Resident Engagement - You ask, we do
Co-creation sessions with residents
Recently, we held two well attended co-creation sessions with residents, looking at rent letters and our new resident newsletter.
There was a clear theme of residents wanting SLH to communicate in a way that was clear and jargon free – whether this was explaining what a new rent amount would be and how we could help, or sharing how and why we carry out some of our Building Safety checks.
20 residents joined the first session looking at what changes they would like to see to rent letters, to improve the clarity and accessibility of the information and support available, led by Finance.
Welcome to the first edition of South Lakes News & Views – our brand new resident newsletter!!!
A further 15 residents shared what they would like to see in a newsletter or refreshed annual report. Feedback from the residents who attended was incredibly positive, including one who thanked us for involving them and said:
‘I would like to thank you so much for an amazing meeting today. Everyone was amazingly kind, professional and empowering. I felt, for the first time in over two years, valued, safe and worthy as a person. I felt included and not frightened. Inclusion empowers people and enhances confidence. I feel deeply humbled by your kindness. I am overwhelmed.’
Resident Census
Since March 2025 we have been conducting our Resident Census, with colleagues from across SLH ‘door knocking’ and visiting residents in person, as well as offering surveys by phone and on-line. We received a fantastic response from both residents and colleagues. As well as providing opportunities to resolve issues for residents whilst completing their census, it has really helped us understand the needs you and the people in your home have, allowing us to deliver better services.
We have now asked everyone up to 3 times if they would like to complete their census and will continue to keep census information updated.
The information is helping us improve our knowledge of who lives in our homes, so we can make reasonable adjustments when delivering services such as repairs.
Your input has informed our planning and service improvements.
Community events:
Every year we organise a number of local community events, including our summer roadshows. halloween celebrations and fund-raising events.
Our Neighbourhoods team organised a series of summer roadshows, focussing on connecting our local communities and getting people talking. Six events had been planned and five were able to go ahead, with the planned event in Milnthorpe being cancelled because of bad weather!
As well as having some fun, colleagues from across SLH met with you, listening to your ideas and concerns.
Your feedback and ideas are helping to shape our policies, strategies and services.
Our Independence team and some of our residents also hold regular events throughout our schemes
What a wonderful and well attended charity raffle and coffee morning hosted by ‘Friends of Birthwaite‘ at Birthwaite, in Windermere, in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support.
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Decide how we invest in communities with our Community Improvement Fund
Following the relaunch of our Community Improvement Fund, we had 4 additional applications totalling £972.50.
This supported plants for a communal garden at Castle Walk and the introduction of a cycle store at Charters Way.
Well done Castle Walk!!
Barbara had the pleasure of gifting a £50 Voucher from South Lakes Housing, awarded from our Community Improvement Fund, to two of our amazing tenants at Castle Walk. Not to forget Joan who couldn’t make the photo but contributed to the great gardening being done.
Like many residents, they go above and beyond to make sure the schemes are looking great. Amazing job
Talk to us at an Estate Walkabout and Independence Wellbeing Session
Our friendly and experienced Neighbourhood and Independence teams are here to listen and help.
New Independence programmes launched to support physical and mental wellbeing
Regular walkabouts with residents have helped us address issues quickly
Tea tasting at our Summer Roadshow at Hall Park, Burneside
Planting at our Summer Roadshow at Binfold Croft, Kirkby Lonsdale