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Hackney Homes is working in partnership with Amatica to break down language and communication barriers. Phase 1 of a dynamic new self-service solution is already up and running with multi-lingual kiosks located in five neighbourhood offices.

Residents can access up-to-date information on housing services, community events and news, as well as direct links to Hackney Council’s own website.  Currently available in French, Somali, Chinese, Turkish and English, future plans include the addition of Gujarati and Vietnamese to further broaden the use of this application.

Using a simple touch-screen technology supported by intelligent software, residents can pay their rent, report faults and check when maintenance work is due to be carried out on their property.  The system has been designed for ease of use, so even those with little or no IT experience can benefit.

Meeting the communication challenges of diverse community groups, such as Hackney’s, is no mean feat.  Providing an inclusive information resource ensures that all members of the community feel valued and recognised. This, in itself, acts as a powerful catalyst that promotes integration and creates a stronger sense of community, whilst taking the pressure off overstretched services and optimising Local Authority resources.

Phase 2 of the project will see the kiosks go live with telephone handsets enabling residents to talk directly to the call centre from their nearest kiosk.  In Phase 3 of the project, residents will be able to use the kiosk’s video conferencing facility to have face-to-face contact with someone who speaks their own language or access an expert with the help of an online translator. 

© Amatica 27/09/2006