More housing professionals than ever include engaging customers in their activities and this year the focus was reaching the people that many struggle to engage with.

Over 50 delegates from all over Scotland, benefitted from practical, challenging and fun sessions including engaging with those with sensory difficulties, operating in rural communities, reaching out to a variety of age ranges and the LGBT community.

One first time delegate wrote, “I feel all the workshops were extremely well presented and relevant however a special mention to Craig Baxter from Fyne Homes in how they tackle social isolation, anti-social issues and the general well-being of their tenants.

“I will be suggesting a similar proposal to that of their Nostalgia Care with the focus on older tenants as this can lead to a better quality of life for tenants who are isolated or suffer from dementia, providing that small amount of time per week can have a massive impact on their lives.

“The issues surrounding dogs is growing and I will be suggesting that we contact the Dogs Trust to engage in the same way as Fyne Homes have in providing health checks for dogs and ownership advice and the microchipping of dogs. Another amongst many great concepts from Craig was working in partnership with SGN in them providing a locking safety valve on gas cookers for tenants.”

Delegates also had the opportunity to influence the Scottish Government’s revised Guide to Successful Tenant Participation (that will be published this year) and through Michael Cameron’s keynote session, the Scottish Housing Regulator’s review of tenant participation indicators and the proposal for an Annual Assurance Statement.

TPAS Scotland’s chief executive, Lesley Baird, was excited by the conference, and said: “It was great to see so many new folks and hear about what they’re up to. It’s always good to catch up with, shall we say, our returning guests but the ideas and enthusiasm of people attending for the first time put a real spring into my steps. We aim to inspire, give practical ideas, influence good practice and this year’s HPC conference hit the target.”

Now TPAS staff and Board are working on their “Baking up a storm” annual conference at a new venue for TPAS – MacDonald Aviemore Resort, taking place between 16 and 18 November – targeting ways to help you deliver the right recipe for successful tenant participation - and the 2018 National Good Practice Awards, sponsored by Highland Council – celebrating your successes – winners will be announced on Friday 16th November.