New faces and friendly spaces
2 July 2024
Kam's dedication to customers shone through – probably best summed up by the fact that she’s putting off retirement to continue supporting her ‘second family’!
bpha joined PlaceShapers in April, and, as part of our Communications Team, I was quickly welcomed by PlaceShapers’ Communications Lead Joanna Charlton.
Between Joanna and our Regional Communications Co-ordinator, Katie Taylor at Cross Keys Homes, I’ve had a great introduction to how PlaceShapers rolls information out to members and gets support for its campaigns.
It’s been clear from the start that there’s a wealth of knowledge and best practice for members to tap into – but ultimately it’s about collaboration, working together to get the best outcome for communities.
Communications network at Scarborough Court
I took up an invitation to join the Regional Communications Co-ordinators from around the country to meet my new colleagues and understand more about how the network works.
emh hosted the meeting in Leicester at Len Hollis Court, one of three Independent living schemes for over 55s in the city centre. The residents lent us their communal lounge for the meeting, hosted by emh’s Head of Communications, Pritti Allen.
As I work closely with bpha’s Independent Living Team, I was keen to see a very different scheme and understand more about emh’s customers.
I learned that over 50% of Leicester’s population is non-white; Len Hollis Court is predominantly home to Asian customers, many who have family living nearby. With 30% of Leicester’s population not having English as a first language, it was interesting to know that the Independent Living Scheme staff speak at least two languages. They can communicate with residents in their own languages, helping them to feel at home and reassured that there is someone who can support with queries, about money matters, for example.
Emh Chief Executive Chan Kataria saw the start of PlaceShapers and was on the Board for many years. It was fascinating to have his insight into emh, Leicester (where he grew up), and the surroundings areas– as well as the local and national challenges customers face, such as the cost-of-living.
Kam and Krishna from emh
A short mini-bus ride away and scheme manager Kam showed us around Scarborough Court, another Independent Living scheme. Kam's dedication to customers shone through – probably best summed up by the fact that she’s putting off retirement to continue supporting her ‘second family’!
Finally, Pritti took us to Leicester’s Golden Mile, originally famous for its jewellery businesses and spectacular Diwali lights – the Diwali celebrations are said to be one of the largest outside of India. We were surrounded by food, fashion, spices, shoppers, visitors and business owners, completely immersed in the vibrant community we’d been discussing all day. Fantastic.
Exploring Leicester's vibrant Golden Mile
