Lewisham Family Co-operative Association is a self-help co-operative, which means that all the residents are members and they elect a committee from amongst themselves.  The committee, along with its members, is involved in key decisions on all aspects of housing management including allocating properties, finance and repairs. 

 At the end of 2006 the co-op appointed CDS to apply for Housing Corporation [now the Homes and Communities Agency] funding on their behalf to replace 22 kitchens.  The co-op bid was successful and they received a grant to complete the works.  The aim of the CDS project team was to deliver a service and product that both the co-op committee and residents could feel pleased about, whilst keeping them actively involved.

Over the last few years CDS has tried to engage residents and co-ops more proactively in the development process.  As part of this we ensure that we frequently attend meetings, write letters, make phone calls, write newsletters and even make personal visits to ensure that the residents are completely involved and satisfied throughout the process. In the past we have unfortunately not always got this right but we now believe that we have the right formula to move forward.

A lot of planning and input went into putting together the right project team and preparing the scheme from the start.  A consultation event was held in September 2006 and residents were all invited to see the choices they could make, look at item samples, ask questions, meet CDS staff and address any concerns they had.  Works started July 2007 and competed in October 2007.

The project was completed on time, within budget and to the satisfaction of all those involved.  Nina Morris, a tenant of the co-operative for 13 years, said “I can honestly say that I was not looking forward to the disruption, but the whole experience was made so much easier by CDS, they organised and supervised the standard of work very closely.  They kept us informed by letter, telephone, newsletter and a few personal visits”.

The successful delivery was down to the joint co-operation and efforts of all those involved.  CDS knew that the co-op had great expectations and believe that these were genuinely achieved and hope that the committee and residents alike enjoyed the process and are happy with their new kitchens.  We have enjoyed working with the co-op and look forward to working with them again in the near future.  

Sherrelle Samuels – Project Manager