KINGDOM Group has hailed the success of its summer gathering event, despite the fact it had to be hosted online due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Tenants from across Fife and beyond used Zoom to meet up virtually with other tenants. Free workshops were offered on subjects such as mindfulness and harp therapy, while a virtual garden tour of Kirklands House & Garden in Saline was available. An insight on guide dog training included an appearance from Duke, a German Shepherd-Golden Retriever cross.
Younger guests were able to participate in children’s workshops from Wild Planet Explorers and cellist Greg Sinclair.
Max Scotto, Kingdom’s tenant participation officer said, “Holding our summer gathering virtually allowed us to engage with a number of tenants who, in most cases, had never participated before. Although it took a lot of work behind the scenes for us to help people connect digitally, it was all worth it when we finally saw them enjoying the programme and having meaningful conversations about issues that mattered to them.
“Despite current restrictions we managed to hold a great gathering with a varied audience. From Aberdeen to Clackmannan we brought customers, staff and board members together. Those who delivered workshops, which also included some of our tenants, gave us very positive feedback. Many who attended said they now feel more confident using digital technology and we will continue to offer more activities that will strengthen their ability to participate in this way.”
Matthew Busher, Kingdom Housing Association’s interim director of housing added, “These are challenging times and we are having to rethink how we can engage with customers and provide opportunities for them to participate. So we’re especially pleased that we were able to hold our annual summer gathering on a virtual platform. It was something of a learning curve for all involved but the event was a real success. And feedback has indicated that there is an appetite for digital engagement like this to have a permanent place as one of the participation options that we offer.”
