Create or join a residents association

By setting up a group with other local people, to discuss common concerns or local issues, you can work together to make a difference to where you live.

How can we make things better

By creating a group you can foster community spirit in your neighbourhood you can:

• find out about issues and local interests which matter to local people.
• collectively raise issues that matter to you, with local organisations that make decisions about where you live such as the council, police, etc
• bring about changes for the better and get things done collectively.
• plan local events and programmes with residents which bring about change, create a sense of pride and have fun

What is the difference between a tenant/resident association and a community group

It’s important that you set up a group that meets your neighbourhood’s needs and level of commitment. 

For this guide a Tenant / Residents Association:

• is a group of residents (either renting or homeowners including shared ownership) who want to discuss and make changes in their neighbourhood.
• usually signs a constitution and elects a committee.
• a treasurer is appointed and the tenant and residents association holds a bank account

For this guide a Community Group:

• is a group of residents (either renting or homeowners including shared ownership) who want to discuss and make changes in their neighbourhood.
• who want to work together to improve their neighbourhood and community without being formally constituted.
• can range from well-established formal groups, or regular working groups to small and informal discussion groups.
• can deal with a specific issue or project eg: parking problems, or a fundraising event.

Setting up your group

Groups are set up for lots of reasons but usually because of shared interests or concerns about a particular issue in the area. It’s often the case that if one local resident is worried about something, or wants to organise a community activity, or an event there will be other people in the area probably thinking the same thing. Talk to people you know, your friends and neighbours about your concerns.

You can download and read more about setting up a group. This document is not accessible. If you need an accessible version email involvedinhousing@kingston.gov.uk or kamiljeet.birdie@kingston.gov.uk. You can also call 07754053638 to speak to Kam.