Orwell's Tenancy Sustainment Team have recently completed a series of informative and engaging "Welcome Workshops." These workshops aim to empower tenants with essential life skills, financial literacy, and effective tenancy management strategies.
Empowering New Customers
The morning sessions, held in community centres across Ipswich and Lowestoft, covered a range of crucial topics:
- Budgeting: Participants learned practical budgeting techniques, including how to create a budget, track expenses, and save money effectively. The team emphasised the importance of financial stability for maintaining successful tenancies.
- Benefits Guidance: Understanding the intricacies of benefits can be daunting. During the workshops, attendees received clear explanations about available benefits, eligibility criteria, and how to navigate the system.
- Life Skills: This was a shorter, more informal session covering topics such as cleaning hacks, maintaining your home and garden, reporting repairs and damp, mould and condensation.
- Tenancy Management: New tenants received practical advice on managing their tenancies effectively. Topics included reporting repairs, understanding tenancy agreements, and building positive relationships with landlords.
Community Engagement
The Tenancy Sustainment Team intentionally chose community venues for the workshops. By hosting them outside traditional office settings, they encouraged more customers to attend. The team believes that fostering a sense of community and belonging contributes to successful tenancies.
Future Plans
The success of the initial workshops has inspired the team to expand their efforts. They plan to organise at least two more workshops later this year, potentially in other areas. Additionally, recognising the importance of accessibility, they aim to introduce digital workshops for those unable to attend in person.
Jonathon Cox, Housing Services Manager for Orwell, expressed his enthusiasm: "Our 'Welcome Workshops' are about more than just information-sharing; they're about building connections and empowering our customers. We're excited to continue this initiative and support our tenants on their housing journey."
As the Tenancy Sustainment Team continues its mission, it remains committed to ensuring that every new tenant feels confident, informed, and ready to thrive in their new home.
