Cover image: Event in Amharc
as part of Diversionary Week.
Muileann, Limerick,
Dear Member,
Welcome to the Summer Edition of Co-operative Housing News.
I hope this message finds you well and that you have been able to enjoy your summer. This has been a busy period!
Firstly, we were thrilled to launch the CHI scholarship for students residing in a CHI home. The scholarship awards €5000 in two instalments at the start of each semester. This is an exciting opportunity to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with higher education and I welcome you to learn more about this as you read on.
We are always encouraging members to get involved in the various events and activities taking place across the country. Currently there are a number of opportunities in action - we are currently seeking new members for various Working Groups, and we are also asking for your involvement in an Environmental Survey. Our team would greatly appreciate it if you could take five minutes to complete the survey, which will assist us in our efforts to address environmental issues.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who participated in our recent Members Survey. Your feedback is invaluable, helping us to meet your needs and identify areas for improvement.
If you have any news or stories of interest to our members that you would like featured in the newsletter, please contact us at members@cooperativehousing.ie. We are always eager to hear from you.
Enjoy the rest of the summer, and we look forward to engaging with you later in the year.
Kieron Brennan CEO Co-operative Housing Ireland
Safer Neighbourhood
The Safer Neighbourhoods Team was established in July 2023 when CHI changed the way housing management services were delivered to member tenants. CHI recognises that anti-social behaviour can have a negative effect on both individuals and the community if not addressed in a timely fashion. The team are there to support members who are victims of anti-social behaviour and domestic abuse.
Examples of Anti-Social behaviour include:
z Criminal activity
z Harassment
z Intimidation
z Threatening behaviour
z Domestic Abuse
z Drugs/Substance Misuse/drug dealing
z Excessive Noise
z Vandalism and damage to property
Help us to help you
By speaking to the Safer Neighbourhood Team, you can discuss concerns in confidence. Unless the team are aware of an issue, they cannot address it. We ask that member tenants do not assume someone else will report an issue. Your call to the team can make a difference.
What should I do if I see serious Anti-Social Behaviour?
z Contact the Gardaí immediately. Discuss your concerns in confidence.
z Report information to the Safer Neighbourhood team.
z When reporting anti-social behaviour, the date, time and who is involved, is important information.
Would you like support with:
z Substance misuse
z Anxiety, stress
z Domestic Abuse
Speak to the Safer Neighbourhood team and we can share information on these specialized support services.
There are Domestic abuse services for women and men. Women’s Aid and Men’s Aid are two services that support victims of domestic abuse.
Women’s Aid
Website: Womensaid.ie
Helpline: 1800341900
Email: helpline@womensaid.ie
Mens Aid:
Website: Mensaid.ie
Helpline: 015543811
Email: Hello@mensaid.ie
Diversionary Week
Diversionary week took place across the month of July with many CHI communities taking part.
Well done to the Safer Neighbourhood team, particularly Jennifer and Emmet who coordinated the events that took place.
A big thanks also to the Residents Committee, Football Association of Ireland (FAI) who ran the soccer camp, Paul Partnership Limerick who organised fun activities, the Community Gardaí who attended the Community Day and especially to our member tenants.
A fun filled week of soccer and family fun day was enjoyed by all.
Neighbourhood Team
The first six months of 2024 has been a very busy period for the Neighbourhood Team with 523 new tenancies signed. The Neighbourhood Team would like to welcome all new individuals and families to CHI and wish them all the best in their new home. The team continues to work on letting homes that are currently empty engaging with the relevant Local Authorities.
Grounds Maintenance Service
Estate Management is an important function of the Neighbourhood Team, maintaining our internal and external common areas where CHI is responsible. Over the past number of months, we have commenced our grounds maintenance service, window cleaning and Arboriculture programme (Tree cutting). The Neighbourhood Team visit estates monthly to ensure we monitor the common areas and resolve estate management concerns raised by member tenants.
If you would like to discuss any concerns or compliment the team on positive estate management work, please contact your relevant Neighbourhood Specialist or email info@cooperativehousing.ie
Welcoming new team members
With the company’s significant growth, CHI is committed to ensuring the team has the capacity to manage existing and new developments. Over the past few months, the Neighbourhood Team has increased, and I would like to welcome the below to CHI.
z Gill Brady – Neighbourhood Delivery Manger (Dublin office)
z Eimear Lynch – Neighbourhood Delivery Manager (Wexford office)
z Dara Sheehy – Neighbourhood Specialist (Dublin office)
z Chloe Dunne – Neighbourhood Specialist (Wexford office)
z Aileen Lait – Neighbourhood Specialist (Wexford office)
z Eileen Buckley – Neighbourhood Specialist (Cork office)
z Shane Mason – Neighbourhood Specialist (Limerick office)
z Sarah Mackey – Neighbourhood Assistant (Wexford office)
z Audrey Kennedy – Neighbourhood Assistant (Wexford office)
z Lyndsey Quirke - Neighbourhood Assistant (Dublin office)
z Cian O Keeffe - Neighbourhood Assistant (Cork office)
Launch of Plás an Chruicéid, Tuam, Co Galway
The sun was shining at Plás an Chruicéid, Tuam, County Galway on 12 July for the launch of 8 new homes.
It was great to welcome Cllr. Albert Dolan Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Minister of State with responsibility for Financial Services, Credit Unions and Insurance, Neale Richmond TD, and Minister of State Anne Rabbitte T.D. to the official launch. Our Chairperson Pearse O’Shiel and CEO Kieron Brennan also attended the celebration.
Initially designed for mixed use, including retail units, the development was repurposed to provide much-needed social housing. These homes were funded by the Credit Union Approved Housing Body Fund (CU AHB), which is investing in the heart of communities.
“ The Fund epitomises the co-operative principles and the power of working co-operatively to achieve something greater. By facilitating the development of relationships between credit unions and Approved Housing Bodies (AHBs) – two for purpose sectors rooted in their communities – the CU AHB Fund makes the idea of communities helping communities a reality ”
- CHI Chairperson, Pearse O’Shiel
Community and Engagement
Tenant Influence Working Groups
Overview
CHI are developing Tenant Influence Working Groups. The groups developed will increase the voice and influence of CHI tenants in decisions that impact their living conditions by focusing on:
z Policy Review
z Satisfaction Surveys
z Communication
z Training and Development
z Interest Based Tasks
The Working Groups will not be decision makers but will provide a voice which will feed into the national board, sub- committees, divisions, and departments within CHI.
The National Housing Services Working Group
We are now seeking 10 tenants to sit on The National Housing Services Working Group. The working group will consist of representation from tenants, the Community Engagement team and the Housing Services team and will meet four times a year online.
The aim is for this group to have a geographic spread that represents CHI members nationally.
Please scan this QR code to express your interest:
Bi – Annual Member Survey THANK
YOU!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Member Tenants for completing our Bi-Annual Survey. Your voice is pivotal in shaping the future of our services. All your valued feedback is with Amarach Research for analysis at this time.
Environmental Survey
Co-operative Housing Ireland, along with other Approved Housing Bodies, is involved in an environmental research project.
Environmental issues are extremely important, and taking action to protect the environment can have many benefits, such as saving money on energy bills and creating healthier homes for everyone. As responsible landlords, we want to make sure we are doing our part and meeting your expectations when it comes to environmental protection. We would really appreciate it if you could spare just 5 minutes to answer a small number of questions as best you can. There are no right or wrong answers. Your input will help us serve you better and make our community a better place to live.
If you share your contact details, you will be entered into a prize draw with a chance to win a €100 One4All Voucher.
Scan this QR code to complete the survey:
Disclaimer:
Your answers will be kept private and only used for general analysis.
While your contact information is sent with your answers, your specific responses will not be linked to you for the analysis. Your contact details will be removed prior to analysis, and once the prize draw is completed, your contact details will be deleted. You will not be added to any mailing lists that you didn't subscribe to. No third party will be given access to your responses. By taking part in this survey, you agree to these terms
Thank you so much for your time!
Communities of Interest
Creative writing
Calling all wordsmiths and storytellers. Do you have a story to tell or a creative idea itching to be brought to life?
Join our vibrant and inclusive creative writers' group, where beginners and experienced writers alike come together to ignite their imaginations and hone their craft. Here is an exercise to get the creative juices flowing: Think about the ways in which you’ve changed over the years. Can you identify any turning points? Be specific and describe those moments.
Contact Members@cooperativehousing.ie to submit your written piece and to get more information about the writing group.
The next few get togethers are on these dates:
z 19th of September at 7pm
z 17th of October at 7pm.
z 21st of November at 7pm will be the final one for the year.
Benefits of the Growing Community:
z Meet like-minded people interested in all things gardening and growing
z Share your know-how and resources with the community
z Learn new skills with expert talks and workshops
z Support your mental health and wellbeing by connecting with others and nature
z Build relationships across the wider CHI community
The CHI Growing Community meets on the second last Wednesday of every month at 4pm for one hour. If you would like to join or contribute to the newsletter, Growing Corner, you can contact Community Engagement Specialist Aoife Kirk at members@cooperativehousing.ie
Want to create a sense of belonging in your community? Set up a Member Association (Residents Committee!)
We are here to help and support you on your journey!
Throughout the first half of the year, the Member Engagement Team worked with Neighbourhood Specialists and many amazing communities across the country to set up Member Associations which bring together like-minded individuals, who share a common passion for growth and collaboration.
Member Associations have access to a wide range of benefits, which will help foster a vibrant community. Member Associations are beneficial to communities for several reasons. They help Members to:
z Create a sense of belonging within the community
z Run events and activities that benefit the community as a whole
z Share advice and information with other people in the community
z Campaign for issues that affect members in the community.
Co- operative Housing Ireland believes in creating flourishing and sustainable communities and provides community funds to Member Associations.
Once a community sets up their Member Association, they can work with their Community Engagement Specialist and apply to the CHI Community Fund.
If you are interested in setting up a Member Association in your community, or are an existing group and would like to apply for funding or meet for support please contact members@cooperativehousing.ie
Neighbours Day 2024
CHI’s Community Engagement team invited Member Associations to host a Neighbours Day event. €400 in funding was available to applicants. These events brought neighbours together to celebrate diversity and belonging in the community.
This community celebration enhanced community spirit, brought neighbours together, created lasting memories, and built stronger connections.
Newtown Court turns 20
A momentous day was had by all in Newtown Court celebrating their 20-year Anniversary. The Resident Committee organised the whole event with the community in mind. They provided food, entertainment, and games for the children on the estate. Fantastic work was done by everyone who helped to make the day the best it could be. The Committee would like to send special thanks to Darren, the photographer. He was there for the entire day and captured the event for the families who live in Newtown Court. You are a fantastic photographer! The children will remember this day for many years.
Gortonora, Kerry
‘The kids had a fabulous Day in Gortonora of fun races (egg and spoon race, sack race, 3-legged Race, tug of war, penalty shoot out, face painting, henna tattoos some delicious food and ice cream to end the day. Painting for the younger kids. Hopscotch and plenty of sun in Dingle for our Neighbours Day.’
Clover Avenue, Cork
‘A wonderful morning took place in Clover Avenue for neighbours who were gifted beautiful cupcakes and plants to commemorate our first Neighbours Day. Here is to many more days like this getting to know our neighbours a little bit better each time. Well done to all involved and to all who participated in the event, THANK YOU!’
So many CHI communities hosted events for Neighbours Day including Halliday Mills, Louth; Limerick; Cascade Apartments, Cork; Fruithill manor, Carlow; Pinewood Green, Dublin; and Brookhill, Cork. Hats off to all of you who worked hard on hosting Neighbours Day. For all the planning and preparation that went into making the day a community celebration.
CHI Education Scholarship
We are thrilled to announce the launch of the CHI Scholarship offering undergraduate students who meet the criteria and are residing in a CHI home, €5000 to support their academic pursuits.
This scholarship is designed to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with higher education and empower you to focus on your studies and personal growth.
You can learn more about the application process and criteria by visiting our website.
The closing date for this Scholarship is the 26th of August at 5pm.Late applications will not be considered.
https://www.cooperativehousing.ie/
