Priory View Independent Living Bringing our Community Charter to life Carol Rooker Head of Housing Operations Central Bedfordshire Council 1

Why have a Community Charter? Visible signal that we wanted residents who would embrace all the benefits that this brand new Independent Living Scheme would give them Gave a strong message that we had developed Priory View for people who wanted to be part of a Community Whilst we were clear from the beginning that we wanted residents to feel ‘independent’ we also wanted them to feel that some of that independence would come from looking out for each other and enjoying the facilities and activities

Café and Beauty Salon

How did we communicate about the Community Charter? The Charter was available when people first applied to live in Priory View Always spoke about the Charter at open day sessions All applicants were asked to confirm in writing that they would uphold the values that were spelt out in the Charter Successful applicants were reminded when signing up for their apartment that they had given their commitment to uphold the Charter Key phrases from the Charter were included in the wall art around the community and public areas of the building 4

What’s in the Community Charter? “Be open to joining in….Priory View is a thriving and supportive community” “Be a good neighbour….its important to look out for each other and lend a helping hand” “Have your say…talk to the Priory View team about ideas you’ve got for making Priory View a great place to live” “Respect each other….Being part of a Community means accepting other peoples differences and making the most of them” “Become a volunteer….everyone is encouraged to volunteer in whatever way they can”

Relaxing in the public open space

Bringing the Community Charter to life “Be open to joining in” Clear from the beginning that Priory View was for people who wanted to be part of a vibrant community The building was designed to encourage residents to come together in the beautiful open spaces to socialise and take part in activities Many of the open areas are community spaces and we actively encourage the local community to come in and enjoy the shared facilities – café, restaurant, spa, lounge areas

Bringing the Community Charter to life Clubs and Activities Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Sunday Gardening Club Book Club Dance to your own music Seated Exercise Coffee Morning Pottery Painting Christian Fellowship Film Club Games Afternoon Bingo Knit n Natter Craft Classes Coffee Afternoon Julie’s Art Project Bring your own monthly gathering Quizzing for beginners Pool Darts

Knit and Natter Club

Bringing the Community Charter to life “Be a good neighbour” We want residents who are willing to socialise with each other, look out for their neighbour and lend a helping hand The good news is that there are very visible signs that this part of the Charter is coming to life Residents are picking up newspapers for less mobile neighbours, going out with other residents who are less confident and encouraging others to join in with activities

Bringing the Community Charter to life “Having your say” This was always one area of the Community Charter where we thought that lots of residents would take up the offer to ‘have their say’ Currently we have a number of informal channels and members of the Priory View team working on the reception desk can often be found talking to residents who are ‘having their say’ We are now working on a proposal for the Residents Committee and this will be developed in consultation with residents

Bringing the Community Charter to life “Having your say…You said we did” Residents Association – training sessions on being a representative and effective committee meetings Residents Noticeboard – in the residents library. Managed and organised by the residents Controlled Parking Scheme for residents Improving the garden layout – moving the wildflower garden Updating the residents handbook – resident representatives involved

Bringing the Community Charter to life “Respect each other” An important part of being in a community is to accept other peoples differences and making the most of them We recognise that at Priory View residents have different views and needs. It is crucially important to us that everyone is respected and there is no tolerance of rude or offensive views, discrimination or harassment We have had some incidents of residents being rude to members of the Priory View team. These incidents have been addressed and a clear message has gone out to say that this sort of behaviour is unacceptable

Bringing the Community Charter to life “Become a volunteer” Everyone is encouraged to volunteer in whatever way they can to the community spirit of Priory View Its been a gradual build up but its growing We have a volunteer working on the Reception desk and we have had volunteers running stalls at Open Events and organising ticket sales for residents events

Highlights of the Community Charter in action Volunteering …you may have met Steve when you signed in at Reception ! Clubs … the garden club helped healthy eating over the summer with a good supply of runner beans and an honesty box Activities…residents organised their own Halloween Party – with food, music and optional dressing up. Elvis night coming up soon

Garden Club produce

What we’ve learnt…and how we might have done it differently? More work to build the community before occupation. More discussion of the community charter when people moved in. Starting committees earlier and enforcing the charter at the outset. Have a rolling orientation plan for everyone e.g. how to use hobs, heating etc.