Press releases
All press releases are issued by the Hackney Homes Communications team.
If you have a query about an individual press release, please contact the person named at the bottom of the release. You can contact the Hackney Homes Press Office on 020 8356 3522, 0777 256 5514 or email Housingeditor@Hackneyhomes.org.uk
Current releases
Thursday 4th March 2010
Hackney Homes in the running for three Housing Heroes Awards
Tenant Empowerment Team of the Year, Board Member of the Year and Inspirational Leader of the Year. These are three categories that Hackney Homes has been short listed in from more than 300 entries to the 2010 Housing Heroes Awards.
Thursday 4th March 2010
New kitchen brings a smile to the faces of Hackney veteran
Deputy Mayor of Hackney, Cllr Alcock visited Hackney residents Mr and Mrs Liddle recently to see their brand new Decent Homes kitchen.
Thursday 4th March 2010
Green jobs on offer on Hackney Homes estates
Hackney Homes is boosting work to make our estates cleaner and greener by recruiting more cleaners and gardeners.
Friday 26th February 2010
Taking a tough stance on rubbish dumpers
Dumped rubbish is an eyesore on estates and that is why Hackney Homes is taking a tough stance on residents who do this. In the past few weeks, a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) was issued to a resident on Woodberry Down caught dumping rubbish next to the recycling bins.
Tuesday 23 February 2010
1500 residents walk through the doors at Hackney Homes Residents Open Day
Jobs, Massages, Debt Advice, CV workshops – these were all on offer to over a thousand residents who came to the Hackney Homes Open day at the Ocean in Mare Street.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Hackney Homes staff donate £2,400 to local cycling club
Hackney Homes staff and partners have donated £2,400 to help young people on estates improve their cycling skills. The money was raised by eleven staff members who cycled over 200 miles from Grenoble to Nice in France – all with the aim of inspiring young people.
Tuesday 9 February 2010
Tip offs from local residents help shut drugs den
A Hackney address was raided this week by Hackney Homes and the police following reports from local residents that suspicious activities were taking place. Three people were arrested and police recovered drugs and other criminal paraphernalia.
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Use your heaters wisely says Hackney Homes and the London Fire Brigade
January's cold snap means most of us are keeping our heating on for longer. Now Hackney Homes and the London Fire Brigade, are offering advice to residents especially for those to use plug-in heaters or electric blankets.
Friday 15 January 2010
Hackney Homes encourages a healthy start to the New Year
It’s that time of the year when we are all looking to make a fresh start. That is why Hackney Homes is encouraging residents to make a healthy start with some simple tips from NHS City and Hackney.
Friday 8th January 2010
A friendly knock in the snow from Hackney Homes
Hundreds of Hackney Homes staff are battling the snow and icy weather this week to ensure that elderly or vulnerable residents are being checked on. The teams are also clearing snow, gritting access ways and ensuring estates are well maintained.
Friday 8th January 2010
Jazzed up homes for elderly and disabled residents
Over 200 elderly and disabled residents have had their homes redecorated by Hackney Homes as part of the annual decoration scheme.
Thursday 7th January 2010
Tenant consultation on changes to rent and service charges open
Have your say on proposed changes to the levels of rent and service charges due to come into effect from 5th April 2010. Comments can be given via the website, www.hackneyhomes.org.uk or in writing using the details on the letter sent to home addresses.
Friday 18th December 2009
Hackney’s festive winter warmer success
Snow and sleet did not deter over 100 Hackney residents aged over 55 from coming to Hackney Homes’ second winter warmer event which took place on Wednesday, 16th December 2009.
Monday 14th December 2009
Hackney people shine at annual residents awards
A teenager highlighting issues affecting young people through fim, a group committed to bringing different cultures together through a gardening project and a woman who has dedicated her life to making Hackney a great place - these are just some of the amazing achievements recognised at the 2009 Active Residents Awards last week.
Friday 20th November 2009
Hackney Homes asks ‘how satisfied are you’?
Over 6, 000 tenants across Hackney are being asked to have their say about how satisfied they are with the service they receive from Hackney Homes. Using a postal survey, tenants will have the chance to say what is important to them and how well Hackney Homes is doing and what we need to improve further.
Question Time for Hackney Homes Tenants
Over 45 tenants in the Shoreditch area of Hackney had the opportunity to pose questions to Hackney Homes managers at a Question Time Event last week.
Tuesday 17th November 2009
Hackney Homes offers New Ways into Work Service
Hackney Homes is providing a new service called Ways into Work for unemployed residents in partnership with Hackney Council. Ways into Work is free and will offer people a range of advice and support to help them get back into work, learn a new skill and find the right course.
Thursday 29th October 2009
Bumper turn out for Hackney Homes winter warmer event
Over 250 Hackney residents aged over 55 turned out to the first Hackney Homes Winter Warmer event which took place on Friday, 23rd October as part of National Energy Saving Week.
Wednesday 14th October 2009
Hackney Homes warms up residents this winter
As part of National Energy Saving Week 19th-25th October 2009, Hackney Homes is hosting an afternoon event for residents aged over 55 on Friday 26th at Ocean on Mare Street.
Monday 5th October 2009
Hackney Homes puts out a call for unsung heroes
It’s that time of the year again – Hackney Homes is encouraging all local people to recognise the many unsung heroes living on Hackney Homes estates who make their community a better place to live.
We need you to identify these people so that we can thank them for their efforts and the Hackney Homes Active Residents Awards gives us a chance to do this. Why not nominate them for an Active Residents Award? There are four categories to choose from – Resident of the Year, Group of the Year, Young Resident of the Year and the Ron Devoti Award for services to Hackney.
Monday 5th October 2009
Changes at the top of the Hackney Homes Board
Local residents are still leading the way on the Hackney Homes Board following recent elections. Chairman, Rupert Tyson was re-elected Chair of the Board following over two years in charge of the sixteen person Board which comprises of residents, local councillors and independent members. Vice Chair, Alice Burke was also re-elected and independent member, Marie Photiou was elected as joint Vice-Chair.
Monday 5th October 2009
Hackney’s recycling service continues to get bigger
Residents can now go the extra mile to help make Hackney cleaner and greener following a massive expansion of recycling to include even more materials. From this week (Monday 5th October), food and drink cartons such as Tetra Paks and plastic packaging have been added to both estate and street level recycling collections in Hackney. The scheme was expanded in response to residents’ requests, and Hackney joins only a handful of councils nationwide to collect these materials.
Tuesday 29th September 2009
Hackney Homes Board gets four new faces
Hackney Homes Board has got four new faces following a recruitment process. Three independent members, Pamela Lockley, Andrew McMillan and Tom Tyson have been appointed, a new leaseholder representative, Joel Gordon has been elected and the current resident representative for Stoke Newington David Larkin as been re-elected.
Tuesday 22nd September 2009
Hackney Homes’ residents welcome green space on their estate
Residents from Whiston and Goldsmiths Estate turned out in force on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of Hackney’s ‘Green for a Day’ event as part of European Mobility Week.
Tuesday 1st September 2009
Luncheon Club provides a hub for older residents in Hackney
With one of the largest proportion of elderly residents in London, Hackney Homes supports a number of local organisations to tailor services to the elderly. One such organisation is the Nightingale Luncheon Club in Hackney which provides local people with freshly cooked meals daily and an opportunity to mingle with friends.
Tuesday 1st September 2009
Hackney Homes makes it easier to get repairs at home fixed
With such busy lives, it is important that reporting a repair in your home should not be an ordeal. That is why Hackney Homes has made it much easier for residents to report a repair that needs to be fixed.
Monday 24 August 2009
Hackney Homes gives practical financial advice to leaseholders
Over eighty leaseholders came to the Financial Advice Surgeries last week to get one to one advice on managing bills, grants available to them and support with paying service charges and major works bills.
Monday 24 August 2009
Settling disputes the easier way
Hackney Homes is encouraging leaseholders to take advantage of the help on offer from the Disputes Resolution service. This service allows both the leaseholder and landlord to discuss the legality and reasonableness of service charges and major works.
Monday 24 August 2009
Green fingered Hackney Homes’ residents on a winning streak in Hackney in Bloom contest
Recreating a garden patio, balcony or communal area into a place of beauty takes time, dedication and passion. That is exactly what many of Hackney Homes’ residents have done across the Borough and which have been showcased in this year’s Hackney in Bloom competition.
Thursday 20 August 2009
Hackney Homes and Hackney Police provide tips of keeping bikes away from prying eyes
Hackney Homes and Hackney Police are offering free advice to cyclists in Hackney to help minimise the chance of their bike being stolen. Police Officer, Sean Whelan who works with Hackney Homes will offer residents simple and practical steps that they can take to ensure that their bikes are not attractive to thieves.
Thursday 13 August 2009
Hackney Homes offers residents more opportunities to report repairs locally
Hackney Homes’ residents can now report repairs at local surgeries across thirty seven locations every month. This increase was brought about following positive feedback from residents who prefer this method of reporting a repair and to requests for more locations across the Borough.
Wednesday 12 August 200
£2.9 million for greener Hackney Homes
Hackney Homes has been awarded £2.9 million from The Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) as a result of a successful bid to help insulate homes, reduce fuel bills for tenants and cut carbon emissions.
Wednesday 12 August 2009
Hackney Homes opens dance floor to local people
Hackney Homes street dance troupe, Nemesis are opening their doors this summer to all young people between the ages of 8 and 19 who are interested in dance. With the summer holidays here, now is the perfect time for young people to start a new hobby.
Tuesday 4 August 2009
Cheapest gym comes to Hackney Estate
One of the first free outdoor gyms in London has been installed on the Acton Estate in Hackney.
Monday 27 July 2009
Hackney Homes offers £500 cash prize for keeping rent in the black
Throughout the summer, Hackney Homes is offering tenants the chance to get their hands on £500 cash for paying their rent on time. With the summer here, it is vital that all tenants prioritise paying their rent so that they can a relaxed time with their family and friends.
Monday 27 July 2009
Hackney Homes summer fun days kick off with a roaring success
Promised to be a great day out for the whole family, the summer fun days will hit nine estates right across Hackney this year. The first one was on St Johns Estate on 22 July and saw over 250 local people come out to meet their neighbours, find out about works to be carried out to their home as part of the Decent Home programme and to have some fun.
Wednesday 22 July 2009
Enhanced security measures create safer estates
Hackney Homes is making great strides towards making Hackney a safer place to live and has installed a raft of security measures including lighting, communal door entry systems and safer doors.
Tuesday 21 July 2009
Woodberry Down Fun Day draws crowds
Finding out how to live healthily and engage in the community saw more than 400 local people come to Woodberry Down’s 5th annual Fun Day on 11 July.
Monday 13 July 2009
Cycling Success for Hackney at The 2009 London Youth Games
Team members of Hackney & Cycle Club Hackney (CCH) were glowing after their triumphant win at the 2009 London Youth Games. Beating 28 other London Boroughs the team finished champions by winning both age categories.
Monday 29 June 2009
Hackney Homes’ encourages its residents to take part in The Big Lunch
The countdown to The Big Lunch has begun with just over three weeks before this year’s UK wide luncheon takes place on Sunday, 19th July 2009 and Hackney Homes encourages all residents to take part.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Hackney Homes female carpenter wins national housing award
The unsung heroes” of the housing world were honoured at a glittering awards ceremony in London, hosted by Michael Portillo.
Callie Duncan was the winner of the Frontline Service Individual of the Year Award, beating stiff competition from around the country. Hackney Homes Estate Environment Services were also shortlisted in the Customer Services Team of the Year category, making it down to the last six.
Thursday 9 June 2009
Hackney Homes Roma residents put on a free concert for local people
A group of Roma residents are to put on a FREE concert on Tuesday 16th June 2009 outside Hackney Central Library as part of Gypsy, Roma & Traveller History month. Called Kalo Drom, the family band will perform traditional folk songs they grew up with as well as a sprinkling of well known tracks for the audience to hum and dance along to.
Thursday 4 June 2009
Can you make a difference to the Hackney Homes Board?
Hackney Homes is looking for passionate, active and forward thinking residents who are willing to stand up and make a difference in their neighbourhood. We are currently recruiting a resident representative living in the Stoke Newington area to join the Hackney Homes Board.
Friday 29 May 2009
Hackney Homes Decent Homes scheme short listed for prestigious award
The Decent Homes Programme in Hackney which has seen almost 12,000 homes in the borough brought up to the Government’s Decent Homes Standard has been short listed for one of the most prestigious awards in the country. The National Government Opportunities (GO) Awards recognises excellence within procurement, and the benefits to the wider business and social community that smart, effective and sustainable purchasing can deliver.
Friday 29 May 2009
Hackney Homes cleaners and gardeners short listed for national Housing Heroes Awards
Hackney Homes team of estate cleaners and gardeners have been short listed from more than 300 entries in the Housing Heroes Awards. This is a new awards scheme launched this year that aims to shine the spotlight on the people and teams that are doing great work in delivering services to local people.
Wednesday 27 May 2009
European Neighbours Day comes to Hackney
For the second year in a row, residents of Nightingale Estate in Hackney brought the well known European Neighbours Day to their doorstep on 26 May 2009.
European Neighbours Day is celebrated yearly in around 29 countries and aims to bring communities together by encouraging neighbours to talk and get to know each other. This year’s theme was to keep neighbourliness going all year round.
Tuesday 21 April 2009
Hackney Homes encourages residents to mark Neighbours’ Day
Hackney Homes is encouraging residents to get to know each other by organising their own neighbourhood event or fun day to mark European Good Neighbours’ Day on May 26th.
Monday 20 April 2009
Local support for residents experiencing domestic violence and hate crime
Hackney Homes residents who have experienced domestic violence and hate crime can get advice on their rights and housing options by dropping into a surgery taking place at their local neighbourhood office.
Wednesday 2 April 2009
Hackney Homes’ female carpenter Callie Duncan has scooped a major national award in recognition of her commitment to the trades, excellent service to residents and dedication to young people in Hackney.
Callie was just one of just three people across the country to have been shortlisted in the ALMO Team Member of the Year category of the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) awards on 1st April 2009.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Hackney Homes encourages residents to claim what is theirs
Hackney Homes is encouraging residents to check if they are entitled to benefits to support them during these tough economic times.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Female carpenter shortlisted for national award
Hackney Homes female carpenter is in the running for a major national award in recognition of her commitment to the trades, excellent service to residents and dedication to young people in Hackney. Callie Duncan is one of just three people across the country to have been shortlisted in the ALMO Team Member of the Year category of the National Federation of ALMOs (NFA) awards.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Hackney Homes celebrates Mothers Day
Win your mum a pampering pack by entering the Hackney Homes ‘Best Mum’ Competition.
Hackney Homes is joining in the celebrations for Mothers Day on 22 March 2009 and we want to hear from residents across Hackney. Send in 50 words telling us why she is the best and you could both win a pampering pack courtesy of Hackney Homes. Send your information to housingeditor@hackneyhomes.org.uk by Monday 23rd March and you will be entered into a draw. You can also enter by calling the Communications Team on 020 8356 2066.
Tuesday 17 March 2009
Three new resident groups on Hackney Homes estates
Developing community spirit and encouraging residents to get involved in decisions that affect their neighbourhood is a key priority for Hackney Homes. That is why we have been working closely with residents right across the borough to encourage them to start up resident groups on their estate and within their local communities.
Monday 16 March 2009
Have your say on Hackney Homes News and you could win £50 in vouchers
Hackney Homes News, the free monthly magazine for all Hackney Homes tenants and leaseholders is being refreshed wth a brand new look and we need residents input to make this happen.
Friday 6 February 2009
Home fire safety...what you need to know
Hackney Homes and the London Fire Brigade have some advice for Hackney residents about what to do in the event of a fire…
Thursday 5 February 2009
Hackney Homes providing a good service to residents
Thousands of Hackney residents will benefit from a £225m funding injection, with the news that Hackney Homes has achieved a two-star rating from the Audit Commission.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Hackney Homes gives three tenants a month’s rent for free
Helping residents to stay out of arrears is a priority for Hackney Homes. That is why over the festive period, Hackney Homes ran an awareness campaign to encourage tenants to pay their rent on time by offering three tenants to chance to win their January month for free.
Thursday 22 January 2009
Hackney Homes encourages tenants to join the national conversation
The Tenant Services Authority (TSA), the new regulator for homes has recently launched the national conversation to consult with tenants across the country about the services that they expect and Hackney Homes is encouraging all tenants to take part.
Friday 9 January 2009
Want a career in construction? Why not try out a taster course on Woodberry Down?
With many opportunities arising from the regeneration of Woodberry Down and the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics Games, Hackney locals will be in a great position to take advantage of this in the coming years. That is why Woodberry Works has launched the ‘Future Builders’ scheme to give residents a five-day taster course into a career in the construction industry.