East Durham Homes is Investing in Children
East Durham Homes has been awarded Investing in Children membership for its Young Person’s Forum, and is the first housing company in the North East to achieve this award. Investing in Children presented the certificate to East Durham Homes at the Young Person’s Forum meeting on Wednesday 26th March; each member of the group also received an individual certificate.
The EDH Young Person’s Forum has been running since September 2006 and gives young people the opportunity to influence the way East Durham Homes communicates with this age group and gives them the chance to help shape our services.
The Investing in Children Membership Scheme recognises and celebrates examples of imaginative and inclusive practice. Investing in Children members are those services that can demonstrate a commitment to dialogue with young people that leads to change. Since the EDH Young Person’s Forum started they have influenced the way we communicate with tenants by introducing a new text service for tenants who want to become involved in developing services, they have designed a flyer to promote the group to other young people and they are hoping to further influence services by having a representative of the group participating in Board Meetings.
Helen Mulhearn from Investing in Children said: “The Young Person’s Forum clearly demonstrates the commitment of East Durham Homes to listen to young people and ensure that they are able to fully participate. The group are able to explore real issues that they face in their communities and take part in some interesting debates and discussions which affect the tenants in the District.”
Carole Tilley, East Durham Homes Customer Involvement Officer said: “The Young Person’s Forum gives us the opportunity to better understand the needs and concerns of this part of our community and ensure young people are included in the decision making process. She added: “We would like more young people in the area to join the group and would welcome any new members.”
The group is open to any young people in the area, either tenants, children of tenants or residents. For more information contact Carole Tilley or Stuart Wilson on 0800 032 0835, text the word Involve to 07786 207 745 or e-mail carole.tilley@eastdurhamhome.co.uk or stuart.wilson@eastdurhamhomes.co.uk