LHA has always been about more than housing. We know that if people feel happy in their community, they are likely to want to stay there – which is good for them, good for the neighbourhood, and good for us too.
That’s why we have a passion for community development. Our track record shows a determination to ‘go the extra mile’ to help communities thrive.
Unlocking investment from public and private sources, we work with our partners to improve standards in a variety of ways.
Supporting and training resident reps
We encourage local people to get involved in a variety of ways, and work with us to make a difference. See the 'get involved' section on this website.
Any of our residents can become a resident representative. Resident reps are people who care about their local community, and who want to ensure that we provide an excellent local service. They get actively involved in neighbourhood reviews and regularly communicate with our neighbourhood officers about local issues.
Your view counts
Supporting residents associations and other local groups
We regularly consult with residents associations where they exist, and support the development of new residents associations. We also support residents who wish to set up or get involved in groups working towards improving the quality of life in local communities, for example environmental groups, and neighbourhood watch groups.
Support to residents associations
Fundraising for local facilities and projects
We draw down money from governmental and charitable sources to support initiatives which improve residents’ quality of life – and support residents groups with their own funding applications.
Creating community places
We work with local people to create vibrant play areas, community gardens and open spaces, involving them throughout the process.
Supporting local events
A carnival, festival or garden party is often the catalyst to bring people together to celebrate the good things about a neighbourhood, and can springboard more positive social interaction. We help residents organise many such events and attend, strengthening our relationship with local people.
Consulting with local people
We hold regular neighbourhood reviews in which staff and resident reps consult residents about our services and identify areas for improvement. We also consult more widely, through questionnaires, door to door surveys, workshops and drop-in events.
Tackling financial exclusion
Working closely with other agencies including Leicester Money Advice and Leicester City Council, we have led the development of a social enterprise specialising in providing affordable credit, called Leicester Moneyline. Affordable loans are made available to people who may not have a bank account and often rely on door-stop lenders.
Supporting enterprise
Strong communities require access to good quality local services and the opportunity to earn a decent living. That’s why LHA has a long track record in developing sustainable social enterprises, and helped set up TREES, which is now independent and has become the largest multi-disciplinary social enterprise group in the east midlands.
We also encourage and support tenants who wish to become self-employed and grow their own businesses.
To find out more about our community development work, Contact us online or call: 0116 257 6736.