Peabody, one of London’s oldest and largest housing providers, recognises that getting residents to use the internet is increasingly vital.
“We want to support our residents to get online and make sure they’re not left behind in using technology and accessing crucial services digitally ,” says Community Development Officer Jeannette Manu. “The introduction of Universal Credit will bring important changes. Added to that a high proportion of our residents are older people, and keeping in touch with friends and family is an important way to lessen feelings of isolation and loneliness, while for younger residents, searching for work online, preparing CVs and applying for jobs is a priority.”
Peabody also appreciates that residents want to be able to access information 24 hours a day – whether that’s finding out about different ways of paying their rent, reporting repairs or locating local services.
In 2013 Peabody launched a new website which is packed with information and advice – and which also aims to increase resident involvement and encourage active neighbourhoods.
Residents can login to their account to manage their rent and report repairs etc. It also includes local noticeboards enabling the local communities to include their own notices, feedback and suggestions for improving services. “It’s an effective platform for residents to share their views and concerns – and it really helps us pick up on issues that residents might not want to raise in a more formal setting,” adds Jeanette.
Peabody owns and manages more than 27,000 homes across the capital with more than 70,000 residents. It already runs a successful digital inclusion programme, Net Worx, in which trained volunteers teach people about computers and the internet. It is also a member of the Digital Champions Network for Housing which helps housing providers support their residents to get online and extend their digital skills through an army of Digital Champions.
“Spring Online in association with Digital Unite is an important launch pad for our digital inclusion work,” says Jeannette. “Informal events at our housing estates encourage residents and the wider community to come along and find out about getting online and we can follow that up with learning sessions throughout the year.”