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First customer conference is a success

Two hundred of our residents attended the very first conference just for mhs homes customers . The day called, ‘How to make your money work better for you’ addressed a whole menu of money matters such as Bank Accounts, Credit Unions, Energy Efficiency and Cost Cuts. Special guest was monetary maestro and popular TV personality Dominic Littlewood star of ‘The One Show’ ‘To Buy or Not to Buy’ and ‘Strictly Come Dancing’

The event, which took place at our head office, Broadside, was an opportunity for residents to get together, pick up tips to help them through current financial conditions and the credit crunch and to give feedback to mhs homes.

The diary room at the tenants conferenceAs well as help with a whole range of financial issues residents had the opportunity to take part in a big brother type video where they were invited to sit in a decorative chair and speak to camera about the services they receive from their landlord and issues relating to the area in which they live.


Madeline Chainey, PR Manager said, “Basically the video diary was an opportunity for our residents to tell us what they think of the service we provide and any areas where they think we could improve what we do. It was also their chance to talk about anything in their neighbourhood and any issues that they would like us to deal with. We want to hear their points of view.”

Tenant Board Members, Pat Austin and Eileen Kenward were involved in the organisation of the day and were there to meet other residents as they arrived.  Eileen who originally suggested that Dominic Littlewood be invited as guest speaker acted as Master of Ceremonies throughout the day and introduced the six other speakers at the event.

Housing Director, Ashley Hook started the day by greeting everyone and talking about mhs homes; the conference day and ways that residents can get involved and influence the way in which mhs homes works. He said: "A day like this is a fantastic opportunity to bring together residents. People have busy lives and family commitments, it's great to involve our tenants and satisfying when the people who come along are pleased with the day and have good things to say to about it.”

Tenants enjoying the conferenceOther speakers included, Lorraine Strong, who spoke about Budgeting & Debt Management, Surin Singh on the mhs homes Benefits Advisor Service and Caroline Swift on ‘The Medway Credit Union’. Just before lunch delegates were given a demonstration by Anthony Friend called ‘Cooking on a budget’ which involved tasting the food afterwards.

Resident Mrs Joyce Mathews said, “I gathered helpful information from the speakers, and everyone was friendly and cheerful. I found Broadside an interesting place and mhs staff polite and helpful. It was so enjoyable and interesting for me and I am sure many of my fellow mhs tenants.”

Eileen Kenward, Tenant Board Member said, “This was the first conference we have held independently and it was a huge success.”

More pictures of the Tenants Conference here!