Barrow

June 2022

You said: Residents complained about the misuse of communal areas.

We did: We asked all residents to keep their dogs under control, especially when in the outdoor communal areas, so that they can be used and enjoyed by all households.

June 2020

You said: We received complaints of anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and parties (during the lockdown).

We did: We're working on CCTV and extra street lighting to make sure that this estate is a safe and attractive place to live.

June 2022

You said: Residents complained about the misuse of communal areas.

We did: We had heard reports of non-residents using the outdoor communal areas to hold parties. We consulted with customers about converting the grassed areas to wildflower meadows. This way, residents could still benefit from a colourful, attractive and environmentally-friendly living environment - but it would no longer be suitable for holding parties.

August 2019

You said: Residents would like to be recognised for the care and attention they pay to maintaining an attractive living environment.

We did: We facilitated an inter-scheme gardening competition for all Independent Living schemes in the region. We awarded prizes (and trophies) for 'Best Garden', 'Most Improved & Inspiring Garden' and 'Engagement & Inclusion'.

February 2020

You said: Residents could benefit from a reminder about fire safety.

We did: We arranged for the local Fire Officer to attend to talk to residents about health and safety. The Fire Officer returned the following week with a fire engine to surprise residents with a photo shoot as thanks for their support and cooperation.

May 2020

You said: In the grip of the coronavirus crisis, some residents at this Independent Living scheme were at risk of loneliness and isolation.

We did: The challenging circumstances did not stop residents from celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day. The Scheme Manager decorated the scheme and arranged a toast to mark the occasion. Residents and staff are working collectively to build community spirit at this unnerving time, all the while maintaining social distancing.

August 2020

You said: In 2020, we took the decision to close communal lounges in all schemes across the country. The aim was to minimise contact between residents and to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading. As the country began to emerge from lockdown, some residents wanted the communal lounges to reopen.

We did: We consulted with residents to determine whether they would be in favour of reopening the communal lounge and what safety measures they would like to see in place if the communal lounge were to reopen.

November 2021

You said: Residents missed seeing our staff and contractors out on-site, due to the coronavirus restrictions, and were starting to feel disenfranchised.

We did: As restrictions began to lift, our thoughts turned once again to how we could safely meet with customers face-to-face once again and deliver a 'personal' customer experience. Our staff visited the estate to catch-up with residents (new and existing), to find out how they'd been coping with the restrictions and provide any support they could. The restrictions had led to a backlog of repairs in some areas. Our staff were on hand to take reports of repairs and chase up any repairs which were outstanding.

The local teams organised litter picks and talked with residents about what they wanted for their schemes. They discussed estate services improvements, including replacing fencing, and residents had the chance to have their voices heard before more formal consultations about future improvements are made. We were also joined by our repairs contractor and our grounds maintenance contractor who completed odd jobs at the same time, which went down really well. The events were all a great success, with residents appreciating the chance to meet and talk with us in person again.

June 2022

You said: Residents would like more interaction with one another, the staff who deliver their services and the local community.

We did: We helped to arrange a party to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Many residents and their relatives attended. Entertainment was provided by a local singer.

June 2022

You said: Residents complained about dog fouling in the outdoor communal areas.

We did: We issued a reminder about responsible pet ownership to all households, following two separate reports of dogs running loose on the estate. We also thanked those who had been playing their part in helping to keep the estate tidy.

November 2019

You said: Residents would like more involvement with the wider community.

We did: Residents at this Extra Care scheme enjoyed an inter-generational session with children from a local nursery. 

Our friends from the local nursery returned at Christmas. Together with residents, they decorated gingerbread men, played games and sang songs from their nativity play. We also invited local voluntary singing group to spread Christmas cheer. Residents thoroughly enjoyed singing along and getting into the festive spirit.

April 2020

You said: In the grip of the coronavirus crisis, some residents at this Extra Care scheme were at risk of loneliness and isolation.

We did: We arranged a pen-pal scheme with local children to boost residents' spirits and spread some happiness. The pen-pal scheme has helped to keep residents occupied and engaged at a very unnerving time. 

Residents also enjoyed a game of socially-distant 'Window Bingo', which involved a megaphone in the car park!

March 2022

You said: Residents would like more choice over the meal service.

We did: Residents at this Extra Care scheme benefit from meals prepared on the on-site restaurant. The restaurant also provides a bistro service for visitors to the scheme, serving snacks and drinks from 9-5pm, seven days a week. We consulted with residents about whether, in the interest of value for money, they would be in favour of reducing the opening hours of the bistro - so that visitors can still benefit from somewhere pleasant and homely to enjoy time with their families, while reducing the impact on service charges. We also invited customers to be involved in the selection of new contractors to run the service.

June 2022

You said: Residents would like more interaction with one another, the staff who deliver their services and the local community.

We did: We helped to arrange a party to celebrate the Queen's Platinum Jubilee. Many residents and their relatives attended. Entertainment was provided by a local singer.