Ethos Public Relations Manchester

New residents for St Mary’s site

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, recent welcomed the first new residents to its £15m St Mary’s development close to Oldham town centre.

Six new families have moved into properties on Mackintosh Way the first street of homes to be built - and they represent the first new residents on the site for 15 years.

For one couple in particular, their new address is like coming ‘home’ as Bev Hannan and her partner Terence Jaffray actually lived in the former flats on the site which were demolished in 1997.

“When we left the old flats we moved into local authority housing close by and we have lived there for sixteen years,” said Bev. “We really didn’t want to move out of the area and were delighted when our bid for a new home here was successful.”

The couple who share their home with Bev’s 15 year old daughter Shannon both agree they absolutely love their new house.

“It’s great that Contour Homes are regenerating this whole area,” said Terence. “This is a fabulous spot close to all local amenities and of course the town centre. When we lived here all those years ago, we never imagined we would be back here living in this spacious, modern home.”

Contour Homes is developing 52 social rented homes and 41 shared ownership properties on the land which in partnership with Oldham Council. St Mary’s will also include some of the most eco-friendly designs in the North West.

The Chowdhury family are also very happy with their new 3-bedroom house. Mizanur Rahman, Wijida Begum and their young family Mohammed (4), Mobinee (1) and Zidan (2) say the house means they have more space for their family.

“We have a lot more room for the children,” said Mizanur, “and we know we will be very happy here.”

Bramall Construction is developing the site and it is anticipated that these first new residents will soon be joined by other families in spring time when the next new homes should be ready for occupation.

Chris and Joanne Bowers have moved to the area from Fitton Hill but are no strangers to St Mary’s as Chris was brought up in the area and his Mum lives close by.

“This is a nice place to raise a family,” said Joanne, “and our oldest daughter enjoys a lot more freedom than she did in our old place.”

The children including Aimee (11), Reece (6) and Remy (4) have already settled into their new house and Chris says all the local facilities nearby will make life a lot easier.

“It’s really handy for everything here,” he said. “Aimee can now go swimming with her friends and we like having so many local facilities close by."

As well as developing the new properties, Contour Homes has also invested in a range of community activities which it hopes will continue to foster good relationships with the growing new community and the existing communities who live so close by.

Chris adds: “We really love the house and we already know some of the neighbours – hopefully we will get to meet more over the coming months as everyone settles in.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 28^th March 2012

Oldham pioneers green homes for region

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, recently laid the first bricks for what will be some of the region’s ‘greenest’ homes on the St Mary’s development in Oldham.

Contour Homes is developing 93 new homes on the 2.2 hectare flagship site and four homes will be built to the ‘Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6’, the highest level of sustainable construction which offers many benefits to residents and the environment.

In addition, Contour Homes is also developing two Passivhaus properties.

Louise Marsden, Project Coordinator at Contour Homes, said: “Developed in Germany in the early 1990’s, the Passivhaus standard requires homes to be constructed using extremely thermally efficient building fabrics. This element, coupled with the excellent air-tightness and mechanical ventilation demanded by Passivhaus reduces the need for a traditional central heating system.

“The eventual tenants will benefit from considerably reduced heating bills, saving them hundreds of pounds a year.”

Bramall Construction, part of the Keepmoat Group, is developing the homes on St Mary’s, and Area Director Steve Parrington said the development of the green homes has presented opportunities for the site team to demonstrate their green credentials:

“Thanks to this flagship project, our team is building on Bramall’s existing track record of incorporating renewable technologies into the build programme to deliver homes to Levels 3 and 6 (the ‘zero carbon standard’) of the Code for Sustainable Homes, as well as two Passivhaus properties.

“Bramall is delighted to be working with Contour Homes at St Mary’s to deliver these sustainable homes to help tenants save energy and reduce their fuel bills, which helps to tackle fuel poverty.”

St Mary’s was previously home to deck access flats which were demolished over ten years ago. After several failed attempts to bring the site back to life, this ambitious proposal has been fully supported by Oldham Council which is particularly pleased to be piloting the Passivhaus properties.

Councillor Dave Hibbert, Cabinet Member for Housing, Transport and Regeneration, said: “This project will provide more than 90 new homes, built to the highest specification and green standards. Once finished the houses will not only benefit the people living in them but also make a positive impact on the area.

“The building work has provided seven residents with employment and provided a boost to local firms who are connected with the construction industry. “Job creation and the regeneration of Oldham are priorities for the Council and a strong local construction industry is a cornerstone of this.”

It is anticipated that the new homes will be ready for occupation in October this year and the partners involved want to ensure that their energy efficiency is monitored for several years to come.

“This is a really important project for the region,” said Louise Marsden.

“It has provided the partners with an excellent opportunity to explore more sustainable construction methods helping limit the effects of climate change for future generations.  Our new tenants will be pioneers in that process.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 16^th March 2012

Oldham community centre gets a revamp

by Ethos public relations

The much used and well loved community centre for the Avenues & Hollins Tenants & Residents Association in Oldham has recently been fitted with a brand new kitchen thanks to social landlord Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, and funding from the National Lottery.

Shanine Meadowcroft from Contour Homes said: “The community centre is home to a large number of groups in the area, and the building, which was built in 1981, was in dire need of a replacement kitchen after 30 years of use.”

Contour Homes helped the residents association apply for financial support through the ‘Awards for All’ lottery scheme which provides grants to local community-based projects in the UK. Funding was secured last year and also included money for kitchen furniture, flooring, and electrics.

Shanine said: “The kitchen is used on a regular basis and plays an important part in community activities that take place at the centre.

“The renovation project has provided a more spacious, safe and efficient kitchen facility which will contribute to the success of future activities in a clean and modern environment.”

Throughout the year there are lots of activities hosted at the centre and groups using it include toddlers and parents, youth groups, older people and estate residents on training sessions.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 20^th February 2012

New play area for Limeside residents in time for Spring

by Ethos public relations

A new play area at Limeside Park in Oldham officially opened this week just in time for Spring.

Oldham Roughyed’s mascot, Roary, joined local group, Limeside ‘Friends of the Park’ for a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the official opening of the play area, which was constructed after the group secured £50,000 from the Community Spaces scheme.

The scheme helps community groups in England create or improve green, open spaces to enhance people’s quality of life and has helped to provide traditional equipment for the play area including swings, a climbing frame and a roundabout-which is also wheelchair accessible.

Sarah Furbey, Community Development Worker for Contour Homes and Secretary of ‘Friends of the Park’, said:

“It is fantastic to see this new play area open to the public in time for Spring.

“We hope the new modern equipment will encourage parents to bring their children to the park where they can play safely and enjoy the fresh air and exercise.”

The opening event saw local residents and their children enjoy an afternoon of face painting, circus skills and balloon modelling, plus they had the chance to try out the brand new equipment.

Sarah added: “The event was a lovely way to officially open the play area. The children of Limeside finally have somewhere suitable to play and we are so grateful for the huge amount of support we’ve had.

“Without the funding this just would not have been possible.”

The group has also secured another £6,000 from the Natwest ‘Community Force’ scheme, an initiative that supports local people, projects and charities and £14,000 from the Procure Plus ‘Sense of Place’ scheme which helps to finance construction-based projects.

This additional funding will help to provide further equipment which will be added to the existing play area.

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

Posted at 17^th February 2012

Families move into new homes

by Ethos public relations

Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, has recently handed over the keys to 11 new homes on Vernon Street in Bolton - bringing affordable family homes to Bolton and bringing one family in particular together.

Paul Ainscow is a divorcee and has been living in a hostel for several months. His two teenage children had opted to live with him but they had to remain separated until a suitable family home became available. Thanks to this new scheme, the Ainscow family is now re-united.

“The kids are thrilled with the move,” said 47 year old Paul. “We know this area well and they have lots of mates living close by.

“It’s fabulous for me to move from the hostel to a family home again and it’s really handy for town as well as local shops,” said Paul. “Even my doctor’s surgery is close by – we couldn’t have wished for a better location.”

The social landlord has developed this £1.2 million project with a £615,000 grant from the Homes and Communities Agency and assistance from Bolton Council to develop these new family homes for rent.

Louise Marsden from the company said: “Working closely with the Council we recognised the need for high quality family homes in this area. We are delighted to have completed the scheme and provided much needed affordable accommodation to the local community."

The architect designed homes comprise a kitchen/diner, living room and downstairs cloakroom as well as three bedrooms, a family bathroom, a rear garden and parking.

Situated close to Bolton Town Centre, other local amenities include excellent public transport links and local shops less than half a mile away.

As well as developing the new properties, Contour Homes will also be improving the rear access road and altering the right of way to make the road a one way system which will also benefit the new residents.

14 year old Dana Ainscow a student at Smithills School added: “I really like this house a lot. It is quite quirky on the outside and inside it is really modern and I like the open plan feel it has.

“My brother Harrison is a student at Pendleton College and he is really pleased to be able to have his own bedroom again.

“In fact I think we are both going to be having lots of friends to stay because the house is so big and we are really proud of it.”

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

Posted at 8^th February 2012

Apprenticeships available now in Salford

by Ethos public relations

This week (6th–10th February) is National Apprenticeship Week and with the number of young people not in employment or training (NEETs), at an all time high, apprenticeship programmes could help tackle the problem.

Salford based Contour Homes is part of the Symphony Housing Group which is looking to recruit four apprentices as part of the Salford 500 pledge. Alice Bennett who coordinates the apprenticeship programme at Contour explains:

“We have recently signed up to the Salford 500 pledge, a partnership between Salford City College, Trinity Business Training and the Salford business community. The pledge essentially wants to see 500 young people employed in meaningful apprenticeship programmes across the city.”

As part of its commitment, Symphony Housing Group has recently recruited 16 year old Amber Ormandy from the Lower Kersal and Charlestown area of Salford as an Apprentice in Business Administration. Amber received recognition for her involvement in the Salford 500 pledge by Hazel Blears MP who supports the scheme.

The housing company is no stranger to operating successful apprenticeships and has been running its own scheme for four years.

Gaynor Leary from the company said: “The apprenticeship programme allows us to deploy our apprentices where the business needs them most, giving us the flexibility to meet changing demands. It provides apprentices the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain work experience in various departments.

“Participation in the scheme has provided us the opportunity to develop individuals, giving them the skills they need to be successful in their future career choices, whether they choose to remain with Symphony Housing Group or look for opportunities elsewhere.”

Three young people from the original apprenticeship scheme were recently provided with full time positions with the company in October 2011 and Alice is confident that as the new recruits develop in their roles to meet Symphony Housing Group’s high professional standards, it is likely that they will benefit from full time employment once they have successfully served their time with the company.

She said: “Statistics show that employees who come through this type of scheme are good for business thanks to their knowledge of the company and loyalty. I would encourage more businesses to get involved. It is hard work but it does pay off.”

For more information about apprenticeships with Symphony Housing Group, please contact alice.bennett@symphonyhousing.org.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 7^th February 2012

Apprenticeship success for young people in Greater Manchester

by Ethos public relations

Next week (6th–10th February) is National Apprenticeship Week and with the number of young people not in employment or training (NEETs) at an all time high, apprenticeship programmes could help tackle the problem.

Contour Homes, part of the Symphony Housing Group, introduced its own apprenticeship programme in 2008 and says the scheme has worked well. Gaynor Leary from the company said:

“The Business Administration Apprenticeship Programme at our Salford Head Office is now in its fourth year. The apprenticeship programme allows us to deploy our apprentices where the business needs them most, giving us the flexibility to meet changing demands.

“It provides apprentices the opportunity to develop a wide range of skills and gain work experience in various departments.

“Participation in the scheme has provided us the opportunity to develop individuals, giving them the skills they need to be successful in their future career choices, whether they choose to remain with Symphony Housing Group or look for opportunities elsewhere.”

Hannah Smith, Wes Cunningham and Kate Garner completed their apprenticeships in October 2011, and have all been given a full time job with the company.

Wes, 21, studied IT at college after leaving school but found it hard to get a job because he lacked real work experience. He recently completed his third year in the Group’s IT department.

“My apprenticeship helped me a great deal, as I not only learned the trade but also got that all important work experience,” he said. “My college course helped with the specifics of the job and I was able to apply the theory to the real world.”

Hannah, 19, has been employed as a receptionist. “When I left college I had good enough grades to go on to university,” she said. “But I just didn’t want to do more years of study with no guarantee of a job at the end of it. I knew that work experience would open more doors for me and I’m glad I made this decision.

“Many of my friends are in higher education but are building up debt. By the time they leave university, my career will have progressed even further – and I won’t have a student loan to pay off.”

Kate also 19, is now a Trainee Leasehold Administrator. Kate started her apprenticeship straight out of school at 16 and said: “I would highly recommend an apprenticeship. I have learned so much about people and business in these three years and it has paid off. I have a great career ahead of me.”

There are over 200 different types of Apprenticeship frameworks, covering more than 1,200 different job roles in a range of industry sectors, from engineering to boat building, veterinary nursing to accountancy but all three young people believe that more companies should offer apprenticeships.

Alice Bennett from Symphony Housing Group added: “We are delighted that through our apprenticeship scheme we have been able to offer three young people full time employment.

"Statistics show that employees who come through this type of scheme are good for business thanks to their knowledge of the company and loyalty. I would encourage more businesses to get involved. It is hard work but it does pay off.”

For more information about apprenticeships go to www.apprenticeships.org.uk. Vacancies are advertised online and you can choose from over 190 types of apprenticeships.

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

Posted at 3^rd February 2012

Winter proof your home

by Ethos public relations

There are still many more cold winter weeks ahead and this is the time when householders can experience problems. Assistant Director Steve Partner, part of the property regeneration team at Contour Homes, part of Symphony Housing Group, helps maintain thousands of properties and he shares of his top tips for winter proofing your home.

“Keeping warm is a top priority and the highest volume of call outs we receive at this time of year is around the heating system not working correctly,” he said.

“Frozen pipes can cause all kinds of problems, usually caused by the condensate pipe of your boiler - a waste pipe that carries condensation from the boiler to your drain outside. This can freeze which will cause your boiler to stop working.

“The best thing to do is avoid freezing pipes by keeping your heating on and running cold taps regularly.”

Steve said that all householders should know where their stop tap is located as it is imperative this is turned off in the event of any freezing, blockages or leaks. It is usually under the main sink.

If you are having problems with your boiler there are a few very obvious things you can do yourself before calling out an engineer. This includes checking the boiler and the isolation switch/plug are on – also making sure the thermostat is turned up.

“If we get severe weather as we did last year, it is often a good idea to have your own emergency kit at home,” said Steve. “This is particularly important if you find it difficult to get out or you live in a rural location.”

A home emergency kit could comprise torches and batteries, spare bulbs, warm clothing, a first aid kit, a telephone and useful numbers such as local police station, local doctors or a friend or neighbour. In addition, non perishable food could also be a good idea.

“Keeping warm is a top priority for everyone, especially the elderly,” adds Steve. “Keep curtains drawn and use draught excluders around doors and windows if you can feel cold air coming in.

“Finally, if you do have an elderly neighbour and we have a very cold spell, please spare a few minutes to check they are OK.”

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 4^th January 2012

New Year, New Job

by Ethos public relations

A Hollinwood Work Club, where job seekers can get advice and support on finding employment, has seen 50% of members successfully find a work placement in the eight weeks since the Club was launched.

The Club is run by Sarah Furbey, Contour Homes Community Development Worker, and she is helped by volunteers who have a wide range of skills and experience, including one who has worked in recruitment for over 14 years.

Support is also on offer from Hollinwood Children’s Centre, Regenda Housing and Limehurst Library.

Sarah said: “So far we have helped 18 people with writing a CV, interview techniques and guidance on how to search for jobs on the web. To date, nine of them are successfully in work placements as a direct result of the Club. We couldn’t have asked for better results.

The Club runs every Thursday between 1pm and 3pm at Limehurst Library with the next session on 5th January 2012.

“If you are looking for a job in 2012, then why not pop in to the Work Club?” said Sarah. “2012 could be your year.”

For more information on the Club or to book an appointment, call 0161 624 0351 or email limehurstlibrary@oldham.gov.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 3^rd January 2012

Residents guaranteed to stay warm this winter

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 23^rd December 2011

Successful project is rolled out to Oldham estate

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read other news from Contour Homes click here

Posted at 21^st December 2011

St Mary’s residents light the way

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted at 20^th December 2011

Don’t be tempted by loan sharks this Christmas

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

* Having a budget and sticking to it

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

* Making or baking a gift instead of buying one

* Sharing the provision of food and drink at parties

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted at 6^th December 2011

Multi-faith day in Bolton proves a huge success

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted at 1^st December 2011

Salford’s first Live/Work units now available

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 28^th November 2011

Charity sleep out for Social Housing staff

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

*Statistics from www.communities.gov.uk.

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 25^th November 2011

Bolton Project worker wins Award

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted at 22^nd November 2011

Young people in Oldham get creative

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 21^st November 2011

Bolton Victim’s Champion win Best Practice Award

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Neil Kenyon from Contour Homes said:

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

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

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

To read other news from Contour Homes click here.

Posted at 16^th November 2011

Hollinwood residents attend Halloween firework spectacular

by Ethos public relations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Posted at 4^th November 2011