Award for Aberdeen Council Tenants

The Aberdeen Sheltered Housing Network has become the first tenants group in Scotland to receive a new award for tenant participation.

The Tenant Participation Advisory Service for Scotland awarded the Aberdeen Sheltered Housing Network in recognition of their commitment to speaking up for Aberdeen’s elderly Council tenants.

Over 80 people have attended some of the groups meetings which are attracting tenants from across Aberdeen City.

Lesley Baird, Chief Executive of TPAS Scotland was delighted that the Aberdeen based group is the first tenants group to successfully achieve the award.

Lesley said, "We are hugely impressed with the work of these volunteers. They have managed to unite the City’s elderly tenants and get round the table with the Council’s top decision makers.

Mrs Baird added, "It is clear that Aberdeen City Council are listening and learning from their tenants. The Sheltered Housing Network thoroughly deserves this award."

Alice Brebber, Chair of the group believes their success is down to encouraging new people to get involved and working with the Council to find solutions. "We always make new people feel welcome and we have built up a good working relationship with the Council. Achieving this award is great news for the Network.

Councillor Aileen Malone, Convenor of the Housing and Environment Committee for Aberdeen City Council said, "The network has gone from strength to strength. The council find the Network’s feedback really useful and this helps us to provide quality services that people want." Achieving TPAS Accreditation involves Organisations opening their doors to independent scrutiny of how tenants are involved in influencing their housing service.

TPAS will soon be releasing a good practice briefing note on the success of the Aberdeen Sheltered Housing Network.