News in brief

This February marks LGBT+ History Month, and we’re delighted to celebrate the significant milestones achieved by the LGBT+ community. All our homes and communities should be places where you can freely express your sexual orientation and gender identity without fear or prejudice.

At Eastlight, we’re committed to building better relationships with our LGBT+ residents, and you can find more about what we’re doing via our website. If you need to speak to someone or need support, then please contact us.

Alternatively, our partners at The OutHouse provide support and information in Essex. Click here for their website.

The All In Alliances have been continuing to work their magic in your communities across Braintree, Halstead, Witham and Colchester. From plans to create a community hub, to improving parking and more, the alliances are making a positive difference to your local areas. The next meetings are taking place this spring. Join an Alliance near you here. 

Plus, Grow With the Flow, a project created during our All In community programme, recently received £10,000 from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue their mission of tackling period poverty and education in Halstead – well done ladies!

Since September 2023, two new gas contractors, Axis Europe and Gas Call, have begun carrying out all gas and oil services and repairs in your homes. Axis Europe are servicing homes with postcodes beginning with CO, IP and NR. If your postcode begins with CM, CB or SS, then Gas Call Services are supporting you.

If you’re a disabled resident, we would like to hear from you. We are working with disability organisation Purple to create accessible and sustainable homes and services that residents want and need. Our Disability Inclusion project aims to understand the challenges faced by Eastlight residents who live with a range of disabilities. These conversations will then support the vital accessibility improvements we can make to your homes and services. If you would like to share your experiences, please register your interest by Friday, 29 March.

Please call us, visit us or email shine@eastlighthomes.co.uk, leaving your name, contact details and preferred method of communication.

£96,000 has been gifted to 10 fantastic community organisations! The Braintree District and Eastlight Community Fund, a joint fund between Braintree District Council and Eastlight, has awarded £1 million to local causes since 2015. Funded organisations include Halstead Community Shed, Heads2Minds, the Salvation Army Housing Association, Home-Start Essex, the Empire Theatre Trust, Braintree Youth Project Charity (left), Majendie Trinity Explorer, 4th Braintree Scout Group, Tabor Centre and Ferriers Barn.

We’re excited to have completed our milestone 1000th new home at our fully-affordable Eastlight-led development in Halstead.

The high quality and energy efficient home – a wheelchair accessible bungalow – belongs to the 71-home Mount Hill development.

Amanda Hayward, who moved into the landmark home with her partner and son, said:

"We’ve been on the housing waiting list, so long, it’s like a weight that’s lifted. This home is going to make a huge difference to my life.”