Meet our resident and Resident Experience Committee(REC) member, Claire. She is passionate about representing our residents and giving them a voice.
When Claire moved into her Havebury home almost ten years ago, she had no idea just how much it would come to mean to her. Her home became the foundation for a happy, family life and a connection to her community.
“Having my home gave me the ability to raise my children without worrying about where we’d live next. It’s given us security. I’ve always known I could rely on Havebury.”
Now, ten years on, Claire speaks with pride about the home in which she’s brought up her two children. But for her, it’s about much more than just her home; it’s the community she is a part of.
“It is a really lovely community,” she says with a smile. “I live in an area that’s a mix of homes from private rent, social housing, and homes bought through Right to Buy, and there’s just this lovely sense of togetherness. Before moving here, I lived in a small village, so I was used to that community feel. I wasn’t sure what to expect here at first, but I’ve found the same thing, and that’s been really special.”
Over the years, our support has been there whenever she’s needed it. “We had a leak once, which was complete chaos!” she laughs. “But Havebury were brilliant. They kept me calm, arranged the repairs, and made sure I knew what was happening at every stage. The communication was fantastic.”
That experience of being listened to and supported is part of what inspired her to join our Resident Experience Committee. For her, it felt like a natural step, a chance to give something back and make sure other residents’ voices are heard.
“I’ve always been passionate about this town,” she explains. “I actually grew up on one of the estates, so I’ve seen the community spirit here from both sides, as a child and now as a resident. I think sometimes people don’t realise how much Havebury has changed since becoming independent from the council, and I wanted to help bridge that gap. I wanted to be a voice for residents and help people understand what Havebury really stands for.”
For Claire, being part of the committee isn’t just about meetings or minutes; it’s about representing real lives. She’s particularly passionate about supporting residents at the very start of their tenancies. Her pride in being a Havebury resident shines through.
“I’m proud to say that I am a Havebury resident. It’s allowed us to live the best life we possibly can as a family. I’m really grateful for that.”
She’s also found the committee experience both welcoming and empowering. “I’ll admit, I came in with a bit of apprehension,” she says. “I don’t come from a housing or governance background, but everyone has been so supportive. The training has been brilliant, and it’s really helped me build my confidence. It’s nice to know my perspective as a resident matters.”
Her message to other residents is simple: getting involved doesn’t have to mean sitting on a committee or attending formal meetings. “There are so many ways to have your say,” she explains. “It can be something small, like leaving a comment on Facebook or coming along to a local event. You can go just to find out more, meet people, or have a cup of tea. Every bit of feedback counts, and Havebury genuinely listens.”
That last point is one she feels strongly about. “You can really see that Havebury takes feedback on board. Whether it’s something said in a meeting or a comment from an event, it’s always listened to. Even if it’s just a small idea, it’s valued.”
Away from her community work, life is full and busy. “I work part-time but away from that we’re a big music family,” she says. “We go to a lot of gigs and musicals. I went to see Ed Sheeran recently, which was brilliant, but we’re also big rock fans! I love walking the dog, baking, reading, and spending time with family.
“Life’s busy, but that’s the thing, no matter how full your life is, there’s always a way to have your voice heard. And that’s what being part of Havebury is all about.”
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