When Rachel became one of our first community champions, she was already working hard within her local community to make it a better place to live.
Having lived on her estate for many years, Rachel knows the area well and is passionate about supporting local people. Since becoming a community champion, she’s been working closely with us, as well as improving her connections to local organisations and residents to bring people together, organise activities and make sure community concerns are heard.
“I’ve lived on the Priors Estate for many years, and I know how important it is for residents to feel heard,” said Rachel. “I wanted to help rebuild those connections between the community, Havebury and other organisations.”
Making a difference
Rachel has been involved in a huge range of community projects, helping families access support while creating opportunities for neighbours to come together.
Some of the activities she’s organised include:
- A free children’s clothing giveaway, redistributing 25 bags of donated clothes to local families.
- Easter activities, raffles and family events for children.
- Community projects for Suffolk Day.
- A free toy giveaway.
- A community bra recycling bank.
- Redistributing surplus food from local supermarkets through the Olio app to families and individuals who need it.
- Planning a packed programme of free summer holiday activities, including outdoor games, arts and crafts, a community cinema event and a family fun day.
Rachel also works closely with local organisations including the Bridge Church, helping residents access food support, financial advice and other services available in the community.
She explains: “If people know someone is listening and willing to help, they’re much more likely to get involved and work together to make the community a better place.”
Rachel helped review the winter 2025 edition of Havebury News, bringing a unique resident perspective to help us understand what our residents want to read about and how our content can best work for them.
She also attended one of our coffee mornings at our independent living scheme, Beetons Lodge, where she spent time talking with residents. Rachel was another friendly and approachable face for residents, particularly those who may not always have the opportunity to speak with others during the week.
Being the community’s eyes and ears
As a community champion, Rachel also plays an important role in helping us understand what’s happening in her local community.
Residents often speak to Rachel about issues affecting the estate, which she then encourages them to report through the myHavebury app, speak to one of our team or the police. If someone is worried about reporting something themselves, Rachel helps explain the process and why it’s important that concerns are logged.
“I always encourage people to report issues through the myHavebury app or to the local police. Every report helps build a clearer picture of what’s happening so the right people can take action.”
Whether it’s fly-tipping, repairs, environmental issues or antisocial behaviour, every report helps us build a clearer picture of what’s happening and means we can take the right action or work with partner organisations where needed. Rachel has also helped raise awareness of concerns around community safety, drug-related activity and dog fouling, while sharing residents’ ideas for improving local green spaces and play areas.
Looking ahead to summer 2026
Rachel isn’t slowing down any time soon. Throughout the summer holidays, she has planned a programme of free activities to help bring families together and give children something fun to do close to home.
Working with local organisations and volunteers, Rachel will be hosting weekly community sessions featuring outdoor games, arts and crafts, recycling projects and nature-inspired activities.
She’s also helping to organise:
- A community cinema experience for local families.
- A large community fun day on 17 August, with circus workshops, activities, partner organisations, community stalls and free refreshments for children.
- A back-to-school family picnic on 1 September to bring families together before the new school year begins.
- Community art projects, including a pebble artwork created by local children and recycled decorations to brighten up the neighbourhood.
Rachel is passionate about creating opportunities for children to enjoy free activities in their own community while helping residents build stronger connections with one another.
“I just want children and families to have opportunities to get together, enjoy themselves and feel proud of where they live. Even small activities can make a big difference when they bring people together.”
Rachel, along with our other community champions, will also be involved in the planning of Havebury News winter 2026.
Building stronger communities
For Rachel, being a community champion isn’t just about reporting problems, it’s about helping people feel proud of where they live.
Through regular community events and activities, she’s seen more families getting involved, children enjoying positive experiences during the school holidays and residents making greater use of local support services.
Rachel believes that bringing people together helps strengthen the whole community and shows what can be achieved when residents work alongside organisations like us.
“Even small things can make a big difference. When people come together, support each other and take pride in where they live, that’s when communities really thrive.”
Rachel’s passion and dedication are inspiring, but you don’t have to organise community events to become a community champion. Every champion contributes in different ways, and even a small amount of time can make a real difference.
Could you be a community champion?
Rachel is a fantastic example of how community champions can make a real difference, but you don’t need to organise large events to get involved.
We’re currently looking for more champions in Haverhill and the surrounding areas.
As a community champion, you could:
- Report issues using the myHavebury app
- Attend our community events
- Review communications, such as Havebury News
- Share your ideas and feedback on new services and processes
- Help shape improvements in your local community
Whether you have a little time or a lot, we’d love to hear from residents who want to help make their communities even better. Our Community Champions receive a £20 voucher for every full hour they spend supporting their community.
If you’re interested in becoming a community champion, click here to find out more and apply or you can email residentvoice@havebury.com
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