Merlin Academy to improve residents skills

Published by Hywel LLoyd for Merlin Housing Society in Housing

Merlin Housing Society has launched a three-year training programme to boost residents’ skills.

The Merlin Academy has been set up to give residents the skills to help improve Merlin’s services. Among the courses on offer are computer skills, leadership, public speaking and how to chair a meeting. There’s also the chance to spend time with housing staff to see what they do on a day-to-day basis. The programme was developed by residents working with Merlin’s Community Investment Team.

Community Investment Manager Jen Griffiths said: “The Merlin Academy will help our customers gain the skills and confident they need to carry out their roles as involved residents. The Academy seeks to provide our customers with choice and flexibility over the courses that they do and will allow them to plan their development at a time and pace to suit them.

“Investing in the Academy is an important part of our aim to invest in communities. These aren’t just bricks and mortar; communities are people too. Our involved residents are incredibly dedicated and by working in partnership with us through the Academy, we can ensure they have the right skills to make improvements and ensure we deliver excellent services to our customers.”

The Merlin Academy was launched at the organisation’s involved residents’ conference at the end of last month. Details of all the courses are available from Merlin’s website, www.merlinhs.co.uk