Our Scheme Walkabouts are continuing across our communities this week, giving customers the chance to speak directly with our teams, raise issues that matter to them, and help us keep our schemes safe, welcoming and well maintained.
Today, colleagues from our Property, Neighbourhoods and Estates teams visited West End Village and Hanover House as part of our latest programme of scheme walkabouts. These visits give us the opportunity to spend time in our communities, check communal areas, identify any issues that need attention, and hear directly from customers about the things that matter most to you.
At West End Village, the team carried out a full inspection of the scheme and identified several issues that have now been reported for action, including communal lighting that was out in places, areas requiring decoration, and a loose door handle that will be repaired.
Alongside this, the team spent time speaking with customers about their homes, tenancies and any concerns they wanted to raise, helping ensure support is available where it's needed and that any issues can be acted upon quickly.
The team also checked in on a vacant property currently progressing through the shared ownership sales process.
(Pictured: West End Village resident June and Neighbourhood Officer Mandy)
While out and about, they met June, who has lived at West End Village for around ten years and stopped to share her experience of living in the community.
"I love living here at West End Village. I love being surrounded by a community of people. I've been here for around ten years and love it. It's my home and the staff are always so supportive."
The team also caught up with Tony, who spoke about the positive difference moving to the village has made to his independence.
"Before moving to the village, we lived in Penkhull for over 30 years. But there were around 14 steps to get in and out of my home, so it took my independence away. Moving here has been brilliant because it means I can come and go as I want to. I love it here and the staff are really great.
(Pictured: West End Village resident Tony, Neighbourhood Officer Mandy, and Gardener Craig)
Whenever I've got an issue, I report things and they get sorted. If they tell me they're going to do something, I believe them because they always do. They always sort things out whenever there's a problem. The service at reception is always exceptional and the staff always go above and beyond to help and support you."
In the afternoon, the team headed to Hanover House to carry out a scheme walkabout and spend time speaking with customers about their experiences of living at the scheme.
During the visit, the team inspected communal areas and followed up on a previously reported issue with the bin store. They also identified several items that will now be addressed, including communal lighting that was not working and a fire door closer that required new batteries.
As well as checking the scheme, the team took the opportunity to speak with customers and hear first-hand about what's working well and any concerns they may have.
(Pictured: Gardener Craig, Hanover House resident Brian, Property Surveyor Wendy, and Neighbourhood Officer Mandy)
While there, they met Brian, who has lived at Hanover House for the past three years and enjoys the sense of community and peaceful surroundings the scheme offers.
"It's nice here, it's quiet and everyone living here are good people. I used to live at West End Village years ago, and I think one day I'll return there if I ever get the chance. I'm thinking of getting rid of my car and being surrounded by amenities and things right on my doorstep again!"
Scheme Walkabouts are an important part of how we stay connected to our communities. By regularly visiting our schemes, speaking with customers and addressing issues raised, we're able to make improvements that matter to the people who live there and ensure our neighbourhoods remain safe, welcoming places to call home.
If you missed the team during the walkabout, we'd still love to hear from you. You can call us on 01782 744533 or email neighbourhoods@staffshousing.org.uk.
To find out when we'll be visiting your community next, visit www.staffshousing.org.uk/schemewalkabout
Thank you to everyone who stopped for a chat and shared their feedback with us. We always enjoy hearing from you and working together to make our communities great places to live.
