The Hyde Group Annual Review 2009/10 - Hyde Housing Association

Honouring our
resident stalwarts
“
I felt both humbled and
privileged to have a road
named after me. The day I
got the news I was feeling
a bit poorly and depressed,
so it brought tears to my
eyes to think that someone
would have made such a suggestion.
George Bray, Lewisham resident ”
George was honoured by having a road in
a new development named after him to
recognise his involvement with fellow
residents over the past three decades.
Lewisham Council liked the name
‘Bray Garden’ and the reason behind
the naming. Hyde is delighted that
someone who works tirelessly for others
has been recognised.
Similarly over at Bermondsey Spa, in
Southwark, residents were asked to
decide a name for one of the new blocks
of flats. They chose to honour local war
hero Albert McKenzie, the first sailor to
be awarded the Victoria Cross.
6The proposed Bray Garden
Speaking up for tomorrow’s
Heartlanders
“
Hyde wants us to get to
know each other better and
become a more close-knit
community, and that’s a
very good thing.
”
Georgia Spensley,
Islington resident
We commissioned research
to find out how much
homes and local areas
mattered to residents.
It found that the majority of
tenants cared greatly about
their community and their
home. These ‘Heartlanders’
work in various ways to
make their areas better,
by caring for friends and
relatives, volunteering and
getting involved in running
their estates.
It also found that the
long-term rent gave
residents a sense of safety
and belonging, crucial for families on low incomes and in crises.
It also found that many residents had long-term serious health
problems, while many older people feel isolated as family
members struggle to find affordable
homes nearby.
We are using the report’s recommendations
in our housing management and policy work
to better support our residents. We are also
talking about this research to policy makers
and our partners.
4Georgia Spensley
and Lee Robinson
at the launch of
the Heartlanders
publication
January ’10
Moody’s Investors Service
awards us an Aa2 rating
January ’10
Resident-led inspection of
our services in Islington
The Hyde Group | Annual Review 2010
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