“The Hyde staff took time to listen to everyone’s opinions and I could tell my views really mattered to Hyde.” Charlie, aged 15 from Birdfield, Southampton

Hyde’s ‘youth bus’ event was set up to find out what younger residents want from their Local Offer. Twenty-eight youngsters boarded the bus in Southampton to tell Hyde Martlet staff about their neighbourhood and how it could be improved.

The bus was kitted out with games consoles and music, with pizza was on offer. “The event proved a great success” said Anne-Marie Tyer, Resident Involvement Co-ordinator. “Young residents gave their views on how Hyde could improve by writing them on a specially-created graffiti wall”.

Thanks to the youth bus Hyde now has lots of teenagers keen to get involved. Hyde are working with the local council following issues raised by the youngsters and are discussing the set up of new play areas and sports facilities.

Hyde Martlet has set up a Youth Forum, so that young resident representatives can continue to work with Hyde in improving the community and services.

“Even though I haven’t been in the classroom for over 40 years and don’t consider myself to have good IT skills, I really benefited from the Residents Inspectors Course. It has given me a good understanding of housing and encouraged me to improve my skills further and to get more involved.” Joyce Dawkins, Hyde Minster resident

Joyce’s involvement with Hyde Minster began by attending the odd fun day, but when approached by staff with the opportunity to become a Resident Inspector she was keen to find out more. 

Having qualified for her level two Chartered Institute of Housing quality inspection course, Joyce now feels she can put herself in her landlords’ shoes and believes that is a great advantage for tenant-led inspections.

“Joyce has made valuable contributions to improving Hyde’s service, as well as improving her own knowledge and skills” said Tracey Croucher, Community Regeneration Co-ordinator.

“I had never really used a computer before prior to taking this course, and struggled to get to grips with it” said Joyce. “But Hyde kindly sponsored me to go on a computer course which made it much easier”. 

Since qualifying, Joyce has become a valuable member of the Hyde Minster Resident’s Forum, attending every meeting and giving much-needed feedback on inspections.

“I was apprehensive, but quickly realised the committee will work well. Hyde is serious about Resident Assurance Committees succeeding.” Phil Beckett, a committee member and resident of The Grove in Islington

“I am excited about the Resident Assurance Committee, it is the way forward. I hope we continue to work as a team.” Doris Hester, committee member from Hyde Village in Islington

Work has already begun for Hyde Northside residents in Islington, North London to pilot a Resident Assurance Committee. The new committee has replaced four existing Hyde Northside Estate Boards and a Community Board, who were each working separately. 

There are three representatives from each estate and two independent members. A representative from Islington Council has also been invited to join the committee, to maintain a direct link between Hyde Northside and the Local Authority.

“These committees will have much greater influence in shaping Hyde’s services to meet their local needs” says Julia Johnson, Head of Resident Engagement.

A representative from each committee across the Group will be nominated to sit on Hydewide Residents Voice (HRV), Hyde’s principal panel of residents. The Chair of HRV sits on the Group Operations Committee, a formal committee of the Group Board. They will feedback top-level messages to residents of HRV, who will then report back to their local committees and other local groups and panels.