Resident Events, Activities & More
Our Resident Engagement Panel has been busy looking at new ways to bring residents together, have some fun and create more opportunities for people to connect within their communities.
There are lots of ideas being explored for the coming months, and we would love residents to get involved, share their suggestions and help shape what happens next.
The programme is about more than simply organising events. We want to create opportunities that support wellbeing, reduce social isolation and help residents get to know each other and the GCHA team.
Over 50s Day Trip to Broadstairs: 10 September 2026
Plans are underway for a special day trip to Broadstairs for GCHA residents aged 50 and over.
The trip is particularly aimed at residents who may live alone or don’t often have the opportunity to enjoy a day away, with the chance to enjoy the seaside, some traditional fish and chips and good company.
We are contacting residents aged 50+ about the trip. However, we don’t hold up-to-date dates of birth, telephone numbers or email addresses for everyone.
If you’re aged 50 or over and would like to join us, but haven’t received an email about the trip, please contact GCHA as soon as possible.
Halloween Get-Together
The Resident Engagement Panel is exploring the possibility of a fun Halloween event for residents and families in late October.
Ideas so far include fancy dress, goody bags, seasonal food and activities.
Planning is still at an early stage, so we’d love to know what residents think.
Would you and your family be interested? What would you like to see at the event?
Resident-Led Local Activities
We’d also like to encourage smaller activities within individual estates and schemes.
Ideas could include neighbours getting together, informal family activities or small community gatherings.
These activities would need to be resident-led and appropriate for the local area, but GCHA may be able to support well-planned activities where appropriate.
Have an idea for your community? We’d love to hear it.
Community Coffee Mornings
A regular coffee morning or community coffee event is another idea suggested by residents.
This could be linked to Macmillan or simply provide an opportunity for residents to meet, have a chat, spend time with GCHA staff and get to know other people in their community.
If this is something you’d be interested in or you know the perfect local café, let us know!
The Big Christmas Resident Event
Our regular resident Christmas event will be returning, and this year we’d like your help to make it even better.
The event is usually held at the GCHA offices, which provides a convenient location for many residents. Our contractors will once again be supporting the event, and we’ll also be collecting donations for the local foodbank.
But what should this year’s event look like? If you have ideas for activities, themes or ways we could make the day extra special, please share them with us.
Annual Resident Conference – February/March 2027
Following the success of our Resident Conference in March 2026, we’re already looking ahead to the next event in February or March 2027.
The conference gives residents an opportunity to hear updates from GCHA, ask questions, share their views and help influence the future of our services.
We’ll share more information nearer the time.
Help Shape What Happens Next
These activities are for you – our residents – so we want you to be part of planning them.
Whether you have an idea for an event, would like to help organise something in your local community or simply want to tell us which activities you’d be interested in attending, please get in touch.
Email: general@gcha.org.uk
Call: 01474 369830
And keep an eye on future GCHA communications for dates and further details.
Your ideas can help us create activities that residents genuinely want to be part of.