**AREEMA RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT - YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2017 NIC: 103069** 

## **Objectives and Activities** 

The Association was formed to develop a cross-community approach  to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Areema by associating with statutory and voluntary partners to advance education and to provide facilities in the interests of housing and social welfare with the object of improving the quality of life for all residents.  The Association maintains a drop-in community base and provides a resource for residents to report issues and concerns to local agencies.  The Association also meets regularly with the Housing Executive, (the local public landlord), the City Council and other public bodies to tackle issues of estate management, reports of anti-social behaviour and other areas of local concern. 

The Association also provides access to services which might not otherwise be available, for example, through working with local Health Trust Workers to provide additional services and support to vulnerable households.  The Association has been meeting with relevant agencies over the up-grade of a local playpark and the provision of new and more housing. 

## **Achievements and Performance** 

The Association runs a community flat which is open 2 days per week and provides an opportunity for residents to seek advice and support regarding housing, environmental, policing issues etc.  Residents are encouraged to drop in to the flat to raise concerns or complaints, which we as an Association raise with the applicable organisation/individual, primarily through our quarterly inter-agency meetings.  These meetings are in the community flat and include various statutory representatives.  Annually we complete an estate inspection which identifies any issues within the estate.  Agencies are actioned to respond accordingly. We facilitate other meetings within the flat, attend various meetings and take part in good practice visits.  We share information and upcoming events via a community Notice Board and through a newsletter.  In the year in question we: 

- held regular meetings with local councillors, council staff and housing managers 

- held regular committee and group meetings 

- planned, organised and undertook a community survey with over 150 responses and presented findings to City Council 

- made information relating to the Councils proposals available for public information and circulated same 

- made information on the housing development proposals in the area available to local residents and communicated such information to affected households. 

Our quarterly inter-agency meetings can be used to share information, as well as to raise and address issues within the estate.  Residents will benefit from being more informed as we plan to share information and updates from statutory bodies and elected representatives via a community newsletter, community notice board and through our drop in advice and support service in the community flat. 

## **Financial Review** 

During this financial year the group secured income to the value of £94 through contributions.  This was a difference in total of £2,741 in comparison to previous financial year.  Payments totalled £1,649.09 leaving a bank balance of £4,425.45. 

Approved by the Trustees on ________________ and signed on their behalf by 

Chairperson 

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