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Date: 29 November 2017

SARH customers tackle technology

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Customers of Stafford's leading provider of affordable homes have been given the chance to get to grips with the latest technology during a ‘digital drop-in' session.

The event at Lichfield Court, an Independent Living Scheme managed by Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) was staged as part of the National Housing Federation's Community Impact Week.

It also had the backing of the Digital Eagles team at the Stafford branch of Barclays Bank who joined SARH staff in offering tips on how to get the most out of a tablet, lap top or mobile phone.

Laura Turner, SARH Customer Engagement Advisor, explained: "It is more important than ever to know how to access the internet and we wanted to help our customers to overcome their fears about technology whilst embracing the benefits it can bring.

"Social media can also be a great way to keep in touch with family and friends and online shopping has real benefits for people who may struggle to get out to a supermarket or local stores."

The internet has also become increasingly important for accessing information about benefits and other finance issues and, as part of its commitment to ‘making every contact count' with customers, SARH has developed a range of interactive services that can be accessed online.

One SARH customer to drop-in to the event was Sylvia Dodkins who wanted to know how to use the additional features on her mobile phone.

"I've got a mobile phone but I don't even know how to text," said Sylvia, who moved to Stafford four years ago from London to be close to her daughter who lives in the town.

"Once I've learnt how to do that, I might try to use the internet as well," she added.

Caption: Sylvia is pictured here with Louise Davies from Barclays and Patrick Lewis, SARH Marketing Assistant.

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About Stafford and Rural Homes

Stafford and Rural Homes (SARH) is the largest social landlord in Stafford with around 6,000 homes across Stafford, Stone and the rural villages across the Borough. Established in 2006 to own and manage the former Stafford Borough Council housing stock, SARH set up a trading subsidiary company Housing Worx, to deliver planned maintenance works to its properties and fulfil commercial contracts in 2012. SARH also offers 18 Independent Living schemes for people aged over 55 and an award winning Telecare home safety and personal security system for the elderly and vulnerable. SARH has invested more than £100 million on improvement and regeneration programmes and building over 500 high quality new homes for rent and shared ownership which have benefited SARH customers by improving neighbourhoods and creating job opportunities for local people. The housing association works in partnership with local authorities, health trusts, statutory bodies and a range of voluntary organisations to create safe, sustainable communities where residents can ‘Live, Work and Grow'.

Follow SARH on Twitter@SARHomes

Media contact:

Martin Farrow

CHANGEWORKS Communications
t:  + 44 (0) 1785 247588

m: +44 (0)7771 970025

e: mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk

Stafford and Rural Homes contact:

Mara Hargreaves
Marketing Manager

t:01785 216793 (Direct) 

m:07800 619 863 (Mobile)  

e:mara.hargreaves@sarh.co.uk