The afternoon continued with a visit to Grange Estate in Finchley and a final stop at our Opendoor Homes properties at Gracie House.

It was an incredibly successful day, leaving everyone encouraged by the progress across the borough.

Resident Board member Janet, had this to say about the day, “The Borough Tour was insightful and well worth attending. It was valuable to understand how decisions are made and the collaborative approach with partner agencies. It was encouraging to see the range of tenant journeys and the variety of homes residents are transitioning into. The tour also offered a meaningful perspective on social value initiatives in more deprived areas.

Marielle
The tour yesterday was great, I enjoyed visiting all the various estates and seeing the regeneration plans that are in place. It was very educational and nice to meet the other board members in a less formal setting. Liz, Michelle and Murphy were great hosts. I appreciate all the hard work and thought put into the day. Thank you Liz and Barnet Homes, it was a great day.

Tatiana
Thank you for organising the recent tour. I found it interesting and engaging, especially the opportunity to share views with fellow members. As a Grahame Park resident, this was the first time I truly felt I understood what is happening on my estate in terms of regeneration. Seeing the estates first-hand and hearing about challenges and successes helped me better understand the scale of work happening behind the scenes. I really appreciate everyone’s time.

Simone
I found the tour informative; it gave insight into the planned transformation of GP and how the existing residents might feel. It’s a difficult task to relocate an entire estate of residents (twice), so I got the gist of the logistics. I found myself thinking of the resident journey and hoping they will be settled somewhere they will be happy. I also wanted to suggest (and be part of) a project team to coordinate community gardens. All in all, a good day and much appreciated.

ZH
Thank you for organising the Barnet tour. It was a valuable experience that will support me in my role as a Board member.

If you have a tumble dryer made by any of the following: Baumatic, Candy, Caple, Haier, Hoover, Iberna, Lamona or Montpellier, please read this urgent safety advice from the government. Some models of these tumble dryers have an increased risk of fire.

Owners should check their model number and serial number online to see if their appliance is affected and contact the manufacturer to arrange a repair.

The appliance must not be used until the repair has been completed. If the plug is accessible, owners should switch off and unplug the appliance.

The manufacturer started a corrective action programme earlier this year for 103,000 affected machines. However the Office for Product Safety and Standards told Haier to halt its initial repair programme because of concerns the modification was still unsafe. Following an updated modification, Haier has resumed its programme and begun contacting consumers again. Haier initially focused on arranging a second repair for machines that had previously been modified and are now arranging repairs for the remaining 85,000 owners whose appliances still present a fire risk.

• The quality of our housing and repairs service
• How we maintain your communal spaces
• How we can continue to treat you fairly and with respect
• How we can improve our communication and keep you informed

To receive a link to the virtual meeting, email get.involved@opendoorhomes.org

All registered attendees will be entered into a £50 prize draw.

Resident Scrutiny Group

The Opendoor Homes Resident Scrutiny Group has currently paused on its activities until it has a fully functioning representative group of Opendoor Homes residents. If you would like to find out more information on becoming a member of the group, email  get.involved@opendoorhomes.org.

If you are an Opendoor Homes resident and would like to attend, please register your attendance by emailing get.involved@opendoorhomes.org.

Cllr Rawlings said:

“We are deeply shocked and appalled by this antisemitic attack in the heart of our Jewish community.

“The deliberate targeting of Hatzola’s volunteer ambulances, in what the Police are treating as a suspected arson attack, is abhorrent. We will do everything in our power to support the Police to bring those responsible to justice.

“Our thoughts are first and foremost with those affected – the volunteers who dedicate their time to saving lives and to our wider community who will feel understandably shaken and distressed by this attack.

“Hate crime in any form will not be tolerated in our borough. An attack on one part of our community is an attack on us all. We stand in full solidarity with our Jewish residents and with all the other communities who make up Golders Green and who are feeling vulnerable today as a result of this cowardly act.

“Thank you to the London Fire Brigade and the Police who have been dealing with the incident and to my Barnet Council colleagues who have been working throughout the early hours as part of the response to this incident. We are now focused on working closely with the Police and our community partners to bring those responsible to justice.”

Anjana joined the Boost apprenticeship programme in October 2024, beginning a 14 month journey that combined hands‑on experience with formal learning. While completing her Business Admin Level 3 qualification, she worked closely with young residents aged 18 to 30, supporting them with confidence building, CVs, skills development and employment pathways.

In December, Anjana successfully completed her apprenticeship and was immediately offered a full‑time position with Boost. She now works as an Employment Advisor, expanding her support to older jobseekers and those facing more complex barriers. Most residents book appointments through Boost’s website, but Anjana is also a familiar and reassuring face in the libraries, helping walk‑ins with everything from job searches to benefit enquiries.

“It’s been really good,” Anjana says. “I enjoy the job, the learning opportunities and the community. I’m very happy with the people I work with.”

Her dedication hasn’t gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Anjana received the Apprenticeship Challenger Award from Barnet Southgate college in recognition of her hard work, commitment and successful completion of the programme. “It was very nice of them,” she says modestly.

Perhaps most impressive is the impact she’s already had: Anjana estimates she has helped hundreds of people into employment since joining Boost. “It makes me feel really proud,” she reflects. “Seeing someone improve and move forward is the best part of the job.”

For anyone thinking about applying for an apprenticeship with Boost, Barnet Homes or Barnet Council, Anjana’s message is simple:

“Definitely apply. You gain a qualification and work experience at the same time.
It gives you the best of both worlds, paid work, real‑world experience and study combined.
Especially if you’re just starting out, it’s such a good way to build your skills.”

With her full‑time role underway and her passion for supporting residents stronger than ever, Anjana’s journey is just beginning, and her story is a great example of the life‑changing opportunities apprenticeships can offer.

For 2025-26 we re-commissioned an independent company to complete perception surveys with Opendoor Homes tenants. The table below shows the 2025/26 scores for the perception TSMs, compared to 2024/25.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete a survey and give feedback about Opendoor Homes.

What has the survey feedback told us?

We have identified the main issues shared in comments given by tenants who completed a survey in 2025/26 that are relevant to the ‘key driver’ areas. The table below shows these areas and the specific concerns of tenants in each area that we need to address through service improvements.

This survey analysis will be used along with complaints themes and other insight to update our service improvement plans. If you would like to share any further feedback with us about the areas listed above or be involved in shaping our improvement plans, please email customercare@opendoorhomes.org.

What do you enjoy most about gardening?

You don’t think of anything else, you could have a bad day, but when you’re gardening it all goes out the window. I find it very relaxing and it’s good for my health. I want to create the best entrance space for where I live to brighten everyone’s day.

I particularly like the end result and people’s comments, especially if they’re favourable!

What are your plans for this planting season?

I will be planting Cyclamen, Geraniums, Pelargoniums, Primula and Polyanthus, I’m also hoping to plant a tree. Maybe a maple tree, a bright yellow colour so it stands out.

What’s your favourite plant to grow and why?

Cyclamen, because they don’t need too much tending and they are such easy going plants. I like the pink ones, they blend well with most flowers, especially white flowers.

Do you have a go‑to gardening hack or tip you love sharing?

It’s important not to overwater as the leaves go yellow or brown. You need to water just the right amount!

What’s a gardening mistake you made that still makes you laugh?

Buying the wrong plants and seeds! What I planted died very quickly and the wrong seeds just won’t grow. I know better now.

If you were a plant, what plant would you be?

Rhododendron, it’s a classy plant, just like me!

If you are interested in setting up your own local gardening club, send an email to get.involved@opendoorhomes.org

The event brought together nominees and sponsors, with awards presented by the Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich. The evening celebrated the remarkable efforts of residents, volunteers, and community partners who go above and beyond to make Barnet a better place to live.

This year, The Barnet Group received over 60 nominations from Barnet Homes and Opendoor Homes residents and voluntary organisations, a testament to the strength and spirit of the local community. Each nomination highlighted inspiring stories of compassion, resilience, and dedication.

Elliott Sweetman, CEO of Barnet Homes, said, “These awards showcase the incredible contributions of individuals who work tirelessly to support others and strengthen our communities. The Community Awards continue to be a cornerstone event for The Barnet Group, reinforcing its commitment to recognising and celebrating those who make a real difference.”

The Mayor of Barnet, Councillor Danny Rich, said “I am delighted to have been asked to present awards to residents and volunteers who make up the Barnet Group. I make no apologies for repeating my view that Barnet’s greatness arises from the combined efforts of residents, volunteers, paid staff, organisations and elected Councillors who work together to improve life for all.”

This year’s winners are:

• Good Neighbour: Paul and Jo Digby
• Community Project of the Year: Unitas Forever Young Warm Hub
• Community Group of the Year: Hope North London
• Voluntary Sector Group or Charity of the Year: Volunteers on WHeels
• Young Volunteer of the Year (under 25): Tracy Simons
• Volunteer of the Year (over 25): Davina Helman
• Social Value Contactor: Quinn London
• Outstanding Contract Delivery – Repairs: Masher Brothers
• Outstanding Contract Delivery – Property Services: WG Wigginton
• Resident Liaison Superstar: Amanda Black

Click here to download our programme from the evening, and find out more about our nominees and winners

We are also (as part of The Barnet Group) developing a new Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) Strategy for 2026-30. Our EDI strategy sets out our aims and aspirations on providing inclusive, fair, accessible services for the people who use our services, and an inclusive, respectful, and discrimination-free work environment for our staff.

We would like to know your views to help shape our priorities over the coming years.

Your views are important! Please take a few minutes to complete our short survey by Friday 16 January 2026:

Click here to complete the survey.

Thank you for taking the time give your feedback to help us make sure our services are fair and accessible for everyone.