A local tenants & residents association based in Tipton - the group have been together since 2009 and membership is automatic to people living on the Tibbington estate

When did you all first get together?

We started the group in 2009 and have been going for around a year now.

For people who don't know about the group - What's your main aim or purpose?

We want to support our residents to develop a sustainable community and to act as a voice for the community to raise concerns and issues with the local authority and developers. We want to encourage the community so we have a standard of living that benefits everyone – young and old.

How often do you meet and where?

Committee members met fortnightly and there are monthly meetings for the membership. We use various venues so it is best to contact us directly to find out the venue of the next meeting.

What are the things the group is most proud of?

Bearing in mind we have only just been going for 12 months and that we are all new to running a group – we are really pleased to have come as far as we have!

If someone wanted to join in – how can they get involved?

We are always looking for new ideas from the community. Come along and tell us what you want for the estate.

Are you looking for people with any specific skills / knowledge to get involved at the moment?

Not al all – everyone is welcome and people all have different experience, knowledge and skills that contribute to making us a stronger unified community.

How much time do people need to give to the group if they join?

The amount of time you want to give is completely down to you – as much or as little as you want or can give.

Anything new or in the pipeline coming up that you want to share with everyone?

We want 2011 and the New Year to be a fresh start for the community, with new ideas. One of these will be us looking to develop and infant play area. So watch this space!

If you had extra helpers or resources what else would the group like to be doing?

If you don't have much time to give - you can still contribute hugely by simply getting out there and telling other people about the group. We see word of mouth promotion as being hugely important.

Any organisations or key individuals you feel should get a special mention or thank you?

A BIG thank you to Sarah Thompson at Sandwell Council Community Involvement Team, Jane and Jason at F Squared (who have been working with the group on Master Planning for the estate), Gayle Ashfield at Sandwell Homes and Sheila and Margaret at the Local Housing Office.

Can you sum up in one sentence what is great about being a part of your group?

For me the estate and the community is my future and my children's. I want to help create a better estate for them and all the other kids who live here.