Thank you for your support with our #ForAccessibleHomes campaign | #ForAccessibleHomes News

On Friday 8 July, Habinteg tenants from across the country got involved in our #ForAccessibleHomes campaign. Over 50 tenants took part by submitting a photo message about what accessible homes means to them.  

The day was a huge success.  We were overwhelmed by the response and support from tenants, staff and influential organisations who helped us to raise awareness with the Government, developers and councils for more accessible homes to be built.

The photo messages were truly inspiring and had a significant impact as they brought the campaign to life.  They showed everyone that Habinteg tenants really understand the importance of accessible homes.  The photos were used on Twitter and contributed to the #ForAccessibleHomes hashtag making it into the top 100 trending items in the UK. The tweets were retweeted and shared, and even inspired others to share their own stories and pictures from the UK and other side of the world such as Canada and New Zealand.

Some of you expressed similar ideas such as the impact accessible homes has on your independence, “Has given me much more independence’; family life, “Very adaptable to me and my family needs”; or the ability to visit neighbours, “Because I can visit my friends at any time.”  We were also touched by the number of photo messages that spoke positively about Habinteg as a landlord, “Wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.  Very supportive staff.”

A number of tenants also wrote to their local MP about the campaign which was great.  We welcomed Putney MP and new Secretary of State for Education Justine Greening to our scheme in Wandsworth.  She was greeted by tenants keen to share their stories of how accessible homes have changed their lives.

Tenant, Jean Wynn, had the chance to show Ms Greening around her home and explain how the accessible features helped her to have a happy life with her family. Tenant Representative, Alan Butler, and other tenants also spoke about the community feel of the scheme and their own accessible housing experiences.

Justine Greening MP said:

“I’ve really loved seeing everyone here on Habinteg’s For Accessible Homes day and getting a chance to see the accessible homes and gardens that the tenants are so proud of.

The campaign day was fantastic.  It was full of team spirit and passion with your help to spread the word that accessible homes matters and are needed. We’re amazed by the amount of supporters we’ve gained throughout this campaign.  If it wasn’t for our tenants, then Habinteg wouldn’t be the champion for accessible homes it is today. Thank you all!

To view our pictures and twitter messages please visit twitter.com/Habinteg or www.instagram.com/habinteg

If you would like to help keep this campaign alive you can still submit a #ForAccessibleHomes photo message. Please it send to comms@habinteg.org.uk.