Combatting social isolation in retirement
During National Loneliness Week we celebrated projects at some of our retirement living schemes that help beat social isolation and forge vital links with local communities.
Added on 19th July 2019 |
Our news
Read our news here with details of the latest happenings across the region.
For media enquiries, please email communications@midlandheart.org.uk or call our press office on 0121 666 5253 (9am-5pm). This number should not be used for customer enquiries as calls cannot be transferred. If you have a media enquiry out of hours you can submit an online contact form for the Press Office here or by calling 07789 923340.
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From homeless to Houses of Parliament
Two years ago our customer Dana was homeless and now she's just had a VIP tour of the Houses of Parliament.
Added on 16th July 2019 |
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Counting down to Bevan's Big Day!
Preparations are well underway for our Big Bevan Garden Party on Saturday, July 13 which is to include an outside broadcast by BBC Radio Coventry & Warwickshire. The event at Bevan Court in Cheylesmore, Coventry is open to the public as well as the scheme’s residents, their families and friends and students from local schools that have links to the supported living development.
Added on 4th July 2019 |
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Could your dryer cause a fire?
Tumble dryers can be useful for many families, but only when they are used safely. You may have seen in the news recently that some models could cause a safety risk due to a design fault.
Added on 4th July 2019 |
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New mayor gets lowdown on retirement living
Residents and staff at St Crispin’s retirement village at Northampton welcomed the town’s new mayor Cllr Nazim Choudary on his first public engagement in office.
Added on 14th June 2019 |
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MP visits happy family homes in Leicester
People living in a new affordable housing development chatted to their local MP about how they are settling in when he paid a visit to the site. Leicester East MP Keith Vaz met two families during his visit to our Green Lane Road development, which has transformed an unsightly disused factory into a sleek and modern residential neighbourhood.
Added on 10th June 2019 |
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Remembering Alice
Babies and children being treated at New Cross Hospital in Wolverhampton are benefitting from new play items and toys donated by generous relatives and friends in memory of our customer Alice Harris.
Added on 6th June 2019 |
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Loud and proud at Birmingham Pride
Parading the streets of Birmingham over the bank holiday weekend, our colleagues joined this year’s Pride festivities, bringing the LGBTQ and wider community together in a rainbow of colour, culture and cheer.
Added on 5th June 2019 |
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Housing minister visits Birmingham homeless scheme
Providing the right support on the journey from homelessness back into the community was top of the agenda when Minister for Housing and Homelessness Heather Wheeler MP visited a Midland Heart housing scheme.
Added on 28th May 2019 |
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Bringing together residents and MPs
Midland Heart brought together customers and MPs at an event in Parliament to discuss the future of social housing in the Midlands. The reception at Portcullis House was the first time a Midlands housing provider has brought customers to the capital to address politicians directly about life as a social housing tenant.
Added on 21st May 2019 |
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Ready-made happiness with a ready-made home
A family of five who live in one of our innovative “modular” houses are so in love with their home that they’ve been talking to the BBC about it. Modular houses combine a steel frame with traditional building materials to create a ready-made house that’s built in a factory in sections then assembled on site using a huge crane.
Added on 17th May 2019 |
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Tech team in the running for national award
Midland Heart’s Technology and Transformation team has been shortlisted at the national Housing Heroes Awards for their work developing technology for the organisation.
Added on 17th May 2019 |
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Charity skydive boosts activities fund
Customers and colleagues spent the bank holiday jumping from 1,300ft to raise money for Broad Meadow retirement scheme in Dudley. The team included the scheme’s manager, activities coordinator and one of the residents, with other residents.
Added on 15th May 2019 |
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New partnership to provide 1,000 new Midlands homes
Midland Heart has teamed up with a leading UK housebuilder to create 1,000 new homes across the Midlands. The new partnership agreement with Countryside will see the homes built across the region over the next three years.
Added on 13th May 2019 |
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First through the doors at Berryhill Village: Ada’s story
Ada and Stan Yemm were first to pick up the keys and move into their new flat at Berryhill, and the sociable couple would go on to become true stalwarts in the life of the village.
Added on 8th May 2019 |
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Stoke-on-Trent retirement village comes of age
Berryhill Village was one of the first purpose-built, self-contained retirement villages to open in the country – and it has just celebrated its 21st birthday.
Added on 8th May 2019 |
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Staff at Midland Heart have hearts as big as £28k!
Midland Heart has raised almost £28,000 over the past two years for Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice, our chosen charity.
Added on 3rd May 2019 |
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Midland Heart & Partner hand over first homes on first joint development
Our first tenants have moved into their brand new homes at Station Road in the Leicestershire village of Bagworth. The all-affordable development is our first in a series of sites with Partner.
Added on 2nd May 2019 |
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Extracare scheme reaches out to combat loneliness
One of our retirement living schemes in Coventry is helping to tackle social isolation by throwing open its doors to the local community. We’re calling on people living in and around Bevan Court in Cheylesmore to join our residents for coffee mornings, gardening and other activities.
Added on 1st May 2019 |
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Staff bloggers and commentators pay off for Midland Heart
Blogging to engage staff and improve internal communications has paid off for Midland Heart which has gained national recognition for transforming its intranet.
Added on 1st May 2019 |
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Garden makeover for Penmakers
With National Gardening Week getting underway on Monday, April 29, one of our housing schemes has begun work on breathing new life into its own garden.
Added on 26th April 2019 |
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Show off your bloomin' gorgeous garden!
It’s National Gardening Week from Monday 29 April – Sunday 5 May and to celebrate, we want to see our customers’ gorgeous gardens! We’re running two competitions for our green-fingered customers with two £50 vouchers up for grabs – one for best scheme garden and one for best general needs garden – so that you can keep your back gardens blooming all through the summer.
Added on 24th April 2019 |
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Added on 18th April 2019 |
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Getting to grips with Easter activities
An Easter bonnet parade, an egg hunt and getting to grips with a host of weird and wonderful creatures were on the menu for older residents and school pupils at Berryhill, Stoke-on-Trent.
Added on 17th April 2019 |
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Midland Heart surpasses target for home building
Midland Heart completed and handed over 450 new homes for the year April 1, 2018 to March 31, 2019, more than the target set at the start of the year.
Added on 11th April 2019 |
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Keeping yourself safe
Sometimes things don’t always go to plan, so giving our colleagues the right equipment when they’re out and about on their own is crucial in keeping them safe. We supply all of our lone workers with the Soloprotect Identicom devices. Before each visit, they leave a message stating their location and can raise an alarm if they are in danger. We also provide colleagues with personal safety training to ensure they know what to do if they have concerns about a situation
Added on 9th April 2019 |
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Brunel Court residents are Alive & Living!
A group of residents at a Wombourne housing scheme have been taking an innovative approach to improving their own lifestyle and wellbeing.
Added on 3rd April 2019 |
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Making improvements together
We have lots of ways for customers to get involved at Midland Heart and are always looking for new people to take a fresh look at the homes and services we provide to you. Our dedicated Customer Scrutiny Team works with a group of involved customers to help shape and improve the work we do. From piloting new services to mystery shopping, there is something for everyone depending on your interests.
Added on 2nd April 2019 |
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Points mean prizes for retirement living schemes
Votes from customers, visitors, volunteers and onsite staff have earned two Midland Heart retirement living schemes top rankings in the Elderly Accommodation Counsel’s Housing for Older People Awards 2019.
Added on 28th March 2019 |
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Working together to create safer communities for all
Anti-social behaviour and crime has serious impact on a local community and causes misery for residents and businesses. We work hard to try and resolve issues and, where necessary, take legal action through the courts.
Added on 19th March 2019 |
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Flying solo with first homes at Great Bowden
Today is a big day for customers moving to our Berry Close development at Market Harborough - as well as for our newest project development manager.
Added on 19th March 2019 |
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New approach needed to assessing housing need
We need a more astute method of assessing need that supports our ambition and properly meets the needs of the diverse communities and economies across the UK - read our full response to the technical planning consultation here.
Added on 11th March 2019 |
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Novel names unearthed at Leicester
New homes on disused allotment plots at Aylestone, Leicester give nod to land's horticultural heritage.
Added on 6th March 2019 |
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Midland Heart sponsors Birmingham's first LGBTIQ+ conference on Intersectionality and Islam
Find out why Midland Heart is proud to be sponsoring this event during LGBT History month.
Added on 21st February 2019 |
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Could you get a discount on your council tax?
It won’t be long until your council tax bill for 2019/20 will arrives on your doormat. But have you checked if you are eligible for a discount?
Added on 20th February 2019 |
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Raising awareness of services to support homeless in Birmingham
Agencies work in partnership to provide services to support homeless men and women in Birmingham.
Added on 19th February 2019 |
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Midland Heart wraps up grant for insulating homes
Thanks to Midland Heart wrapping up a substantial grant for insulating properties, hundreds of our tenants can look forward to lower electricity bills - and warmer homes.
Added on 15th February 2019 |
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Love is in the Air..waves
Residents at one of our retirement villages and children from a local primary school hit the airwaves today to talk about what love means to them.
Added on 14th February 2019 |
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Motoring ahead with new vehicle agreements
New agreements to replace part of Midland Heart’s vehicle fleet are motoring ahead with our in-house maintenance team taking delivery of 55 shiny new vehicles for April 1.
Added on 12th February 2019 |
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First homes at Newton handed over to tenants
We’re sharing the love by handing over the keys to the first four affordable rent houses to be completed on the Ellis Gardens development at Newton, near Rugby.
Added on 12th February 2019 |
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Northampton MP praises our work at Oasis House for homeless people
Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, recently visited Oasis House to see for himself the facilities we provide and the work we do in collaboration with partner agencies, and has written very positively about his experience.
Added on 8th February 2019 |
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Bittersweet victory for Windrush tenant
A Midland Heart tenant, one of the so-called Windrush Generation, has finally had an entire £100,000 ‘debt’ written off after a lengthy battle with government departments to prove he has a right to live in the UK.
Added on 7th February 2019 |
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Oasis House, Northampton: focused on the future
Hope, Midland Heart and Northampton Borough Council have been working together to find alternative accommodation for the Hope Centre currently based at Oasis House.
Added on 7th February 2019 |
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We join forces with police to gain closure notice on property (1)
West Midlands Police and Midland Heart have taken joint steps towards tackling issues of crime and anti-social behaviour associated with a property in Handsworth that have caused misery to the local community.
Added on 4th February 2019 |
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Midland Heart to breathe new life into historic Lichfield site
Midland Heart is to create 29 apartments for the over 55s on the site of a disused hostel and a block of flats in Lichfield.
Added on 29th January 2019 |
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Julia's story
Flexibility is key to help Julia Bailey manage a busy work life with a hectic home schedule. Julia, HR Shared Services Manager, manages a team who deal with HR queries from colleagues across Midland Heart. If she didn’t have enough on a plate, Julia is also mother to three young children.
Added on 28th January 2019 |
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Chief executive talks kitchens with tenants
Midland Heart will be replacing more than 1,600 kitchens and bathrooms in its properties across the Midlands region in the year ahead. This week Chief Executive Glenn Harris met some of the tenants who are getting brand new kitchens and bathrooms.
Added on 25th January 2019 |
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Prince's Trust mentoring programme praises Midland Heart contribution
Dozens of students at schools across the Midlands have benefitted from working with more than 30 volunteer mentors from Midland Heart since the housing association joined an innovative Prince’s Trust programme to empower young people.
Added on 24th January 2019 |
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Added on 22nd January 2019 |
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Our customers feedback to government
Read how more than 100 of our customers have helped us shape our response to the Government’s Social Housing Green Paper proposals on involving, engaging and empowering social housing residents.
Added on 17th January 2019 |
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MP visit to Oasis House
Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, recently visited Oasis House, our purpose-built development for homeless men and women in the town. He says it is unlike any hostel he has visited and gives people a real opportunity for a fresh start.
Added on 14th January 2019 |
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Taking us to the next level
We are really pleased to be awarded the Disability Confident Employer status by the Disability Confident Scheme, during UK Disability History Month.
Added on 13th December 2018 |
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Fire safety matters at Midland Heart
There is no typical day in the life of a fire risk assessor for Midland Heart and with a patch stretching across the Midlands region and around 90 assessments a month for the two-strong team, no two days bring the same challenges. We caught up with Fire Risk Assessor, Steve Martin, to find out more.
Added on 7th December 2018 |
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Don't let loan sharks bite this Christmas
Don’t turn to predatory loan sharks to solve your Christmas money worries this year. The Stop Loan Sharks project has launched a national campaign to raise awareness of illegal money lenders and provide guidance on where help can be found.
Added on 5th December 2018 |
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Lovell serves up sizzling success - its 1000th kitchen for Midland Heart customers
Midland Heart and contractor Lovell are celebrating providing 1,000 tenants with brand new kitchens in their homes. The major milestone is part of the housing association’s £multi-million programme of refurbishment across the Midlands region.
Added on 28th November 2018 |
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New Executive Director of Finance and Information
Our new Executive Director of Finance and Information, Anna Simpson, has now started in her role at Midland Heart. She brings with her a wealth of experience in the housing sector, having previously been Group Director of Finance & Company Secretary at Bedford-based Grand Union Housing Group.
Added on 27th November 2018 |
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Overcoming barriers to longer-term tenancies
We have recently responded to a government consultation supporting calls to provide longer term tenancies in the private sector as we believe this offers tenants more security and understand the role longer tenancies play in creating genuinely balanced communities.
Added on 27th November 2018 |
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Meet our Restorative Justice Co-ordinator
We spoke to our Restorative Justice Co-ordinator, Sacha Johnson, to find out what it’s like to help customers to resolve their conflicts.
Added on 23rd November 2018 |
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Hail Sir Geoffrey!
Children at Shoemaker Court in Rushden, Northamptonshire got the chance recently to find out about pet ownership.
Added on 22nd November 2018 |
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From the frontline – Trlok Janagal
Trlok Janagal explains the elements of his role as a case officer, and about one of his most rewarding cases
Added on 22nd November 2018 |
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Shadow Housing Minister visits Midland Heart
Shadow Housing Minister Melanie Onn MP had opportunity to talk to Midland Heart customers about their past experience of homelessness during a visit to the leading Midlands housing association.
Added on 22nd November 2018 |
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New data, new insight
We have updated our free data visualisation tool with the full results from the Homes and Communities Agency's (HCA) Statistical Data Return for 2017/18 published this autumn.
Added on 22nd November 2018 |
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Have you checked your heating?
Many people run into problems with their central heating and boilers when they have not been used over the summer. There are a few things you can do to make sure that your heating works when you need it the most.
Added on 21st November 2018 |
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Supporting people to progress in Housing
Baljinder Kang, newly appointed executive director of HR and learning talks about how taking the DIB pledge demonstrates their commitment.
Added on 15th November 2018 |
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We need to talk about debt
Working within the Money Advice team, you can see people at their lowest. Whether it be low income, benefit delays, sanctions, benefit cap or debt.
Added on 12th November 2018 |
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A1 credit rating upgrade from Moody's
Moody's has upgraded Midland Heart’s credit rating to A1 from A2, with stable outlook.
Added on 9th November 2018 |
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Bushfield Court marks centenary of end of WWI
Residents and members of the day centre at Bushfield Court, Bilston knitted over 450 poppies for the display and for sale, with proceeds going to the armed forces charity The Royal British Legion.
Added on 5th November 2018 |
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Happy Halloween from ‘Scaremaker’ Court!
Customers at Shoemaker Court, Rushden were in for a treat (not trick!) this Halloween as their annual Halloween party was taken over by Hogwarts’ wandering workshop! Children (Muggles) were invited to the workshop via hand delivered parchment from Hogwarts and were told to dress to impress.
Added on 31st October 2018 |
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Residents are welcomed to Ashton Green's first new affordable homes
The first residents are moving into their new affordable homes at Glebelands Park in Ashton Green, Leicester.
Added on 23rd October 2018 |
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Leicester factory site gets smart new look and lifestyle
A disused industrial site in Leicester has been given a smart new lifestyle with more than 80 high-quality homes provided by Midland Heart in partnership with Countryside Partnerships East Midlands.
Added on 18th October 2018 |
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Hounded by debt? Know your rights
If you have debts, it is important to understand the difference between bailiffs and debt collection agencies.
Added on 15th October 2018 |
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Finance team adds to achievement tally
Finance staff at Midland Heart are adding to the leading housing association’s recent tally of achievements after being shortlisted for an award of their own. The team is up for the Not for Profit Team of the Year in the 2019 West Midlands Finance Awards.
Added on 4th October 2018 |
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Nuneaton housing development deal up for two property awards
An all-affordable housing scheme in Nuneaton being delivered by Midland Heart and developer Partner has been shortlisted for two Insider Property Awards, West Midlands.
Added on 4th October 2018 |
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#HousingDay 2018 – get involved!
#HousingDay, the 24-hour social media event to celebrate the positive impact of social housing on millions of tenants, is taking place on Wednesday 10 October.
Added on 3rd October 2018 |
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Midland Heart growing its own team leaders and managers
Midland Heart has signed a major deal with University College Birmingham that will see the housing association’s future leaders and managers enrolled on to apprenticeships.
Added on 2nd October 2018 |
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Tribute to our founding Chairman
Professor Farnell, who passed away after a battle with cancer, was the founding chair when Midland Heart was established in 2006. In his academic life, Richard was a professor of neighborhood regeneration at Coventry University, where he taught urban studies and town planning.
Added on 28th September 2018 |
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Help following a bereavement
Losing a husband, wife or civil partner is a difficult time that many people are unprepared for, but if you find yourself in this situation you may be able to claim bereavement benefits to ease some of the financial stress.
Added on 21st September 2018 |
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Midland Heart hits the roof
The first roofs are on at our all-affordable housing development at Bagworth, near Leicester.
Added on 20th September 2018 |
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Executive director is 'Most Influential'
Midland Heart's Executive Director of HR and Learning has been named one of the Most Influential HR Practitioners in the country.
Added on 19th September 2018 |
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Gas Safety Week: Fighting for a Gas Safe Nation
We are proud to be supporting Gas Safety Week 2018, taking place 17– 23 September.
Added on 14th September 2018 |
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Payroll team hits a bonus!
Our payroll team has transformed over the past two years and now all the hard work has paid bonus by being shortlisted for a national top team award.
Added on 31st August 2018 |
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Public exhibition to showcase proposed new homes in Burton-upon-Trent
Midland Heart is teaming up with Partner Construction on a proposed new all-affordable development of 131 homes in Burton-upon-Trent - the local community has the chance to find out all about it.
Added on 30th August 2018 |
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Bloomin' lovely at St Crispin's
Residents of St Crispin's at Duston, Northampton are paying tribute to those who fought in WWI and have created a special garden at their home.
Added on 20th August 2018 |
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New development grows the future of old allotment site in Leicester
We've welcomed our first tenants to affordable rent housing built on a disused allotment site in Leicester
Added on 16th August 2018 |
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Midland Heart fights to clear 'debt' of Windrush tenant
When an application for a UK passport turned into a £100,000 nightmare for an elderly tenant, Midland Heart battled bureaucracy to help him win his case.
Added on 14th August 2018 |
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Putting my training into practice - Aspiring Manager Nazush
A happy coincidence lead to Nazush being able to put her Aspiring Manager training into practice.
Added on 13th August 2018 |
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Plastic Fantastic helps make community a better place
To mark World Environment Day, our partners, Fortem, came up with a great idea to litter pick in a nominated Midland Heart Community.
Added on 9th August 2018 |
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New Nuneaton development gets underway
The St Mary’s Road site is among a number of exciting new developments in the pipeline between leading housing association Midland Heart and Derby-based developer Partner Construction Ltd.
Added on 7th August 2018 |
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Centenarians celebrate in style
Two residents of St Dominic's Court in Stoke-on-Trent celebrated big birthdays recently with parties for friends and family.
Added on 6th August 2018 |
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New Executive Director of Finance and Information appointed
We are very pleased to have appointed Anna Simpson to the role of Executive Director of Finance and Information at Midland Heart.
Added on 2nd August 2018 |
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Property Care training and apprenticeship programme
Here at Midland Heart, we are always on the lookout for highly skilled, multi-trade operatives to join our maintenance team, Property Care.
Added on 16th July 2018 |
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Sizzling celebration of diversity, health and wellbeing
Birmingham Foyer joins the West Midlands Combined Authority Mayor's Community Weekend.
Added on 11th July 2018 |
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Adapted house changes family's life
How one of our adapted homes on the new Leicester development at Wolsey Island has changed the lives of a young family.
Added on 5th July 2018 |
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Helping young customers realise their dreams
Our Floating Support Team for young people aged 16-25 has netted thousands of pounds worth of charitable funds to help them realise their dreams.
Added on 29th June 2018 |
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West goes East!
New non executive director Chris West is impressed by one of our new developments currently being built in the East Midlands
Added on 28th June 2018 |
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Added on 26th June 2018 |
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Don’t invite fire to your BBQ
Now that the warm, light evenings are with us and the summer holidays are fast approaching, barbecues are beginning to sizzle! But behind the bangers and burgers, summer fun has a serious side and it is important to take extra care with lighting barbecues.
Added on 25th June 2018 |
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Promoting affordable homes – Our day in Parliament
This week we have successfully hosted our first ever MP forum, to talk directly to MPs about what more can be done to help us build more affordable homes.
Added on 21st June 2018 |
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Chartered town planner appointed to advise on strategic development
We have appointed Abigaile Bromfield to help us realise our ambition to invest £450m over the next five years on providing new affordable housing
Added on 18th June 2018 |
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Carers Week 2018
Carers Week is designed to recognise the contribution that carers make to families and communities across the UK. The week, which runs from 11-17 June, also aims to bring awareness to the challenges which carers face.
Added on 15th June 2018 |
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Building integrated communities
We are supporting the Government’s aim to build integrated communities and agree that housing policy has an important role to play.
Added on 15th June 2018 |
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Keeping our community clean
On Saturday 9 June, our Rangers and Place team joined Moseley Litter Busters, local councillors, Accord and local residents for a spring clean in Moseley.
Added on 13th June 2018 |
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Weather affecting communal gardens
We are aware that some of the communal gardens have not been maintained in line with the planned schedules. Our Contractors are aware of this issue and have additional workers out on site and are committed to bring the planned grass cutting and maintenance up to date as soon as possible.
Added on 5th June 2018 |
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Fit for an Award
Our Human Resources team is celebrating being shortlisted for a prestigious national people management award for the second year running.
Added on 5th June 2018 |
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Residents start to move on to first of three new housing schemes in Leicester
Families are starting to move into their new homes on the first of three Midland Heart developments that will provide much-needed housing and regeneration in Leicester.
Added on 5th June 2018 |
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Wearing our heart with Pride
Parading the streets of Birmingham this bank holiday, Midland Heart colleagues and customers joined this year’s Pride festivities, bringing the LGBTQ and wider community together in a rainbow of colour, culture and cheer.
Added on 29th May 2018 |
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The need for more ambitious planning reform
We have responded to a review of national planning policy known as the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), calling for Government to be more ambitious in their reforms.
Added on 17th May 2018 |
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Children take on heavyweight Jeff
Children living at Shoemaker Court get up close and friendly with a host of exotic creatures not normally encountered in Northamptonshire.
Added on 15th May 2018 |
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New development at Wren's Nest takes flight
Tenants nestle into Mons Hill - our latest clutch of affordable homes to complete - built in an enviable location next to one of Britain's most important geological sites, the Wren's Nest National Nature Reserve
Added on 8th May 2018 |
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Could you save money on your energy bills?
Comparing gas and electric providers and deals regularly can help you to make sure you are getting the most out of your money. With British Gas and EDF announcing price rises to some of their tariffs, now couldn’t be a better time to do a comparison!
Added on 4th May 2018 |
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Put it out, right out!
Smoking in the single biggest cause of accidental fires in the home and a third of all deaths in fires in the home are caused by cigarettes. This is often down to careless behaviour, such as smoking in bed or not taking care after drinking alcohol.
Added on 26th April 2018 |
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Cinderella service has swept to success in its first year
One of our “Cinderella” services is celebrating an amazing first year of operation having collected over 400 tonnes of waste including 174 fridges, 178 mattresses and 63 vehicle tyres.
Added on 25th April 2018 |
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Investing in social values
A strong commitment to social values helped Fortem win their initial contract for repairs and void maintenance at our properties in the east and south Midlands.
Added on 25th April 2018 |
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Simplifying complaints procedures for social housing tenants
We are supporting the Government’s ambition to simplify the housing sector’s system for residents who have complaints about their home – and are taking part in a national review looking at a number of options.
Added on 19th April 2018 |
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customer service team shortlisted for national award
Our housing management service - made up of the Customer Hub, People Team and Place Team - has been shortlisted for a national Housing Heroes Award 2018. We are among eight organisations across the UK in the running for best customer service and the winner will be announced in June.
Added on 12th April 2018 |
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Working together to create a safer environment for all
Together with our partners in Wolverhampton, we recently worked to resolve problems with anti-social behaviour at two of our properties that caused misery for the local community.
Added on 6th April 2018 |
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Could a spring clean save your life?
It may be the last month of spring, but there's still time to squeeze in a final spring clean. Clear the clutter that may be blocking your escape routes and make sure your family, guests and loved ones know how to get out, stay out, and call 999 in the event of a fire.
Added on 5th April 2018 |
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Fire safety at the top of the agenda
Our priority is to keep you safe and we want to reassure you that we take fire safety very seriously. So, what are we doing to ensure the safety of you and your family?
Added on 4th April 2018 |
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New Chief Executive Officer announced
Midland Heart have appointed Glenn Harris MBE as their new Chief Executive Officer.
Added on 28th March 2018 |
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Speaker sees homeless work is well in Order, Order!
Commons Speaker John Bercow MP praised our innovative Stafford project Eagle House on a visit to the town to see for himself initiatives to help homeless people and rough sleepers.
Added on 28th March 2018 |
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School pupils help name street on Birmingham housing development
Local residents have chosen the name Martineau Road for a new development built in Birmingham by Midland Heart and Westleigh Partnership Homes.
Added on 27th March 2018 |
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Big hearted staff raise £15k for charity
Our staff have taken part in a host of activities to help raise money for local charity, Birmingham St Mary’s Hospice.
Added on 22nd March 2018 |
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Housing Finance Conference 2018
Glenn Harris MBE, Executive Director of Corporate Resources at Midland Heart recently spoke at the Housing Finance conference.
Added on 15th March 2018 |
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Do your electrical items and furnishings meet the British Safety Standard?
It is easy to buy electrical items and furniture cheaply, but do they meet the British Safety Standard?
Added on 7th March 2018 |
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Marking National Apprenticeship Week celebrating our apprentices
As National Apprenticeship Week gets underway, we’re celebrating the fantastic success of five of our apprentices who have graduated to permanent roles with us.
Added on 5th March 2018 |
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Cold weather payments
You may be entitled to a cold weather payment paid by the DWP if you receive a qualifying benefit and the average temperature in the area where you live is recorded as, or forecast to be, zero degrees or below for seven consecutive days.
Added on 2nd March 2018 |
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Making music with Birmingham Opera Company
Young people living at our supported housing project The Foyer have had the opportunity to work with Birmingham Opera Company
Added on 1st March 2018 |
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A day in the life - Bal Kang
The following appeared in 24 Housing, giving an insight into Director of HR, Bal Kang's usual working day.
Added on 1st March 2018 |
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Rangers service charge
Last year, we brought together our teams that work on bulky waste removal (flytipping) and fire detection/emergency lighting. This team is now called Rangers.
Added on 23rd February 2018 |
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Keep your details safe - Right to Buy
A number of our customers have met with or been contacted over the phone by a company who are offering to help customers with Right to Buy.
Added on 22nd February 2018 |
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Staff raise over £4,000 taking part in Fight or Flight challenge!
On Friday 16 February, 18 of our courageous staff took part in Birmingham St Mary's Hospice annual Fright or Flight event.
Added on 21st February 2018 |
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Support for call for more housing for older people
Alongside other leading housing organisations, Midland Heart has provided key evidence to help make the case for improved housing options for older people,
Added on 15th February 2018 |
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Family team raises £16,000 for vulnerable families
The Families Team at Midland Heart has raised over £16,000 to help some of the region’s most vulnerable families following cuts to local budgets.
Added on 14th February 2018 |
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Cabinet member tours £8.2m housing scheme
Birmingham City Council’s cabinet member for housing has had a chance to tour an £8.2m housing scheme in the East of the city.
Added on 14th February 2018 |
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Midland Heart takes Time to Talk
At Midland Heart, we know that it benefits everyone to talk about mental health. That’s why we celebrated Time to Talk Day on Thursday 1 February.
Added on 9th February 2018 |
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Don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment
Candles, incense sticks and oil burners contribute to a number of fires within homes. Here are some tips to ensure you don’t get caught up in the heat of the moment.
Added on 1st February 2018 |
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Safeguarding the future of supported housing
This week marked the end of the Government’s latest consultation over plans to change the way supported housing is funded in England. Here we take a brief look at the issues at stake for Midland Heart and our residents.
Added on 24th January 2018 |
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New Year, new start for Cash’s Lane
Over the festive break our teams joined forces with Coventry City Council and local residents to clear up the area around Cash’s Lane and Kirby Close.
Added on 10th January 2018 |
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Don’t add fuel to the fire
Following the festive period, you may have an increased amount of rubbish in your home which could be a fire hazard if not stored correctly.
Added on 3rd January 2018 |
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Midland Heart staff spread Christmas cheer
A number of Midland Heart schemes have decked the halls to get their residents in the festive spirit this Christmas.
Added on 21st December 2017 |
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Leicester MP visits new constituency housing development
Leicester MP Keith Vaz has visited the site of a new housing development in his constituency, which will bring new affordable homes close to the city centre.
Added on 20th December 2017 |
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Support for ‘invisible’ homeless in Birmingham this Christmas
Over 200 gift packs containing essential items have been donated to support those people who have a roof over their head but are still homeless in Birmingham this winter.
Added on 13th December 2017 |
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Three new non-executive board members
Three new faces have joined our non-executive board, including Birmingham-based chartered surveyor, Mina Parmar.
Added on 13th December 2017 |
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Added on 13th December 2017 |
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Fire safety during the festive period
The festive period can present extra fire hazards in your home. To stay safe in your home and reduce the risks of fire, please consider our advice.
Added on 12th December 2017 |
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New homes to be built under new funding deal
We are pleased to announce that we have secured a £14million facility loan from local relationship bank Handelsbanken, part of which will be used to build 95 new homes for private rent in Leicester.
Added on 7th December 2017 |
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Customer Hub highly commended at industry awards
Our Customer Hub been awarded the 'highly commended' accolade in the Employee Engagement category at the Verint Engage EMEA Annual Customer Awards 2017.
Added on 6th December 2017 |
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Local Councillor gets sneak preview of new Birmingham housing scheme
A local ward Councillor has been for a sneak preview of new homes being developed on the site of the former international school in Birmingham.
Added on 6th December 2017 |
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Warm Home Discount Scheme
You could get £140 off your electricity bill for winter 2017-18 under the Warm Home Discount Scheme.
Added on 4th December 2017 |
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Ruth Cooke to stand down March 2018
Ruth Cooke will be leaving Midland Heart at the end of the financial year to take up the role of Group Chief Executive of Clarion Housing Group.
Added on 3rd December 2017 |
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New contractors for our environmental services
From December, we will be working with new contractors to deliver environmental services for our schemes, and our customers have been instrumental in deciding who they would be.
Added on 30th November 2017 |
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Restorative Justice Week 2017
This week is Restorative Justice Week, we would like to share a case study on the impact of Restorative Justice practice in housing
Added on 22nd November 2017 |
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Data update brings fresh insight to housing sector
We have updated our free data visualisation tool with the full results from the Homes and Communities Agency’s (HCA) Statistical Data Return published on 24th October 2017.
Added on 16th November 2017 |
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A special birthday wish on Armistice Day
One of our Kings Norton residents received a special birthday wish on Armistice Day.
Added on 16th November 2017 |
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Customers shape the future of services
Midland Heart has been awarded the Customer Service Excellence Standard for putting their customers at the heart of their service.
Added on 14th November 2017 |
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Help us to help rough sleepers this winter
Alongside other agencies in Birmingham, we are calling on members of the public to download the StreetLink app this winter.
Added on 14th November 2017 |
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Our staff are equipped to help you report hate crime
Our People Team have recently undergone training to make them more aware, and for them to help resolve hate crime.
Added on 16th October 2017 |
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Coventry street name honours local stalwart
A street on a new housing development in Tile Hill, Coventry has been named after a local stalwart who supported individuals with learning disabilities throughout his life.
Added on 11th October 2017 |
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Providing our customers with an extra ‘Safetynet’
We are proud to have joined forces with Safetynet Security Group to provide a quality and reliable security service within the local community.
Added on 9th October 2017 |
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Jessie celebrates her 100th Birthday
One of our customers has celebrated her 100th birthday in style with a big party at Bevan Court, our sheltered housing scheme in Coventry.
Added on 5th October 2017 |
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UCB partnership to inspire managers of the future
We are very excited to have teamed up with University College Birmingham (UCB) to develop a bespoke programme to inspire the our future managers.
Added on 5th October 2017 |
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Top prize awarded to our HR team
We are delighted to announce that our HR team have scooped a top prize for this year’s industry leading 2017 CIPD People Management Awards.
Added on 27th September 2017 |
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Our CEO is short-listed for ‘Businesswoman of the Year’ awards
Our chief executive officer (CEO), Ruth Cooke, has been short-listed in this year’s prestigious ‘Businesswoman of the Year’ awards.
Added on 26th September 2017 |
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£2.5m Nuneaton housing scheme open for business
Our £2.5million affordable housing scheme in Nuneaton has officially opened for business six months early, providing essential homes to local residents looking to get onto the housing ladder.
Added on 25th September 2017 |
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Finding more ways to improve our service
Our customers are at the centre of everything we do. When you contact us, we want to give you the most efficient and effective service possible. To help us do this, our Hub opening hours are now 8:00am – 6:00pm.
Added on 22nd September 2017 |
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Our Director of HR and Learning appears on Most Influential list
A key member of our staff has been recognised in HR Magazine’s annual Human Resources (HR) Most Influential list.
Added on 21st September 2017 |
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A new approach to anti-social behaviour
There is a fine line between anti-social behaviour and relatively minor disputes among neighbours but we want to send a clear message to customers that anti-social behaviour (ASB) will not be tolerated at Midland Heart.
Added on 19th September 2017 |
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We are supporting Gas Safety Week
Gas Safety Week, which runs 18-24 September, aims to raise awareness of gas safety and highlight the importance of taking care of your gas appliances.
Added on 18th September 2017 |
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Golf day a GR8 success for homeless services
Keen golfers have swung into action to help raise essential funds for Midland Heart’s homeless and outreach services in Birmingham.
Added on 6th September 2017 |
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Money Advice team supports Highgate Fire Station Fun Day
Midland Heart will be supporting West Midlands Fire Service Fun Day at Highgate Fire Station. With the community fire station serving many Midland Heart homes, our Money Advice team will be there and on hand to offer debt, benefit and budgeting advice to customers who need support with their finances.
Added on 21st August 2017 |
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Help shape the future of our services
Your feedback is an important part of helping us choose our priorities for 2018/19. We want to focus on the things that matter most to our customers and we need your help to do this.
Added on 17th August 2017 |
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Contractors pledge support to Birmingham rough sleepers
Contractors in Birmingham have pledged their support for local rough sleepers by purchasing and donating essential personal items.
Added on 15th August 2017 |
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Melksham’s Wharf Court is a blooming success
Customers at our older person’s scheme in Melksham are celebrating after a clean sweep at the 2017 Melksham in Bloom competition.
Added on 14th August 2017 |
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Development make the shortlist for two leading industry awards
Our Development team has been short-listed in two category's at this year’s Inside Housing Development Awards.
Added on 9th August 2017 |
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Local partnership to futureproof skilled trades
Midland Heart will be partnering with City of Wolverhampton College to provide our existing workforce with the opportunity to learn additional skills to achieve the new Property Maintenance Operative Standard.
Added on 8th August 2017 |
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Housing First project launches in Stafford
An innovative project that places homeless people into permanent accommodation and then provides a programme of support to help them to get their life back on track is about to launch in Stafford.
Added on 28th July 2017 |
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Former rough sleepers receive kind donation for their dogs
Former rough sleepers in Birmingham have received a kind donation of pet food and toys for their four legged friends.
Added on 28th July 2017 |
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£1.75m debt savings for struggling tenants
Our free Money Advice Service has helped 1788 tenants across the Midlands save £1.75m in debt savings over a 12 month period as part of a drive to support people struggling with debt.
Added on 27th July 2017 |
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Housing is key in helping to bind communities
Midland Heart CEO Ruth Cooke explains how HAs are best placed to support some of the most disadvantaged communities.
Added on 26th July 2017 |
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Birmingham City Council launches Rough Sleepers Task Force
Birmingham City Council have launched a Rough Sleepers Task Force to bring key organisations together to address city centre rough sleeping.
Added on 13th July 2017 |
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A year of success for the Customer Hub
This week, the Customer Hub are celebrating their first successful year.
Added on 4th July 2017 |
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Coventry Apprentices building their future
Five apprentices are learning the tricks of the trade on a housing development in Coventry.
Added on 27th June 2017 |
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Free panic alarms for residents at Helen Dixon House
Free personal attack alarms will be issued to residents at Helen Dixon House, thanks to funds secured by two Birmingham Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs).
Added on 26th June 2017 |
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Showing our support for Army Reserves
Wednesday 21st June marks the annual Reserves Day where Army Reservists raise awareness of their roles by wearing their uniform in their civilian life.
Added on 20th June 2017 |
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Midland Heart teams up with Birmingham hospice
Midland Heart have chosen independent charity Birmingham St Mary’s hospice as their new charity partner for 2017-18.
Added on 16th June 2017 |
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Fire Safety: Information for customers
Following the tragic fire at Grenfell Court in Kensington, London, yesterday, a number of customers have contacted us for advice and reassurance.
Added on 15th June 2017 |
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We have been highly commended at regional property awards
Midland Heart’s plans to re-develop three large sites across Leicester City as part of a £58m regeneration scheme, has been Highly Commended in the Deal of the Year category at this year’s Insider West Midlands Residential Property Awards.
Added on 9th June 2017 |
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Staff reward scheme shortlisted for industry award
Midland Heart’s human resources department has been shortlisted for the 2017 CIPD People Management Awards, considered among the most prestigious awards in the HR profession.
Added on 6th June 2017 |
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We’ve got a new look
You might have noticed that we’ve updated the look of our website and other materials across the Midland Heart brand.
Added on 2nd June 2017 |
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Independent Customer Member needed for our new Operations Committee
As a result of a recent business re-structure we have formed our new Operations Committee which will play an important role in delivering good governance in Midland Heart.
Added on 1st June 2017 |
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Coventry family move into new home with a difference
Mr Bassi and his wife Mrs Kaur are one of the first families to move into a new modular-build property in Foleshill Coventry.
Added on 30th May 2017 |
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Midland Heart scoops housing excellence award
Midland Heart is celebrating after scooping the award for Best Tenant Support Advice Programme at this year’s Housing Excellence Awards.
Added on 26th May 2017 |
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£8.2m housing scheme to transform site of former Birmingham school
An £8.2m housing scheme in Birmingham is set to transform the site of a former international school bringing high-quality affordable homes to the Shard End area of the city.
Added on 24th May 2017 |
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Swindon sewing club’s donations go international
A sewing group set up in one of our residential homes has stitched their way to international success to help young women, dogs and residents.
Added on 22nd May 2017 |
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Deal done for new affordable homes in Dudley
We have signed off a £5.8m deal to build 43-new affordable homes in Mons Hill, Dudley.
Added on 10th May 2017 |
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Leicester Development Finalist for ‘Deal of the Year’ Award
Midland Heart’s plans to re-develop the site of a historic hosiery factory as part of a £58 million Leicester regeneration scheme has been recognised as a finalist in this year’s Insider Midlands Residential Property Awards.
Added on 2nd May 2017 |
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Midland Heart up for double honours at Housing Excellence Awards
Midland Heart is delighted to be named as finalist in two categories at this year’s Housing Excellence Awards.
Added on 28th April 2017 |
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Schemes get a ‘Mitie’ makeover
Two supported housing schemes in the heart of the Midlands have received a ‘Mitie’ makeover as part of the company’s contractual commitment to provide volunteers to support local community projects.
Added on 24th April 2017 |
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Work begins on new affordable housing in Coventry
Work has started on 84 new affordable homes on Kingfield Road in Coventry.
Added on 13th April 2017 |
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Double birthday celebrations for Gwen and her scheme
Double birthday celebrations have got underway at one of our Birmingham housing schemes as it raises the roof to celebrate its 30th anniversary and the birthday of its very first resident.
Added on 6th April 2017 |
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Property Care team expands after saving £3.5m
Midland Heart is embarking on its second expansion of its Property Care team after saving c.£3.5 million over four years.
Added on 5th April 2017 |
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£58M investment for Leicester regeneration projects
An ambitious housing project which aims to provide 395 new homes to three disused sites across Leicester has got off the ground following a £58M investment by Midland Heart and developer Westleigh Homes.
Added on 5th April 2017 |
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Showing our support for the Armed Forces Community
Midland Heart have shown support for Defence personnel and their families by signing up to the Armed Forces Covenant.
Added on 23rd March 2017 |
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Doors open for dogs at Zambesi
A supported housing scheme in the heart of Birmingham has opened its doors to welcome dogs for the first time to enable homeless individuals who are sleeping rough to stay with their pets.
Added on 15th March 2017 |
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Birmingham housing scheme turns back time
A housing scheme in Birmingham has turned back time after a refurbishment to return it to its former glory.
Added on 13th March 2017 |
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Apprentices rise to speed date challenge
Past and present Apprentices at Midland Heart have been busy celebrating national Apprenticeship Week’s 10th anniversary by hosting a student speed dating event at our head office.
Added on 8th March 2017 |
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Midland Heart shortlisted for Housing innovation award
Midland Heart has been named as a finalist in this year’s Housing Innovation awards.
Added on 1st March 2017 |
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Disruption and damage caused by Storm Freya
Following the recent windy weather, we are receiving a high volume of calls.
Added on 24th February 2017 |
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New gas contract saves £3 million in first year
Midland Heart have saved £3 million in the first year following the termination and re-tender of their gas servicing and installation contract.
Added on 13th February 2017 |
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Midland Heart receives Housing Innovation award
Midland Heart has won the ‘Most Innovative Housing IT System’ category at this year’s Housing Innovation awards for its proactive solution to address the impact of Universal Credit by introducing a new phone dialler system.
Added on 10th February 2017 |
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Midland Heart completes new c.£2.5m housing development
Work has finished on our c.£2.5m housing development in Loughborough bringing much needed, affordable new homes to the area.
Added on 3rd February 2017 |
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£4.2m Coventry development on track for summer completion
Work on our £4.2m affordable housing development in Coventry is gathering pace and is set for completion this summer.
Added on 27th January 2017 |
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Added on 1st January 0001 |
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Midland Heart hits century for March
This month Midland Heart has handed over 100 sets of house keys to customers moving on to new developments across the Midlands region.
Added on 1st January 0001 |
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Added on 1st January 0001 |
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Tackling the gender imbalance
We have teamed up with Women into Construction - an organisation connecting women with contractors and training agencies - to help tackle the gender imbalance in our property maintenance workforce.
Added on 1st January 0001 |
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Making the case for housing courts
As part of our response to the social housing green paper we have supported calls to pilot dedicated 'housing courts' in the Midlands.
Added on 1st January 0001 |
