Together with Tenants June 2026
Estate Engagement
In June, Sophie and Sara were out carrying out an estate walkabout on the Whinfield Estate. They took the opportunity to inspect the local area and speak directly with residents.
During the visit, a couple of instances of fly-tipping were identified and reported for action. They also noted areas where weeds required attention and arranged to raise them with the Street Scene team.
As well as environmental issues, the walkabout provided a chance to engage with residents. To listen to their views and discuss any concerns they had about their neighbourhood.
It was great to speak to several residents while enjoying the sunny weather. These conversations help Housing Services better understand local issues and continue working towards maintaining clean, safe, and welcoming communities.
Rockwell House – Community Achievement
In June, tenants at Rockwell House showed the power of community spirit! They came together to raise funds for a life-saving defibrillator (defib).
Residents worked together and raised the required funds in less than two weeks. This showed outstanding commitment, teamwork and determination. To help cover the remaining costs, a community fund application was also submitted. This allowed the project to be completed as quickly as possible.
The defib has now been installed on the outside wall at Rockwell House, where is can be accessed in an emergency. A bleed control kit has also been provided giving the community more emergency response equipment.
This equipment is available for Rockwell House residents and the wider community. This provides reassurance that vital life-saving equipment is close at hand in an emergency.
This is a fantastic example of what can be done when tenants work together towards a common goal. Their dedication and community minded approach will have a lasting positive impact and could help save lives in the future.
Police and Housing Services at Rosemary Court
In June, Housing Officer Amanda and PCSO Douglas visited Rosemary Court. They met with tenants and discussed local community issues.
The visit gave residents the chance to raise any concerns, ask questions, and receive advice in an informal setting. They also enjoyed a cup of coffee together. Events like these are a good way to ensure tenants' voices are heard. Neighbourhood issues can be identified and addressed at an early stage.
The visit was another excellent example of partnership working between Housing Services and Durham Constabulary. It showed a shared commitment to support residents and promote safe, welcoming communities.
By working together and engaging with tenants, both teams play an important role in helping residents feel supported. These visits also ensure neighbourhoods remain safe places to live.
The Housing Team Visits Hull City Council Housing
In June, Tenant Involvement Officers Sara and Matthew visited Hull City Council Housing. They learnt more about the ways tenants are involved in shaping housing services and strengthening their communities.
During the visit, they attended Hull's Tenant Forum. Here residents and housing staff work together to discuss issues, share ideas and help influence decisions. They also met with the Women's Voice Resident Association and learned how the group engages residents and promotes community involvement.
As part of the day, Sara and Matthew took part in an estate walkabout. They saw first hand how Hull works with tenants to identify neighbourhood priorities and address local concerns.
The visit provided a great moment to share ideas, learn from good practice and explore new approaches to tenant engagement. By working together and learning from other organisations, we can continue to develop opportunities for residents to have a meaningful voice in shaping the services and communities that matter to them.
Garden Awards
In June, Housing Officers began identifying potential winners for this year's Housing Officer Garden Awards. This recognises residents who take pride in their gardens and help make our neighbourhoods attractive places to live.
As part of the awards, prizes were presented to residents in Branksome, Haughton and Skerne Park. The winners were delighted to receive recognition for their hard work and dedication.
The awards celebrate the positive contribution that residents make to their communities through maintaining beautiful gardens and communal spaces. This creates welcoming environments for everyone to enjoy.
The Garden Competition remains open until 31 August. Residents can enter or be nominated in the following categories:
- Best individual garden
- Best communal garden
- Best housing scheme
The competition is a fantastic way to highlight the effort, creativity and community pride shown by residents across our neighbourhoods. We look forward to seeing more wonderful gardens throughout the summer and celebrating the achievements of our tenants and housing schemes.
