We had an amazing member networking event on Tuesday 11th May, with over 40 members attending and talking about their party plans to help us celebrate our 75th anniversary year!

Thank you to everyone who took time out of their busy schedules to join us to chat about the fabulous parties that are being planned and already being organised for this summer!

We had some really interesting questions come up during the session and have highlighted these below for reference:

GDPR – Some members were concerned about GDPR issues with residents and members of the public getting involved with their events. There is a photo-release form in the celebration pack that should be signed by anyone attending and also residents before any photos/videos are taken of them and used in any promotional material, or online on websites or social media.  There is also  a poster that can be printed out and put up for public display too.

Crime Prevention – Some members had concerns about crime occurring on their site during a public event being held at an almshouse.  The suggestion was that several trustees could be situated near vulnerable areas and signs made with ‘private – no access’. Within the risk assessments undertaken, these suggestions for prevention need to be included.  Also, having a checklist of attendees with email addresses and/or full addresses so people have to provide names and contact details at the entrance to the event may help.  Curtains and blinds can be drawn and private doors locked before the event.

Covid restrictions. – A question was asked about Covid restrictions if a public hall was being hired with regards to cleaning before and after the event.  It was recommended that we might have to wait until after the 21st June before we could make any recommendations on what requirements will be needed but a suggestion was made to contact the local council to ask for feedback on health and safety.  It is also recommended that the Hints and Tips flyer could help with details of the government health & safety website.

Residents – some members have encountered some opposition from residents to holding a garden celebration which highlights the work of the charity to the wider public. It was suggested that charities speak to their residents to discuss what the charity is trying to achieve and to look at ways residents can get involved in the organisation of the event (e.g. making bunting/ writing out invitations etc.). Where a resident doesn’t want to be involved, suggest that they may wish to go out for a few hours on that particular day and/or close their curtains.

What type of event to have?  Some members were deliberating between having a resident only and a joint event.  It was suggested that this needs to be decided by the trustees and residents to ensure everyone is happy with the option put forward. If the local mayor or MP is invited to help raise the profile, an option could be to invite them to cut a ribbon to open the event and then the residents can have their party after the dignitary departs.  This ensures that focus is only on the dignitary for the first hour or half an hour as dignitaries usually don’t stay at events due to their busy schedules.

Joint events. These were discussed and there was some positive feedback on smaller almshouses getting together.

We will share details for our next networking event as soon as they are finalised. In the meantime, if you have any questions or ideas you would like to dicuss, please do email gerryharmon@almshouses.org