First Ocean Community Action Day of 2020 a sunny success in Newquay

Ocean Housing hosted its first community action day of 2020 in fine weather.

Our ‘Spring into Action’ event was held at Hawkins Road in Newquay on Wednesday March 11. It was an opportunity for residents to meet the Ocean Housing team, spring clean their homes, and gain some free advice from other local services.

Abigail Vercoe, Tenant Involvement coordinator, organised the event.

“It was a great day, and we had some positive discussions with residents about ways to improve the community atmosphere,” she said.

“Community action days are really important for our team to gain a better understanding of the issues faced by residents in the area, as well as giving our tenants the chance to access free advice and useful tips for running their home.

Meet the team! 😁👋

Ocean staff from all over the business have been in #Newquay today meeting residents and getting feedback. #OceanCAD pic.twitter.com/M2YFYxtRJn

— Ocean Housing (@Ocean_Housing) March 11, 2020

“Whether our residents wanted to learn how to raise a repair request, discuss heating issues, or get further information on Universal Credit, Ocean Housing staff were on hand to provide assistance and answer any questions.”

Other local agencies offering advice on the day included Cornwall Council, Harbour Housing, Outset Cornwall, Devon and Cornwall Police, and South West Water.

“I was really impressed with Ocean Housing. It was a great example of how a successful modern housing association should interact with their tenants” – Olly Monk, Cornwall Councillor.

Ocean Housing also provided a skip, which gave tenants the chance to dispose of unwanted household items. It was returned full to capacity, with many residents taking the opportunity to clear some valuable space at home.

Newquay Treloggan and Mayfield councillor, Olly Monk, also attended the event. He said: “I was really impressed with Ocean Housing, and the organisation of the community action day. It was a great example of how a successful modern housing association should interact with their tenants.

“As Cornwall Councillor for the area, I know how much the residents appreciated the level of response by Ocean Housing’s team when addressing any concerns they had. Well done all.”

Abigail concluded: “We would like to thank everyone who turned up and played a part in the day. A special thanks to Maggie’s Mobile Barista for providing refreshments to keep everyone going.”

Plans to host further community actions days throughout the year in other locations are being made.

Further details on the ways to get involved in your community can be found here: https://bit.ly/2TLbaMg