Learning from Neighbourhood Explorers

Earlier in the year we decided to test out a new way of engaging with our residents. We wanted to hear more often from residents who we might not regularly get the chance to meet or speak with. We also wanted to give our people who are normally based in the office the chance to get out and about, talk with residents and learn from their experiences.  

We asked our Neighbourhood Managers which neighbourhoods they thought we should visit. We then arranged for some of our people to visit these areas and greet residents door-to-door.  

We visited lots of different areas including Griffin Close in Brent, Plowman and Whitehead Close in Enfield, York Rise in Tufnell Park and Athlone Estate in Kentish Town.

We learnt a lot about the communities and resident opinions. In some cases we were able to establish new relationships from what we heard. For example, at Griffin Close we heard there were a number of older isolated people, so we linked up with a partner organisation Good Gym so that we can refer some of our older residents to gain befrienders in Brent. We also learnt that there was a lack of connections with the voluntary sector at one of our Enfield sites, so we now have a member of staff working on this topic and looking to develop new opportunities in partnership with residents.   

Our staff found that joining in the Neighbourhood Explorers gave them a great opportunity to get out and about and think about their work in a wider context.  

“It was great for residents to speak to someone from Origin other than their Neighbourhood Manager and it was a great experience for the staff who don't usually meet residents.” 

We are now going to run a session every month to carry on learning more about the people we work for.  

Do you think we should visit your neighbourhood? Or do you have more ideas you’d like to share with us? Then please get in touch using the form below.

We ask for your name, email and number so that we can contact you about your query.