How the Resident Engagement Team have helped the community
Resident Engagement Team help with the Cost of Living
The Resident Engagement Team have played a significant role in the success of Havering Council’s Emergency Assistance Scheme in response to the Cost of Living crisis with thousands of Havering residents having received vital support.
The scheme aims to reduce health inequalities for residents over the age of 50, increase benefit uptake and improve access to services that promote independence, health and wellbeing, and social inclusion.
Since the start of the project, the Council’s Emergency Assistance Scheme has generated over £2 million additional income in benefits for clients.
The project has also supported over 20,000 children during school holidays with food and other essentials, distributing a total of £469,325 to residents.
The support continues to provide essentials such as food, heating, and household appliances to those most in need.
Also included within the scheme was the High Energy Usage Medical Equipment (HEUME) initiative, which has provided direct financial support to over 1,200 residents who rely on energy-intensive medical equipment at home.
Other support has included offering a week off in paying rent to council tenants transitioning from Universal Credit to Housing Benefit and providing furniture to help people sleeping rough when moving into their own accommodation.
By signposting and referring residents to benefits and money advice, services that reduce isolation, support greater independence at home, and improve access to transport, the Resident Engagement Team have ensured help reaches those who need it most.
The support I received meant I could keep my home warm and afford food for my children. The team explained everything clearly and made me feel valued.
Family Summer Fun Days
Havering free Family Summer Fun Days, hosted by the Housing Resident Engagement Team, are enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.
The four summer events in 2025 provided young attendees with the chance to enjoy bouncy castles, face painting, children’s entertainment and a free lunch.
These events are also an opportunity for the team to engage families and residents with children who may need additional support, such as those who have accessed the Council’s Emergency Assistance Scheme.
By ensuring access to services at events for those who are in need of financial assistance, information and support can be made available to them by relevant partners.
In 2025, partners included the NHS and the Council’s Youth and Children Teams, have received referrals to vital services directly from Family Summer Fun Days visitors.
255 referrals were made to vital services such as NHS and Youth Teams directly from attending events.
Families accessed information on cost-of-living support, welfare advice, and housing services.
Positive resident feedback highlighted the friendly atmosphere and practical help available.
I came for the kids’ activities, but I ended up speaking to the housing team about repairs and got advice on benefits. It made me feel listened to and supported. It wasn’t just a fun day. It really helped my family.
Football and basketball sessions
Following a successful Sport England bid to fund football and basketball sessions throughout Havering, 1650 children joined school holiday sports sessions throughout 2025.
The sessions delivered in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, Havering Council’s Sport Development Team and the holiday activities and food programme (HAF), have contributed to various positive outcomes.
As a result of the football and basketball activities targeting crime hot spots in Harold Hill, a combined 40 percent reduction in youth anti-social behaviour has been recorded by the police across these hot spot locations.
The sessions also promote healthy eating and physical activity, which both support Havering’s Obesity Strategy, with 45 children having progressed onto local football and basketball clubs, further developing their sporting abilities.
Other positive outcomes include youth engaging with the other youths, adults, business and community representatives.
These include fostering stronger relationships and boosting social interactions with the local policing team and The Co-Operative Group, who generously provide water and fruit at each session.
Due to the achieved outcomes, these events have been successful, Havering Council, in collaboration with the Metropolitan Police, are establishing further football and basketball sessions throughout 2026 in areas of recorded high youth anti-social behaviour.
Resident Participation Panel
The Resident Participation Panel (RPP) was established in 2016 by Havering Council to strengthen collaboration between residents and the Council in improving housing services across the borough.
The panel, who are trained in tenant engagement, has grown to include 20 tenants and leaseholders across Havering. The RPP provides a structured, resident-led forum that influences decision-making and service delivery.
Across dedicated sessions, the RPP deliver strategic oversight, performance review, the shaping of policy, and contribute to service improvements.
Recent contributions from the RPP include vital input into the Housing Allocations Policy, Estate Strategy and informing the approach to resident inspections.
The RPP continues to benefit housing tenants and leaseholders across the borough as a platform for meaningful dialogue, positive feedback, and collaborative problem solving.