Welcome to the fifth issue of The Word, which brings you the latest news from Word Association

CONSULTING WITH THE COMMUNITY

Community consultation is a vital part of many housing association and regeneration initiatives but when it comes to gaining the views of a diverse range of local people, some creative approaches are needed.

When
Jephson Housing Association began looking into converting a vacant flat into a community resource, they called in our expertise to see whether local people supported the idea.

The Croft Pool estate in Bedworth comprises 176 properties and our task was to see if residents would like a community resource and what it should be used for. As many families would be gathering at the Croft Pool fun day in February, we decided to make the consultation part of this event.

We invited residents into the flat to discuss what’s good and bad about their community, as well as ideas for the community resource. All comments and suggestions were recorded on a ‘wall of ideas’. Posters were produced and displayed around the flat to prompt ideas and maps of the estate were created.

A host of suggestions were gained, which are being fed back to the community and we’ve drawn up a development programme to continue the consultation. We’re now looking into possible sources of funding to take this programme forward and will help Jephson set up a group to implement it. Residents can see action being taken!

Can we help you consult with your community?
Call Richard Blows at Word Association on 01225 465320.

 

TOP MARKS!

We’re continuously shaping and developing our services to meet the needs of clients and the best way to find out if we’re hitting the mark, is to ask our clients what they think! That’s why we send out regular customer surveys and have been delighted with the results.

During the past 12 months, almost 90% of respondents have said they’d recommend us to others. 83% said it’s enjoyable and easy to do business with us and almost 80% feel that we add real value to their organisation.

Each of our services has been ranked highly with 100% of respondents being pleased with the media relations results we generate. 

"I’m very happy with the service provided by Word Association,” wrote one client. “Your strengths lie in your housing knowledge, account handling and management skills, and your copywriting."

If you’d like to complete a customer survey, call Lisa Friswell on 01455 614333.

NEWS IN BRIEF
  • ALMSHOUSE SEMINAR SUCCESS
    Almshouse trustees from around the Midlands including Coventry, Leicestershire and Worcestershire, gained a range of practical information at the special Advice Seminar staged by Word Association on behalf of Orbit Charitable Trust. The seminar at The Royal Leamington Spa Pump Rooms in March saw a varied programme of speakers sharing their widespread knowledge of working with almshouses. Delegates found out more about the grants available, how to access funding and the support which Orbit Charitable Trust offers. For more information on Word Association’s events planning service, call Amy Liddington on 01455 614333.
  • GIVEAWAYS GO!
    Visitors to the CIH South East Conference in Brighton were able to do their bit for the environment while enjoying a free giveaway thanks to Word Association! The team produced a range of conference materials for Kent based house builders, Croudace Homes in Partnership, which included pencils made from recycled plastic cups, brick shaped stress relievers and a colourful annual review. Apparently the giveaways were flying off the stand.

Word Association is an award-winning full service public relations and marketing consultancy which works to change people's lives through the power of communication. The consultancy provides specialist communication advice and support for a wide range of both public sector organisations including councils, housing associations and regeneration initiatives, and private companies. Services include Advertising, Corporate Identity, Events, Exhibitions, Marketing Strategy, Media Relations, Publications, Research, Training and Website Development.

© Word Association 2005 | Hinckley Office: 01455 614333 | Bath Office: 01225 465320
email: info@wordassociation.co.uk