About TARAS

What are Tenants and Residents Associations?

Tenants and Residents Associations (known as TARAs) are groups of people who work together to give a voice to their community on community issues. TARA's are non political and anyone living in the area represented by a TARA can join.

What do TARAs do?

  • Organise and encourage community and social activities such as playgroups, bingo, coffee mornings, discos and trips for the elderly.
  • Work with other voluntary groups to develop a neighbourhood spirit and bring people together.
  • Work with statutory bodies (e.g. BMBC, Berneslai Homes, South Yorkshire Police) to ensure that local people can get involved in making decisions that effect their communities.

Why start a TARA?

There are lots of reasons for people to get together and form a TARA.

  • To campaign for something better, for example a better repair service or play facilities.
  • To campaign against something, for example the closure of a local school.
  • To increase the sense of belonging to a community.

Why should I get involved?

  • You can work with others on the issues that affect your local area, making it a better place to live.
  • You can be involved in making decisions about new policies and procedures that affect you and your local area.
  • As a TARA member, you will have a bigger impact than you would on your own.
  • To improve community spirit within your area.

Where can I get help to set up a TARA?

Barnsley Federation or Berneslai Homes Community Engagement Team will offer support and advice.
The types of things we can help with are:

  • organising a venue for public meetings;
  • preparing publicity material;
  • ongoing training to enable all volunteers to contribute as they wish;
  • advice on running and chairing meetings; and
  • providing help with organisation and constitutional matters.