Old Sarum newcomer teaches residents the art of neighbourliness

Published by AD for Sarsen Housing Association in Housing and also in Communities

A housing association, which is new to Salisbury, has been teaching new tenants how to be good neighbours.

Devizes-based Sarsen Housing Association is putting all new tenants through its ‘Ready to move’ scheme as part of its initiative to encourage neighbourliness in its communities. The housing provider has 57 homes for affordable rent on Lanfranc Close, part of 640 home development near old Sarum.

‘Ready to move’ is a one-day course that covers the basics of running a home, getting on with neighbours and managing money and bills. The course is run for Sarsen by Community4, a local organisation that provides housing support, information and advice.

Sarsen housing officer Carole Blake said: “We want new residents to learn about Sarsen and what we expect from them before they move in. We talk about what it means to be a good neighbour and give them the skills to sort out minor complaints before they get out of hand.”

Since the first residents moved in seven months ago, Sarsen has had no complaints of anti-social behaviour. Feedback from the residents attending the course has been positive and seven months most still say they found the course useful.

Lisa Francis, 21, said: “I found the course really helpful. Moving into your first home is scary. I didn’t know a lot about budgeting and paying bills and where I could go for help and advice. I got the chance to meet my neighbours before I moved in and now feel right at home.”

‘Ready to move’ was first launched to help people who had been living in hostels or found it difficult to manage a home in the past. Sarsen decided to adapt the course for all first-time residents as a compulsory part of becoming a Sarsen resident. The housing provider owns and manages around 6,000 homes in south west England course.

Head of neighbourhood housing Antony Higgins, said: “Offering people support before they move in to a home has a huge benefits. We’re spending less time and money chasing rent payments and sorting out neighbourhood disputes. It also gives us the chance to get to know our residents better and get them involved in what we’re doing.”