LHT supported tenants raise the bar

An innovative move by Liverpool Housing Trust (LHT), part of Vicinity Group has led to the development of a new working forum for supported housing tenants. LHT supported tenants decided that they wanted to develop a new format for their working group to generate ideas and facilitate consultation, voting and approval procedures.

LHT has various methods of access and involvement for tenants ranging from board, panel or forum membership to auditing and mystery shopping. LHT supported tenants have decided that the new group will be called the Supported Tenants Ideas Group (STIG) and they have already designed their own logo and developed a working protocol. This will include input and approval of all LHT published communications, which may be sent or viewed by supported tenants.

Donna Kelly, Divisional Director, Housing & Support Services commented: "LHT has many ways of involving and listening to the opinions of our tenants; this group demonstrates that we can meet the needs of all tenants and tailor services to their requirements."

Elizabeth Craven who is a member of the new Supported Tenants Ideas Group said: "It’s a very good idea, what you’re doing now with this group and we are really enjoy the meetings."

The STIG logo will be published as a stamp of approval to demonstrate that LHT publications, letters, and surveys are understandable and accessible for more vulnerable tenants.

The new group allows for in-depth consultation and ensures that LHT supported tenants have an opportunity to be proactively and creatively involved in all of LHT's work. Their first meeting included consultation on an easy read guide entitled ‘Protect Yourself From Abuse’ which will be available for all vulnerable tenants. The group came up with some really useful clarification concerning the images and content, an early indication of the long term value of their input.