BARNSLEY FEDERATION OF TENANTS AND RESIDENTS ASSOCIATIONS

“Working together in a responsible Partnership to promote shared values
in the interest of all Barnsley Tenants and Residents”

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.