We’re committed to making sure residents have a voice in shaping life at Housing 21. Here’s a roundup of the latest forums and networks in both Extra Care and Retirement Living where residents are getting involved.
Disability Forum:
The Disability Forum held its first meeting of 2025 and now provides regular updates at the Extra Care Forum. This group shares lived experiences and offers recommendations to help improve accessibility at Housing 21. They’re looking for new members – if you’re interested, please contact StrategicOperationsTeam@Housing21.org.uk. Meetings are held on Microsoft Teams.
Resident Service Charge Network:
A new resident-led network has been created to focus on service charges. This group helps Housing 21 make service charges easier to understand. Meetings are held monthly on Microsoft Teams, chaired by a resident, with Housing 21 representatives including Tracy Jones (Head of Operational Development) and Richard Lawton (Rent Service Charge Accounting Manager). New members are always welcome – contact StrategicOperationsTeam@Housing21.org.uk to get involved.
Environmental Awareness Group:
Another new resident-led network, this group focuses on Housing 21’s environmental impact and exploring greener approaches. If you’d like to take part or learn more, contact Dean.Doerr@Housing21.org.uk.
LGBT+ Resident Forum:
The LGBT+ @ Housing 21 resident forum provides a safe and inclusive space for LGBT+ residents to share their experiences and help shape positive change.
The forum meet quarterly on Microsoft Teams, with discussions based on topics suggested by members. At our last session, they discussed:
- Whether the name ‘LGBT+ Forum’ represents the group effectively
- What members want the forum to achieve
- Daily life as an LGBT+ resident at Housing 21
- Support and resources for LGBT+ residents
Their next meeting is on Monday 14 April 2025 at 2pm, where they’ll be setting objectives for the year ahead and discussing ways to make Housing 21 even more inclusive.
If you’d like to get involved, email our Researcher, Mabelle House, who is our current chair. Email: mabelle.house@housing21.org.uk
