Our Area Forums have become a crucial part of building stronger, more connected communities across the region. Whether it’s sharing valuable information, addressing local issues, or offering a listening ear, these forums provide a range of opportunities.
We spoke with customers Ann and Tony, who share their experiences of taking part.
Ann: Staying informed and being social
Ann has been an active member of the Consett Area Forum for two years, and said joining the forum was about staying informed.
“You find out what’s going on. It’s a chance to give your point of view, and they listen.”
Ann has also referred one of her neighbours to our Money Matters service. She said: “I’d heard about the Money Matters Team at one of the forums. I was able to put my neighbour in touch with the team and helped her to get the support she needed.”
“The Customer Engagement Team is great. Plus, there’s always a nice cup of tea and biscuits—it’s a social space too.”
Pauline: Having a voice and finding support
Pauline was intrigued by the forum’s potential to make a real impact.
“The people are lovely and it’s informative. I used to go to bigger meetings, but you don’t get as much information there. Here, you’re heard, and things happen,” she says.
Pauline often makes other residents in her scheme aware of the agendas for the meetings or brings questions on behalf of others.
“One of my neighbours was concerned about an anti-social behaviour issue that residents were experiencing, so I brought her along with me to one of the meetings. She was very pleased that Chris from the Community Safety Team gave her time to speak with him one to one and that within two days of their conversation action had been taken.”
Pauline appreciates the face-to-face contact the forums provide and the direct feedback. “You come back and they’ve got answers for you. It’s not just talk, it’s action.”
Tony: Seeing both sides
Tony is a customer and employee and has been attending the Chester-le-Street forum for three years.
Tony’s unique position allows him to see both sides - what Karbon is doing as an organisation and how it affects customers. “People sometimes think the call waiting times are still long, but I can share that we’re answering within 50 seconds now. It’s great to clear up those misconceptions.”
He is also able to promote Karbon’s services and support systems, and for him, it’s a source of pride. “I’m proud to be a Karbon employee. The forums are a hive of information. It’s not just about discussing issues, it’s about building connections between Karbon colleagues and customers, and that’s powerful.”
Join your local forum
We currently have local area forums in Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Northumberland, Newcastle/North Tyneside, Haltwhistle, Hexham and Prudhoe, with new forums starting in Gateshead/South Tyneside and South Durham/Teesside over the next year.
We’d love to see you at a forum. You’ll find friendly faces, valuable insights and maybe even a biscuit or two.
Want to get involved? Find out all the ways you can get involved by emailing connectwithkarbon@karbonhomes.co.uk or call 0800 164 0111
Our Area Forums have become a crucial part of building stronger, more connected communities across the region. Whether it’s sharing valuable information, addressing local issues, or offering a listening ear, these forums provide a range of opportunities.
We spoke with customers Ann and Tony, who share their experiences of taking part.
Ann: Staying informed and being social
Ann has been an active member of the Consett Area Forum for two years, and said joining the forum was about staying informed.
“You find out what’s going on. It’s a chance to give your point of view, and they listen.”
Ann has also referred one of her neighbours to our Money Matters service. She said: “I’d heard about the Money Matters Team at one of the forums. I was able to put my neighbour in touch with the team and helped her to get the support she needed.”
“The Customer Engagement Team is great. Plus, there’s always a nice cup of tea and biscuits—it’s a social space too.”
Pauline: Having a voice and finding support
Pauline was intrigued by the forum’s potential to make a real impact.
“The people are lovely and it’s informative. I used to go to bigger meetings, but you don’t get as much information there. Here, you’re heard, and things happen,” she says.
Pauline often makes other residents in her scheme aware of the agendas for the meetings or brings questions on behalf of others.
“One of my neighbours was concerned about an anti-social behaviour issue that residents were experiencing, so I brought her along with me to one of the meetings. She was very pleased that Chris from the Community Safety Team gave her time to speak with him one to one and that within two days of their conversation action had been taken.”
Pauline appreciates the face-to-face contact the forums provide and the direct feedback. “You come back and they’ve got answers for you. It’s not just talk, it’s action.”
Tony: Seeing both sides
Tony is a customer and employee and has been attending the Chester-le-Street forum for three years.
Tony’s unique position allows him to see both sides - what Karbon is doing as an organisation and how it affects customers. “People sometimes think the call waiting times are still long, but I can share that we’re answering within 50 seconds now. It’s great to clear up those misconceptions.”
He is also able to promote Karbon’s services and support systems, and for him, it’s a source of pride. “I’m proud to be a Karbon employee. The forums are a hive of information. It’s not just about discussing issues, it’s about building connections between Karbon colleagues and customers, and that’s powerful.”
Join your local forum
We currently have local area forums in Stanley, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Northumberland, Newcastle/North Tyneside, Haltwhistle, Hexham and Prudhoe, with new forums starting in Gateshead/South Tyneside and South Durham/Teesside over the next year.
We’d love to see you at a forum. You’ll find friendly faces, valuable insights and maybe even a biscuit or two.
Want to get involved? Find out all the ways you can get involved by emailing connectwithkarbon@karbonhomes.co.uk or call 0800 164 0111
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