[KF] Residents on Barnet's largest housing estate are being offered the chance to become stars of the screen thanks to the first dedicated estate television station ever to be launched in the UK.
Grahame Park TV (GPTV) has started broadcasting from a large screen in The Concourse, with short films, messages from landlord Barnet Homes - Barnet Council's ALMO - and partner organisations, and general information on what's going on in the area.
It is the first time that a British social landlord has introduced its own dedicated television facility for tenants and leaseholders.
GPTV will give residents on Grahame Park the chance to appear on screen - whether it's to wish someone happy birthday, tell a joke, show off their musical skills or give their views on the future for Grahame Park.
Throughout the six month campaign, key messages will be automatically sent to residents' mobile phones in The Concourse through Bluetooth technology.
Barnet Homes, which manages around 1,700 properties on the estate, set up the six month project with the aim of raising residents' awareness of the wide range of support and activities available in the area.
Barnet Homes Chief Executive, Tracey Lees, said:
"The way in which our residents are communicating is changing, and it is up to social landlords to embrace that change. In particular, we have to look at new ways of engaging with young people on our estates.
"We know there are a significant number of residents on Grahame Park who are unlikely to read our newsletters or information sent to them in the post. As a result they're missing out on a whole range of services and activities, and that can sometimes give rise to issues such as unemployment and antisocial behaviour.
"We hope that GPTV will help to bridge this gap. There'll be clear messages and information both on the television screen itself and sent through to people's mobile phones. I hope residents will engage with the project, and that it will help us in our efforts to make Grahame Park a place where people feel proud to live."
Staff from Barnet Homes have been working with members of a youth support organisation, Nutmeg, to create some initial videos for GPTV.
Other organisations who will be supplying campaigns include Barnet Council, the Metropolitan Police, Barnet Primary Care Trust and Jobcentre Plus.
More information about the project can be found at www.grahameparktv.co.uk.
First Estate Based TV Station Launched
