b'Foreword from Chair of theCentral Tenants ForumThe last year has been an immenselygive feedback on all areas of maintenance,busy period for the Tenants Forum andnew developments and refurbishments.representing residents issues remains aI happen to live in Elm Court and know that priority. Active representation across the standard of living and accommodation has Northern Ireland has increased the improved significantly thanks to the continual Forums ability to inform and influence.investment and modernisation by Choice.We have been working hard to engage, listenWe have worked hard to influence decisions and be positive advocates for Choice tenants.especially around rent and housing charges. We are conscious that tenants expect quality Each year always brings a mix of change andservices and indeed value for money. With challenges and this year has been no different.support from Choice, there is regular training We keep a close eye on what is happeningprovided across a range of areas for Forum across the region, in local politics, uncertaintymembers. From Mystery Shopping to allaround Brexit and other social and welfareaspects of effective and responsible initiatives that are government led. Throughcommunication - this all helps foster and the Pensioners Parliament, upon which wemaintain stronger relationships between have representation, we are able to give ourtenants and the Association. feedback and share enthusiasm for advancesin social housing rights for older people We are proud of what we have achieved over across Northern Ireland. the last reporting year. Weve been heavily involved in initiatives including Walkabouts, Our Tenants Forum continues to have a strongwhere we engage with residents and Housing presence, providing an essential link for tenantsManagers about issues at the heart of Choice who need support and advice while ensuringschemes covering everything from general they have a voice on issues that affect theiramenities right through to anti-social behaviour.lives. We are a landmark housing association. As one of the biggest in Northern Ireland, Choice has introduced some new tenant it is vital that we are able to evolve. Our Forumfocused initiatives and we appreciate the keeps tenants up to date on all informationcommitment that they have made across all through regular engagement and publicationsareas of social housing. Initially in Lisburn and such as Choice News. We pride ourselvesBelfast, the Credit Union Community Scheme on learning from best practice and continueallows tenants to create savings and build to monitor the work of housing associationsupon them on a weekly basis. After some time across the islands, evaluating their approachparticipants are eligible for a loan without and assessing whether similar initiatives couldthe worry of having to use a doorstop lender. be tailored to suit our environment. Successfully piloted last year, it is currently in the process of roll out across the rest of Over the last 12 months, Choice has continuedNorthern Ireland. It has had a positive uptake to address issues around housing needwith hundreds of tenants to date.whilst investing and upgrading existing stock, spending nearly 1 million on Elm Court andI hope you agree that the Tenants Forum 2m on St James Court in Belfast. As wellcontinues to be a powerful voice to bring about as representation on the Tenant and Clientpositive change. We can be proud that through services commitee we have worked in closeon-going engagement and collaboration, partnership with Choice management across aChoice is making a real difference enhancing number of working groups including Repair andlives for communities, families and individuals.Assets. This is a valuable way for us toFinally, my term as Chair of the Central Tenants Forum has ended. 6 Choice Annual Report | 2018/19'