You are viewing 1 of your 1 free articles
#HousingDay 2017: share real people's true stories
#HousingDay founder Adrian Capon explains more about the theme of this year’s event
This year’s #HousingDay theme is inspired by work from Soha Housing: ‘Real People, True Stories.’
A series of short films launched last year to give an alternative narrative on social housing tenants.
#HousingDay, on Monday 18 September, is now in its fifth year.
It returns to call for films putting the tenant at the front and centre of the story. Soha Housing’s films are professional productions directed by tenants, creating the line of questions and on-camera interviewing.
This is an authentic way for the stories to be told and resonate with their audience. They profile the interesting and varied backgrounds of people who are Soha tenants. These include an international chef, a 1960s pop star, an RAF test pilot and a vicar.
The idea came from tenants and staff who were fed up of the negative stereotypes perpetuated by the media and wanted to do something about it. After discussions with tenants, Soha funded the films through producing a shorter and lower-cost annual report.
Soha Housing tenant Amy Brant and star of one of the very first ‘Real People, True Stories’ films said: “I jumped at the idea of doing something to stop the negativity! I was featured in a short film, part of the series. Along with other tenants and my housing association, I’m now supporting a national campaign that is tackling the stigma of living in social housing.
“It’s called Benefit to Society, and includes work with journalists, academics and others to show who really lives in social housing. And guess what – as with the rest of life, it’s a varied picture of people who are working or retired, carers, volunteers and more.
“I’m proud of where I am. I needed a little bit of extra help at a point in my life and I’m now building my life up with my daughter. I love my home and it’s given me the stability to work for a good life for me and my little girl.”
The films, supported by a social media campaign, shared a film a week and this has been key to engagement. Nine episodes were produced and new stories will be launched on #HousingDay.
Over at Clanmil Housing they are celebrating their 40th year of providing homes across Northern Ireland.
Karen Gilmore, group director of corporate services, said: “Inspired by the work of Soha of telling the story of the people who live in their homes, we are aiming to do the same.
“#RealClanmilLives became a positive way to do just that – to give space and a focus to challenging the stereotypes placed on people who live in social housing.
“For us, the only voices to be heard are that of…
Gerry and his gin-making
Maureen and her love of all things fitness
Anne and her fabulous art
and Mossy the ‘environmentalist’
These real people are just living their lives, which is exactly how we can change stereotypes.”
In my own work at Yorkshire Housing, I hear so many inspirational stories from tenants. I’ve spoken to many tenants who have started their own businesses. I’d like to see these kinds of positive stories making waves on social media and beyond smashing stereotypes.
To support and celebrate the day, the film Dispossession: The Great Social Housing Swindle will be screened in Nottingham, Newcastle, Liverpool, Dublin, Brighton, Cardiff and London. If you get the chance, pop along and see what tenants feel about being stereotyped.
#HousingDay 2017 will be held on Monday 18 September. Get involved using the hashtag #HousingDay across social media and find more information at @HousingDay or @AdeCapon.
Adrian Capon, communications officer, Yorkshire Housing
#IHchat
Inside Housing is hosting Q&As with senior housing figures throughout #HousingDay
