A residents’ group is made up of people who want to try and improve things where they live. Generally they meet together to support each other and seek to resolve any problems they encounter in their neighbourhood, as well as working towards specific projects (e.g. playgrounds for children).
What do they do?
Residents’ groups seek to represent local residents’ views to those who make decisions affecting the local community. Meetings or special events take place where everyone is given a chance to share their opinions about issues.
Representatives of Aspire Housing, Councillors and community workers (as well as the Health Authority and the Police etc) are invited to attend by residents to respond to some of the matters raised.
Residents’ groups can also help local communities to work together, and often arrange a variety of activities, such as coach trips, litter campaigns and social events.
Why form a group?
- To influence our policies and have a say in the way in which your home is managed
- To be able to work with us to ensure that residents are receiving relevant information and the support that they need
- To contribute towards making community spirit stronger where you live
- To gain new experiences and skills
- To make new friends and meet others who live in your area
- To take part in community led activities and projects that help to improve the area where you live
What can you do first?
Our Resident Involvement Team provides training and support for residents’ groups. The team can advise you on how you can set up your group, as well as putting you in touch with any existing residents’ groups that may already be operating in your area or elsewhere within the Borough.
Groups are more than willing to share their knowledge and experiences with you (e.g. about setting up a residents’ group, applying for funding etc).
Getting Started
Listen to the ideas and views of people around you. Talk to your friends or neighbours and ask them if they would be interested in starting a group. Once a few people are interested, an informal meeting can be arranged (perhaps in someones home) where you can discuss common problems and issues, which the group can tackle.
Bringing everyone together
After an informal meeting has taken place, this is a good time to come and talk to us about what you need to do next. It is usually best to hold a public meeting to discuss the way ahead with others in your area. We can help you arrange and promote the event, making sure that you have everything you need to make it a success.
Being clear about your aims
Once it looks like you have enough people interested, we can help you to make everyone aware of what the group represents and what it hopes to work towards. Once agreed, we can help you to publicise:
- The group’s aims
- The way your group is organised
- The group’s way of working
- The area your group covers
- How the group intends to treat everyone fairly and equally
How you can receive help
We will provide help as long as you can:
- Follow rules that have been agreed by your group and ourselves. Work democratically in an acceptable manner. Hold an AGM (Annual General Meeting) at which residents who will lead the group can be elected. Represent all residents in the area that your group covers.
What will you get in return?
- A start-up grant
- An annual finance grant
- Full support from our Resident Involvement and Neighbourhood Teams.
- Training opportunities and invitations to attend meetings / events
- Advice on our services
- The chance to join the Community Panels and Customer Panel (and get involved in shaping the future of Aspire Housing and its policies).
If you would like to find out more, why not contact the Resident Involvement Team on 01782 635200 for an information pack or an informal chat. Alternatively, you can call in, write to us, e-mail us or visit our Mobile Office.
