PCHA's 'Groom Room' boosts residents' self-esteem

Friday, August 22, 2008

The opening of a hairdressing salon and foot treatment room at PCHA's Ernest Harriss House in West London, was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on 20 August. These are facilities for older residents and locals to enjoy.

After consultation with their tenants, staff at this PCHA sheltered housing scheme in Elgin Avenue converted a spare room to create the much-anticipated 'Groom Room'.


Those with mobility issues will particularly benefit from this facility, which aims to boost residents' health and self-esteem.


The salon received donations and support from Genesis Community, The Resident Involvement Team, PCHA's Supported Housing Department, Morrison Services and
Ernest Harriss House Silver Club.


Mrs Dingle, a resident at
Ernest Harriss House, suggested the name 'The Groom Room' for the salon and said, "The hairdressing salon is wonderfully accessible. It has created a great atmosphere here and we're all really pleased."


Pam Lockley, Managing Director of PCHA (part of Genesis Housing Group), said "This initiative is an excellent example of how an innovative idea can bring so many benefits to older residents - both here and in the wider community. It's a pleasure to launch this scheme which is clearly very popular with its easy access and great atmosphere.


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For further information about Genesis, please contact

Diana Evans on 020 8150 4178 / email diana.evans@ghg.org.uk


Notes to editors

PCHA has over 40 years experience of owning and managing homes. It currently provides homes and services to more than 10,000 households. PCHA owns and/or manages homes in 18 boroughs across London and the south east. Services include housing management, leasehold management services for shared owners and support services for vulnerable residents.


Genesis Community

was set up in 2005 by Genesis Housing Group. It is a charitable foundation created to fulfil Genesis Housing Group's commitments to address the challenges of deprivation and social exclusion in disadvantaged areas. Projects delivered by Genesis Community focus on the key themes of young people, vulnerable and elderly people, safer communities, financial inclusion and training and employment.


With over 50 projects running in over 15 boroughs across

London and the south east, Genesis Community has built a reputation as an exceptional project partner and as an innovative provider of community initiatives.


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 successful housing groups in the UK. Genesis Housing Group owns and/or manages more than 38,000 homes across London and the south east. Its overiding aim is to put customers first and provide excellent service to all.