Almost 300 Coastline Housing customers attended its annual away day where they were able to discuss their social landlord’s services while having a fun day out.

This year the event was held at Flambards in Helston, which proved to be incredibly popular with more people than ever heading along.

Customers had a chance to talk about an even wider range of services and projects than at previous events, from new developments through to repairs and getting involved. They were also asked to tell Coastline about all the things that are most important to them as customers, so that the landlord can produce a new range of customer promises to live by in the coming years.

Coastline Housing’s income management team was on hand to give details about Universal Credit which will be introduced widely in Cornwall early next year. Suggesting ways to save money, South West Water attended to help customers look at ways of reducing bills.

Of interest to many was Smartline, a research project looking at how technology can be used to help us live healthier and happier lives. The Smartline team spoke to customers from the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth (CPIR) area to encourage them to become one of 350 households in this partnership project. Smartline is led by the University of Exeter with Coastline Housing, Cornwall Council and Volunteer Cornwall.

Customers also had the chance to hear about the support and training Coastline provides through its Inspiring Futures scheme to help people improve their employment skills.

Leanna Cox, Inspiring Futures coordinator at Coastline Housing, said: “We love to hear from our customers and every year this proves to be one of the best ways to find out about their needs and discuss what we can do to help make life better.

"Over the years our focus has changed so we now also provide information about other agencies that can help too. With continuing changes in welfare and the jobs market Coastline has worked really hard forming close partnerships with those agencies to develop schemes like Inspiring Futures. That has seen dozens of people make the move into work. Today, many more will have heard about that success and will hopefully start on a similar path.”

Following the consultation, Coastline’s customers enjoyed the rest of their day enjoying all Flambards has to offer.