Orwell’s Impact Through the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge
Over the last couple of years, Orwell have co-sponsored the role of LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge Co-ordinator at Stonewall Housing with Havebury Homes, Broadland Housing and eight other Housing Associations across the UK.
The pledge
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing, exists because every LGBTQ+ resident should be able to feel safe, respected and able to be themselves at home. It is rooted in the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ social housing residents, growing directly from the No Place Like Home research.
At Orwell, we’re committed to creating safe, inclusive communities where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves. That’s why we’re proud to continue our involvement in the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, an initiative that helps housing providers improve services and support for LGBTQ+ residents.
The impact of the Pledge has grown significantly in recent years, with more than 40 housing associations now signed up, representing over 2.4 million homes across the UK.
Orwell’s commitment to LGBTQ+ Housing practices
As part of our ongoing commitment to learning and improving, colleagues took part in sessions delivered by Alexandra Duffy from Stonewall Housing. These sessions provided valuable insight into the experiences of LGBTQ+ people and highlighted why inclusive housing services are so important. We also welcomed Christian Owens, founder of GenderSpaceUK to our latest Knowledge Café, where he delivered an insightful talk on Gender Identity in the Workplace and sharing his own personal journey of gender transition, this session helped raise awareness, educate, inspire and create meaningful conversations around inclusion, equality and allyship among our colleagues.
The LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge was developed in response to the No Place Like Home report, which explored the housing experiences of LGBTQ+ people. The report highlighted challenges including isolation, a lack of trust, and the need for some individuals to hide aspects of their identity, even within their own homes.
Orwell is an active member of the Pledge’s signatory network and regularly works alongside other housing organisations to share ideas, learn from best practice and explore new ways to engage with customers. This collaboration helps us continue improving our services and ensures LGBTQ+ voices are heard and reflected in the work we do.
Looking ahead
We’re currently awaiting the outcome of our latest LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge submission and look forward to continuing this important journey. As we plan for future submissions, we’d also love to hear from customers who would like to help shape our approach and share their experiences, helping us build even more inclusive communities for everyone.
If you have any feedback, experiences or ideas that could help us create even more inclusive communities, we’d love to hear from you. Please get in touch and help shape the future of our services: Contact Us – Orwell Housing
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