Some of our tenants belong to Tenants’ Associations or Tenant Panels. These Associations/Panels are representative groups for the area in which they live. They meet regularly to discuss housing, community, environmental matters and also organise various social events. The groups enable tenants to get together and use ‘power in numbers’ to get things changed for the better. They give the area a voice with the Association and help to build a relationship between the two.

These tenant groups are run independently of the Association but if you want to set up a residents’ group we can help you. We can provide you with funding, training and support. We will also give practical support such as photocopying and sending letters. The forming of a Tenants’ group is not as difficult as you may think and allows the Association to have a better understanding of local concerns. Together we can make positive changes and it can be a good opportunity for tenants to get together and create a more caring community.

A good example of a Tenants’ Association/Panel is one where tenants work together organising such events as outings…Christmas gifts…donations to charity….gifts for newborn babies …..collections for bereaved families in the street….supporting the local special needs school. Another group has undertaken major environmental improvements by developing a wildlife communal garden and placing hanging baskets throughout their estate.