In response to new legislation, the Disability Equality Duty, disabled tenants helped Purbeck Housing Trust develop an Disability Equality Scheme and action plan.

Disabled tenants now regularly meet to discuss ways the Housing Trust can enhance services and make a real difference to the lives of disabled people. They developed an action plan which has now been approved by the Board of Trustees.

A spokesperson from the disabled tenants explained how since the group was formed they have formed a close working relationship and covered a lot of ground. They went on to say; "We all feel that there have already been some very positive outcomes from our input for Tenants of PHT who have a Disability. It is rewarding to note that the Board have accepted our proposals with an action plan."

Jane Hands, Senior Sheltered Housing Officer, at Purbeck Housing Trust commented, “We welcome this new legislation and recognise the need to ensure that disability equality is embedded in all that we do and that the needs of all are considered routinely.

“We work hard to make sure everyone is included and provide access to all our services. We are committed to doing everything we can to remove barriers to equality and support everyone in gaining choice and control in their life.

I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in this work, especially our disabled residents who have helped to shape this scheme and whose future input is vital to its' success”.

If you would like more information about the Disability Equality Scheme, please contact Jane Hands on 01929 558453, or email j.hands@purbeckhousing.co.uk.