The second annual conference for housing association residents and council tenants in the Medway area of Kent, was staged at Gillingham Football Club’s conference centre this summer. The event was organised by the Medway Residents’ Group (MeRGe) and was supported by Sanctuary along with a number of other associations in the area. The theme of this year’s event was ‘Quality of Life’ and included work-shops covering learning for life, sports and activities, safety, healthy living and accessing information.

Celebrity, Kriss Akabusi, gave a motivational speech on ‘being the best on the day’ and residents thought this message was well delivered with a humorous slant. Sanctuary staff from Canterbury and Hertford hosted a stand outlining the ethos and aims of the organisation.

Residents from Macklands, a Sanctuary sheltered scheme in Rainham, ran a stand of their own highlighting the benefits of living in sheltered housing and exhibiting details of recent events including a visit from the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, and a 1940s party to celebrate VE day. Residents comments included: “a smashing day”, “all very interesting especially to hear other residents’ points of view” and “very interesting work-shops”.