JOB OF THE WEEK: DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THAMES VALLEY HOUSING
26 July 2010

£29,900-£33,200 plus car allowance 1 year fixed term contract A vacancy has arisen in the Association’s Technical team for a Development Officer to take on development projects from the early stages of build contract procurement though to completion and end of defects. Organisation skills and attention to detail are paramount in order to ensure schemes are built to the necessary standards and a high level of service is provided to our customers – both internal and external. To succeed in this role you will therefore need to have: • a sound understanding of construction contracts and technical aspects of development • project management and organisational skills • knowledge of grant funding processes • a strong commitment to customer service • strong interpersonal and IT skills. Thames Valley Housing is a dynamic, innovative and expanding Housing Association with over 14,000 homes in West London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. For further details and to apply online, please visit www.tvha.co.uk/Careers or call the recruitment line on 020 8607 0600. Closing date: Monday 2nd August 2010. Assessment and interview date: Friday 13th August 2010.

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TENDER: DISTRICT HEATING CONTRACT
26 July 2010

St Georges Community Housing Limited is inviting tenders for district heating. The contract relates to three discrete elements; energy production, maintenance of plant and billing of energy. District heating. District heating boiler. District-heating plant construction work. District-heating mains construction work. Heating-plant repair and maintenance work. The contract will initially for be for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further five renewable annually, with a 90-day notice period. Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement estimated cost, excluding VAT, £750,000. Contact: St Georges Community Housing Limited, Dunton Court, 5 - 8 Dunton Court, Laindon, Essex, Attn: Elisabeth Burchell, SS15 6NX Basildon, Tel. +44 1268465371, E-mail: elisabeth.burchell@sgch.org.uk. Closing date: August 19. Please mention HousingNews.co.uk when applying for this tender. This tender also appeared in our sister publication South East Construction Now. To advertise a job, tender or event here, please contact Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more information.

HOUSING BENEFIT CAPS PUT 750,000 AT RISK OF LOSING THEIR HOMEIN LONDON AND SOUTH EAST
26 July 2010

More than 750,000 people are at risk of losing their homes in London and the south east because of caps being introduced on housing benefit from April next year, according to a campaign group. The National Housing Federation says that the benefit cuts could effectively force low income families out of large parts of London and the south east. It says its research shows that 425,000 people in London are at risk of losing their home, while 326,250 people in the south east are at risk of losing theirs. It added that the impact of the housing benefit cuts was likely to lead to the highest number of people ending up homeless in Britain for more than thirty years. The Federation is calling for the Government to set up a poverty commission to look at the impact of housing benefit cuts on the poor. The scale of problems caused by the proposed housing benefit caps is revealed on the day the Government prepares to publish an impact assessment of the changes introduced by the Chancellor during the Budget. The Federation says that it is vital that ministers acknowledge just how catastrophic the changes to housing benefit could be. In his Budget, the Chancellor imposed caps on housing benefit of £400 a week on any property with four or more bedrooms, and £250 a week for a two bedroom home. The Chancellor also decided that instead of people on benefit being able to claim rent of up to half of the local market average rent, they will instead be only able to claim up to one third of the local market average rent. And unemployed people who claim Job Seeker’s Allowance for 12 months will also see their housing benefit fall by 10% under the controversial plans. The result of the introduction of caps on housing benefit and the ruling that people will only be able to claim up to one third of the local market average is that thousands of lower income families will not be able to afford to live in many parts of London – such as Islington, Camden and Southwark – and the south east. While many people will look to move to cheaper accommodation, there will not be enough housing in parts of London and the south east within the cap levels to go around. Many others will quickly fall into arrears and be evicted. In some cases, local authorities may be legally obliged to house those evicted – with some ending up in expensive bed and breakfast properties. In other cases, councils may not have to re-house them and they could end up on the streets. Federation chief executive David Orr, said: “If the Government presses ahead and introduces harsh housing benefit cuts more than 750,000 people would be at risk of losing their home. “The housing benefit caps could see poorer people effectively forced out of wealthier areas, and ghettoised into poorer neighbourhoods. “Some people affected by housing benefit caps may successfully find a home in cheaper areas, but many will end up in expensive bed and breakfast accommodation, while thousands will simply become homeless. “Unless ministers urgently reconsider these punitive housing benefit cuts, we may see more people sleeping rough than at any stage during the last thirty years. “An independent poverty commission should quickly be established to assess the impact cuts to housing benefits will have on the poorest.” He added: “For many people, particularly those with disabilities, moving could be an enormous upheaval. It will also disrupt the education of thousands of children. “The resulting impact on people’s lives would be huge – as would the cost to the taxpayer.” Further Links

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QUARTER CENTURY MILESTONE FOR FARNINGHAM HOUSE SHELTERED HOUSING SCHEME
26 July 2010

This summer sees Bracknell Forest Homes’ Crown Wood sheltered scheme celebrate its 25th anniversary. In 1985 Farningham House sheltered scheme was opened by Housing Councillor of the time Cllr Robert Angell and Chief Housing Officer of the District Council Robin Holden. 35 residents, their friends and family, and staff have been celebrating in style with a week of fun. The week kicked off with a blooming great tea party and cake sale in aid of Marie Curie Cancer Care residents’ favourite fish and chips lunch, quiz and human fruit machine on Tuesday. The official anniversary afternoon tea and music was on Wednesday where residents were joined by Bracknell Forest Homes’ Chief ExecutiveCaroline Titley and Deputy Mayor of the Borough, Cllr Chris Turrell. There’s also a barbecue and fete on Thursday for friends and family from 12 noon, and party night, buffet and music on Friday. Resident Kitty Bunting, aged 92, moved from Priestwood and has lived at Farningham House since it opened. She said: “I have always loved living in this scheme. It is cheerful and there is always someone on hand if you need a little help.” Caroline Titley, Chief Executive for Bracknell Forest Homes, said: “We are thrilled residents and staff have arranged a week of celebration for this milestone of Farningham House. Over the years there have been a few changes, most recently the housing transfer to Bracknell Forest Homes, and the residents have always enjoyed the scheme and given great feedback about the service. Congratulations to all at Farningham House.” Farningham House is the newest of 11 sheltered housing schemes run by Bracknell Forest Homes. Since Bracknell Forest Homes took on the ownership of the schemes, improvements have been carried out including new windows, new hairdressing facilities, communal decorating and other improvements. Resident satisfaction among sheltered schemes is 93%.

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PLANS FOR HUNDREDS OF SUSSEX MARINA HOMES REJECTED
26 July 2010

Eric Pickles The government has rejected plans to build a mixed-use development, including hundreds of homes, at Brighton Marina in Sussex. Despite agreeing that the proposal would follow national guidance in PPS5, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said the shortcomings in the section 106 obligation are severe enough to decline the appeal. Developer Explore Living appealed against the planning refusal by Brighton and Hove City Council in December 2008. Its plans included a tower block, a health centre and a public square on Brighton's seafront. The government rejected its appeal because there was not enough provision under the section 106 agreement for recreation areas. It was also concerned that the development would affect views of the coastline. A spokesman for Explore Living, a subsidiary of Laing O'Rourke, said: "We will now take time with our stakeholder partners to study the decision in detail and determine our next step." A council spokesman responded: "We remain committed to securing a development of the highest order that will both benefit residents and enhance the city's facilities."

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ORBIT PUPIL’S VISIT SIGN COMPANY
26 July 2010

The pupil who designed a new sign for an Orbit South Sheltered Housing Scheme has watched it being made. Poppy Chapman from Charles Dickens School in Broadstairs entered a competition with 40 of her school mates to design the new sign for Cherry Court in St Peters. Poppy Chapman with her winning design. After a rigorous judging session three residents chose Poppy’s lively tree and cherry design. Poppy has now visited Blaze Neon along with scheme manager Teresa Austin and Orbit South’s Residents Engagement Officer Lisa Cornish to follow the process of the huge sign being made. The group watched a massive printed produce the artwork then saw staff roll it onto its aluminium frame. Teresa said: “We had a great time and all agreed that we’d never look at sign in the same way again. “It was very rewarding for Poppy to see her sign being made and we’re looking forward to her coming to Cherry Court in September, once she’s back at school, to watch it being put up and carry out the official unveiling”

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BRAMSHOTT PLACE VILLAGE SPONSORS LOCAL HORTICULTURE
26 July 2010

Bramshott Place Village has had a decidedly horticultural flavour this year, sponsoring two important local voluntary initiatives. For the second year running the over 55s development has sponsored a beautiful flower bed outside the main post office sorting office in Liphook as part of the award winning Liphook in Bloom project. Also this year, Bramshott Place Village was the major sponsor of the highly successful Bramshott Open Gardens Weekend and Flower Festival which took place in June, attracting over 900 visitors and raising more than £12,500 for three charities - Macmillan Cancer Support, St Mary’s Church, and the Bramshott and Liphook Preservation Society’s Sunken Lanes project. Bramshott Place Village is now well established and many of the apartments and cottages are occupied.

JOB OF THE WEEK: DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THAMES VALLEY HOUSING
27 July 2010

£29,900-£33,200 plus car allowance 1 year fixed term contract A vacancy has arisen in the Association’s Technical team for a Development Officer to take on development projects from the early stages of build contract procurement though to completion and end of defects. Organisation skills and attention to detail are paramount in order to ensure schemes are built to the necessary standards and a high level of service is provided to our customers – both internal and external. To succeed in this role you will therefore need to have: • a sound understanding of construction contracts and technical aspects of development • project management and organisational skills • knowledge of grant funding processes • a strong commitment to customer service • strong interpersonal and IT skills. Thames Valley Housing is a dynamic, innovative and expanding Housing Association with over 14,000 homes in West London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. For further details and to apply online, please visit www.tvha.co.uk/Careers or call the recruitment line on 020 8607 0600. Closing date: Monday 2nd August 2010. Assessment and interview date: Friday 13th August 2010.

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TENDER: DISTRICT HEATING CONTRACT
27 July 2010

St Georges Community Housing Limited is inviting tenders for district heating. The contract relates to three discrete elements; energy production, maintenance of plant and billing of energy. District heating. District heating boiler. District-heating plant construction work. District-heating mains construction work. Heating-plant repair and maintenance work. The contract will initially for be for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further five renewable annually, with a 90-day notice period. Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement estimated cost, excluding VAT, £750,000. Contact: St Georges Community Housing Limited, Dunton Court, 5 - 8 Dunton Court, Laindon, Essex, Attn: Elisabeth Burchell, SS15 6NX Basildon, Tel. +44 1268465371, E-mail: elisabeth.burchell@sgch.org.uk. Closing date: August 19. Please mention HousingNews.co.uk when applying for this tender. This tender also appeared in our sister publication South East Construction Now. To advertise a job, tender or event here, please contact Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more information.

SOCIAL HOUSING SQUEEZE WILL COST THE SOUTH EAST £420 MILLION OVER FIVE YEARS
27 July 2010

The barriers faced by social housing tenants wanting to move home in the South East are costing the region’s economy at least £84 million each year. This will amount to more than £420 million over the course of this Parliament. The cost to the national economy is £542 million each year – which amounts to £2.5 billion over five years - according to Counting Costs; a major new report released by Circle Anglia - one of the UK’s leading providers of affordable housing. Circle Anglia, which runs the UK’s only national, not-for-profit mutual exchange service - www.houseexchange.org.uk - commissioned think tank Human City Institute to investigate the impact that lack of mobility in social housing has on our society. In ‘Counting Costs’, Human City estimates that 495,000 of the UK’s 3.9 million social households are victims of the UK’s Social Housing Squeeze: they want to move home, but are unable to do so. The report identifies the key reasons why people want to move, and calculates the economic and social costs of people not being able to move. The total estimated £542 million annual economic cost is broken down by: • £305 million based on tenants not being able to care for relatives. Recent research suggests the average carer is saving the nation £15,260 each year (Carers UK) • £81 million to the NHS, for example, through costs of overcrowded and unsuitable housing leading to more GP consultations, associated treatments and hospital visits • £48 million based on tenants wanting to move into employment, but unable to do so. Factors include the ongoing costs of welfare payments and the lost tax revenues • £18 million based on tenants wanting to move to take up better work but unable to do so. Factors here include the cost to the economy in terms of lost productivity and potential increased tax revenues through higher earnings. • £32 million based on educational under-attainment from overcrowding: factors include a lack of quiet space in which to do homework and disputes caused by sharing of bedrooms. • £58 million to the Criminal Justice System. The Social Exclusion Unit has discovered that the provision of stable, good quality housing can reduce reoffending rates appreciably. The study finds that 35 per cent of social housing residents in the South East say they want to move properties – the largest proportion of any UK region. Yet new letting opportunities to existing tenants in the South East have seen a 61 per cent decline over the past 13 years, combined with a major fall, over the same period, of 500,000 in the number of available houses in the sector nationally and an escalation in demand for social housing, with one in 12 households in England now on waiting lists. As a result of the staggering figures unveiled by Counting the Costs, Circle Anglia is calling for three clear actions from the Government to help get social housing tenants in the South East moving, as part of its ongoing mission to enhance Life Chances. These are: • All Social Landlords should join a national mutual exchange register: The Government should insist that all social landlords and Local Authorities must join and support a scheme which is dedicated to enabling mutual exchange for all Local Authority and Housing Association tenants. In addition, this should be supported by a funded national helpline. • Remove barriers that prevent people from moving: For example the complexities around transferring care packages for those with support needs and blockages in the way homes are allocated. The Government should encourage and enable Local Authorities to support cross boundary moves and simplify the process. This would mean that tenants applying for transfers don’t have to compete with external applicants and are automatically considered for mutual exchange. • Incentivise mobility: By linking health and employment initiatives more directly with mobility, the overall costs associated with the lack of mobility could be reduced. David Williams, Executive Director Strategy and New Business, Circle Anglia, said: “We know from House Exchange - our not for profit mutual exchange service - that while 53 percent of people who sign up with us had been trying to move for more than two years before signing up to mutual exchange, 80 percent move within six months of registering with us. With around half a million people on the social housing transfer list, if their landlords simply signed up to one national mutual exchange service we could create a fluid, free-market of house exchanges that would help so many people. The Coalition has highlighted the problem. We hope it also encourages and enables the right solution.” Further Links

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CONSULTANTS COMMISSIONED TO UNLOCK DEVELOPMENT POTENTIAL OF ASHFORD’S SOUTHERN EXPANSION QUARTER
27 July 2010

Ashford’s Future, the organisation responsible for overseeing the £2.5bn development of the up and coming powerhouse of Kent, has commissioned a leading team of consultants to help develop Ashford’s Southern Expansion Quarter – the area south of the high-speed railway and close to Ashford International Station. The team, led by specialist property, regeneration and economic development consultancy BBP Regeneration, along with LDA Designb, Campbell Reith and Shared Intelligence, will be responsible for preparing a Delivery Framework to identify a strategy for maximising the development potential of this quarter, a key part of Ashford’s ambitious growth programme. The quarter includes Victoria Way, a major new road linking the station to the southern part of Ashford. Work on Victoria Way, which is being funded by £16.5 million of Community Infrastructure Funding from the Department for Communities and Local Government and Department for Transport, began in spring 2010 and is due for completion in spring 2011. Judith Armitt, managing director of Ashford’s Future, said: “Victoria Way is just the first step in opening up the Southern Expansion Quarter for development, providing new investment opportunities and improving travel choices. We think it will be a highly popular area for homes and commerce alike and may also be suitable for a new cultural venue. BBP will help us work out the full potential of the area. “Ashford is creating a vibrant, sustainable town for residents and businesses and the quarter has massive potential but there are a number of major sites that are currently under-utilised. “The Delivery Framework has an important role to play in setting out a clear vision for the quarter. It will help identify and assess the viability of all potential development options, the practical steps needed to bring these forward, and the supporting infrastructure. “It will also address a range of planning issues to ensure we achieve high design standards and the right mix of business, residential and retail premises, while at the same time preserving the town’s heritage and character.” BBP Regeneration’s senior consultant Andy Smith said the consultancy team would be striving to ‘raise the bar in terms of urban design, sustainability and values’. He added: “The Delivery Framework will help enhance delivery certainty among stakeholders, facilitate public sector and other inward investment, and provide guidance to Ashford Borough Council for the preparation of policy and a framework against which planning applications can be assessed.” Ashford has been identified by the Government as one of four key growth areas in the South East. It is on course to create 28,000 extra jobs and 31,000 new homes by 2031 and its rapidly expanding population is expected to double to at least 135,000. Development of the Southern Expansion Quarter is just one of a range of proposals for the growth of Ashford town centre. Other projects include Elwick Place, a major development covering 6.5 acres of prime town centre space; phased improvements to Ashford International Station; redevelopment of derelict buildings on the corner of Elwick Road and Station Road; and redevelopment of the Charter House office block into high quality flats and office space.

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AMICUSHORIZON RESIDENTS CELEBRATE SUCCESS
27 July 2010

Eric Pickles AmicusHorizon’s London and Surrey residents have taken part in a presentation ceremony on as a celebration of the Resident’s Training Programme 2009 – 2010. Residents designed and developed the programme for residents. Certificates were awarded by AmicusHorizon’s Regional Director for London and Surrey, Asif Choudri to all who took part in the programme. One resident, Najiba Karim said: “I have gained so much confidence. Attending the programme has had a great impact on me. So much so, I recently passed my driving test.” The programme consists of 12 courses, including financial and presentation skills, effective communications and two courses specific for young people; conflict and resolution, and crime and consequences. More than 480 places were taken, with over 100 residents going onto complete more than one course. Over 80 young people completed the two courses specifically held for them. Janette Johnson, one of the residents who designed the programme, said: “I’m looking forward to the launch of the new programme in September 2010.”

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PARTNERSHIP FOR URBAN SOUTH HAMPSHIRE BID FOR RDA LAND
27 July 2010

One of the first areas in England to declare its intention to form a new form of local authority-business body is bidding to take control of regional development agency land. According to reports in Regeneration & Renewal ,The Partnership for Urban South Hampshire (Push), which currently links a number of local authorities through a multi-area agreement (Maa) cross-boundary funding deal, wants to convert into one of the local enterprise partnerships (LEP) with which the Government intends to replace the regional development agencies (RDAs). Push chairman Sean Woodward said that he wanted the new LEP to take possession of land assets owned by the South-East England Development Agency (Seeda). "We are aware of a number of sites in the area held by Seeda which we are interested in, and I want to sit down and talk to them about taking ownership," he said. Woodward said these included the 82ha former HMS Daedalus naval base at Lee-on-the-Solent and the 13ha former Vosper Thorneycroft shipyard in Woolston, Southampton. Push currently includes Hampshire, Southampton and Portsmouth councils and a number of district authorities. Woodward said that Isle of Wight Council was in talks with Push about joining the proposed LEP, a move that might make further sites available. Housing minister Grant Shapps said that RDAs' land assets would not be taken on by a national body but instead could be transferred to councils, LEPs or "even further down". Tim Johnson, head of development consulting for London and the South-East at property consultancy DTZ, said: "The future of RDA-held land is a very big issue and one that needs to be sorted out quickly. The longer uncertainty over these sites goes on, the greater the risk faced by private sector partners working with RDAs."

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BRAMSHOTT PLACE VILLAGE SPONSORS LOCAL HORTICULTURE
27 July 2010

Bramshott Place Village has had a decidedly horticultural flavour this year, sponsoring two important local voluntary initiatives. For the second year running the over 55s development has sponsored a beautiful flower bed outside the main post office sorting office in Liphook as part of the award winning Liphook in Bloom project. Also this year, Bramshott Place Village was the major sponsor of the highly successful Bramshott Open Gardens Weekend and Flower Festival which took place in June, attracting over 900 visitors and raising more than £12,500 for three charities - Macmillan Cancer Support, St Mary’s Church, and the Bramshott and Liphook Preservation Society’s Sunken Lanes project. Bramshott Place Village is now well established and many of the apartments and cottages are occupied.

HOUSING NEWS: JOBS AND TENDERS ROUND-UP
27 July 2010

Housing News is advertising the following jobs and tenders on its regional newsletters: JOBS West Kent Housing Association is seeking a Finance Manager, based in Sevenoaks, salary £49,201. For more information, go to: southeast.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Tarka Housing is seeking a Housing Services Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6. Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for gas servicing and maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11. Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for reactive maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11. Hillhead Housing Association is inviting tenders for landscape maintenance works. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. Closing date: August 11. Tarka Housing is seeking a Resident Involvement Manager, based in Bideford in North Devon, salary £29,274 to £32,461. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: August 6. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Performance Improvement Advisor based in Sunderland. Salary up to £35k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. The Northern Housing Consortium is seeking a Housing Training and Events Manager based in Sunderland. Salary up to £33k plus benefits. For more information, go to: housingnews.co.uk/NorthEast. Closing date: July 30. North Devon Homes is seeking a Voluntary Board Member. For more information, go to: southwest.housingnews.co.uk/jobs. Closing date: July 31. The Gateshead Housing Company is looking to appoint Independent Directors to its Board. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/northeast. Closing date: August 20. Hanover (Scotland) Housing Association is seeking an Area Manager, based in Elgin, salary up to £41221 plus car/car allowance. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. ACHA is seeking an Investment Manager (Permanent Position), Lochgilphead, Salary Grade 3 (£37985-£42206 per annum), plus excellent benefits including final salary pension, 35 hours per week. For more information, go to: www.scottishhousingnews.com. TENDERS Hyde Housing Association is inviting tenders for affordable housing new-build residential accommodation projects. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 6. Notting Hill Housing Trust is inviting tenders for construction work for multi-dwelling buildings and individual houses. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/london. Closing date: August 19. St Georges Community Housing is inviting tenders for a district heating contract. For more information, go to: www.housingnews.co.uk/southeast. Closing date: August 19. To reach the best candidates in the social housing sector, advertise your top jobs in one of our eight regional newsletters or go national to over 40,000 readers. For more information, call Hucksters on 01892 784804.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THAMES VALLEY HOUSING
28 July 2010

£29,900-£33,200 plus car allowance 1 year fixed term contract A vacancy has arisen in the Association’s Technical team for a Development Officer to take on development projects from the early stages of build contract procurement though to completion and end of defects. Organisation skills and attention to detail are paramount in order to ensure schemes are built to the necessary standards and a high level of service is provided to our customers – both internal and external. To succeed in this role you will therefore need to have: • a sound understanding of construction contracts and technical aspects of development • project management and organisational skills • knowledge of grant funding processes • a strong commitment to customer service • strong interpersonal and IT skills. Thames Valley Housing is a dynamic, innovative and expanding Housing Association with over 14,000 homes in West London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. For further details and to apply online, please visit www.tvha.co.uk/Careers or call the recruitment line on 020 8607 0600. Closing date: Monday 2nd August 2010. Assessment and interview date: Friday 13th August 2010.

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TENDER: DISTRICT HEATING CONTRACT
28 July 2010

St Georges Community Housing Limited is inviting tenders for district heating. The contract relates to three discrete elements; energy production, maintenance of plant and billing of energy. District heating. District heating boiler. District-heating plant construction work. District-heating mains construction work. Heating-plant repair and maintenance work. The contract will initially for be for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further five renewable annually, with a 90-day notice period. Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement estimated cost, excluding VAT, £750,000. Contact: St Georges Community Housing Limited, Dunton Court, 5 - 8 Dunton Court, Laindon, Essex, Attn: Elisabeth Burchell, SS15 6NX Basildon, Tel. +44 1268465371, E-mail: elisabeth.burchell@sgch.org.uk. Closing date: August 19. Please mention HousingNews.co.uk when applying for this tender. This tender also appeared in our sister publication South East Construction Now. To advertise a job, tender or event here, please contact Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more information.

NEW CHAIR FOR LHA-ASRA
28 July 2010

Shaukat Moledina A new Group Chairman is to take the helm at the £650m LHA-ASRA Group. Shaukat Moledina, who will step down on 9 September after two years to devote more time to his business and other charitable activities, will be replaced by long-serving board member and Vice Chair, Sadru Visram OBE. Sadru said: “The Board and Executive are indebted to Shaukat for his achievements in helping to steer the Group through a period of substantial change. “Under his stewardship, we have become more customer-focused, better managed, financially stronger, and commercially more astute. I am looking forward to building on his achievements and further enhancing the services which matter most to our customers.” Sadru has more than 30 years’ experience in the housing sector, is a board member of Notting Hill Housing Trust, and is former Finance Director of London & Quadrant Housing Trust. He runs Sprunt Solutions, which provides training and consultancy to the housing association sector, and is a board member of The Housing Finance Corporation. The LHA-ASRA Group comprises LHA, ASRA Greater London HA, and Nottingham charity Family First. With offices in Leicester, Nottingham, and London, it owns and manages more than 11,000 homes across an area extending from Nottinghamshire across Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, to London, and employs 547 staff. It is an approved Investment Partner of the Homes and Communities Agency, and has a capital programme worth over £140 million gross. LHA-ASRA works with 35 local authorities and 27 London boroughs. Group member Family First provides community services (including recycling), housing services, care services and children/family services. The Group provides a mixture of general needs accommodation and care and supported housing (managed by Group members ASRA, Family First and LHA Support Services). Further Links

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KEVIN WILLETTS JOINS LOVELL AS DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
28 July 2010

Kevin Willetts Kevin Willetts has been appointed to the Board of Lovell as director of business development. He joins the company from national building and maintenance specialist Rok and brings extensive experience gained during a 27-year career in social housing. In his new position, based at Lovell head office in Tamworth, Staffordshire, Kevin will add further focus to all aspects of customer interface including brand, marketing, winning business, maximising the potential of the existing relationships and new markets. “This is a key appointment for Lovell and we are delighted to have secured someone with Kevin’s wealth of social housing expertise to head up our business development team at a time of major expansion for the company,” says Lovell managing director Stewart Davenport. Lovell significantly expanded its Lovell Respond housing response maintenance business with the recent acquisition of Powerminster Gleeson Services to create a leading UK-wide maintenance and estates management services business. “Lovell has an impressive brand and track record of service delivery in social housing new-build, regeneration and maintenance,” says Kevin Willetts. “I’m excited about working with the team to take the business forward and ensuring that we continue to delight our existing customers and win new business by delivering the highest standards of service and quality and becoming the number one provider of housing to the sector in the UK.” Kevin spent the first 18 years of his career in the public sector working with Coventry Churches Housing Association (now part of the Midland Heart group) and as development director of Mercian Housing Association. He was then group social housing director for Mansell Construction before joining Rok where he spent seven years as group housing director and more recently as group director of sales and marketing.

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ALDERSHOT CREDIT UNION BRANCHES OUT TO FARNBOROUGH
28 July 2010

Currently located in Aldershot Town Centre, the Credit Union will soon operate from two locations: First Wessex offices in Gordon Road, Aldershot and Rushmoor Borough Council offices in Farnborough. • From Thursday 12 August (and every other week) Gordon House 1-4pm • From Thursday 19 August (and every other week) RBC offices 1-4pm The Credit Union offers secure and ethical banking and loans on a not-for-profit basis for local people. It is controlled by its members and offers a genuine alternative to high interest credit, loan sharks and doorstep lenders. This joint venture between Rushmoor Borough Council and First Wessex is an important part of tackling financial exclusion in Rushmoor and providing local people with safe options for saving and borrowing. Nicky Barham, Manager of the Aldershot Credit Union, explains: “One member was paying £30 a week to doorstep lenders – which barely covered the interest. A loan from the Credit Union has helped reduce her weekly repayments by half. We’ve now set up an Xmas Savings Account for her, and she’s paying into it weekly to save for Christmas.” Matt Smith, Community Regeneration Manager at First Wessex hopes more local people will join thanks to the expansion: “We’re working really hard to deter people from turning to loan sharks when they find it hard to get credit or loans elsewhere – and this really is a genuine alternative. We hope that having the Credit Union based in both these offices will mean we can catch lots of people’s attention and raise awareness of this crucial facility.” Councillor Paul Taylor, Rushmoor Borough Council’s Cabinet member for Corporate Services, said: “The Credit Union offers a valuable service in providing residents with a safe way to save and borrow money. We are extremely pleased to be able to offer an additional base at the Council Offices so the service can expand into Farnborough and I’m sure local people will appreciate the easier access.”

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FIVE STARS AWARDED TO READING SHELTERED HOUSING RESTAURANT
28 July 2010

A Reading sheltered housing scheme for older people has been awarded a top five star rating for food safety. Charles Clore Court, which is run by local housing provider A2Dominion, received the ‘excellent’ rating for its restaurant from Reading Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department. Cook Manager Yvonne Darby and Assistant to Cook Brenda Choules preparing lunch at Charles Clore Court in Reading. The restaurant provides nutritious hot lunches every day of the week, for the scheme’s older residents who no longer cook for themselves. Pam Vasir, Group Director of Supported Housing at A2Dominion, said: “We are thrilled to have received this five star rating, the highest available, for Charles Clore Court’s restaurant. “This score builds on a previous three star ‘good’ rating, and our staff have worked very hard to achieve this improvement. The restaurant is very popular with our residents, with about 40 people every day enjoying their lunch there.” The five stars awarded by the council indicate a high standard of compliance with statutory obligations and industry codes of recommended practice. It also shows conformation to accepted good practices in the trade. A number of measures were undertaken by A2Dominion to achieve the rating, such as improving ventilation in the restaurant and installing air conditioning in the pantry. Charles Clore Court, which is in Appleford Road, is designed to help older residents retain as much freedom and control of their lives as possible. As well as the restaurant, which is open seven days a week, the Extra Care Sheltered Housing scheme has a garden, hair salon and a care team available 24 hours a day.

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OXFORD EXCELLENCE IN ACTION EVENT HELD
28 July 2010

Nearly 200 delegates from more than 45 Registered Providers were invited to discover ‘Excellence in Action’ held at the prestigious St. Catherine’s College Oxford. The event, hosted by SOHA HA, West Kent HA, Cheltenham Borough Homes and the Rooftop Housing Group, (sponsored by Clearview) was an opportunity by those attending to hear how these four organisations strive for excellence. The four organisations shared some of their techniques that helped them achieve the prestigious level of being awarded by the Audit Commission 3 star excellence. Key note speakers included; David Orr, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation and Sir Roy Irwin of the Audit Commission with the four Chief Executives answering questions from the floor. Senior staff from each organisation provided workshops on Performance Management, Diversity and Beyond, Maintenance Partnering and Resident Involvement. Ian Hughes, Group Chief Executive and Sheila Morris, Director of Human Resources of Rooftop Housing Group presented Excellence in Performance Management (using the Clearview Strategy & Performance Suite) with both the morning and afternoon sessions being fully attended by a captivated audience of housing professionals and involved tenants. Rooftop stated that “for our 3 stars, the Audit Commission liked the way that the planned service delivery improvements was supported by an integrated performance and project management system.” Julie-Anne Jones, Clearview Consultancy Team Leader said that many of the delegates she had spoken to had found the event not only informative but also motivational in striving for excellence within their own organisation, Julie-Anne also went on to say how proud at Clearview everyone was to have sponsored Rooftop especially when hearing how the product had helped Rooftop on the way to achieving their own ‘3 star excellence’.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THAMES VALLEY HOUSING
29 July 2010

£29,900-£33,200 plus car allowance 1 year fixed term contract A vacancy has arisen in the Association’s Technical team for a Development Officer to take on development projects from the early stages of build contract procurement though to completion and end of defects. Organisation skills and attention to detail are paramount in order to ensure schemes are built to the necessary standards and a high level of service is provided to our customers – both internal and external. To succeed in this role you will therefore need to have: • a sound understanding of construction contracts and technical aspects of development • project management and organisational skills • knowledge of grant funding processes • a strong commitment to customer service • strong interpersonal and IT skills. Thames Valley Housing is a dynamic, innovative and expanding Housing Association with over 14,000 homes in West London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. For further details and to apply online, please visit www.tvha.co.uk/Careers or call the recruitment line on 020 8607 0600. Closing date: Monday 2nd August 2010. Assessment and interview date: Friday 13th August 2010.

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TENDER: DISTRICT HEATING CONTRACT
29 July 2010

St Georges Community Housing Limited is inviting tenders for district heating. The contract relates to three discrete elements; energy production, maintenance of plant and billing of energy. District heating. District heating boiler. District-heating plant construction work. District-heating mains construction work. Heating-plant repair and maintenance work. The contract will initially for be for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further five renewable annually, with a 90-day notice period. Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement estimated cost, excluding VAT, £750,000. Contact: St Georges Community Housing Limited, Dunton Court, 5 - 8 Dunton Court, Laindon, Essex, Attn: Elisabeth Burchell, SS15 6NX Basildon, Tel. +44 1268465371, E-mail: elisabeth.burchell@sgch.org.uk. Closing date: August 19. Please mention HousingNews.co.uk when applying for this tender. This tender also appeared in our sister publication South East Construction Now. To advertise a job, tender or event here, please contact Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more information.

MANSELL AWARDED £2.58M AFFINITY SUTTON BRIGHTON CONTRACT
29 July 2010

Mansell has been awarded a £2.58m affordable housing contract in Brighton by Affinity Sutton. Pioneer House in Burstead Close will be a five-storey development comprising a mixture of homes including: two three-bedroom, 13 two-bedroom and seven one-bedroom apartments as well as two one and two-bedroom homes for people with physical disabilities. The new homes which have been designed to achieve Level 4 of the Code for Sustainable Homes will be constructed using a structural steel frame and will incorporate photovoltaic panels, brown roofs and living green walls. This contract is the second to be awarded to Mansell Partnership Housing South West by Affinity Sutton, having completed a housing scheme at Forest Road, Midhurst in 2008. Work on site will commence in July 2010 and complete in August 2011. Further Links

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BRIGHTON SET FOR OVER 130 NEW HOMES
29 July 2010

Over 130 new homes are to be built in Brighton & Hove, many aimed at people on the housing waiting list. Brighton and Hove Council has approved two planning applications for the developments on brownfield sites – Caffyns former garage on Hove seafront and the old nurses’ homes off Pankhurst Avenue near Brighton racecourse. At Caffyns there will be forty flats on four storeys in an art deco-style building. It will include 16 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership. A doctors’ surgery, commercial premises and parking will also be provided. The council also secured from developers £75,000 for improvements at Hove Lagoon and Wish Park, £78,000 for schools and £34,000 for transport. Ninety five flats will be built in three blocks at Pankhurst Avenue. Eighty per cent will be affordable, either shared ownership or for rent. Last year an application for 95 flats on the site was turned down for its impact on surrounding views, poor design and layout and lack of recreation space. In the new development, ground-floor flats will all have private gardens and a community centre will be provided. As part of a planning agreement the council will require £135,000 for local education, £55,000 for public art, £26,000 for recreation facilities and £6.000 for transport. In both developments, Southern Housing Group would manage the affordable homes. Planning committee chairman, Cllr Lynda Hyde said: “This demonstrates the council’s support for housing development of the right type on the right sites. On both sites unacceptable applications had previously been turned down. By sticking to our guns we have secured much better homes for the city.”

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MOAT APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
29 July 2010

Carli Harper-Penman Carli Harper-Penman is to join Moat as their new director of communications and public affairs. She will have overall responsibility for ensuring that Moat continues to deliver high quality and effective communications to its residents and stakeholders. Carli will also be further developing Moat’s public affairs strategy with the aim to more actively engage and influence local agendas in the areas where Moat operates. Carli was attracted to Moat’s great reputation and committed team of staff. Most importantly, she really wanted to want to work for an organisation with values that she shares. Previously, Carli worked as head of public affairs at the Shaw Trust where she campaigned successfully on a number of issues over the last five years. The Shaw Trust is a national charity which works with employers, social services and the disabled to help people with disabilities find employment. Carli says; “I’m really looking forward to working with staff and stakeholders across the organisation to ensure we’re in great shape to meet the challenges that lie ahead as the Government sets out its priorities, and to ensure we’re involved in shaping those priorities too.” Dave Hill, director of development at Moat said: “I am delighted to welcome Carli to Moat. Carli brings a wealth of experience in the charity sector to her new role and will have an important part to play in developing Moat's engagement with government, stakeholders and customers.”

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HOMELESS WILL REBUILD THEIR LIVES THANKS TO DONATION
29 July 2010

Homeless people in Rushmoor will get one-to-one support as they try to rebuild their lives thanks to funding from a local housing association. Thames Valley Housing (TVH) has donated £5,000 from its Community Chest to The Vine Day Centre in Aldershot, which provides drop-in advice and support for homeless and vulnerable people aged 25 and over. The money will help fund a dedicated key worker who will work closely with the centre’s clients. Susie Porter, The Vine Day Centre Manager, said, “As well as being homeless, many of our clients have mental health issues or are fighting addictions to drugs and often alcohol as well. The support the key worker will provide will be vital to enable people to make positive changes to their lives. The worker will meet regularly with the client, help with them with any problems and make sure the support package they have is still appropriate.” This is the second time TVH has made a donation to the Centre. The number of clients the Centre saw increased from 5,072 visits in 2008 to 6,431 visits in 2009. Susie says, “The work we do means many of our clients go on to achieve secure accommodation and get employment. This benefits the whole community as there is less drug and alcohol related crime so the streets are safer. There is also a reduction in the number of ex-offenders returning to prison.” John Baldwin, TVH Housing Director, said, “I am delighted we’ve been able to support the vital work this organisation does. It is of huge benefit to the whole community. It doesn’t just get people into homes; it gives them their lives back.”

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PARAGON COMMUNITY HOUSING GROUP RUN STAMP OUT BOREDOM INITIATIVE
29 July 2010

Paragon and Elmbridge Housing Trust are set to run a three week programme aimed at 11-16 year olds in the Borough of Elmbridge. The three week programme follows a similar campaign which was run by the Trust in 2008 and based on the St. John’s Estate in Walton on Thames. This year, the campaign has been made a Borough wide initiative with 15 kids nominated by Elmbridge Housing Trust and a number of our partner agencies which include; Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership, Surrey Police, Youth Justice, Youth Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. A number of businesses are also providing discounts and support in running the campaign including Nandos, Giraffe, Poplar Harca Housing Association, Brooklands FM, City Wharf House Social Committee and Marketing Impact. Stamp Out Boredom will consist of three weeks of activities which include team building, personal development and intergenerational interaction. The campaign is designed to give the youngsters the tools they need to improve their outlook and social skills. At the end of each week, the kids will be treated to an incentive prize if they successfully complete their tasks. Rewards vary from lunch at Nandos to a day trip to London to see Into the Hoodz at the Southbank Centre. Lisa Power, Marketing and Communications Manager, Paragon Community Housing Group, said: “The main aim of the campaign is to show that if these kids get the right guidance, then they will engage in their communities in a positive way. This project gives us the opportunity to engage young people in activities that they may not normally be able to access and develop many important life skills such as team working skills, confidence building and empowerment. It also gives these kids the prospect of doing something constructive with their time and engaging more with people of different ages and backgrounds.” The Stamp Out Boredom initiative launches on Monday 2nd August at Walton Youth Centre, Elmgrove, Walton on Thames at 10am.

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JOB OF THE WEEK: DEVELOPMENT OFFICER, THAMES VALLEY HOUSING
30 July 2010

£29,900-£33,200 plus car allowance 1 year fixed term contract A vacancy has arisen in the Association’s Technical team for a Development Officer to take on development projects from the early stages of build contract procurement though to completion and end of defects. Organisation skills and attention to detail are paramount in order to ensure schemes are built to the necessary standards and a high level of service is provided to our customers – both internal and external. To succeed in this role you will therefore need to have: • a sound understanding of construction contracts and technical aspects of development • project management and organisational skills • knowledge of grant funding processes • a strong commitment to customer service • strong interpersonal and IT skills. Thames Valley Housing is a dynamic, innovative and expanding Housing Association with over 14,000 homes in West London, Surrey, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire. For further details and to apply online, please visit www.tvha.co.uk/Careers or call the recruitment line on 020 8607 0600. Closing date: Monday 2nd August 2010. Assessment and interview date: Friday 13th August 2010.

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TENDER: DISTRICT HEATING CONTRACT
30 July 2010

St Georges Community Housing Limited is inviting tenders for district heating. The contract relates to three discrete elements; energy production, maintenance of plant and billing of energy. District heating. District heating boiler. District-heating plant construction work. District-heating mains construction work. Heating-plant repair and maintenance work. The contract will initially for be for a period of five years with an option to extend for a further five renewable annually, with a 90-day notice period. Estimated total value of purchases for the entire duration of the framework agreement estimated cost, excluding VAT, £750,000. Contact: St Georges Community Housing Limited, Dunton Court, 5 - 8 Dunton Court, Laindon, Essex, Attn: Elisabeth Burchell, SS15 6NX Basildon, Tel. +44 1268465371, E-mail: elisabeth.burchell@sgch.org.uk. Closing date: August 19. Please mention HousingNews.co.uk when applying for this tender. This tender also appeared in our sister publication South East Construction Now. To advertise a job, tender or event here, please contact Jeff Anderson on 01292 479 443 or email: jeff@constructionnow.co.uk for more information.

NEW SOUTHAMPTON COUNCIL HOMES ON THE WAY
30 July 2010

The development of 53 new Council homes in Southampton is now underway. The first four high quality three bedroom houses are being built at Flamborough Close in Millbrook and are now under construction. Councillor Peter Baillie, the new Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Southampton City Council is investing to improve the quality of residents’ lives. This exciting programme to create 53 new council homes in the city is a result of our hard work and the financial support of the Homes and Communities Agency and the commitment of Radian and Drew Smith. We have listened to what our residents want and this is why we are building a high proportion of family houses with gardens and all are built to very high energy efficiency standards - which will save tenants money on their heating bills.” The first phase of development will see 33 new homes built and the second phase 20 providing a mix of houses and apartments to meet the needs of families on the council’s waiting list. The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) provided funding to support the new affordable homes in Southampton. David Edwards, Director at the HCA in the South East, said: “I’m delighted to see work start on the first new council homes in Southampton for 15 years. Our partners have worked extremely hard to deliver the next generation of council homes for the city, with energy efficient technology, and have listened closely to the community that they serve.” Andrea Smith, Director of Development and New Business at Radian, said: “Radian is proud to be working in partnership with Southampton City Council and Drew Smith to provide over 50 new family homes for rent across Southampton. These are the first to be developed by the City Council in over 15 years and will provide well-designed energy efficient accommodation that can be adapted to provide long term sustainable family homes.” Stuart Munro, Managing Director of Drew Smith, said: “It’s great to be involved in a project to increase the city’s housing stock at a time when there will be increased pressure to provide homes for families in need. Drew Smith is committed to creating affordable homes of a quality that equals those in the private sector so that tenants can feel proud of them.” Further Links

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WOKINGHAM: HOME VIEWS CONSULTATION TIME EXTENDED
30 July 2010

Wokingham Borough Council has extended consultation on a housing scheme in Shinfield after campaigners argued that the process started without them being notified. The application by the University of Reading includes plans for a new primary school and public open space as well as 1,200 homes. But residents are concerned about housing density and the lack of infrastructure, such as secondary school facilities and parking. Christopher Hossack from the Shinfield Residents Action Group, said: "We need more houses but want to expand in a sympathetic way. There are hundreds of documents attached to the application to consider. It would take months and not weeks to give a valid response." A council spokesman said: "In allowing 28 days we have gone beyond the statutory minimum consultation period. We have to balance the time allowed for people to have their say with the time needed to consider representations received."

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MOAT APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
30 July 2010

Carli Harper-Penman Carli Harper-Penman is to join Moat as their new director of communications and public affairs. She will have overall responsibility for ensuring that Moat continues to deliver high quality and effective communications to its residents and stakeholders. Carli will also be further developing Moat’s public affairs strategy with the aim to more actively engage and influence local agendas in the areas where Moat operates. Carli was attracted to Moat’s great reputation and committed team of staff. Most importantly, she really wanted to want to work for an organisation with values that she shares. Previously, Carli worked as head of public affairs at the Shaw Trust where she campaigned successfully on a number of issues over the last five years. The Shaw Trust is a national charity which works with employers, social services and the disabled to help people with disabilities find employment. Carli says; “I’m really looking forward to working with staff and stakeholders across the organisation to ensure we’re in great shape to meet the challenges that lie ahead as the Government sets out its priorities, and to ensure we’re involved in shaping those priorities too.” Dave Hill, director of development at Moat said: “I am delighted to welcome Carli to Moat. Carli brings a wealth of experience in the charity sector to her new role and will have an important part to play in developing Moat's engagement with government, stakeholders and customers.”

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OXFORD HOMELESS PROJECT FACES CLOSURE DUE TO CUTS
30 July 2010

According to reports in the Oxford Times newspaper one of the city’s homeless projects is expected to become the latest casualty of funding cuts. The Gap project in Park End Street, which provides help for homeless and vulnerable people aged over 16, is set to close its doors in September when the current lease ends. The day centre, which opened in 1999, helps up to 30 homeless people a day. But a city council review of the homelessness provision in the city concluded its services were no longer required. The council says other homelessness centres will be able to step in, including a Crisis Skylight centre at the Old Fire Station, in George Street, which is expected to open next summer. But Pete Bonney, 70, from Wood Farm, a volunteer at the Gap, told the local paper: “Staff provide meals, shelter and education for the homeless and I don’t think it should close. “This is happening because of cutbacks and it could leave more homeless people on the street.” The closure has been prompted by the withdrawal of several grants – one is £95,938 from the city council. Joe McManners, the city council's executive member for housing, said the county council was also withdrawing its annual £130,000 grant to the Gap, while NHS Oxfordshire was withdrawing £45,000. He said: “Officers have been working in partnership with colleagues from the county and the PCT and all parties, including the provider, are in agreement that this is the right decision. “The report was to identify what provision would be needed in the future to deliver the council’s aims and objectives most effectively and respond to the national agenda. “It’s a shame the Gap has to close but you have to keep evaluating what the homelessness needs are. “The city council is one of the most respected local authorities for homelessness work.” The review concluded that services provided by staff at the Gap were replicated at other day centres including Skylight and Steppin’ Stone, in East Oxford. The city council gives a total of £290,000 a year in grants to four day centres in Oxford. They are O’Hanlon House Day Centre, in Luther Street, Steppin’ Stone Day Centre, in Magdalen Road, The Gatehouse, in St Michael’s Street, and The Gap. The council plans to review funding for the Gatehouse at the end of March next year.

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PARAGON COMMUNITY HOUSING GROUP RUN STAMP OUT BOREDOM INITIATIVE
30 July 2010

Paragon and Elmbridge Housing Trust are set to run a three week programme aimed at 11-16 year olds in the Borough of Elmbridge. The three week programme follows a similar campaign which was run by the Trust in 2008 and based on the St. John’s Estate in Walton on Thames. This year, the campaign has been made a Borough wide initiative with 15 kids nominated by Elmbridge Housing Trust and a number of our partner agencies which include; Elmbridge Community Safety Partnership, Surrey Police, Youth Justice, Youth Service and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service. A number of businesses are also providing discounts and support in running the campaign including Nandos, Giraffe, Poplar Harca Housing Association, Brooklands FM, City Wharf House Social Committee and Marketing Impact. Stamp Out Boredom will consist of three weeks of activities which include team building, personal development and intergenerational interaction. The campaign is designed to give the youngsters the tools they need to improve their outlook and social skills. At the end of each week, the kids will be treated to an incentive prize if they successfully complete their tasks. Rewards vary from lunch at Nandos to a day trip to London to see Into the Hoodz at the Southbank Centre. Lisa Power, Marketing and Communications Manager, Paragon Community Housing Group, said: “The main aim of the campaign is to show that if these kids get the right guidance, then they will engage in their communities in a positive way. This project gives us the opportunity to engage young people in activities that they may not normally be able to access and develop many important life skills such as team working skills, confidence building and empowerment. It also gives these kids the prospect of doing something constructive with their time and engaging more with people of different ages and backgrounds.” The Stamp Out Boredom initiative launches on Monday 2nd August at Walton Youth Centre, Elmgrove, Walton on Thames at 10am.

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