Minister hears how tenants help the community

Housing Minister John Healey found out how tenants in Stainforth, Doncaster, have used free training to benefit themselves and the community while chatting to them over breakfast.

The Minister visited the Polton Close Tenants’ and Residents’ Association, to hear first hand how tenants are becoming more effectively involved in their community. He also heard how some of them have trained in food hygiene and preparation. Since completing the courses they now provide meals at the centre benefiting other tenants and residents from the area. Some of these tenants have also trained in committee skills and first aid.

St Leger Homes of Doncaster – the organisation that manages around 21,000 homes for Doncaster Council – provide the tenant training and explained to the Minister how the organisation works with and supports tenants. Tenants are involved in all levels of the company including at Board level to focus groups, they have input into the tenant newsletter and in all forms of consultation.

John Healey said: “We want residents to have more involvement and more influence in the way housing services are run and delivered. It is vital tenants have a bigger say and that housing providers listen to views and tailor their services to better meet their needs.

“It was great to meet the people involved in the Polton Close Tenants’ and Residents’ Association and hear how they are developing new skills and getting really involved – they are a model that should inspire similar groups elsewhere.”

Susan Jordan, Chief Executive of St Leger Homes, said: “St Leger Homes aims to empower tenants and provides a range of training for them. Tenants at Polton Close have benefited from some of the training and have then used it to benefit the community by providing meals at their community centre. It’s great.”

Eddie Nesbitt, Chair of Polton Close Tenants’ and Residents’ Association (TARA), said: “It’s been great meeting John Healey and being able to speak to him on housing matters. A big thank you to everyone who came along to the breakfast event. It was a fantastic morning.”

The Polton Close TARA has also raised around £6,000 over 5 years for a variety of charities including the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Macmillan Nurses.

Polton Close is one of 52 TARAs across Doncaster, whose roles are to represent views of tenants and residents who live in the area and influence the services St Leger Homes provides.