Our House Summer 2017 | Page 4

4 NEWS Rockin’ and rollin’ at Bracken House Go mad at CoCoMAD Customers in the Stirchley, Birmingham will lead this year’s CoCoMAD Festival trolley procession. Customers at Bracken House recently enjoyed a special 1950s American Diner Day. Burgers, fries and milkshakes were enjoyed, and everyone danced and sang the day away to some Rock n’ Roll classics in 1950s fancy dress. Staff came up with the idea following their Eden Accreditation training, which is all about helping people with dementia to engage by stimulating their memories through interaction with children, animals, nature and music. The day helped to increase physical activity among customers, as well as spark some lively discussions about life in the 1950s. Customers’ families were also encouraged to attend, so everyone had a great time socialising and rocking around the clock! No cash please, we’re digital From 30th June 2017, we will no longer be accepting cash as payment for rent at our Moseley office. But don’t worry, there are lots of other simple ways to pay, such as direct debit or at a Paypoint. Speak to the duty officer on reception or your housing officer to set up your preferred payment method. CoCoMAD (COtteridge COmmunity Festival of Music, Art & Dance) is a free family event held every year in Cotteridge Park on 1st July. It is organised by the Friends of Cotteridge Park volunteers and this year the theme is mental health awareness. The festival attracts about 6,000 attendees and 2017 is its 21st year. The Accord float will have a housing theme. For more details, visit cotteridgepark.org.uk New developments If you’re interested in what we plan to build and where, we’ve created a new section on our website called New Developments. The page gives details about the kinds of properties we’re building, maps showing where they will be, and information on how to apply to live there. Visit accordgroup. org.uk/new-developments to find out more.