What does it mean to be on the Lancashire Forum of Progress Care Housing Association?
By David Robinson, a tenant of Progress Care Housing Association
Well I can tell you that to tenants like us/me living in supported housing it means a great deal. The opportunity to become directly involved in how our housing association operates in delivering its service to its tenants is too great an opportunity to miss.
We used to live in an age when the opinions of those who actually in housing didn't really count as long as they had a roof over their heads, an age that thankfully has now been consigned to history. In the 21st Century in the new era of social responsibility & accountability the opinions of tenants receiving services are more important than ever. It is the opinions & thoughts of those who experience the system at first hand that can make all the difference in raising standards and even cutting costs at the same time.
The Lancashire Forum has achieved goals out of all proportion to its size, starting with the "do's & don'ts" poster in 2007 to combat anti-social behaviour through to tenants taking an active part in the Budget Panel meetings. When we first became involved in tenant participation I don't think that even the most optimistic of us realised what could be achieved.
We believe that the role of tenant influence is more important than ever, that the satisfaction gained by being able to take an active part cannot be measured. I just wish we could get more tenants on the panel. Long may it continue.
David Robinson
Lancashire Forum
If you would like to join the Lancashire Forum, please contact your tenant engagement team by email or by telephoning on 01772 450890.
