Promoting inclusion and diversity

We recognise the importance of equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and are committed to embedding these core principles in everything we do:

• Equality — fair and equal access to opportunities.
• Diversity — recognising everyone is an individual and different.
• Inclusion — a sense of belonging and a feeling of being respected.

These principles underpin all of our business activities, making sure we continue to be an employer and landlord of choice.

For us, equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) are about recognising and valuing difference across our customer and employee bases. It's also about fairness in its broadest sense; stretching beyond areas already covered by legislation.

This year we are delighted to be taking part in the ‘Back in the Closet ‘project at one of our extra care schemes, The Byrons, with Greater Manchester Combined Authority, House Proud North West and Pride in Ageing at LGBT Foundation. The artist we will be working with is Anna Raczynski.

The groundbreaking new artist residency project will shed light on LGBT people's experiences of sheltered housing and independent living schemes while looking at how LGBT visibility can be improved in these settings.

The Back in the Closet project will see five artists paired with five older persons’ housing schemes across Greater Manchester to work with both staff and residents to open a discussion on LGBT identities and to find both small and significant changes to make these environments more inclusive.

Each artist will take up residence in a scheme for a minimum of eight days, with work initially taking place remotely due to the Coronavirus pandemic. They will work with staff and residents at each scheme to co-create an artistic response to residents' experiences using photography, creative writing, film, installation or performance.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Specialist and Chair of HouseProud North West, Tara Kelly, said:

“HouseProud is committed to improving the way we support and deliver services to LGBT+ customers and residents. The Back in the Closet Project presents an exciting and innovative opportunity to engage with our older residents and to raise awareness of issues faced by LGBT people living in our retirement housing schemes."