Every year Eastlands Homes hold's a Fun and Feedback Day for it's Tenants, it is a way of giving something back to it's customers and gathering feedback on how well it is doing. Customer involvement is vital to the success of  Eastlands Homes, so far they have lived up their promises, and now there are even more ways for customers to be actively involved in changing how services are delivered.

This years event was bigger and better, it was held at Belle Vue Leisure Centre, Longsight. Transport was provided free of charge for anyone wanting to come to the event, pickup points in all areas were available although this was limited because of the vastness of the area now covered by Eastlands Homes, a knock effect of the recent stock transfer.

A variety of stalls provided a wealth of Help and Information for customers, with Eastlands staff on hand to answer any questions, stalls included were

Eastlands Financial Inclusion Team, Eastlands Rents Team, Working Links, Work Solutions, Loan Shark Team (Just a stall), JHP Employability, Money Mentors, Manchester Credit Union, Not Just A Bump, JobCentre Plus, The Generation Project Advocacy Service, Gorton Library, MEAP (Aids & Adaptations), Skills Solutions, Skills for Life, Experienced Volunteering, Manchester Dogs Home, Dyslexia Stall, Scout Movement, Connexions, Macmillan Cancer Support, Eastlands Customer Involvement, ESOL (Barnados), East Manchester Academy, Manchester Sports and Leisure Trust.

Now to the fun stuff, and there was lots of it, so here goes.

Connaught Contractors (Hook a Duck), Sambangra (drumming), Simon Bernstein, Raptor Experience (birds of prey), Climbing Wall, Te-Sheng-Do (Karate Kickboxing), Nigel Cooke (caricaturist), Poultry Management, David Beckham (look-a-like), Moonchester (Manchester City Mascot), Clowns, Mystic Debbie (Debbie Teece), Flower Arranging, Hanging Baskets, Bingo, Box fit Class, Sponge Throwing, Childrens Games, Kwik Cricket, Penalty Shootout, Face Painting, Sumo suit wrestling, Arts and Craft Stall, Wallpaper Hanging demonstration, Street dancing, Talent Contest, Dancing and Music courtesy of an excellent DJ (Danny), Balloons, etc, etc. And did I mention lots of freebies and handouts.

Emergency and Essential services were also in attendance including Greater Manchester County Fire Service, Police and PCSO's and Neighbourhood Wardens, first aid provided by St John's Ambulance, there was also food available in the shape of Harts Hot Tempatations and McMullans Ice Cream, sorry if I forgot anyone.

My favourites were the Birds of Prey from Raptor Experience, people were able to handle and get up close with Hawks, Falcons and Owls.

I thought the Clowns were very naughty at times, misbehavin in a nice way, made me laugh a few times watching them. I was first to sit down with Nigel Cooke (caricaturist), actually dreading what I would look like, when I saw the finished caricature I smiled, he captured my best features I believe.

Danny the DJ worked very hard trying to whip up the crowd and showing everyone a few dance steps, the children had a good time (ps video to come soon).

A big round of applause to all the staff and volunteers who made it such a great day out.

And a special mention to Ashley (she did work very hard) although can you call dancing and getting in the party mood hard work? only joking, I witnessed not just Ashley but all the Eastlands homes staff working very hard.

Initial reports suggest attendance was good and the feedback was very favourable, just what one would expect from a Housing Association that listens, keep up the good work Eastlands Homes. 

Below are a few favourites from the event, many more can be seen in the Gallery.

Karen from Connaught on the Hook a Duck stall

Police and PCSO enjoying a moment with the Clown

David Beckham look-a-like posing with a family

East Manchester Academy handing out freebies

Clown entertaining children

Sheila Doran (Chief Executive of Eastlands Homes) chatting with customers

Eastlands Homes staff enjoying the day