Anyone who is interested in their community or about the housing service as a whole can get involved at a level and in a way that best suits them. There are many ways to get involved, either as an individual or within a group. Listed below are a number of methods, with further information in the Tenant and Resident Participation Strategy (2004-2009):

Tenant and Resident Associations Consultative Committee (TRACC)

TRACC is a consultative organisation made up of representatives from Tenant and Resident Associations throughout the Borough and individual tenants. The organisation negotiates with Six Town Housing and the Council on behalf of all tenants concerning housing issues. Being part of TRACC also gives the opportunity to participate in various working groups, for example Repairs Advisory Group which is made up of tenants, repairs and housing staff and councillors, and meets to discuss and improve the repairs and maintenance service. Click on the link above to find out how you can become a member of TRACC.

Setting up a Tenants and Residents Association (TRA)

A Tenants and Residents Association is a formally recognised group of local people who want to make a difference in their community by having a strong and representative voice to address local issues of concern. As well as giving communities a real say on estate issues, TRAs allow the Council and other agencies (such as the police, youth service) to consult and work in partnership on important issues.

Setting up a tenants group in a Sheltered Scheme

Some schemes already have a social group or committee, but if they become a recognised tenants group, we can provide funding and support. Groups will meet to address issues that arise in the scheme and to organise social activities for all the tenants.

Setting up an Action group

Action groups are a group of local tenants and residents who meet on an ad hoc basis or when the need arises with housing staff, ward councillors and other relevant agencies (e.g. police, youth services) to share information, raise local issues of concern and work together to solve them.

Becoming a Services Inspector to carry out mystery shopping

Tenants and residents can take part in 'mystery shopping exercises' to carry out spot checks on housing offices, by phone and face to face, to see if our customer care and service quality is up to scratch.

Joining Home View

Home View is a tenant mailing list register whereby tenants are sent information to give their views on new housing policies or answer short surveys from their own home. This enables tenants who have limited time or have difficulty leaving their home, the opportunity to become involved.

Attending a Focus group

Focus groups bring together tenants and residents for discussion and to gather information and suggestions on housing topics. They may be in the form of focus interviews or group discussions, focusing on specific issues.

Attending an Estate walkabout

Estate walkabouts are organised to allow tenants and residents to tour an estate with council staff and councillors to identify any concerns in the area. They are an effective way of discussing how to solve any problems and how to tackle issues. A time scale is agreed so that residents can see that action is being taken.

Getting involved with Six Town Housing’s news magazine

A group of tenants and Six Town Housing staff form part of the Newsletter Editorial Panel to help produce ‘News from Six’ magazine. New volunteers who may have an interest in editing and publishing can join the panel. We also welcome contribution from tenants, residents and leaseholders towards articles…..so if you want to share your recipes or household tips with other readers, have ideas for future features, send stories on news or events in your area or to promote a community event, then please get in touch with the Community Involvement Team.

Attending the Annual Tenants’ and Leaseholders’ Conference

Once a year we hold a conference for tenants and leaseholders, to give an overview of the past year at Six Town Housing and to find out the priorities for the coming year. Featured at the conference are guest speakers, discussion workshops, exhibition stands, lunch, refreshments and prize draws.

Details of last year’s conference

Joining Bury Leaseholders’ Forum

The Bury Leaseholders’ Forum is an opportunity for all leaseholders in the borough to meet as a collective group and give their views on the services that affect them

Other ways you can get involved are: