LGBTQ+ resident forum – join us if you can
Our LGBTQ+ resident forum meets this Thursday, 17 December at 5.30pm. Please email us if you’d like to attend so we can send you the link to the virtual meeting.
Thursday’s meeting will focus specifically on your ideas for a new project to improve the experience of residents from LGBTQ+ communities. The project is being led by a small group of staff who are participating in our emerging leaders programme, one of several initiatives we offer to support career development at Notting Hill Genesis. Ultimately, the project aims to achieve Pledge Plus status from HouseProud, the LGBTQ+ network for the housing sector.
The emerging leaders team are keen to hear how you think we might be able to tailor our services to better meet the needs of LGBTQ+ residents. We’ll discuss how we can make you feel heard when it comes to reporting issues, what staff training could be beneficial and, of course, what events you’d like to see once in-person meetings are possible again.
This is an important chance for those of you in LGBTQ+ communities to speak out about what’s important to you and to get involved in bringing about change at Notting Hill Genesis. The more information and ideas you give us, the better. If you’re unable to join us on Thursday, please feel free to email your ideas so we can consider them alongside what we hear at the meeting.
About HouseProud
Established in 2015, HouseProud aims to connect LGBTQ+ staff working across the social housing sector and provide them with opportunities to network and campaign for LGBTQ+ residents on housing-related issues. In 2017, they conducted a survey, No Place Like Home, which considered LGBTQ+ residents’ experiences of living in social housing. Many reported being lonely and fearful, and having feelings of unease when letting landlords and repair contractors into their homes. It’s those sorts of issues our new project aims to address.
Notting Hill Genesis is already accredited as a Pledge Pioneer with HouseProud, which means that we’re recognised for our commitment to ensuring LGBTQ+ residents can have an input at executive and/or strategic level, increasing LGBTQ+ visibility and offering relevant staff training.
Jennifer Dowley works at Notting Hill Genesis as an operations and lettings co-ordinator in the temporary housing department. She’s currently enrolled on our Emerging leaders programme which aims to accelerate participants’ development, giving them new skills to ease their progress into senior or management roles. With colleagues Michelle Russell and Francesca Walton who are also on the programme, Jennifer has embarked on a HouseProud project to help make NHG more inclusive and welcoming for our LGBTQ+ residents.