Getting Out of the Living Room: Learning, Listening and Being Inspired
Thursday 21st of August 2025
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to spend time with two fantastic Tpas members, The Pioneer Group in Castle Vale and Vico Homes in Wakefield. Both reminded me, in very different ways, why community engagement and resident voice matter so much, and why it’s so important we see this work in action.
Learning from Castle Vale: Lasting Regeneration in Action
I joined a brilliant PlaceShapers Study Visit to The Pioneer Group at Castle Vale, Birmingham, to see how they’ve delivered regeneration that lasts.
We heard how Castle Vale has moved on from the urgent action needed in the Housing Action Trust days, when the area was struggling, to now focusing on what really matters to residents today.
I loved seeing this in practice at the Castle Vale Stadium, a once a run-down facility, now a busy community football hub for all ages and abilities, and at The Sanctuary, a warm, welcoming space offering family support, youth services, careers advice, health programmes, and digital skills.
My top three takeaways from the day:
- Listen to what matters now. Engagement works when it reflects tenants’ current priorities.
- Be open and honest. Trust grows when organisations are transparent and accountable.
- Blend approaches. The best engagement combines traditional structures with grassroots conversations, insight from Tenant Satisfaction Measures, and a tenure-neutral ethos.
Big thanks to PlaceShapers for inviting Tpas England and for organising such a brilliant day, and to The Pioneer Group, who were fabulous hosts.
Inspiration from Vico: Everyday People, Extraordinary Effort
At Vico’s Communities Together Forum, I got another perspective as residents shared what they’ve been doing in their communities: planting fruit trees, organising fun days, improving parks, running Knit and Natter groups, raising funds for breast cancer support, keeping local heritage alive, and creating clubs to tackle loneliness.
No egos. No chasing recognition. Just kind people giving their time and energy to help others, supported by some great staff at Vico Homes. It was a reminder that even in a tough old world, small, everyday acts of care and connection are happening in communities all around us.
Why This Matters for Tpas
These two experiences were very different, but the message was the same: engagement and community investment are not one-off projects, they’re about long-term trust, listening, and responding to what people really need.
I’m so proud that both Pioneer and Vico are Tpas members. And I’d love to get out and see more of you too, the work you’re doing, the challenges you’re facing, and the difference you’re making.
Because if there’s one thing I know for sure, is you only truly appreciate why good engagement matters when you can see and feel it for real. Reading about it or watching a video in my living room in Barnsley just isn’t the same.
Castle Vale Stadium, The Sanctuary, or a Knit and Natter in full swing will win every time.