Ethos Public Relations Manchester

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.

Posted at 20^th December 2011

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.

Posted at 1^st December 2011

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.

Posted at 30^th August 2011

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.

Posted at 25^th August 2011

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.

Posted at 18^th August 2011

Jackie’s housing ‘passport’ provides peace of mind

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes is one of a number of social landlords in the East Lancashire area supporting a new Passport to Housing qualification.

Linda Chelton from Hyndburn Homes explains: “People living independently for the first time often find it difficult to cope,” she said. “This could be because they are young first time tenants, or they have issues around drugs, debt or mental health. Obviously we want to help people remain in their home and we are looking at ways to offer support.

Passport to Housing is one such method. It is a package of pre-tenancy training designed to teach people how to maintain a tenancy successfully. The programme covers how to be a good tenant, budgeting and money management, dealing with utility companies and progression to work and training.

46 year old Jackie Scott is one of the first residents to gain her Passport to Housing.  Jackie is a recovering drug addict and currently lives in a supported housing scheme in Accrington. She is now looking to gain independence and move to her own home.

“I’m now on the housing waiting list,” she said. “Having this qualification means that when I bid for a property through the B-with-us choice based letting scheme, the qualification will give me a better chance of getting a social housing property because landlords know that I can manage my tenancy."

Passport to Housing is an accredited level one qualification and has been developed by social landlords working in partnership with Accrington and Rossendale College. To date, Hyndburn Homes has delivered the pilot course to 19 students and the feedback from them has been very positive.

“It is in both the tenants and the landlords best interest to ensure that both of them understand what is expected of each other,” said Jackie.

“This course provided me with lots of information that I didn’t know such as thinking about the best sort of lease for my needs and how to prioritise bills and avoid getting into debt.

“I now feel more confident that ever about managing my own home and better still I know that there is a support network available should I need it.  It’s a great idea.”

For more news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 8^th June 2011

Get stuck in this weekend!

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes and East Lancashire NHS are inviting residents to attend a Community Action Day this Saturday (4th June) at Lincoln Court in Church Accrington where they can help brighten and transform an unsightly area of communal land.

Danny Crangle from Hyndburn Homes said: “We hope residents will come along and help us reclaim back the land by landscaping the area and planting new flowers and shrubs – there is also an opportunity for children to show their artistic flair and help decorate the new fencing with stencils and paint.”

East Lancashire NHS will also be there conducting a well-being survey and offering health and lifestyle advice – also in attendance will be the Police and the Prospects foundation with advice on growing your own food.

The event will take place on Saturday 4th June, starting at 10.00am at Lincoln Court, Church, Accrington, Lancashire BB5 4RU. Children are welcome but must be supervised and everyone taking part should wear appropriate clothes.

For more news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 31^st May 2011

Double celebration for Hyndburn Homes

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Home staff enjoyed a double celebration recently as they marked their 5th anniversary and became part of a new housing company – Symphony Housing Group.

“In 2006 Hyndburn Council transferred its housing stock to a new company called Hyndburn Homes,” said General Manager Nigel Fenton. “In looking back on our achievements over the last five years we have been staggered at just how far we have come.”

A major part of the transfer deal was the promise to spend £35 million to upgrade former council homes. The company has actually invested close to £40 million which includes 1794 new kitchens, 1476 new central heating systems and 1668 new bathrooms.

In 2008 the company developed 22 new properties on Charter Street in Accrington. These new homes provided much needed family accommodation and were warmly welcomed.

The company has also developed extra care schemes at Plantation Square, Moorhouse Avenue and Fairfield Street.

This year the main redevelopment focus is on the Within Grove area where working with Group colleagues 30 homes will be demolished, new homes built and remaining homes refurbished in a £5 million investment.

Hyndburn Homes Repairs, a successful direct labour subsidiary of Hyndburn Homes has been equally successful. “Hyndburn Homes Repairs has developed a growth strategy to increase its turnover by 50% over the next four years as well as providing an efficient repairs service to our residents,” said Nigel.

“Internally we have moved to new accessible, customer friendly offices, introduced a new call centre, improved performance reporting, introduced an ACE team to keep our estates clean and tidy and developed an anti social team.

“Whilst our primary aim is the provision of housing we also support local communities where we can and are proud of the close working relationships we have developed with numerous partners in the area.”

Most recently the company has been placing increased emphasis on customer involvement and engagement and has now developed a structure that encourages and allows residents to get involved in improving services at every level.

Finally, Hyndburn Homes has now become part of Symphony Housing Group after the merger of its parent company Contour Housing Group with Vicinity Housing Group. This new company will comprise subsidiaries including Hyndburn Homes and with 40,000 properties under its ownership and management across 30 local authority areas, will be one of the biggest housing and regeneration organisations in the North West.

“We now have the resources of a much bigger parent group behind us but will continue to retain our own local identity,” said Nigel. “I look forward to continuing to work with our committed Board and staff and of course our enthusiastic residents in the future.”

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 5^th April 2011

Partnership workshop for young people

by Ethos public relations

Partner agencies in Hyndburn joined forces with local young people in an event funded by Hyndburn Homes and YNOT Hyndburn designed to raise awareness of alcohol abuse and the dangers of speeding vehicles.

11 – 16 year olds from Oswaldstwistle joined Hyndburn Homes, Police, Fire & Rescue, NHS, YNOT Hyndburn and Young Peoples Service for a day of activities which began with a ‘drink awareness’ session led by the NHS. The young people took part in a series of interactive tasks about the impact of alcohol and also understanding alcohol units and measurements of strength.

Fiona Muir from the NHS East Lancs Health Improvement Service said: “Young people under the age of 15 are strongly advised against drinking alcohol under any circumstances. Problems associated with alcohol and young people are well documented.  We know that the public are also concerned about the impact of alcohol misuse in their local community as it can sometimes lead to anti social behaviour".

Another session in the day included working with the police and drivers to learn about speed awareness. Community Beat Manager for Oswaldtwistle PC Louise Jacks said:  “This Pro-Social event gave the young people a chance to see a speed camera in operation and speak with passing drivers on the importance of remaining within the speed limit.”

Finally, the young people joined Hyndburn Homes in a litter pick around the Harvey Street and Wordsworth Close area.

Wayne Smith of Hyndburn Homes said “Everyone involved in the day enjoyed the workshops; this was a great example of multi agency working to develop a cohesive strategy targeted at young people who had volunteered to help tackle neighbourhood issues.  As a reward for their involvement the children are to enjoy a day out at a local activities centre.”

If anyone needs information or advice on alcohol use for themselves or a family member they can contact The INSPIRE service on 01254 282900.”

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 15^th March 2011

Within Grove regeneration gets green light

by Ethos public relations

The Within Grove area of Huncoat is set to enjoy a major face lift thanks to a partnership between social landlord Hyndburn Homes, its parent company Contour Housing Group, Hyndburn Borough Council and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA).

Nigel Fenton General Manager for Hyndburn Homes said: “This area has always been earmarked for special treatment and I am delighted to confirm that a multi million pound investment has been given the go ahead.”

In 2010, 87 properties in Within Grove were transferred to Contour Homes, also a subsidiary of the Contour Housing Group. Hyndburn Homes has budget provision to undertake the selective demolition of 30 dwellings on the estate and Contour Homes will be completing a refurbishment programme on the remaining homes. This will include new kitchens, bathrooms and any other works necessary to bring them up to Decent Homes Standard. Contour Homes will also be carrying out some environmental improvement work on the estate.

Local resident Jacqueline Britton said: “I have lived here for 12 years and the plans will make a considerable difference to our quality of life. Some of the properties are very out of date and everyone is looking forward to not only better homes but also an improved environment which will have a really positive impact on our lives.”

In addition Contour Housing Group has received planning permission to build five two bedroom bungalows at the entrance of the estate.

Cllr Peter Britcliffe, Leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said: “We have fast tracked this planning application to ensure that work can commence on this long awaited scheme as soon as possible. We see it as key to the success of the overall refurbishment of Within Grove and believe it will considerably improve on the current buildings which are an eyesore that negatively affect the reputation of the area.

“Thanks to the strength and innovation of the Contour Housing Group residents of Within Grove can look forward to a bright future.”

The new build bungalows will be architect designed and be available for affordable general rent to people over the age of 55. The £500,000 scheme has been supported by £180,000 grant funding from the HCA and Deborah McLaughlin executive director North West at the HCA said: “I’m pleased that we have been able to provide support to Hyndburn Council and Contour in developing these new homes. I am sure that that they will prove very popular with local people and, alongside the major refurbishments soon to be underway, will make a great difference to Within Grove”

All the partners have been working to tight deadlines in order to ensure the scheme can start on site in March. It is anticipated the bungalows will ready for occupation in March 2012.

“There is a shortage of bungalow accommodation in Hyndburn,” said Nigel Fenton. “This new scheme will go some way to alleviating pressure on the waiting list and most importantly kick start the regeneration of Within Grove.”

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 7^th March 2011

New kitchen for charity

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes and its contractor Bramall Construction Ltd have provided a fully fitted kitchen to much loved Accrington charity Maundy Relief.

Susan Haworth Customer Liaison Manager for Hyndburn Homes said: “For the last few years we have been refurbishing thousands of properties across the borough to ensure they meet the Government's Decent Homes Standard.

“We had a few ‘display’ kitchen units that were surplus to requirements and so when Maundy Relief asked if we could help, it seemed the ideal opportunity to assist a worthy cause and find a good home for our kitchen units.”

Maundy Relief works in Accrington as both a “first port of call” and a “last resort” for many people. As a well-known organisation embedded in the local community, people contact them for a myriad of reasons.

This can include help with furniture, household goods and food; counselling for those in mental distress; welcome, hospitality and companionship for the lonely; advice and informal advocacy for those struggling with bureaucracy or those who slip through the net of statutory services; group activities and training for those ready to move on in their lives.

Bramall Construction installed the kitchen and Terry Hannon Bramall Construction’s Contracts Manager said: “We were delighted to support this charity and the new kitchen is a vast improvement on what was there previously.

“Our staff have been so impressed with the work carried out by the charity that several of our builders plan to work in the soup kitchen for a weekend.”

The Accrington Maundy Relief Centre is open 24 hours, seven days a week and up to 190 people are fed and given help every day.

Dorothy Ann McGregor, who founded Maundy Relief, is delighted with the new kitchen and has expressed her appreciation to Bramall Construction and Hyndburn Homes.

She said: “The new kitchen is absolutely fantastic, we’ve honestly never had it so good.

“We used to have to make do with a hob with scratches on the surface of the oven as we didn’t have enough money to replace it, so having a modern new appliance makes all the difference. The cooks are also delighted as they’re now in a position to cook a wider variety of food and people can now look forward to three course meals.

“We’re absolutely delighted with the results.”

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 15^th February 2011

Plant a pumpkin this weekend

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes has donated an area of land in Accrington to the local community for people to use as a community garden and food growing scheme.

“Situated between Belfield Road and Rothwell Avenue, the land was unkempt and derelict and a group of local people decided it could be put to good use as a community food growing resource,” said Danny Crangle from Hyndburn Homes. “We agreed - and now a committed group of local residents are busy transforming the area for everyone to enjoy.”

This week (February 12th) the community has organised a sponsored dig and the opportunity to grow your own pumpkin in an event which should help raise money for the scheme.

Resident Katie Farnell is organising the dig. “It’s the right time of the year for planting pumpkins and so we thought it would be a great idea to plant lots so that come Halloween households can have their own,” she said.

“The more people who join us the more fun we will have and of course if people secure sponsorship money we can use the funds for other plants, seeds and tools that will benefit the garden and the wider community.”

Hyndburn Homes, the Prospects Foundation and Hyndburn Borough Council have been supporting the group and helping with applications for a variety of grants and funding bids.

“The community here has shown great enthusiasm and determination to look at transforming un-used, open land into a lovely space that can be enjoyed by the wider community,” said Danny. “They have been really inspiring and we hope to be able to assist other groups do similar things in the Hyndburn area.”

The event is Saturday 12th February, 118 – 120 Belfield Road, Accrington from 10am – 4pm. Children are welcome but must be supervised and everyone taking part should wear appropriate clothes. Bring your own spade if you have one but they can be provided. Contact Katie.farnell@btinternet.com or telephone her on 07411 266230.

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 7^th February 2011

Memorial bench for Milnshaw resident

by Ethos public relations

Bramall Construction Ltd has donated a memorial bench to Hyndburn Homes.

The bench in memory of Milnshaw resident Frank Seymour was recently installed on Lupin Road, Accrington.

"Frank who died last year, was a well known resident activist who did a great deal for people in the local area" said Jayne Brignall from Hyndburn Homes.

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 1^st February 2011

DLO saves money

by Ethos public relations

With the VAT rise now in place it’s important to remember that it’s not just consumers who will be tightening their belt but also local businesses -where the tax increase of 2.5% can represent an increase in thousands of pounds on their expenditure.

One local business faring better than most is Hyndburn Homes Repairs, the direct labour organisation of Hyndburn Homes, a major social landlord in the area.

“It has been estimated that the VAT rise could see the social housing sector face an additional £100 million repairs and maintenance bill across the UK,” said David Cross, Operations Manager for Hyndburn Homes Repairs. “This means that some housing associations may be struggling to maintain the same level of maintenance and repair to their housing stock – fortunately that is not the case here.”

Having an in house direct labour organisation (DLO) means that Hyndburn Homes will only have to pay VAT on any work it sub-contracts out. However, the majority of the £4.5m repairs and maintenance work carried out by Hyndburn Homes Repairs is undertaken in-house.

Only a minority of housing associations have an in house DLO but according to David Cross more businesses are looking to follow the Hyndburn example.

“I think we can expect to see the number of DLOs growing in the future,” he said. “2010 has seen the demise of a number of Contractors which has caused a lot of problems for some housing associations. This together with the VAT increase may see housing associations return to the DLO option.”

Hyndburn Homes Repairs employ over 70 fully skilled staff from its base in Altham, making a highly effective workforce. In addition, the company has a successful apprenticeship scheme which recruits and trains young people from the local area.

David adds: “Over three thousand Hyndburn Homes residents rely on our services to ensure their home is kept in good repair, and despite the increasing costs of materials our customers can rest assured that its business as usual at Hyndburn Homes and Hyndburn Homes Repairs in 2011.”

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 18^th January 2011

Get a job and improve the local environment

by Ethos public relations

If you are unemployed, passionate about the environment and live in Accrington, contact your local Job Centre to find out about a six month training opportunity that is being offered by Hyndburn Homes Repairs.

Ross Hemmings, from the company said: “We are looking for a trainee who will undertake environmental improvement work and painting in the local area. As well as gaining valuable employment experience and new skills the applicant  will also be engaging with the local community and making small changes that will make a big difference.”

The scheme is part of the Future Jobs Fund managed by the Department for Works and Pensions which is designed to ensure 18 – 24 year olds gain a job placement.

To qualify for the position, applicants will need to have been unemployed for six months or more and have a desire to work outdoors on active projects.

Closing date for candidates to apply for this position is 31st January 2011. Applications should be made via the local job centre, who will arrange a time for an interview. Interviews are being held on the 9th February 2011.

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 13^th January 2011

New technology protects workers

by Ethos public relations

Lone workers with social landlord Hyndburn Homes have been issued with the latest in personal safety technology to ensure their well being and safety.

Jill Brown, Manager for Older People Services for the company said: “After reviewing Health and Safety arrangements for staff in Older People Services we concluded that some of our team would benefit from Lone Worker Monitoring Alarms. Now ten staff use the equipment which they say provides peace of mind.”

The new alarms are discreet so that members of the public will not recognise them for what they are. Features include staff recording a message on their alarm unit before entering a property to inform the monitoring centre how long they would be expected to be there. The alarms also have constant GPS tracking so that the monitoring centre knows where staff are at all times. If for any reason the alarm is forcibly removed it triggers an emergency procedure.

Michelle Connell is a scheme manager with Hyndburn Homes and has been using the alarm.

“I think these alarms are a wonderful idea,” she said. “Having this system gives me a lot more confidence. The majority of my clients are lovely but should I ever find myself in a vulnerable situation I know that help is not far away and I won’t feel so alone.”

Jill Brown adds: “There are sometimes situations when you can feel vulnerable as a lone worker. Hyndburn Homes has a very good duty of care towards its employees - for example always ensuring staff report who they are with and where they are, and it provides relevant training – but modern equipment like these alarms provide a much better safety net for colleagues.”

To read other news from Hyndburn Homes click here.

Posted at 7^th January 2011

Festive cheer at Franklin Ainsworth House

by Ethos public relations

Residents at Franklin Ainsworth House, a sheltered scheme in Great Harwood managed by social landlord Hyndburn Homes, have been experiencing higher than usual visitor numbers.

Jayne Brignall from Hyndburn Homes explains: “Hyndburn Homes has started the first phase of a £610,000 refurbishment of the 25 bedsit and flats,” she said. “We will be working with our contractor Bramall to install new kitchens and bathrooms as well as new central heating for each property.

“As a result there has been plenty of staff from both companies coming and going as we strive to ensure that disruption is kept to a minimum.”

To add some festive cheer to the proceedings Bramall has installed a Christmas tree in the communal area of the scheme for all residents to enjoy and 77 year old Dorothy Aspin and 90 year old Kathleen Smith say the Christmas tree is a really nice gesture.

“The workmen have been really lovely,” said Dorothy. “Having this work done is quite an upheaval but between them Hyndburn Homes and Bramall are keeping everyone smiling.”

To date eight or the 25 properties has been completed and work will start on the remaining homes in the new year.

Posted at 21^st December 2010

‘Singing Gas Men’ entertain residents

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes’ residents at Friar Court sheltered scheme in Accrington were entertained by the ‘Singing Gas Men' at a recent Christmas concert.

The concert featured music from professional tenors the Rovettes and a 60s disco - but the highlight of the night was the performance by staff from GOS Heating - the ‘Singing Gas Men’.

Scheme Manager, Carol Bailey said: “GOS Heating carried out work on the scheme earlier this year and the lads had such a good time with residents they promised to come back at Christmas and entertain them. Everyone had such a fantastic time and the entertainment was brilliant.”

Posted at 15^th December 2010

Double whammy at Award Ceremony

by Ethos public relations

It was applause all round recently as two trainees employed by Hyndburn Homes Repairs scooped Learner of the Year at the annual Construction Awards organised by Accrington & Rossendale College.

Paul Earnshaw from Hyndburn Homes Repairs said: “The trainees are on a three year apprenticeship with Hyndburn Homes Repairs. They concentrate on the practical element of the construction trade of their choice and attend Accrington & Rossendale College one day a week to learn the theory.”

16 year old Jack Galvin from Laneside was delighted and surprised to win: “I can’t believe I won,” he said. “I am really enjoying my apprenticeship and to be awarded for something you like doing feels great.”

Jack received his accolade, for the remarkable start to his first year at college and completing work ahead of target dates for both theory and practical. He was presented with a certificate and a set of chisels on the night.

19 year old Mohammed Farooq from Accrington, who is in his second year of training, was awarded the British Gypsum Learner of the Year award for his high standard of plastering. He was presented with a trophy and a range of plastering tools.

Commenting on his prize Mohammed said: “I was so excited to win the award and it was a great honour even to be selected. Since doing my apprenticeship, my confidence and skills level have really grown.”

Hyndburn Homes Repairs is the largest direct labour organisation in the area and maintains over 3,000 properties for social landlord Hyndburn Homes. The company employs around 60 skilled workers and is proud of its apprenticeship scheme which currently employs 6 young people, including Jack and Mohammed.

Paul adds, “All the winners are fantastic examples of the value of Apprenticeships, they all deserve enormous credit for their achievements.”

Posted at 30^th November 2010

Double celebration for Ossie couple

by Ethos public relations

Jeff and Monica Brierley had double the reason to celebrate their 52nd wedding anniversary recently as Hyndburn Homes and its contractor The Casey Group put the finishing touches to their brand new kitchen.

“I can’t believe how much space we have now,” said 70 year old Monica. “I love the worktops, I love the colours, I just love everything about it.”

The couple live in a one bedroom bungalow in Oswaldtwistle and have lived there for seven years.  As part of the multi million refurbishment of its housing stock social landlord Hyndburn Homes has installed a new kitchen, a new bathroom and re-wired the property.

“You can’t do work like this without a bit of mess,” said Jeff who is also 70.  “But the end result is worth it.  In actual fact we have quite enjoyed ourselves because we’ve had a bit of fun with the lads who have been in and out of the house.”

Jeff and Monica have also taken the opportunity to do some work of their own around the property.  In the lounge they have treated themselves to a modern fire, new furniture and soft furnishings and their new look home is a source of great pride.

“We’ve been showing off our house to family and friends,” said Monica.  “We’ve even had neighbours in to show them the finished work.

“Some people, particularly the elderly, are a bit nervous about having major work like this done - but our advice is just think of the end result and go for it.  Everything for us has been brilliant and we’ll actually be quite sorry to see the workmen go!”

By the end of 2010 Hyndburn Homes will have programmed improvements to over 2,300 properties which will see the majority of its housing stock meeting the Government’s Decent Homes Standard.

Posted at 10^th November 2010