The Specialist Housing Teams at Albany House, Abbey Mill, Eden Park, and Wolsey Extra Care Scheme would like to share the success of our events for the National Housing Federation's ‘Starts at Home’ campaign and the launch of our ‘Say Hello’ benches with you.
We placed our Say Hello Benches across the 4 schemes; each bench had its own unique story to tell on the day, and each event was completely different, which was fabulous.
Our Starts at Home Day had a clear focus on tackling loneliness and social isolation. At PA, we're only too aware that a decent home is an essential part of a person’s wellbeing, and even more so when individuals require support to live independent and fulfilling lives.
The support we provide across the Specialist Housing Services helps our residents to:
- Maintain their tenancies
- Stay independent for longer
- Live in a safe and secure environment
- Be supported by colleagues across PA whilst being signposted to external agencies offering more bespoke services
- Reduce hospital admissions
- Prevent social isolation by engaging in activities with fellow residents and colleagues
- Have the opportunity to mix with intergenerational support
- Build confidence and life skills
- Live well
The launch events for our benches were well attended and sparked some great conversations between residents and colleagues who work in the neighbourhoods and across the business. We gained insightful information about our residents from this, including their likes, dislikes, and hidden talents. The interactions were great to see with residents chatting about hobbies, families, gardens, health and – of course – the weather, with each other and colleagues.
Wolsey and Abbey Mill – Leicester
PA colleagues Adam, Gurprit, Lisa, Anzar, and Dawn all came along to sit on the bench with the onsite team, Shereen and Darshana. There was plenty of interaction between residents and colleagues which provided a great opportunity for colleagues based at the office to get to know our residents and see the scheme first hand.
The event was lively, and additional seating was arranged as there wasn’t enough room on the benches!
Mr Parmar – resident at the Wolsey Building – said:
“I had a lovely chat with Guprit. We talked about how well I’m being cared for at The Wolsey and discussed the positive changes that have been made for us. We even discovered a mutual connection from another country — such a small world! It was a really nice conversation, and he was very friendly.”
Shereen Sheikh – Extra Care Scheme Manager – said:
“We were delighted with the turnout for this event. Our residents thoroughly enjoyed tea, cake, and wonderful conversations with each other and our dedicated colleagues. A big thank you to Dawn, Lisa, Gurprit, and Adam for volunteering their time, and to PA for the lovely new benches, which our residents are already enjoying regularly.”
Albany House – Nottingham
We had the pleasure of welcoming local Councillor Corall Jenkins to Albany House to sit on our bench alongside our colleagues Nick and Dorothy. Gemma, Siamak, and Kerry – colleagues at Albany House – also joined in the chats.
Sitting on the bench was actually a life-changing experience for one resident as they felt comfortable enough to share their concerns about the external care service they receive. These were acted upon and resolved immediately, but without that conversation with Nick, we would've been none the wiser. Taking the time to chat and listen is so important, especially for our most vulnerable residents.
Councillor Jenkins sat and spoke to Gemma, the Extra Care Scheme Manager, about the service provided and the difference the scheme made to residents within her ward.
What a difference a bench makes
Sitting on the bench has not been just a one-off event. We want it to be ongoing. I think the logo we designed for the benches – see below – says it all.
So, if you are visiting one of our schemes, please sit on our bench and stay a while, you never know the difference it may make to you and someone else.
