On 30 October, Springboard, part of Genesis Housing Group, held its ninth annual Fun Day to bring customers and staff together in a relaxed environment, share information and give Springboard's customers the opportunity to express their opinions about the services they receive.

330 customers from across East London and Essex attended the Cliffs Pavilion Theatre in Westcliff-on-Sea where they were able to visit stands manned by staff from Springboard's departments such as Rent Collection, Property Services, Supported Housing and Customer Relations.

While there was a 'Have Your Say' stand where customers were able to tell Springboard staff what they should include in their business plan for the coming year, staff manning other stands organised word searches, quizzes and puzzles, and filled up customers' goody bags with freebies. Customers were also encouraged to enjoy a free, relaxing head, neck and shoulder massage and have a manicure.

Genesis Community, the charitable arm of Genesis Housing Group, showcased their highly successful IT project to teach people basic computing skills, Essex UnITe. There were workstations and training for customers who were also able to test their skills on the Wii.

A 'Springboard's Got Talent' show was held for Springboard customers. Six acts variously sang, danced and played guitar before the winner, chosen by a panel of Springboard customers, received a trophy and £100 gift voucher.

The show was followed by presentations by managers at Springboard, and a Q&A session where customers were able to put staff on the spot and ask for answers to questions that were important to them.

Mrs Sylvia Harvey, a Springboard customer, said "It was a most enjoyable day. The venue and food were great and I loved the talent contest. It was the best customer day I've been to yet."

Springboard's Chair, Steve Woolridge, said: "It was superb to see so many of our customers make this event. Having chatted to as many as I could they all had a really good time and very much welcome the opportunity of meeting staff and looking around all the stalls. The Q&A session was also very useful with us picking up some regular themes. What struck me also was how many people took the trouble to speak out in praise of our services and staff - something we should justly be proud of. It was also good to see Neil Hadden there after only four weeks in the role. This gave him first-hand exposure to the Springboard customers, and his attendance was also greatly appreciated by the staff. All in all, an excellent event."

Neil Hadden, the new Chief Executive of Genesis Housing Group, attended the event and said "I was very pleased to attend Friday's event. It gave me an opportunity to listen to what our customers are saying and it was also good to hear the many compliments made about our staff. It also gave me the chance to learn more about what the group is doing and meet some very committed staff."

PICTURE CAPTION (L-R):

Residents at Morgan Close, Dagenham: Vera Chapman and Eileen Griffiths, with Springboard staff members: Lisa Hayes - Health Safety Advisor and John Burns - Customer Relations Administrator

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Notes to editors

Genesis Housing Group provides homes and services to tens of thousands of people across London and the south east. The Group consists of PCHA, Pathmeads and Springboard housing associations. It also has a charitable foundation, Genesis Community, and is one of the largest and most diverse housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 40,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.

Springboard joined Genesis Housing Group in April 2005 and currently supports more than 5,000 households in 24 local authority areas across London, Essex and Hertfordshire. In addition to general needs housing, shared ownership and leasehold properties, Springboard specialises in supported housing for older people and those with special needs.