Resetting Communal Spaces in Housing Settings for Residents

Communal spaces can include everything from residents’ rooms to gardens and informal seating areas. They are often well used by the small groups of residents we identify as ‘the usual faces’, but less likely to be visited by the people we most hope to engage and bring together.

During this workshop session you'll hear about:

• Common 'it's not for me' barriers and preconceptions about activities held in communal spaces.
• Practical strategies to reset preconceptions and address barriers including creating informal feeling pop-up events, comms and engagement strategies to bring residents together.
• Asking the right questions to capture insight and ideas from residents who are not necessarily thinking in terms of formal groups and opportunities.
• Resetting the power balance - enabling residents to make the most of their communal spaces for social connection and resident run activities.

During the session there will also be opportunities to discuss your own experiences, challenges and successes around resident engagement with peers.