Melin Homes signs HouseProud pledge

(Photo by Hannah Busing on Unsplash)

In signing the HouseProud pledge, we will be taking proactive steps to create communities where everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can feel safe, respected and valued.

What is the HouseProud pledge?

The HouseProud pledge scheme is aimed at promoting equality and enhancing the quality of life for LGBTQ+ residents in social housing. Developed in partnership with LGBTQ+ rights charity Stonewall and the University of Surrey, this scheme was launched as a result of the findings from the "No Place Like Home?" study, the most extensive research ever conducted on the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals in social housing. The research showed a pressing need for housing providers to actively engage with LGBTQ+ residents and address the unique challenges they face.

The scheme offers two levels of accreditation: ‘Pledge Pioneer’ and ‘Pledge Plus’. The Pledge Pioneer level requires housing providers to meet three core commitments:

• Fostering LGBTQ+ resident engagement at the executive level
• Increasing LGBTQ+ visibility within the organisation
• Initiating a comprehensive staff training programme on LGBTQ+ issues.

These areas will be at the heart of our work towards the ‘Pledge Pioneer’ accreditation.

Why is this work important to us and our communities?

For many LGBTQ+ individuals, home is more than just a place to live—it is a sanctuary where they can express their identities freely and without fear. Unfortunately, the reality for many LGBTQ+ residents is that they continue to face discrimination and exclusion, even within their own homes.

The "No Place Like Home?" study revealed some stark statistics. It discovered that across UK social housing, 60% of trans respondents did not feel safe in their neighbourhoods, and one in five gay men reported modifying their homes to conceal their sexual orientation from housing officers or repair staff. These statistics highlight the urgent need for change within the housing sector.

The work ahead

As mentioned, achieving this accreditation will require us to focus on three key areas. Each of these will require a whole team effort that raises awareness, improves our working practices and takes a people-centred approach.

Resident engagement at the executive level

We will work to ensure that LGBTQ+ residents are able to share their concerns with Melin’s leadership, enabling them to influence decisions that affect their lives. This includes a focus on LGBTQ+ issues within the framework of our existing residents group, Melin Voices.

Increasing LGBTQ+ visibility

We will proudly display the HouseProud Pledge logo on our website and ensure that our commitment to LGBTQ+ equality is prominently featured in our communications, including our annual report and social media channels. This visibility is crucial in sending a clear message that Melin is a safe and welcoming place for all.

Staff training on LGBTQ+ issues

We are committed to educating our staff about the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. This will include specialised training sessions delivered by expert organisations such as Stonewall, as well as integrating LGBTQ+ issues into our broader diversity and inclusion training programmes.

Looking into the future

While achieving the ‘Pledge Pioneer’ accreditation is our present goal, we are determined to continue our journey toward the higher ‘Pledge Plus’ accreditation. We are committed to this goal and this will remain the same as Melin moves closer to its merger with Newport City Homes and will remain so for the newly created organisation.

We look forward to sharing updates on our journey through HouseProud in the future and working in partnership with residents and communities to deliver on its aims of making Melin residents, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, feel safe, secure and happy in their homes.