Children Clean up their Hampshire Neighbourhood during Easter

Around twenty children living on an estate in Liphook in Hampshire, got together over the Easter holidays to make a difference to their local environment.  Supported by officers from Drum and Hyde Housing Associations and the Environmental Health team from East Hampshire District Council, the children picked up all the litter in the local area.

After an hour of litter picking, Jake, aged 13, who took part in the Youth Make a Difference' day, explained "I've lived on this estate for over three and a half years and I have never seen it look this clean.  It makes me feel a lot happier to see it like this!"

All the children who took part were presented with Easter eggs, goody bags and certificates congratulating them on taking part in making the area a nicer place to live.  

 "Schemes like this one aim to reduce anti-social behaviour and promote healthy living and valuable life skills, like teamwork and respect," explains Sandra Theckston, Director of Drum, "In addition, positive engagement with young people reduces boredom, which is one of the components of anti-social behaviour."

The significance that Drum and Hyde place on such quality activities, led them to work in partnership with each other, and to liaise with the Environmental Health team.

"We knew that this project would be beneficial to all the community, including our own residents, explains Rebecca Waters, Resident Involvement Officer from Hyde Housing," "We will be rolling out this event to more of our estates as it was a really successful day, and the kids had great fun!"

END

Photographs



Jake and his friend place rubbish on a Drum grounds maintenance van



The children put their backs into lifting all sorts of rubbish found on their estate



The children and officers form Drum, Hyde and the local Environmental health stop for a break and some food after working hard all morning.

Notes for the Editor

Drum Housing Association is a social landlord registered with the Housing Corporation (a Government agency responsible for the regulation of housing associations) and is a not-for-profit social organisation.  Drum is part of the Radian Group, who provides affordable housing across six counties in the South of England.

For further information please contact Maria Garside, Public Relations Manager on 01730 403080 or 07748 113364, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Drum Housing Association, Drum Court, The Spain, Petersfield, Hampshire, GU32 3NG
rother.radian.co.uk