Are you looking for ways to make a difference to your home and community? If so, our Involved Residents groups could be right up your street!
What are Involved Residents?
Involved Residents are customers who volunteer to share their opinions on our work, as your landlord, and put forward ideas to make improvements. A series of groups are already up and running and more are coming soon.
So, whether you’ve a specific passion for a topic such as the environment or you’ve a more general interest in helping to shape the services you receive, put yourself forward and make your voice heard.
Phil’s story
Phil Thornton, one of our customers from Blyth, tells us what he gets out of being involved in our Environment Group and Scrutiny Bank.
“I got to the grand age of 60 thinking it didn’t matter if you spoke up because nothing ever really changes. But I’ve finally realised that if you put a bit of effort in you get a lot back.
The whole thing started for me when I spotted a letter that came through the door asking for people to get involved in a climate change project. To be honest, I’d always been one of those people who wasn’t interested in climate change but I thought this would help open my eyes and might be a way to help others too.
That one-off project then led to me joining two regular groups.
They’re both very friendly and welcoming. Everyone speaks freely and openly. We nibble away at issues, making little changes that all add up to something much bigger.
"You don’t have to be an expert in anything, just have some common sense and be prepared to share what you think."
I’d always been a shy and quiet person and I’d never really come out of my shell. But this has given me an opportunity to have a voice and it’s a really good feeling to be listened to. You feel validated and feel like someone cares because Karbon takes on board our ideas and opinions.
I’ve realised if I can make a little bit of a difference, and everyone else does too, it all adds up to something pretty powerful.”
Take a look at the different ways you can get involved with shaping your community...
Karbon Residents’ Committee
Monitors Karbon’s performance and complaints. Also gets involved with scrutiny, customer insight, equality and diversity.
Scrutiny Bank
Examines and inspects Karbon’s services. Reports its thoughts directly to the Board for consideration when making decisions about improvements.
Area Forums
Focuses on local issues, as well as learning about Karbon’s performance and services. Community groups and partners are also involved.
Sheltered Housing Group
Explores issues which affect customers living in older person’s accommodation.
Environment Group
Focuses on environmental issues and projects relating to specific places.
Coming soon...
Complaints Review Panel
Reviews how we perform against our Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions Policy. Helps customers who need support in making a complaint.
Leasehold Forum
For customers who own all or part of their home as a leaseholder. Discusses service delivery, cost and shapes our leasehold service.
Karbon Children and Young People’s Panel
Gives a platform to young people so their voice is heard by their landlord.
How it works
Get involved online from home or come along to a friendly get together. Groups meet at various times and travel expenses are covered. We’ll even provide a taxi to help you get to venues. Of course, tea, biscuits and a good chat come as standard!
Not sure which group suits you best? Don’t worry, we’ll help. Call Sandy Swinhoe on 07849 847955 or email connect@karbonhomes.co.uk to have an informal chat.
Are you looking for ways to make a difference to your home and community? If so, our Involved Residents groups could be right up your street!
What are Involved Residents?
Involved Residents are customers who volunteer to share their opinions on our work, as your landlord, and put forward ideas to make improvements. A series of groups are already up and running and more are coming soon.
So, whether you’ve a specific passion for a topic such as the environment or you’ve a more general interest in helping to shape the services you receive, put yourself forward and make your voice heard.
Phil’s story
Phil Thornton, one of our customers from Blyth, tells us what he gets out of being involved in our Environment Group and Scrutiny Bank.
“I got to the grand age of 60 thinking it didn’t matter if you spoke up because nothing ever really changes. But I’ve finally realised that if you put a bit of effort in you get a lot back.
The whole thing started for me when I spotted a letter that came through the door asking for people to get involved in a climate change project. To be honest, I’d always been one of those people who wasn’t interested in climate change but I thought this would help open my eyes and might be a way to help others too.
That one-off project then led to me joining two regular groups.
They’re both very friendly and welcoming. Everyone speaks freely and openly. We nibble away at issues, making little changes that all add up to something much bigger.
"You don’t have to be an expert in anything, just have some common sense and be prepared to share what you think."
I’d always been a shy and quiet person and I’d never really come out of my shell. But this has given me an opportunity to have a voice and it’s a really good feeling to be listened to. You feel validated and feel like someone cares because Karbon takes on board our ideas and opinions.
I’ve realised if I can make a little bit of a difference, and everyone else does too, it all adds up to something pretty powerful.”
Take a look at the different ways you can get involved with shaping your community...
Karbon Residents’ Committee
Monitors Karbon’s performance and complaints. Also gets involved with scrutiny, customer insight, equality and diversity.
Scrutiny Bank
Examines and inspects Karbon’s services. Reports its thoughts directly to the Board for consideration when making decisions about improvements.
Area Forums
Focuses on local issues, as well as learning about Karbon’s performance and services. Community groups and partners are also involved.
Sheltered Housing Group
Explores issues which affect customers living in older person’s accommodation.
Environment Group
Focuses on environmental issues and projects relating to specific places.
Coming soon...
Complaints Review Panel
Reviews how we perform against our Complaints, Compliments and Suggestions Policy. Helps customers who need support in making a complaint.
Leasehold Forum
For customers who own all or part of their home as a leaseholder. Discusses service delivery, cost and shapes our leasehold service.
Karbon Children and Young People’s Panel
Gives a platform to young people so their voice is heard by their landlord.
How it works
Get involved online from home or come along to a friendly get together. Groups meet at various times and travel expenses are covered. We’ll even provide a taxi to help you get to venues. Of course, tea, biscuits and a good chat come as standard!
Not sure which group suits you best? Don’t worry, we’ll help. Call Sandy Swinhoe on 07849 847955 or email connect@karbonhomes.co.uk to have an informal chat.
More news
First phase of affordable homes at Seaham Garden Village gets underway
At Home with Karbon summer edition has landed
Hello! A very warm welcome to the summer edition of At home with Karbon, where you’ll find engaging stories and helpful information.