I had a situation last year where my landlord changed some terms of my tenancy and I felt dissatisfied. I wasn’t too sure where to turn for advice and support, until a colleague at work said, ‘why don’t you join Acorn?’
I signed up as a monthly member which was about the cost of a takeaway meal. Then I joined their Facebook group, which was very active. I posted my situation in the group and soon had many replies. Some people agreed with my point of view, others said they felt the landlord was still providing an overall good service so why complain.
A helpful member of the Acorn group suggested I have a good look through my landlord/tenant contract which will help me understand if there are already guidelines on my situation.
In lockdown I had some friendly updates from Acorn and even the offer of help with my shopping. Although I had enough support not to need it, I told a few of my friends to bear in mind Acorn if they were stuck for getting to the local facilities for essential items.
A friendly Acorn Union rep rang me for a catch up and it was really nice that he was willing to speak to me for around 20 minutes or more, as the Union turned its efforts to calling members to offer help, or encourage those who could to volunteer.
