How to get involved

We aim to provide excellent services to all of our customers.

And, we will work in partnership with Gateshead Council and tenants, to deliver homes and services that meet the aspirations of the people of Gateshead.

We are dedicated to making it easier for you to get involved in shaping the services we provide, to ensure we deliver efficient and effective services.

By getting involved you can;

• Have a direct input into the housing decisions that affect you. For example, the repairs service, home improvements, standards of service and housing policies.
• Make your area a better place to live. For example, by helping to beat vandalism or improve your environment.
• Help tackle local issues that affect you, such as, nuisance, car parking, safety and security.
• Help us provide a better quality, customer focused, housing service.
• Have a stronger voice when you join with other tenants.
• Create a better community spirit for your area. For example, through social or fund raising events.
• Receive training and skills.
• Promote equal opportunities in your community.

How do I get involved?

There are a number ways to get involved, some of which you may already be aware of.

These include, tenants and residents' associations and the Tenants' Forum.

We recognise that sometimes it can be difficult for customers to get more involved - so we will offer a range of opportunities to you.

We will also look to involve young people, people from black and minority ethnic communities, people who are hard of hearing, or who have a disability.

Possible involvement opportunities are;

Low level involvement

• This website
• Filling in a satisfaction card after HomeRepairs or Decent Homes works.
• Filling in a survey in an office or over the telephone.
• Reading The Gateshead Housing Company’s customer newspaper.
• Attending exhibitions for home improvements.
• Attending social and cultural events.

More active involvement

• Going on Estate Tours with your local estate officer.
• Attending the board meetings.
• Becoming a Mystery Shopper.
• Becoming a tenant board member.
• Attending focus groups.
• Attend the tenant or leaseholder forums.

How much time will it take?

Different levels of involvement will take different amounts of time, depending on what you want to do.

Involvement can range from a five minute telephone call, to find out you views on a repair, to a two hour meeting.

It can be a 'one off', or you can get involved on a regular basis. It's your choice.

I haven't done anything like this before, how can I help?

We are interested in hearing people's views from all areas, ages, genders, ethnic origins and users of all of our services.

This includes customers in sheltered or multi-storey accommodation, and young people, who may not even have their own homes yet.

If you have any questions about becoming more actively involved, help and support is available.

Who to contact?

If you would like to get involved, please complete our online form.

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