By Joanne Wilson, Head of Corporate Services at Supporting Communities

I joined Supporting Communities in March 2025 as the Head of Corporate Services, and I will always remember that in my first week, my new colleagues kept saying, "Wait until you meet the tenants." They all spoke so passionately about the tenants, and I wondered what made these conversations so special.

It didn't take long to find out.

My Lightbulb Moment

My introduction to tenant participation came through Circle Voluntary Housing Association tenants Lorraine Gorman and David Kortukohun at their Tenant Communication and Engagement Strategy Launch. As members of Circle's Tenant First Link Committee, they weren't just attendees – they were driving the conversation. I watched as they challenged assumptions, shared insights from their lived experience, and shaped policies that would affect thousands of homes. This wasn't consultation; this was genuine partnership.

That moment changed my understanding of what tenant engagement could be.

Real Leaders in Our Communities

Over the past few months, I've had the privilege of meeting involved tenants across the island of Ireland. What strikes me most is that these are all volunteers – people who choose to dedicate their time because they believe in making their communities better.

They don't just attend meetings; they are key participants. They don't just voice concerns; they propose solutions. They work hand-in-glove with their housing association landlords, creating genuine two-way partnerships that transform how housing services are delivered.

Their stories are as varied as they are inspiring. Some got involved after their children grew up, finding new purpose in helping their neighbours. Others were motivated by specific issues in their communities and stayed to become advocates for positive change. What unites them all is their commitment to ensuring tenants’ voices are heard.

The Power of Storytelling

This commitment to amplifying voices was beautifully demonstrated at the 5th International Social Housing Festival in Dublin this June. Over 2,000 delegates gathered for a wide variety of sessions around the theme of storytelling, but it was the tenants’ own stories that truly brought the event to life for me.

The Impact Project – an oral history toolkit launched at the festival – captured something profound. As you entered the Convention Centre, tenant faces greeted you, each with a QR code linking to their personal stories of life in social housing. Two-minute snippets, reminding everyone why we do this work.

Supporting Communities also showcased tenant voices at this event in a joint session with Neighbourhood Network, aptly titled "C'mere Till I Tell Ya." It was great to see a brilliant turnout in the room as tenant volunteers Patricia, Karina, Bobby, Elishia, and Maureen shared their experiences with passion and authenticity. I am certain their words resonated far beyond that conference room.

The Unsung Heroes

What I've learned is that these volunteers are often the unsung heroes of their communities. They work tirelessly, often behind the scenes, tackling issues before they escalate and connecting neighbours who might otherwise feel isolated.

They're relentlessly resilient, finding ways around obstacles that would stop others in their tracks. They're humble, preferring to focus on results rather than recognition. They're absolutely essential to creating communities where people don't just live but thrive.

Now I know why I was told to meet the tenants!

Looking Forward Together

If you're a tenant representative reading this, please know that your work matters more than you might realise. You're not just improving housing services – you're building stronger, more connected communities where everyone has a stake in success.

If you're a tenant curious about getting involved, reach out. Your community needs your unique perspective and experience. The welcome will be warm, and the impact you can make is real.

For housing providers wanting to strengthen their tenant engagement, we're here to help you build those genuine partnerships that make all the difference.

Join the Conversation

Lorraine and David, from Circle VHA, will be participating in our All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference in Belfast on 6-7 October. Meet them and more amazing tenant representatives, housing providers, and sector professionals from across Ireland and further afield! Come join in the conversation that will help take tenant participation to the next level for us all.

This conference is an opportunity to celebrate tenant leaders, share innovative approaches to engagement, and learn from the real experts: the people who call social housing home.

Whether you're a seasoned tenant representative, new to engagement, or a housing provider looking to strengthen your approach, this conference will inspire, challenge, and connect you with others who share your passion for creating better communities.

Because when tenants lead, everyone benefits.

To learn more about how Supporting Communities can support your tenant engagement journey, contact Joanne Wilson at joanne@supportingcommunities.org.

Read more about the All-Ireland Tenant Engagement Conference.