‘Involving All’, An Incredible Success
TPAS Scotland held a very successful event on Friday 25th February. Held in the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow, the ‘Involving All’ event gave tenants, and community groups the opportunity to discuss the upcoming Social Housing Charter with housing professionals and to take part in a number of workshops.
Representatives from Scottish Government, The Scottish Housing Regulator and TPAS Scotland’s Chief Executive, Lesley Baird, all gave interesting and informative presentations highlighting potential issues regarding the Charter and effective tenant participation.
The event also allowed tenants and community groups to share their experiences and promote understanding of the issues that are important to them. Informative and engaging workshops were given by representatives from The Gypsy Traveller Community, West Lothian Council’s Voice of The Homeless and The Edinburgh Youth Cafe. Key Housing also held a workshop on supporting adults with learning difficulties and Aberdeen Sheltered Housing Network highlighted issues that may affect elderly people. Govanhill Housing Association delivered a workshop concentrating on issues affecting Black Minority Ethnic groups.
The ‘Involving All’ event not only highlighted the importance of involving community groups in the creation of the Social Housing Charter, but also allowed delegates to meet people from different sections of society and to build a network of contacts that will benefit all.
Comments from those who attended the event support its relevance and success. Mark Hughes, from Partick Housing Association, for instance, said the event had ‘excellent speakers, providing valuable information’. Elizabeth Viola of Queens Cross Housing Association also highlighted the effectiveness of the workshops: ‘I enjoyed the day and thought there was a good mix of workshops’. Others focused on the event’s commitment to good practice: ‘Great to hear so much good practice going on…’