Eden Housing Association Signs Up to the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge

(by HouseProud and delivered by Stonewall Housing)

Eden Housing Association is proud to have signed up to the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, demonstrating our commitment to creating communities where everyone feels safe, respected and valued.

Developed by HouseProud, the network for LGBTQ+ people working in social housing, and delivered by Stonewall Housing, the pledge supports housing providers to strengthen services for LGBTQ+ residents and promote equality, diversity and inclusion across their organisations.

By joining the pledge, Eden has committed to:

• Increasing engagement with LGBTQ+ residents.
• Raising awareness of LGBTQ+ issues across the organisation.
• Ensuring colleagues have the knowledge and skills needed to deliver inclusive services.

This commitment reflects our wider aim of ensuring all residents can thrive in their homes and communities, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Research undertaken during the development of the pledge highlighted that many LGBTQ+ people continue to experience challenges relating to discrimination, safety and inclusion within their housing and neighbourhoods. The pledge provides a practical framework for housing providers to work alongside residents to address these issues and help create welcoming, inclusive communities.

Working Towards Pledge Pioneer Status

As part of the scheme, organisations work towards Pledge Pioneer status, recognising real and measurable progress in supporting LGBTQ+ residents and colleagues.

Eden now has 12 months to demonstrate delivery against a set of requirements and must complete at least five key actions to achieve this accreditation.

To support this commitment, we will build on our existing equality, diversity and inclusion work through the following priorities:

1. Strengthening Resident Voice and Inclusion

Eden is committed to ensuring LGBTQ+ residents have a clear voice in shaping services. This includes developing resident engagement structures that actively promote inclusion and create safe spaces for feedback and participation.

2. Leadership and Visible Commitment

Our Board Member Champion will help the organisation lead and advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion, ensuring strong leadership accountability and visible commitment at both Board and executive level.

3. Embedding Inclusion in Strategy and Reporting

Eden will formally embed its commitment to the pledge within its Annual Report and key organisational strategies, demonstrating transparency and a sustained focus on equality, diversity and inclusion.

4. Raising Awareness and Promoting the Pledge

The Association will actively publish articles and communications highlighting its involvement in the pledge, increasing awareness across our communities and encouraging wider sector engagement.

5. Working with Local Partners

Eden will work alongside local partners and charities to promote equality, challenge discrimination and support inclusive communities.

6. Enhancing Training and Workforce Development

Eden will continue to strengthen its training offer, ensuring that equality, diversity and inclusion learning explicitly covers LGBTQ+ issues and equips colleagues to deliver        inclusive services.

Supporting Inclusive Rural Communities

As a rural housing provider, we recognise the unique challenges that LGBTQ+ individuals can face in smaller and more dispersed communities, where access to support networks may be more limited.

We believe everyone deserves a safe place to call home and that diversity strengthens our communities. By becoming part of the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge, we are taking another important step towards ensuring our services remain accessible, inclusive and  responsive to the needs of all residents.

Looking Ahead

Over the coming year, Eden will work closely with HouseProud and Stonewall Housing to gather evidence of impact, share learning with peers across the housing sector and     progress towards achieving Pledge Pioneer status in 2027.

Through this work, we will continue to strengthen our approach to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring that our services, culture and communities reflect the needs and      experiences of all residents.

Find Out More

Learn more about the LGBTQ+ Housing Pledge on the Stonewall Housing website: https://stonewallhousing.org/houseproudpledge/