Meet our resident and Resident Experience Committee(REC) member, Samantha, who is passionate about home, community and having a voice.
For Samantha, her home represents safety, stability, and where she continues to build a life for herself. Having lived in Havebury homes for nearly 18 years, she knows first-hand the difference social housing can make.
“When I was offered a Havebury home, it was a lifeline. I’ve always been grateful for that security.”
Samantha has lived in her current home for a decade, and she still remembers moving in. She completed the process through a mutual exchange, which she found to be a great experience. She said our team were always on hand to guide her through the process. Her home needed a few repairs so that she could really make it her home.
“Havebury came out, sorted all the issues, and the staff were brilliant. I still laugh with one of the team whenever I see him in the area!”
That sense of connection between residents, our team, and the wider community, is something Samantha values.
“The technicians that come out to do repairs aren’t just doing a job, they’re part of the community. People get to know them, and that makes a difference, having a familiar face means a lot.”
It was this passion for people and community that led Samantha to join our Resident Experience Committee (REC). She hadn’t heard of it before, but when she responded to a survey about improving community connections, she was invited to find out more.
“As soon as I learned what REC was about, I wanted to be part of it. I really care about inclusion, about people having a say in the services they use. And I believe strong communities make happier, healthier people.”
For Samantha, this commitment comes from experience. In her teenage years, she faced homelessness, living in hostels and hotels. “It wasn’t pleasant,” she recalls. “That’s why I care so much about people having access to safe, affordable housing. A stable home is the foundation for everything else in life.”
Professionally, she works as a case manager, supporting people facing inequality and barriers to accessing employment, housing, and services. She has also worked in education and support roles and, has published work promoting inclusion and awareness of stigma around disability, neurodivergence, and mental health.
Having completed a psychology degree against the odds, she knows how important it is for everyone to be given the tools to thrive.
“There’s still so much stigma around social housing, disability, and mental health. People assume things about others that just aren’t true. I’d like to challenge that, because there are so many good people in our communities, and wes hould be celebrating their stories.”
So, what would she say to other residents who are thinking about getting involved?
“Every voice matters. You don’t have to join a committee if that’s not for you; it could be as simple as sending an email, attending an event, or providing feedback online. Whatever you can give is valuable, and Havebury does listen. We need more residents to get involved so that services can keep improving.”
Outside of committee work, Samantha loves gardening, spending time with her dogs, and continuing to learn. She’s proud of her home and proud to show that social housing is filled with people who care, contribute, and want to see their communities thrive.
“I just want people to know they have something valuable to say,” she reflects. “If we all share our voices, we can build stronger communities together.”
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