19 July 2007

The Gateshead Housing Company is set to ask disabled people across the borough how it can make its services even more accessible.

The company, which manages over 22,000 homes across Gateshead, is asking for the views at a series of forums being held until the end of the year.

The company's Disabled Persons' Housing Forum is open to any of its tenants or leaseholders that are disabled, deaf or who have an impairment.

The latest forum is being held in The Whickham Room at Gateshead Civic Centre on Tuesday, 7 August from 2pm to 4pm.

Disabled or deaf customers who attend any of the forums will get the chance to suggest ways for the company to make its services even more accessible.

The forum has helped the company develop a kitchen designed for visually impaired customers, that will be fitted as part of its £330m home improvement programme, improve access to housing offices and seen a new gardening scheme introduced for tenants.

Bill Fullen, Chief Executive of The Gateshead Housing Company is hoping that as many disabled or Deaf customers as possible can attend the forums.

He said: "The Gateshead Housing Company has a commitment to offering the best possible services to all of our tenants and leaseholders across the borough.

But in particular we are very aware that we need to offer people with disabilities or individual needs specific services to allow them an equal chance to enjoy a good home life, get involved in decision making or help us improve services.

By previously working with the forum we have been able to introduce a number of improvements to our services, especially in relation to our £1m a week Decent Homes improvement programme.

So I would say to our disabled or Deaf customers to please come to one of the forums and help us to further improve our services right across Gateshead."

Two other forums, both in The Whickham Room at Gateshead Civic Centre, are being held on:
• Tuesday, 9 October - 2pm to 4pm.
• Tuesday, 11 December - 2pm to 4pm.

Customers wanting to know more about the forums should contact Linda Hopkinson on 0191 433 5380 or e-mail lindahopkinson@gatesheadhousing.co.uk
Linda can also be contacted via minicom on 0191 433 5349 or by texting 'involve' to 0762 480 4167.

The housing company also offers transport and support, such as British Sign Language Interpreters, for any customers needing additional help to attend any of the forums.