This was the question asked of the pupils of Annie Lennard Primary School in Smethwick by the MCP team.
Our work with Sandwell Metropolitan Borough Council offered the opportunity to launch a fantastic initiative with this local school. We wanted to create heartfelt welcome cards for residents moving into refurbished (previously void) properties. The children were invited to design the front of our welcome cards … their ideas and drawings were amazing!
The children thought of three concepts for “home”: safe, warm and happy. They perfectly reflect the key aspects of our work and the sentiments of the welcome cards for residents:
1. Safe
Ensuring residents’ homes are safe and secure is an essential part of our responsive repairs, voids and planned works contracts.
Compliance checks including EICR, EPC and Gas Safety certification are routinely carried out on void properties and as part of our planned works programmes.
Safety is of paramount importance and any issues identified in properties are reported to our clients and appropriate actions taken.
Our diligent approach gives residents and clients peace of mind.
2. Warm
Keeping properties in good repair, including works to windows and doors, enhances energy efficiency and helps residents stay warm in their homes.
Our safeguarding procedures ensure that clients are advised of any instances of fuel poverty so suitable support measures can be put in place.
3. Happy
Our favourite of the children’s responses! A quality refurbishment or repair helps properties to feel welcoming and homely. Our planners are residents’ first point of contact when they need to request property repairs. They are trained in customer service and how to help residents with vulnerabilities, communicating in a friendly and professional way and ensuring repairs are progressed as quickly as possible. We love to keep residents and clients happy!
Huge thanks to the pupils of Annie Lennard Primary School for their hard work and creativity in designing these welcome cards .
