My RHA
Social value
12th September 2016 | posted in News
Railway Housing Association is creating over £6 million of social value for its residents through its work providing affordable homes and services, a new report reveals.
In response to housing providers being asked to demonstrate the value of the services they provide, Railway Housing Association recently commissioned a specialist research company to measure the social value of its work.
Using the nationally recognised Social Return on Investment (SROI) framework, and following a survey of all of the Association’s residents, a number of material outcomes were identified for people renting their home from Railway Housing Association. These outcomes were:
-Safer home better suited to needs and lifestyle
-Feeling more included in the community
-Better more personal service
-Better informed and able to deal with issues
-Well maintained home by trusted people
-More included in decision making
-Reduced isolation
-Increased independence
-Increase confidence.
91% of residents said that their current home is better suited to their needs than their previous one and 95% indicated that they feel safe and secure in their home and community. Resident comments included:
“It's just right for me and my needs. I think I would search a long time to find anything that comes near to this.”
“I am very grateful to RHA for giving me control of my life again and for this I thank them.”
“Having my independence again has given me motivation, direction, coping abilities, organisation, plus happiness.”
“My outlook has changed in that I don't have to worry about getting out of bed feeling blue in this wonderful warm environment.”
The study found that for every £1 invested by the Association, £2.26 of social value is generated for residents. The £5million spent by the Association in 2015/16 resulted in over £11m worth of outcomes.
The value to the Government of Railway Housing Association’s work was calculated at £500,000 per year.
Anne Rowlands, Chief Executive of Railway Housing Association, said: “The evaluation demonstrates that we are achieving a considerable social value through our work and it’s pleasing to hear that our residents feel safe in their homes and communities, less isolated, and more involved in our decision making.”
