Over 200 people gathered at the Kassam Stadium to take part in “A Day out for a Change”, a unique joint event between Vale Housing Association and Soha housing, the first time the two organisations have worked together in this way.
The day was designed to give tenants of the two organisations the opportunity to comment on topical issues affecting housing associations, as well as being a fun day out and a chance to meet staff and other tenants. Six workshops were held to discuss particular topics in greater depth, such as anti-social behaviour and developing new services. Ideas suggested at these workshop will be used by The Vale Housing Association and Soha housing to make sure their service is customer-focused.
There was a lighter side to the event with guests being offered free stadium tours to see behind the scenes at Oxford United, with expert commentary from the Stadium Manager. Other attendees won prizes, including a TV and a DVD signed by the band Blue, at a raffle drawn by the Chief Executives of the two associations.
An range of exciting organisations also held stands at the event, including the Healthy Eating Initiative whose display including making fruit smoothies, the Didcot Community Education Centre, who were giving tenants a chance to surf the net and the Department of Work and Pensions to provide free advice on benefits. For older attendees the “Older and Bolder” group demonstrated how to stay fit and healthy without leaving a chair, with their range of specially designed exercises.
Emily Griffith, Communications and Research Manager at the Vale Housing Association, said This is one of the most successful events we have ever held for our tenants. We have invaluable feedback from our tenants on the services that we provide, which will help us to change our services for the better.
Communications and Research Manager
01235 536001