Sovereign South+West, a leading provider of social housing in Bristol and the surrounding area, has been focused on listening to residents’ needs and working in partnership to regenerate Barton Hill since 2001. As part of this, Sovereign has regularly consulted with residents on changes in Barton Hill and the results have brought much needed new affordable homes and better services to residents in the area.
The new Housing Champions project is also an excellent example of how Sovereign is involving Barton Hill residents. This initiative is allowing residents to act as guides and to support new people moving to the area. Sovereign has invested £5000 in the initiative, which is being launched in partnership with the Barton Hill Settlement, Housing Solutions and social landlords Bristol City Council, Guinness Hermitage, Places for People and Solon Housing Association.
The first workshops to help train local residents were held in April and there are now 6 Housing Champions ready to help people in Barton Hill. This means that they are now fully trained to offer a range of services to new residents, including a guided tour, which is either done on the phone or in person at someone’s home or on foot around Barton Hill. Another important thing the Housing Champions can offer is ongoing support to help signpost new people to the facilities and services that they will need to help them get the most out of living in the area.
Terry Black, Neighbourhood Investment Co-ordinator for Sovereign South+West, noted, “The Housing Champions project is a really good example of how organisations are working together in Barton Hill. We have come up with an innovative way to let residents help other people who are new to the area. They will be there to help support new residents every step of the way, armed with the right knowledge and training.”
If you live in the area and would like to access this new service please contact Maggie Reardon, Community Development Worker at the Barton Hill Settlement on telephone 0117 955 6971.
