3rd February 2009

A day in the life of NCHA

 

January saw Nottingham Community Housing Association (NCHA) taken over by 20 young people from seven of our supported housing schemes across the East Midlands. Over the month our youngsters shadowed a variety of jobs within the Association, from Service Improvement Officer to Quantity Surveyor.

The aim of the month was to show our appreciation for the young people we support by inviting them to make suggestions about the running of NCHA. Giving the young people this responsibility has not only benefitted NCHA, it has brought a new confidence to the young people taking part. Amy Brumhead of the Grantham Foyer supported housing scheme said of her experience, "I’ve been shadowing the Communications Manager today and it’s been great. I didn’t realise I had it in me to do something like this. I would definitely do it again".

Midworth Street service users, Michael and Liam, spent a day with three of NCHA’s Direct Maintenance Service (DMS) team redecorating a property in Worksop, in preparation for its new owners to move in. Michael was keen to pick up some useful tips, "I’m moving into my own flat in a few weeks so I’d like to learn some new skills to help me decorate my new bedroom".

NCHA took its inspiration from the government organisation 11Million who organise Takeover Days across the country every year. Gemma Iles, Young Person’s Service Manager at NCHA said, "We are looking forward to hearing the feedback from our young people about how NCHA is run. The month has been invaluable as preparation for our participation in November’s official 11Million Youth Takeover Day".

-Ends-

 

To find out more about 11Million please visit their website.