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Barnsley Federation of Tenants and Residents
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Read more about the Federation Funding Pot 2010
What is a Tenants and Residents Association?
A Tenants and Residents Association, usually known as a TARA in Barnsley, is a group of people who work together to give a voice to their community on housing and other community issues. TARA's are non political. Anyone living in the area represented by a TARA can join.
Currently there are 19 Tenants and Residents Associations in Barnsley.
The Barnsley Federation of Tenants and Residents acts as the umbrella organisation for all the Tenants and Residents Associations throughout the Borough. The Federation works with Berneslai Homes and the Council to ensure that tenants and residents views are considered in all decision making that affects them.
The Federation is run by a management committee, which is made up of delegates from each of the 20 TARAs. They offer advice and support to existing and new Tenant and Resident Associations.
What do TARAs do?
- Work with Berneslai Homes to ensure that local people can get involved in making decisions about their homes and their estates.
- Offer a contact between Berneslai Homes and the community.
- Organise and encourage community and social activities such as playgroups, bingo, coffee mornings, discos and trips for the elderly.
- Work with other voluntary groups to develop a neighbourhood spirit and bring people together.
If you do not have a TARA in your area and then why not start one yourself!
Why start a tenants group?
There are lots of reasons for people to get together and form an association. Here are just a few of the main reasons:
- To campaign for something better, for example a better repair service or play facilities.
- To campaign against something, for example the closure of a local school.
- To increase the sense of belonging to a community.
- To organise outings and other social events.
To get involved with other community groups or activities a number of successful groups have been set up using their own ideas, However, it is probably best to establish a few basic principles of how to start. This is a general guide. You should adapt the suggestions to your own situation and use your own judgement.
Why should I get involved?
- You can work with others on the issues that affect your local area, making it a better place to live.
- You can be involved in making decisions about new policies and procedures that affect you, for example changes to terms of your tenancy agreement.
- You can help in monitoring and reviewing the quality of services to ensure best value for rent and service charges.
- If you join a tenants group, you will have a bigger impact than you would on your own.
- It will help you to understand how Berneslai Homes works.
- To improve community spirit within your area.
- Our staff are available to help you throughout the process and will provide you with training on request.
What will I need to offer?
- Your views
- Your commitment
- Your time
Where can I get help to set up a Tenants and Residents Association?
Our Community Engagement Team can offer support and advice to tenants who wish to set up a TARA. The types of things we can help with are:
- organising a venue for public meetings;
- preparing publicity material;
- ongoing training to enable all volunteers to contribute as they wish;
- advice on running and chairing meetings; and
- providing help with organisation and constitutional matters.
Meetings
Download Barnsley Federation Meetings and events for a detailed list.
Contact Details
You may also contact Barnsley Federation of Tenants and Residents for advice and support:
Barnsley Business and Innovation Centre, Syndale Road, Cudworth, Barnsley, S72 8RP. Telephone (01226) 781 172
Email: barnsleytara@supanet.com
Website: www.barnsleytaras.org.uk