Join us and help put accessible housing on everyone’s agenda | Tenant news

We believe that the voices of disabled people are the best way to persuade the government and housing providers to build more suitable homes. That’s why we’ve created our Insight Group.

The Group is made up of disabled campaigners who want to help us increase the supply of accessible homes in this country by using their voices and networks to move accessible housing further up the national agenda.

Your support

Joining our Insight Group means you will be a core part of our campaigning in many ways, and your first-person insight will be invaluable to convey our message with maximum impact.

Some ways you could get involved for us:

• Sharing your experiences for articles in the press
• Sharing your insight at meetings with the wider group
• Supporting our #ForAccessibleHomes campaign
• Being active in the accessible homes conversation on social media
• Taking part in videos, case studies and photoshoots
• Meet with MPs or government ministers.

There will be many exciting opportunities for you to build your profile as a disability campaigner too; some members have gone on to regularly feature in national and local news.

Our people

Chris Hicken is a Habinteg tenant and disability campaigner who has been working with the Insight Group for over two years.

He says: “Being a member of the Insight Group gives me the opportunity to work with other like-minded tenants, campaigners and Habinteg staff to help influence the future of accessible homes.

“We meet roughly once a quarter, to look at what is happening within the housing sector and the impact this can have on inclusive housing. 

“We get the opportunity to have a say in what could happen to make disabled properties adapt with an ever-changing generation.

“The group’s personal experience is vital in guiding these conversations and decision-makers, which is why our role is so crucial.”

The end goal

In England, over 400,000 wheelchair users are living in homes that are neither adapted nor accessible. We need to act quickly if we want to see more suitable homes built for disabled people and our ageing population.

The government, local authorities, planners, developers and communities all have their part to play to address the shortage of accessible homes, but the Insight Group is a crucial way to inform the discussions that these other groups have.

If you’re interested in joining the group or want to find out more you can email the Communications team at comms@habinteg.org.uk or visit https://www.habinteg.org.uk/group and apply.