Ethos Public Relations Manchester

Teens back from team building in Lake District

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes recently organised an outward bound course in Windermere for 10 teenage girls from the local area, to develop team building skills.

Wayne Smith from the Neighbourhood team said: “The trip to Tower Wood Outdoor Recreation Centre in Windermere was a great success, the girls had a brilliant time and really got stuck in to a range of action packed activities.”

The three day excursion included team building skills like building and sailing on a life raft as well as making the most of the great outdoors with activities such as pony trekking, abseiling, climbing and cave walks.

The ten girls aged between 13 and 15 are from across the Hyndburn area and were nominated to attend by a variety of agencies including their schools. The trip was funded by Hyndburn Homes and YNOT Hyndburn.

Posted at 24^th August 2010

Hyndburn Homes expands business activity

by Ethos public relations

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

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

“The Contour Housing Group is one of the region’s biggest housing and regeneration organisations,” explains David. “The Group has contracted us to work across areas of its business, which over the next five years should increase our turnover from £4 million to £6 million.”

This year Hyndburn Homes Repairs has negotiated three additional contracts which include maintenance of commercial boilers, cyclical painting and fire risk assessment works.

Contour Housing Group works across 27 local authority areas in the North West and has over 20,000 social housing properties under its ownership and management.

Currently Hyndburn Homes Repairs provides repairs and maintenance services exclusively to Hyndburn Homes. It has around 60 skilled workers including joiners, electricians, plasterers, plumbers and gas engineers along with grounds maintenance operatives and painting teams, all supported by dedicated customer service and supervisory staff.

“This news enhances job security for our existing staff and 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 be shared with it - and so will ultimately be ploughed back into providing services to local residents.”

Posted at 18^th August 2010

Hyndburn girls are outward bound

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes has taken 10 teens from the local area on an outward-bound course in order to develop team building skills, build confidence and encourage positive behaviour.

Wayne Smith from the Neighbourhood Management team explains: “Young people often get a bad press but we have found that with the right encouragement we can channel their energies into more positive things.”

The trip to Tower Wood Outdoor Recreation Centre in Windermere is the second trip organised by Hyndburn Homes after the first trip last year with teenage boys proved highly successful.

The ten girls aged between 13 and 15 are from across the Hyndburn area and have been nominated to attend by a variety of agencies including their schools. The trip has been funded by Hyndburn Homes and YNOT Hyndburn.

The three day excursion will include team building skills like building and sailing on a life raft as well as making the most of the great outdoors with activities such as hiking and pony trekking.

“For some of the young people this will be the first time they have enjoyed any sort of short break and their first time away from home,” said Wayne. “Hyndburn Homes and its partners have provided an opportunity for local young people to develop all kinds of social skills that they may not necessarily have a chance to develop otherwise - and as a result rewarding and developing positive behaviour that will benefit the whole community.”

Posted at 9^th August 2010

Jewson – now open at Hyndburn Homes Repairs

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes Repairs, one of the biggest direct works organisations in the area has entered into a partnership with Jewson Builders Merchant to operate a stores depot at its Altham headquarters.

David Cross, Operations Manager for Hyndburn Homes Repairs said:  “Jewson has successfully tendered to operate the stores function for Hyndburn Homes Repairs to enable the repair and maintenance of Hyndburn Homes housing stock in the area.  The newly refurbished stores facility recently commenced operation.”

Previously Hyndburn Homes Repairs operated its own in-house stores system but the new Jewson operation will create greater financial efficiencies for the company as well as delivering a better service to Hyndburn Homes customers.

“Thanks to the buying power of a national company like Jewson we will now be able to stock more products, buy them in more cost effectively and have access to a wider range of products,” adds David.  “Ultimately this will mean that the majority of customers will have a quicker and more efficient service.”

Jewson Builders Merchants is part of the Saint-Gobain Group, Europe’s number one building materials distributors and has over 500 branches across the country with a local outlet in Accrington.  The Jewson stores at Hyndburn Homes Repairs will be operated by Jewson staff and Vince Thurlby Stores & Maintenance Manager for Jewson said:  “We are delighted to partner with Hyndburn Homes Repairs. Jewson has experience of providing a store solution partnership with many social housing organisations and we looks forward to sharing best practice with Hyndburn Homes Repairs”.

Posted at 21^st July 2010

Older people advised how to avoid falls

by Ethos public relations

One in three mature people suffer from a fall each year.  Jill Brown, Manager for Older Persons at Hyndburn Homes which provides accommodation and services to hundreds of older people in Hyndburn said people should find out more about falls prevention and keeping active as part of National Falls Awareness Week (21 – 25 June).

“Injuries caused by falls in later life can be quite devastating,” said Jill.  “The consequences of a fall can lead to anything from a lack of confidence to a complete loss of independence - and even death in some circumstances.  However, we should not assume that falls are an inevitable part of getting older as research suggests keeping fit and active can help to prevent falls.”

The focus of this year’s National Falls Awareness Week is on strength and balance.  As we age our muscle strength naturally declines, which increases our risk of falls. Physical inactivity can make this much worse, so it’s important not to be tempted to slow down as we grow older.

According to Age UK, organisers of National Falls Awareness Week, not all types of exercise can prevent falls, but specific programmes for strength and balance have been shown to reduce the risk of falls by as much as 60 per cent and there are several exercises outlined on the Age UK website.

“We have found that the best way for older people to enjoy exercise and stay safe is to work with groups under the guidance of a professional,” said Jill.  “There are various events going on across the North West to support national Falls Week and to find an event near you go to www.ageuk.org.uk/fallsday."

Posted at 17^th June 2010

Stay safe in the garden this summer

by Ethos public relations

Around 300,000 individuals in the UK attend hospital after having an accident in the garden and now that summer is here, Jonathan Kenyon, Support Services Manager from Hyndburn Homes Repairs, wants to remind people that the garden can be quite a dangerous place.

“Not surprisingly accidents using a lawn-mower tend to be top of the accident list,” he said. “People get hurt because they don’t follow basic safety precautions and don’t concentrate. We would advise people to use an RCD (residual current device) to prevent electric shocks. It cuts out the flow of electricity when a cable or flex is cut through.”

There are a few simple rules to keep your garden an accident free zone this summer.

Tackle trip hazards such as unravelled hosepipes.

If you are using any sharp tools make sure you put them away safely after use. Never leave sharp tools unattended when children are in the garden.

Don’t leave chemicals like weedkiller or insecticide where children or animals can have access to them –always lock them away.

When the weather hots up, water cools us down but small children and unattended paddling pools are a potentially fatal combination. Don’t leave a small child unattended even for a minute.

“Many people spend a considerable amount of money on their garden and accessories which is why theft from gardens is on the increase nationally,” adds Jonathan. “Expensive tubs, pots and garden furniture are an invitation to thieves and obviously you can’t lock these away. However, do lock away or hide what you can.”

Barbecues, electric tools and bikes for examples should be stored out of sight when not in use.  

“Don’t forget that thieves can also use your left out tools to get access to your home,” adds Jonathan. “Ladders left outside your property could be used to get into the house; a heavy tool could be used to smash a window.

“Warm weather makes us more relaxed and less careful than we usually are and in order to enjoy the best of the summer with friends and family, follow a few simple rules to keep safe.”

Green fingered Hyndburn Homes' residents who have a garden or even hanging baskets and tubs that they are very proud of are encouraged to take part in the annual Hyndburn Homes Garden Competition which is now open for entry. Telephone 0345 675 1131 to request an application form.

Posted at 10^th June 2010

Smiles all round at inter-generational quiz

by Ethos public relations

It was smiles and laughs all round recently – when young and old got together to enjoy an afternoon of quizzes and competitions at the Whiteash Estate Community Centre and the Byron Close Community Centre.

Vivienne Cooke, Sheltered Housing Team Leader from Hyndburn Homes said: “Our residents living in sheltered housing around the Community Centres were invited to attend these events which were organised by the local PCSO’s.

“The PCSO’s thought it would be a great idea to cross the generational divide by getting young and older people together for a social event and they invited selected pupils from Rhyddings High School in Oswaldtwistle to join our residents.”

Around 10 pupils joined 12 sheltered housing residents and both groups had a great time and really enjoyed each others company.

66 year old Margo Barnes of Whiteash Estate, Oswaldtwistle said: “It was a lovely idea to meet up with some of the younger people who live in the area. Teenagers can sometimes get a bad name but the majority are nice and polite – and certainly the quiz afternoon proved that to be the case.  We all got on like a house on fire!”

The events were so successful that Youth Community Support Officer Tracey McCarney has applied for funding to organise similar days later in the year.

“It was good to see people from different age groups getting along so well,” she said.  “We wanted the events to show both groups how much they had in common - and everyone enjoyed it so much they want more - and so we hope to be doing just that in the near future!”

Posted at 7^th June 2010

Grow and snap Hyndburn

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes is calling upon its thousands of tenants in the area to help make local communities brighter and greener by launching its 2010 Gardening Competition – and it also wants stunning photo’s of the area for its 2011 calendar.

Paula Shrigley is organising both competitions on behalf of the company. “These competitions are not exclusively concerned with Hyndburn Homes residents,” she said.

“Encouraging people to grow flowers and shrubs will also benefit the wider communities as everyone enjoys and admires a well tendered garden or a beautiful hanging basket.  And the photo competition is open to anyone who lives or works in the area who manages to capture the local area looking stunning.”

The garden categories have been devised to ensure that even people who do not have a garden can join in. They include best front garden, best back garden, best community garden and best hanging basket/tub or window box.  Each category winner will receive £50 with the overall winner getting £250 in gardening vouchers.

Twelve images will be selected for the photo competition, each having a dedicated page on the company’s 2011 calendar which is issued to over 3,000 residents. The overall winner gets a state of the art digital camera.

“If you are interested in taking part in either or these competitions, please do so now,” Paula said. “You can phone for an entry form on 01254 300500 or visit www.hyndburnhomes.co.uk to download one. Good luck!”

Posted at 27^th May 2010

Social landlord signs up to recycling

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes Repairs is working with the YMCA, a leading Christian charity to dispose of - and recycle unwanted household products and furniture.

David Cross Operations Manager for Hyndburn Homes Repairs said:  “Every year Hyndburn Homes residents vacate their properties for a variety of reasons and they often leave behind personal things for us to dispose of - many in excellent condition.  We have been looking at the most efficient method of recycling these items and this initiative with the YMCA offers the ideal solution.”

The YMCA North West operates both a recycling centre and retail outlet in Burnley and Clitheroe.  The charity provides items of clothing, furniture and electrical goods to families in need across the North West – and people can also go into the ‘stores’ to purchase items for themselves.  Now Hyndburn Homes Repairs is adding to the items that can be used to help families and individuals across the region.

Paul Freethy from YMCA North West said:  “We have provided Hyndburn Homes Repairs with a list of recyclable goods that we could take off their hands and this pilot scheme is already generating several hundred pounds worth of stock for us which ultimately benefits the poorest members of society.”

This initiative meets the Hyndburn Homes Repairs objectives to provide effective and responsible waste management and disposal and promote the re-use and re-cycling of products.

David Cross said:  “The YMCA is able to quantify the value of items from Hyndburn Homes and this will enable us to monitor the success of the project.  Early indications suggest this is both an effective and resourceful way to dispose of unwanted items and it could be something that we recommend to others in the social housing sector.”

Posted at 6^th April 2010

Eggciting visit for sick children

by Ethos public relations

Youngsters on the children’s ward at Blackburn Royal Hospital enjoyed a surprise visit from two Easter bunnies this week as social landlord Hyndburn Homes and contractor The Casey Group dropped in with lots of lovely Easter Eggs.

Sarah Harwood from The Casey Group said:  “It was great to see the smiles on the children’s faces as they saw the piles of Easter Eggs we brought in.”

Jayne Brignall from Hyndburn Homes adds:  “It was lovely to be playing the ‘Easter bunny’ I’m not sure who enjoyed the visit more – us or the children!”

Posted at 30^th March 2010

Young and old should get ‘surfing’

by Ethos public relations

Social landlord Hyndburn Homes is encouraging its residents to take advantage of the Government’s Home Access scheme which has recently been launched.

The scheme provides low income families with grants to purchase a computer, get at least a year’s home broadband or both.  “The scheme which is primarily aimed at ensuring school age children have full use of the Internet will also help low income families access training,” said Nigel Fenton, General Manager of Hyndburn Homes.

“It is widely accepted that many people living in social housing do not have access to the Internet and all the benefits that it can offer.  Naturally school children will gain a lot from having this service at home, but we believe that their parents will also be able to enjoy more benefits including access to training and employment opportunities.

“Even having access to government and information websites, money saving information and price comparison sites could make a huge difference to somebody on a low income.”

Families receiving income support or unemployment benefits will be able to apply for a Home Access grant which they can use to purchase a computer or broadband package from an approved supplier. At launch only families with children aged 7-14, in school years 3-9, will be eligible, but the programme is aiming to work towards universal home access for all school age children by 2011.

As an extension to the Home Access scheme the Government has just announced that nearly 20,000 people living in sheltered housing will be switched on to the Internet with the introduction of a new Get Digital programme designed to help silver surfers get Internet savvy. The scheme will provide residents with access to computers and the training they need to make the most of the new technology on offer.

“With around 10 million people in the UK never having used the Internet – and many of these socially excluded or over the age of 65, we welcome these measures which will expand access to the Internet,” said Nigel Fenton.

“Hyndburn Homes and other local service providers already provide Internet training opportunities for residents in this area and we will be looking to develop more for people who want help and advice on using their new computers and accessing all the web has to offer.”

Government funding for the Home Access scheme is available for around 270,000 households and you can apply by calling 0333 200 1004 for an application form.

Posted at 10^th March 2010

Joe should have got a Handy Loan

by Ethos public relations

Many millions of viewers are currently gripped by the Coronation Street story line which sees the character of Joe McIntyre struggle to pay off his ever increasing debt from an unscrupulous loan shark. Whilst Corrie fans may be shaking their head at the mess he is in, according to local housing association Hyndburn Homes ? loan sharks are not figments of a script writer?s imagination and could be operating in a street near you.

?This particular story line has obviously been written for dramatic impact,? said Kim Smith from Hyndburn Homes. ?However, reports show that many people in this area have dealt with a loan shark or certainly been tempted to do so.?

In fact a recent report by the think tank Financial Inclusion Centre says around 100,000 of the UK's poorest families will be crippled with ?82 million of debt during 2010 after borrowing money from loan sharks to fund the cost of Christmas.

?If you don?t have enough disposable income it?s tempting, especially at Christmas, to borrow a few hundred pounds to make sure your family has the latest gifts,? said Kim.? ?However, people don?t realise that loan sharks can charge such high interest that they simply can?t pay back the loan.

?Many victims see the illegal lender as a friend, yet loan sharks often prey on the most vulnerable in society and can be dangerous.? ?

As a way of helping to steer its residents away from loan sharks Hyndburn Homes teamed up with HHH Credit Union and Enterprise Lancashire Finance (ELF) in 2008 and launched a Handy Loan scheme for all tenants and leaseholders of its properties. ?

Credit Unions are membership-based, voluntarily run, not-for-profit savings and loans co-operatives that offer accessible savings accounts with no minimum deposits.? They offer the facility of a low cost short term loan as well as peace of mind.??? ?

Kim adds:? ?When times are hard and money is scarce using the Handy Loan Scheme means people won?t have to pay exorbitant interest rates which obviously can cause them a lot of problems in the long run.?

Loans of up to ?350 are available from this scheme which are assessed and granted subject to terms and conditions.? People can also use the scheme to save up for special occasions and there is no minimum amount for savings but the maximum is ?10,000. ?

If someone suspects that a loan shark is operating in their area, they should call 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.

?If you do need a loan ? don?t follow Joe McIntyre?s example,? said Kim.? ?Contact us for more information about the scheme along with general information about managing your money and debt advice.?

Email: kim.smith@hyndburnhomes.co.uk or telephone 01254 300500.

Posted at 28^th January 2010

Keep safe this Christmas

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes Repairs, the biggest direct works company in the area is reminding local residents to keep safe this Christmas.

Jonathan Kenyon from the company said: "Christmas is a great time for family and friends to get together - it's also a very busy time as people make their festive preparations and sometimes safety can be overlooked.? Check the entrance to your home to make sure there is no potential for visitors to slip or fall.? Given the cold spell we are currently going through, ice can cause problems, especially for older people, so take a few minutes to make sure your driveway, pathway or steps are not going to cause an accident."

Jonathan said that fire safety is particularly important at this time of year when many homes are lit with fairy lights and candles and it's not surprising that statistics show a rise in the number of accidental fires and related injuries.

"Check lights conform to the British standard," he said.? "Providing you buy them from a reputable retailer you should be safe.? It is important to turn off Christmas tree lights when you leave the house and when you go to bed,?

"Candles should never be left unattended even for a moment and make sure that they are not close to anything flammable as a slight draft from a door opening could easily cause a fire.

"Take five minute to check the batteries in your smoke alarms are working.? Push to the button by hand or with the top of a broom and never be tempted to take out the batteries from your smoke alarm and use them for something else."
Jonathan also wants to remind residents about the dangers of leaving valuables on view.? If gifts and presents can be seen through your windows move them somewhere else so you are not tempting thieves.

"If you've bought expensive electrical equipment this year either as a gift or just as a treat for yourself, don't leave the packaging outside the house," said Jonathan.? "Keep it in the house until you can either dispose of it yourself or the refuse collectors come for your rubbish.? It's just an advert for thieves and burglars.

"Just taking a few minutes to check inside and outside your home for potential hazards should ensure you have a fabulous Christmas and New Year.? Happy Christmas."

Posted at 21^st December 2009

Need Help? Contact Help Direct

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn?s biggest housing association is supporting Lancashire County Council in its effort to provide a wide range of help and advice to anyone living and working in the Hyndburn area.

Kim Smith from Hyndburn Homes explains:? ?Help Direct is a service for all adults in East Lancashire. It aims to be the first port of call for anyone looking to get access to practical support, guidance and information that they may need.? Hyndburn Homes has provided office space to Help Direct Field Navigator Deborah Clarke who will be on hand in our area to support not just Hyndburn Homes residents but anyone in the borough aged 18 and over.?

Help Direct signposts customers to the right service provider for their need or query. For individuals this could mean assistance with filling out a form, details of where the nearest exercise class is, how to open a bank account, where to find a reputable plumber or where to turn to get advice about having care in the home.? Essentially whatever the problem, Help Direct can help or point you in the right direction and hopefully stop a minor problem turning into a crisis.

?It?s great having Deborah with us as some of the calls she receives are around housing or support issues and so we can share and exchange advice,? said Kim.

?Hyndburn Homes staff are also working with Deborah to identify gaps in service to customers throughout the borough. As a result, a number of new initiatives are being discussed and we hope to be launching them in the new year.

?Help Direct is such a simple idea but one that is very much in demand and Deborah has a vast range of knowledge and experience.

?Hyndburn Homes is delighted to be able to support Help Direct and if you have a query about literally anything ? Deborah is the woman to call!?

If you have a question for Deborah at Help Direct Hyndburn - telephone 0303 333 1010.

Posted at 15^th December 2009

More choice for people on housing waiting list

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes, one of the region?s biggest social landlords has introduced a new housing allocation system for the 2,300 people on its waiting list.

Nigel Fenton from Hyndburn Homes said: ?The new system called b-with-us is known as a choice based letting scheme.? It will provide residents with a wider choice of properties across a bigger geographical area and hopefully go some way to helping to alleviate housing need in our area.?

Under the new system, housing applicants will be able to select vacant social housing properties not just across Hyndburn, but also across Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Rossendale.? All empty properties in these areas will be advertised and applicants will ?bid? for the property they want. The person with the highest housing need will usually be offered the property.

Everyone on the housing waiting list in these areas has been notified in writing of the changes and has been sent information booklets which provide details about choosing a new home and how the waiting list bands are calculated.

Twenty one social housing organisations across East Lancashire have signed up to the scheme and are working in partnership to give access to over 24,000 rented properties across the area. This means that all the organisations involved will share one housing register and one allocations policy.

If you are currently on the housing waiting list in Hyndburn and would like further information or advice about the new scheme, contact b?with?us on 0300 123 22 00

Posted at 9^th December 2009

No longer afraid thanks to my ?little red button?

by Ethos public relations

86 year old Hannah Heap says a ?little red button? ensures that she no longer feels frightened of being alone. She is one of many customers who use the Hyndburn Homes Lifeline service - a system that provides a small, lightweight radio trigger pendant which can be worn around the neck or wrist and contains a red emergency button.

Hannah who lives in Accrington explains: ?I have fallen quite a few times and sometimes I can?t get up on my own.? However, thanks to my ?little red button? somebody answers me right away and continues to talk to me until somebody arrives to help.? I wouldn?t be without it."

The Lifeline unit can be activated in the event of any incident or accident so if a person falls or feels unwell, the monitoring service will ensure help is on the way at the touch of a button. The monitoring service recognises who the person is and where they are and in the first instance an operator will try to call the person.? If they have no reply, the service will? then contact a named relative, friend or neighbour. If that fails they will call the emergency services.

Jill Brown from Hyndburn Homes said: ?Our Lifeline service offers a range of tools that provide peace of mind to anyone young or old who for whatever reason want peace of mind from this unobtrusive but highly effective equipment that can actually save lives.?

Older people who live alone benefit from the Lifeline Service ? if they have a fall or feel frightened by anything, they can push a button to call for help.? But equally, the Lifeline Service can help any adult who for whatever reason may feel vulnerable when they are alone.? People recovering from an operation, people with MS, people with epilepsy ? the Lifeline Service can help anyone who may need help fast.

?People don?t realise it?s a service for anyone to use. It?s not just for older people or Hyndburn Homes residents,? said Jill.? ?If you live in the Hyndburn, Burnley and Ribble Valley area you can benefit from this service and you don?t need a doctor or social services referral ? you can just refer yourself."

The unit and full service costs around ?40 per quarter, (?13 per month, just over ?3.00 per week) which is not a lot to pay for peace of mind 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Hannah adds:? ?When you know somebody is there to help you at any time of the day or night ? you don?t feel frightened any more.? I would recommend this to anyone.

For more information about the Lifeline Service contact 01254 300544 or email lifelineservices@hyndburnhomes.co.uk.

Posted at 8^th December 2009

Community Reporters Wanted in Huncoat

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes has received funding from The National Institute of Adult Continuing Education?s (NIACE) Transformation Fund to support a project in Huncoat which will see local people developing their multi media skills.

The ?56,463 project will be delivered by Hyndburn Homes in association with People?s Voice Media, a not for profit organisation which specialises in working with local communities to develop community reporting.

Nigel Fenton, Acting General Manager for Hyndburn Homes said:? ?This is great news for the local community.? This project will engage local people and see them acting as community reporters.?? It will train them how to use new media to capture the views of their neighbours.? Eventually it is hoped that the people we train will then go on to train others in the techniques they have learned.?

The project hopes to attract around 45 learners who will be supported by staff from Hyndburn Homes as well as residents from Salford who have been through a similar course with Peoples Voice Media.

As well as providing local people with new skills it is hoped that some people may use their knowledge to enhance their employment opportunities as they develop their confidence in the use of new media.

?We hope to be able to create a community specific Wiki website and establish a minimum of two Skype interaction points that will link two different local communities,? said Nigel.? ?This is a great opportunity for local people to disseminate news, views and information between themselves.?

If you would like to be involved in this project contact Jess or Teresa 0161 743 3537

Posted at 18^th November 2009

Cameras at the ready for photographic competition

by Ethos public relations

Calling all amateur photographers in Hyndburn ? time is running out to enter the Hyndburn Homes Photographic Competition.

Hyndburn Homes, one of the region?s biggest social landlords, is looking for 12 photographs that represent the local area to be used in its 2010 calendar. You don?t have to be Hyndburn Homes resident to enter ? it?s open to any budding photographer.

The Hyndburn Homes 2010 calendar is distributed to over 3,000 properties in Hyndburn. Each of the 12 winners will receive a professionally framed photograph of their entry and the overall winner will receive a state of the art digital camera.

Paula Shrigley from Hyndburn Homes said: ?This year we produced our first calendar using company photographs and images. We decided that the calendar could be improved by using great images of local people and places - and who better to produce them than the local community?

?The pictures must be digital and high quality and obviously reflect the local area ? but apart from that more or less anything goes!?

Full terms and conditions about the Hyndburn Homes Calendar Photographic Competition are available at www.hyndburnhomes.co.uk. You can download an application form online or telephone 01254 300500. All entries must be received by 30 October at midday.

Posted at 22^nd September 2009

Switching over 1,200 homes

by Ethos public relations

This year the general public can expect to see a marked increase in the information provided to it regarding the digital TV switchover.

The Granada region is one of the earliest to be switched in November 2009 and if you are confused about your own switchover, spare a thought for Nigel Fenton who as Acting General Manager at one of the region?s biggest social landlords, has responsibility for managing the smooth digital transition for over 1000 households in Hyndburn.

?The vast majority of people living in Hyndburn Homes? rented properties will be responsible for their own switchover,? he said. ?However, Hyndburn Homes has around 1200 homes where people are served by communal television aerials and will be relying on us to put everything in place to make the switchover happen.

?These include people living in flats and people living in supported and sheltered schemes.

?With so many different tenant groups and so many varied properties in our portfolio, it?s vital that we continue to plan carefully for the switchover in order to ensure that each residence has the relevant technology in place.?

Hyndburn Homes has earmarked ?300,000 to upgrade all the communal TV aerials to digital integrated reception systems.

Nigel concludes: ?2009 will be a very busy year as we ensure that all our properties are not only ready for the switchover but are future proofed. With so many property types and so many diverse resident groups, the challenge is to ensure every home has what it needs.?

Patricia Nuttall, 84, lives at Merlin Court sheltered scheme in Oswaldtwistle where new digital aerials were fitted several months ago. She said: ?Like most people I enjoy watching the TV, especially the CSI series, so I wouldn?t want to be without those when the switchover happens later this year. I feel prepared for the move to digital TV and have already bought a HD ready TV so I don?t go without!?

Social housing residents living in general rented accommodation are responsible for upgrading their own services. Information regarding which digital services are currently available in your area is available on www.digitaluk.co.uk or www.digitaltelevision.gov.uk or telephone 0845 6 50 50 50.

Posted at 1^st September 2009

More choice for East Lancashire

by Ethos public relations

Hyndburn Homes, one of the region?s biggest social landlords, is introducing a new housing allocation system for the 1,500 people on its waiting list.

Nigel Fenton from Hyndburn Homes said: ?It is no secret that the housing market is in crisis and many social landlords are facing increasing pressure on their waiting lists as a result.

?We believe the new system will provide residents with a wider choice of properties across a larger geographical area and hopefully go some way to alleviating housing need in our area.?

The new scheme is known as a Choice Based Lettings scheme which will be marketed as ?B With Us?. Under this system, housing applicants will be able to select from vacant social housing properties not just across Hyndburn, but also across Blackburn with Darwen, Pendle and Rossendale.

All empty properties in these areas will be advertised and applicants will ?bid? for the property they want. The person with the highest housing need will usually be offered the property.

This new scheme will be introduced across the East Lancashire area in October 2009 and more information will be available nearer the launch date.

Posted at 19^th August 2009