Alex Takes Communications Role with Housing Group

Central Borders Housing Group has appointed Alex Abbotts to oversee its media relations and communications work, whilst managing the development of the new group brand.

Communications manager Alex, aged 31 years, will also be responsible for maintaining a high level of regional and industry awareness for the group’s founder member, South Staffordshire Housing Association.

Launched earlier this year, Central Borders Housing Group takes a refreshingly different market position to other group structures. It still concentrates on delivering efficient services to partner associations, including development, human resources, ITC and communications, however unlike other groups it is clear that partner organisations can maintain their individuality in branding and ethos.

Alex, who has a BA (Honours) in Law, will use her experience of private sector communications to ensure Central Borders and South Staffordshire retain a strong local profile for high-quality service whilst positively exploring new business opportunities.

“I am joining Central Borders Housing Group at a very exciting time. The group has been launched to offer something very different to the market, whilst South Staffordshire Housing Association already has a strong and positive reputation for delivering quality services and homes in areas where people want to live,” said Alex, who has been working in public relations and communications for eight years.

“It will be my task to ensure the work that the group is doing to seek out new business opportunities and develop more new affordable homes, is communicated effectively, while making sure that the core business of South Staffordshire Housing Association working in local communities is still communicated effectively.

“This role does have a large scope, but I am looking forward to the challenges ahead, working with the experienced team here and putting my communications skills to good use.”

Alex has previously worked in a communications roles in both the public and private sectors, including North Staffordshire Regeneration Partnership, HMR Pathfinder – RENEW North Staffordshire, Giraffe Communications and National Express.

(Released 10th June 2008.)

Maintaining Men’s Health

Maintenance men at a Penkridge depot saved themselves a trip to the doctor, when Central Borders Housing Group invited occupational health therapist Jenny Plant into the Property Care depot as part of National Men’s Health Week.

Janet Goode, Assistant Director of Corporate Services at Central Borders Housing Group  said: “Many men suffer unnecessarily poor health because they don’t have regular check-ups. We are particularly concerned about our maintenance workers as they can be prone to back pain.”

The health check day was advertised in advance and the men took advantage of the opportunity to have checks on blood pressure, lung capacity and cholesterol, as well as to talk about their general health.

Men’s Health Week is annual campaign run by the Men’s Health Forum, but Central Borders Housing Group is committed to encouraging healthier practices all year round. As Janet says “it’s certainly better for the workforce and, in the end, its better for our customers if we have low levels of sickness and can provide a more consistent and reliable service.”

(Released 30th June 2008.)