Project
Council Tenant Stories
Partners
Brighton & Hove Council, Hangleton Community Association
Year
2025
The first public screening of Council Tenant Stories took place at Hangleton Community Association as part of a large-scale tenant celebration day focused on wellbeing, community and tenant voice.
The event brought together over 100 attendees, including tenants, council staff and senior leadership. The screening sat at the heart of the day’s programme, creating a shared moment where real stories could be seen, heard and reflected on collectively.
For many contributors, this was the first time seeing themselves on screen. The response in the room was immediate and emotional, with a strong sense of pride, recognition and connection across the audience.
The event was attended by the Mayor of Brighton & Hove, Genette Laws (Corporate Director for Housing, Care and Wellbeing), Councillor Gill Williams and Councillor Amanda Grimshaw, all of whom engaged with the project and recognised the importance of creating space for authentic community voices.
Alongside the screening, interviews were captured with councillors and the mayor, reinforcing the wider value of storytelling in shaping understanding and strengthening relationships between communities and decision-makers.
Impact
The screening helped shift perceptions, reduce stigma and open up meaningful conversations between tenants and the council. Audience feedback highlighted increased understanding, pride and a sense of belonging.
“It made me feel proud of my background.”
“A feeling of belonging to something great.”
“Fabulous to see so many proactive people.”
“This should be on the BBC.”
