Ruils to host monthly social housing drop-ins

Ruils, along with a collective of other voluntary organisations in Richmond Borough, has worked diligently over the last two years to improve the state of social housing disrepair in the borough, particularly for Disabled and intersectionally excluded residents.

Our report Decaying Homes, Forgotten Lives, published in 2024, details the poor state of social housing properties and systemic disrepair in homes across the borough. For many, were found to be uninhabitable, and even when reported, disrepair went ignored and left to worsen.

The report outlines key recommendations for housing providers to take on board as they address disrepair, and we’ve been working with Richmond Housing Partnership (RHP) and PA Housing since November 2024 to implement these.

One of the recommendations was for housing providers to provide more opportunities for residents to engage with them face to face, to break down communication barriers. This is particularly important for those who find using online platforms and the phone to get information challenging. Those with learning disabilities or with limited English also find face to face appointments helpful, allowing them to have a case worker or family member/friend support them in the meeting.

Ruils is working with providers to host monthly drop-in sessions for RHP and PA Housing tenants. Sessions will be held at The Disability Action and Advice Centre, 4 Waldegrave Road, Teddington TW11 8HT. Our offices are fully accessible and have accessible toilets. The meeting room is private and on the ground floor.

At the drop-in, you can:

• Raise repairs and report disrepair
• Get updates on an existing case, including complaints
• Request reasonable adjustments
• Share information about your housing or access needs
• Report issues with your property or communal area

They cannot support with re-housing, home swaps or allocation to larger homes at these drop-ins. 

RHP – Second Wednesday of the month, 1-4pm

PA Housing – Third Tuesday of the month, 1-4pm

All are welcome to attend and as it is a drop-in, there is no registration needed. If you have questions, email halliebanish@ruils.co.uk or call 020 8831 6083.

Can you help us spread the word? Download our poster here.