Residents sharing their experiences on living with Anchor

Recently, a number of involved residents took part in recorded interviews about their experiences of living with Anchor. These will be woven into a short video which will be shared with Anchor’s Non-Executive Board to help them hear directly from residents about day to day life, in residents’ own words.

Residents spoke about why they chose their homes, particularly the importance of location, proximity to family, local amenities and familiar communities. Many described valuing a quieter life, reduced responsibility for property maintenance, and the ability to live independently while having some support available if needed.

Community featured strongly in the interviews, helping people feel involved and connected. Having somewhere that feels like home and being able to maintain independence was also highlighted as important.

Alongside positive experiences, residents were open about the challenges they face. Communication was a recurring issue, with some residents feeling that decisions were not always clearly explained or discussed with residents beforehand, particularly in relation to service charges, budgets and major works.

Safety and security were also key concerns, with residents wanting to feel safe and know our buildings are secure. 

There were also strong views about repairs, service charges and value for money. Residents spoke about wanting systems that are easier to understand, clearer information about costs, and more preventative maintenance to avoid bigger problems later on.

Importantly, residents didn’t just raise concerns – they also shared ideas. Suggestions included better use of communal spaces, clearer resident meetings at different levels, more accessible ways to report and track repairs, and practical improvements such as better lighting, sustainability measures and improved security arrangements.

These interviews are being used to help the Board better understand residents’ lived experiences and ensure that decision making reflects what matters to the people who live with Anchor.

Your feedback helps us see where things could be done differently, it shapes our services and influences decisions. To find out more about ways you can get involved, click here.