Good news stories in May 2026
Resident Feedback – Skerne Park Improvements
REGEN has been carrying out improvement works across the Skerne Park area, and it’s great to share some positive feedback from a local resident.
The tenant expressed how pleased she is with the upgrades to her home, particularly the installation of new windows and doors. She had high praise for the team on site, describing the workmen as “brilliant” and highlighting their professionalism throughout the process.
Overall, she is extremely satisfied with both the quality of the work and the excellent service provided.
A Very Royal Day Out
It is not often that a member of our team gets invited to an audience with the King and Queen.
In May Housing Manager Janette McMain was invited to the Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace in recognition of her hard work and dedication to community work for homelessness in Darlington including creating good partnership with the third sector that she has shown over the last 16 years.
Janette has worked in the housing team for 40 years this year gaining her first role in Housing Benefits in August 1986 and going on to work as a management officer, neighbourhood manager before working in the homelessness team.
With the Royal Couple in attendance, the event was blessed with glorious spring sunshine.
Several people from around the council were nominated by their director to attend with Janette a very worthy candidate from the Housing Team
‘I want to say a big thank you to Janette for all the work she does for our communities’ Head of Housing Claire Gardner-Queen.
Congratulations from everyone in the Housing Team.
Rockwell House – Community Achievement
Tenants at Rockwell House have some fantastic news to share!
Residents have worked together to raise funds to buy a defibrillator (DEFIB), achieving this in under two weeks.
Their teamwork and commitment have been outstanding. In addition, a community fund application was submitted to help top up the remaining amount.
As a result, this important piece of life-saving equipment has now been successfully installed on the outside wall at Rockwell House. A bleed control (blood) kit has also been provided.
This equipment is available not only for residents but also for the wider community, should it ever be needed. This is a great example of the positive impact tenants can have when they come together.
Red Hall Community Safety Event
A successful Community Safety Event took place in Red Hall in May 2026, organised by Darlington Borough Council Housing Services. The day brought together a range of key partners including Civic Enforcement, Police, Lifeline, Move More, the Income Team, and a local councillor, all working collaboratively to support residents and strengthen community ties.
A variety of helpful resources were made available, with Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB), fly-tipping, and Crimestoppers leaflets distributed to tenants. These materials aim to empower residents with the information they need to report concerns and help keep their community safe.
The Housing Team also distributed feedback forms on what is working well and what they would like to change in the community.
The event was positively received, with residents sharing valuable feedback:
- “Very good for the community”
- “A great way to meet people”
- “Good to bring people together”
- “A chance for everyone to feel heard”
Housing Officer Ryan expressed his appreciation, thanking everyone who attended and contributed to the success of the day.
