Orbit Housing Test & Learn (Summer 2026)

The Orbit Housing project explored how confidence, independence and belonging were experienced by residents across four Orbit Housing schemes in Thanet: Victoria Villas in Margate, Napleton Court in Ramsgate, Cherry Court in Broadstairs and Craven Court in Garlinge. The twelve-week programme was delivered across Victoria Villas in Margate, Napleton Court in Ramsgate, Cherry Court in Broadstairs and Craven Court in Garlinge. It began with activities within each scheme before introducing mixed-scheme participation and supported visits to community settings. Residents could try chair-based exercise, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, boxing, circus skills, judo and indoor games, alongside informal social opportunities.

A qualitative narrative inquiry approach captured how residents experienced confidence, independence and belonging. Evidence came from Community Connector diaries, observations, informal conversations, resident interviews and facilitator interviews. This allowed the evaluation to understand not only whether people attended, but what enabled participation, why residents adapted or withdrew, and how experiences changed over time.

Belonging can enable or restrict participation

Familiarity, shared identity and everyday care helped residents feel secure enough to participate. However, established groups could also create less visible barriers for residents outside them. Opening sessions to people from outside a scheme sometimes widened connection but could also leave residents feeling displaced within communal areas they understood as part of their home.

“You’ve got to trust the people that come in. And we don’t even know the people that come in here, so we can’t trust them.” Resident

Confidence develops through supported participation 

Confidence was more often an outcome of participation than a prerequisite. Low-risk first attempts, repetition, peer encouragement, discreet adaptation and non-judgemental facilitation helped residents reconsider what was possible. Confidence developed in one setting did not automatically transfer to unfamiliar venues, where new physical, social and travel risks emerged.

“In the first session she kept saying ‘I can’t do that’ to nearly every move, but now, three sessions in, she’s attempting everything, even if it’s the adapted version.” Community Connector (Craven Court)

Place and transport change what is possible 

Confidence developed in a familiar scheme did not automatically transfer to an unfamiliar venue. Transport needed to be considered as a complete journey, including reaching pick-up points, travelling with mobility equipment, accessing the destination and having trusted companionship.

“It all depends on where it is and if people have got transport or not… Yes, I can get to other places on the mobility scooter. But again… you’ve got to think about people walking from here to bus stops, and then if they can walk it or not.” Resident

Trust and consistency are core to delivery

Relationships were not an additional benefit; they were part of the programme. Community Connectors, facilitators and scheme managers invited, reassured, adapted, accompanied and followed up with residents. Consistency made sessions predictable and credible.

“People don’t always trust the programme, but they do trust individuals. They’ll come because it’s you, or because it’s Lucas, or because it’s Sarah.” Community Connector

Short-term delivery creates a transition challenge 

Some activity blocks ended as familiarity, trust and confidence were beginning to consolidate. Ending well therefore matters. Residents need clear communication and supported routes into continuing opportunities, rather than signposting alone.

“It’s just basically, is it all going to stop and that’s it? … Because we’ve all got used to it and used to it being good.” Resident