Fourteen housing associations came together for the very first conference focusing on LGBTQ+ issues in housing and to hear about the UK’s first LGBTQ+ sheltered housing scheme.
Cheshire-based Weaver Vale Housing Trust joined the first HouseProud and Rainbow Roofs Conference on 28th October 2022, held at the People’s History Museum, Manchester.
Organised by HouseProud, a national network for LGBTQ+ people working in social housing, the event was an opportunity to raise awareness of LGBTQ+ issues across the housing sector, as well as develop partnerships, influence policy, and meet decision-makers.
Members of the customer group, Rainbow Roofs, hosted a panel session on how the group is raising awareness of hate crime experienced by LGBTQ+ social housing tenants.
National House Project, a charity which works with LGBTQ+ care leavers, led a session about their work to support them into social housing and to live independently and sustain their tenancy.
Bob Green from the LGBT Foundation updated the conference on the latest progress made on the UK’s first LGBTQ+ scheme for older people.
Due for completion in 2026, the scheme in Whalley Range has been developed in partnership with Manchester City Council and a community steering group led by the LGBT Foundation.
Delegates also had the opportunity to discuss key learnings and next steps, as well as what they would like to see HouseProud and Rainbow Roofs focus on in 2023.
Alison Haigh, Customer Engagement officer at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, said: “Weaver Vale Housing Trust is committed to growing a culture where we all champion equality, diversity and inclusion in our organisation and the communities we serve.
“Hearing real, lived experiences, solutions and ideas from a variety of organisations across the sector and listening to LGBTQ+ housing customers from across the UK was really valuable.
“It will all help shape our work as an organisation around equality, diversity and inclusion as we move forward.”
Image: Matej Kastelic/Shutterstock
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