This group brings together City of Edinburgh Council sheltered housing tenants to work with the Council on tenants’ issues.  The Sheltered Housing Liaison Group (SHLG) is currently using a human rights based approach to tackle a number of issues.  In early 2018, the SHLG decided to carry out a survey of tenants to find out about similar issues throughout the city.  Thinking about Human Rights the group learned about:

Participation

Accountability,

Non-Discrimination and Equality,

Empowerment and

Legality

Or the PANEL principles and planning for a survey began. Training on participatory research methods took place, with representatives conducting the survey door – door.

The survey focussed on current accommodation, housing support, social support and the Community Alarm Telecare Service.

The results were collated and the issues were themed around international, nation and local policies, including through a human rights lens.  A report was launched at and presented to the City of Edinburgh Council at a conference for sheltered housing tenants in October 2018.  A human rights monitoring group was also launched at the conference, where sheltered housing tenants will monitor how progress is being made on the issues highlighted.

Following the conference, the SHLG will draft up an action plan in moving forward, including how wider sheltered housing tenants can become involved and how meetings with the Council will take place.