JBHA supports a week of community radio
20 January 2010
James Butcher Housing Association (JBHA) joined other leading housing associations to support community radio, Reading4U, in a week of broadcasts designed to help listeners find out about the housing support available in the Reading area.
JBHA took part in discussions about housing issues, including claiming benefits, support with rent arrears and how to find accommodation in Reading.
One of Reading4U’s star guests was JBHA resident, Mrs Gurung, a Gurkha living at Taylor Court in Reading. Mrs Gurung spoke to Reading Community Radio chairman, Eddie Winship, about the support JBHA has given to many Gurkha families throughout their successful campaign for UK residency.
Mrs Gurung said:
"My husband and I were housed by JBHA during a very uncertain and worrying time, and I was pleased to be able to share my experience on the radio. We were the first of the housing association’s Gurkhas to be permanently housed following the High Court ruling, and we're very grateful to JBHA staff for all the support they've given us."
Mr Winship said:
“We thank the housing associations for sponsoring Reading4U and for giving the people of Reading the chance to experience taking part in community radio.
“I am delighted with the support from the housing associations as well as the wider community in ensuring we delivered a wide range of community news and popular music 24-hours a day.
JBHA Community Involvement Officer, Kim Jakubiszyn, said:
“We were very pleased to play a part in Reading4U’s week of community radio. It was a great way to spread the message about the number of ways that housing associations, such as JBHA, can help people in the area. Involving residents in the broadcast really helped bring to life the difference that housing association support can make to people’s lives.”