manchester’s most popular blogs.

The overall winner will receive a Netbook, so they can continue developing their blog as well as support from AND Digital.

To enter or to find out more go to http://www.communityblogawards.org.

Posted at 16^th July 2010

‘A team’ in Oldham

by Ethos public relations

An employment and training scheme in Oldham facilitated by social landlord Contour Housing group and refurbishment company Jackson Lloyd has been dubbed ‘the A team’ because of their hard work and enthusiasm.

Samantha McHale, Regeneration Officer for Contour said: “Our two organisations have taken on eight trainees via the Future Jobs Fund which provides work placements for 18 – 24 year olds.  The trainees in Oldham are predominantly working on the Avenues & Hollins estate where Contour Homes manages nearly 600 homes.”

The trainees themselves are from the Oldham area and before joining the scheme had been unemployed for at least 6 months.

Tommy Lucy from Jackson Lloyd said:  “The scheme provides valuable employment experience, new skills such as painting and repairs and also gives trainees an opportunity to engage with the local community and show that small changes can make a big difference.

“It’s been a pleasure to work with this group who have proved themselves eager to learn and have already developed a superb team spirit – so much so we call them ‘the A team’.”

One ‘A team’ trainee is 24 year old Mike Hamilton from Glodwick.  Mike had been unemployed for 6 months and before that worked in an abattoir.

“I did not want to be unemployed and so was very interested to see this scheme advertised in the local job centre,” he said.  “We are one third in to the project and already I feel that I have learned a great deal, in fact every week we get a new skill.

“I would recommend a scheme like this to anyone who has been unemployed for some time.  I’m having a great time with the rest of the lads as well as making myself more employable in the future.”

Local resident Gemma Creighton from Eighth Avenue said: “This group is doing a great job.  It really makes a massive difference and the lads have been polite and left the place tidy.”

The team’s hard working reputation has recently seen them ‘seconded’ to work on a special Britain in Bloom project in Hattersley, Tameside where they received rave reviews from the local Partnership for their hard work and enthusiasm.

Posted at 5^th July 2010

What did you do on a Saturday night Grandad?

by Ethos public relations

Young people in the Hollinwood, Coldhurst and St Mary’s areas of Oldham will have a unique insight into what their parents and grandparents got up to on a Saturday night thanks to a project funded by a Heritage Lottery Grant.

‘Photography for Change’ has been co-ordinated by Contour Housing Group and will compare Saturday night entertainment in the 1950’s and the present day.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour successfully applied for the £20,000 funding for the project and says it will provide an excellent opportunity for young people to learn about local history.

“The project brings together white British and Bangladeshi people to research what the young people of the two cultures did for entertainment on a Saturday night,” she said. “As well as bringing cultures together it will also prove a talking point for generations and I’ve no doubt that today’s young people may be quite surprised to hear what their families did for fun sixty years ago.”

The project will ensure that between twenty to thirty, 13 – 19 year old young people acquire IT, multi-media, research and heritage skills. The project will run for over 10 weeks in the summer holidays.

The group will interview people to learn about their experiences of entertainment on a Saturday night and will also photograph them and relevant Oldham landmarks that play a part in entertaining young people now and in the past. They will also conduct research which will culminate in a history exhibition including a timeline to be showcased at Oldham Gallery in 2011. A DVD will also be made available.

Shanine said: “This provides not just a great opportunity for the young people involved to learn new skills but will also provide Oldham with a local history project that will remain available for many years to come.”

The project is also supported by a mentor from Edgehunter, Oldham Archive Department will provide information and IT support and training.

Posted at 1^st July 2010

Community reporter's meet Grant Shapps

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group has employed a team of 12 community reporters via the Future Jobs Fund to work with the Callon and Avenham districts of Preston.

Last week two reporters attended the social housing industry's main conference in Harrogate to ask delegates their thoughts on the government's big society idea.  They even managed to grab a few minutes with Housing Minister Grant Shapps.

Posted at 28^th June 2010

Emergency Budget 2010

by Ethos public relations

In response to the Emergency Budget, Mike Creamer Chief Executive of Contour Housing Group said:

"My initial reaction on capital expenditure was relief that there are to be no further cuts this year beyond those already announced. Having said that the North of England has already been disproportionately damaged by the £6.2bn cuts - HMR in particular is a regional cut.

"For future years, our concern must be that  government intends capital spending to be targeted at things that give the greatest economic return (transport was given as an example – more road and rail for London?).

"Northern housing providers needs to press our case even harder to demonstrate how much we contribute to northern economies – it may not figure large in the south, but it’s very important to a lot of people here!

"The main concern however is any threat to link housing benefit to CPI rather than RPI. It isn’t clear if the intention on benefit control will stretch this far, but if it does  it would  not only threaten the viability of some housing providers, but will further damage everyone's capacity to do things that government may no longer be able or willing to do for those who will be hurt most by the cuts."

Posted at 22^nd June 2010

Soccer or Socrates? Mental gymnastics for non-footballers!

by Ethos public relations

Delegates at the Harrogate Conference this week could find themselves taking part in a philosophical enquiry session as roving community reporters from Contour Housing Group seek their opinion about ‘The Big Society.”

The reporters are part of a group of people which has been employed by Contour via the Future Jobs Fund. Fifteen people have been employed for 6 months to train as community reporters and philosophers. They are learning how to engage with local communities using interviewing, video, social media and communication techniques.  Skills that should help them find longer term employment across many industry sectors.

Vicky Carroll Assistant Director of Regeneration for Contour said: “We are looking for lots of comment about The Big Society which will be compiled into a ‘vox pop’ and uploaded on to www.veryphilosophical.com, Contour’s Philosophical Enquiry website.

“If you are approached by our community reporters, please take part in these short interviews as we are keen to compile a review of The Big Society from people working in and with the sector.”

Visitors keen to take part in a full philosophical enquiry session; can join Contour Housing Group on Wednesday afternoon at a think tank spotlight session which asks:  Soccer or Socrates?  Mental gymnastics for non-footballers!

“Contour’s Philosophical Enquiry is a great way to build community cohesion, encourage resident participation, promote staff development and assist with the decision making process,” said Vicky. “It’s also great fun.”

If you don’t get chance to talk to a community reporter you can take part in the debate by going to www.veryphilosophical.com, or by texting VERYPHIL to 07884 395 709 or via twitter at twitter.com/soccervsocrates.

Soccer or Socrates is Wednesday 23rd June, 3.45 pm, Level 5 of the Conference Centre.

Posted at 21^st June 2010

Reaching new heights in social enterprises’ relationship with social landlords

by Ethos public relations

The North West is leading the way in forging new links between Registered Social Landlords, RSL, and the region’s social enterprise sector in an effort to create a better working relationship.

And, where better for this relationship to reach new heights, but a meeting in the Cumbrian town of Alston – said to be one of Britain’s highest market towns above sea level.

Delegates from the Social Enterprise Practitioners’ Group of major North West social landlords, including representatives from Contour Housing Group and Preston’s Community Gateway, were joined by leaders from the social enterprise sector for a ‘social enterprise safari’ around the local shops and services.

With a population of just 2,200, Alston boasts one social enterprise per every 100 homes, creating 80 full and part time jobs and generating a combined turnover of £2.6million a year.

One of the highlights of the event, which was funded by the Office of the Third Sector and the Northwest Regional Development Agency, NWDA, included a keynote address from one of the government-appointed Social Enterprise Ambassadors, Daniel Heery, who pioneered the introduction of broadband to the remote town and established Cybermoor.

Daniel said: “The likes of BT saw Alston as too remote to fit broadband but, by partnering the local school, we were able to get local residents and businesses online. The key to our success has always been to diversify and embrace new technology. For example, our e-health programme sees Telehealth units and video links from our rural community to the health practitioners.”

Delegates were shown around a rich mix of vibrant social enterprises in the town that are interwoven in the fabric of local society and help to create a strong local community.

Social enterprises included:

- The Moody Baker – a cooperative specialising in fresh loaves and bakery produce

- Nenthead Community Shop - including a Post Office branch once faced with closure

- South Tynedale Railway (below) – offering rides through the countryside

- Alston Moor Fitness Club (bottom) – providing affordable fitness activities for 200 members

- Alston Wholefoods (left) - a treat for lovers of locally-produced foods.

Samantha McHale, from Contour Housing Group, was delighted with the fact-finding mission. She said: “It is excellent to see the impact that social enterprises are having on the local community and it is important that we strengthen the links between RSLs and the third sector, as we both have a similar ethos. Seeing social enterprise in action inspires housing associations that they are a viable suppliers of services and we should encourage such trading.”

A view echoed by Val Jones, chief executive at Social Enterprise North West. She said: “RSLs have great purchasing power and share common ground so it is vital that we bring both sectors together.”

For more information on the Social Enterprise Practitioners’ Group, contact Val Jones, Social Enterprise North West, at val.jones@senw.org.uk or 0151 237 3986.

Posted at 18^th June 2010

Join the Big Chin Rub - 12 to 16 July

by Ethos public relations

Social housing providers who are looking for a new and exciting way to engage with local residents, groups and communities should sign up to take part in The Big Chin Rub - an event organised by Contour Housing Group during the week 12 - 16 July.

Groups of all shapes, sizes and ages from across the North West are invited to take part in a philosophical enquiry session during the week and discuss a key issue which will be revealed on the 12th July.

Organiser Sam Cooper says people should not to be deterred by the ‘philosophical’ word.

“Philosophical enquiry is a tried and tested method of getting groups to talk to each other in a new way,” he said. “Contour Homes has used it very successfully to encourage individuals, communities and organisations to question, challenge and change their perspectives.

“It‘s also good fun!  It offers a great way to get to know other people and helps us all to think about things in a different but natural way – because philosophy is something that we all do.”

Contour Homes has used Philosophical Enquiry in primary schools, with residents groups and even at the House of Lords! The programme has also been approved by the Homes & Communities Agency Academy and has become part of its Place Making Recognition scheme.

Any group wishing to take part is asked to register their interest before 18th June.  Contour Housing Group will provide supporting material, posters and a how to… fact sheet to everyone who registers.

Go to www.veryphilosophical.com to register for The Big Chin Rub and to find out more.

Posted at 9^th June 2010

Community reporters showcase their work

by Ethos public relations

Contour Housing Group and People’s Voice Media showcased their partnership work in the local community at an event in Manchester to celebrate Adult Learners Week.

The partnership project uses new technologies to create an informal learning network between geographically disparate communities. The project trained people as Community Reporters and created a wiki for residents to share knowledge, and facilitate Skype chats between communities and housing staff.

Ross Hemmings from Contour Housing Group said: “There is no doubt that people involved in this project have benefited enormously from the new skills they have learned. The group is now confident to help act as the voice of their local community, they are developing their own ideas, their own grant funding bids and have really developed as a community hub.”

The Learning Skills & Employment Network (LSEN) organised the Manchester event with the support of The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and other partners to showcase a number of projects across the North West which were successful in drawing down project funding from the Transformation Fund, one of the key elements of the Learning Revolution White Paper.

Teresa Wilson Community Manager from People’s Voice Media said: “We have liaised with Contour Housing Group on several projects across the region where we have worked with local people to develop their social media and communication skills. This event provided an opportunity to show just how the project with Contour has had a positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.”

Posted at 2^nd June 2010