How to run successful Residents Meetings

The organization provides supported flats, tenancy support and emergency hostel accommodation to young people between 16 and 22.

Main Learning Point: Recognizing that discussions need to happen with service users and staff if policies are to be fit for purpose and understood.

What we did

• It was determined at a residents meeting that there was a lack of understanding of policies.
• We created a new handbook, service users changed layout, assisted in design, added pictures, etc.
• Service users took control of handbook, considered the content more etc.
• Result – better understanding of policies.
• 10 service users worked with several staff
• The final handbook was a compromise for everyone who got involved.

What was good about the activity?

• The great thing about the activity was that the service and the understanding about policies changed as a direct result of the activity.
• Service users really enjoyed taking part and gained skills (design, administration etc..) in the process.
• There was also a greater sense of health and fire safety in the hostels
• The handbooks are kept so that we can review changes over time

What could have been improved?

• We could have carried out an evaluation to assess impact, but there were definitely noticeable changes as a result of this activity.
• We could possibly review as service users come and go, so there is ownership over the handbook for those who are there.

Resources to consider.

• Staff time
• Service user hospitality (travel costs if necessary and food/drink costs)
• Print costs
• Extra print costs when reviewed and updated

For further help and advice, read the 'how to' guide on resident's meetings from from the Toolkit.

We would like to find out about your thoughts on this activity, so please feel free to add anything from your experiences, or ask a question in the comments section below.