News

As we celebrate Volunteers' Week, it's the perfect time to recognise the incredible contribution of our resident volunteers and reflect on the first year of our Influencers Group.

It has been a year since the group was formed, and it has already made a meaningful impact. The Influencers Group provides a relaxed and welcoming space where residents can share honest feedback, explore new ideas and help shape positive changes across our services.

Over the past 12 months, members have worked closely with our Communications Team to improve Residents News. Their feedback has helped shape new content, including regular features highlighting the support available through our Support Services and practical safety advice for residents. They have also influenced resident engagement activities and discussions about how we can better support and connect with our communities.

What makes the group so valuable is the range of experiences and perspectives that residents bring. By sharing their insights openly, Influencers are helping us strengthen relationships, improve our service delivery and ensure resident voices remain at the heart of everything we do.

Many members say they joined because they wanted to make a difference in their community and have their voices heard.

Maryam said:

"I've always wanted to play an active role in the community where I live, rather than just being a resident. When I heard about the Influencer Group, I felt it was the perfect opportunity to make sure my voice and the voices of my neighbours were heard and to contribute to making our community better."

She added:

"I believe my suggestions, especially regarding the improvement of communal spaces and how information is shared with residents, helped bring a fresh perspective. I'm glad I could help align our services more closely with the actual daily needs of the residents."

For Alina, being part of the group has been a unique opportunity:

"In my country, this option has never existed; landlords don't ask our opinions and rarely try to change anything based on residents' requests. So, for me, this opportunity seemed like an incredibly exciting chance and a chance to influence something."

She also values the welcoming atmosphere:

"I love the relaxed atmosphere, with no pressure. You can say absolutely anything you think, and it's rewarding to know your ideas are listened to."

Maria joined to become a more involved resident:

"Being part of the Influencers Group feels like I am helping other residents by sharing ideas that can lead to improvements. I decided to join because I wanted a new experience and to be more involved in things that affect the community."

Jeremy described the group as an opportunity to try something new after retirement:

"I wanted a new challenge in life and something outside my comfort zone. I was nervous before the first meeting but needn't have been, everyone was very friendly and helpful."

He added:

"I've enjoyed meeting people I wouldn't normally meet and taking part in discussions that really matter. It’s important that residents are heard."

For Johnny, the group's impact goes beyond influencing services:

"Knowing that the recommendations of the Influencers Group are both picked up and acted upon is incredibly rewarding."

He believes volunteering brings many personal benefits too:

"It helps to increase confidence, communication and team-building skills, creates new friendships and social opportunities, and gives people the chance to make a genuine difference in their community."

Cathie enjoys the opportunity to connect with like-minded residents:

"I like meeting people who have a similar mission to mine, helping to make our environment better. I also appreciate how transparent and accessible Fairhive has become."

She added that the sessions are always informative:

"Several of the sessions I have attended have been most enlightening. I particularly enjoyed learning about the new homes being developed for people experiencing homelessness."

As we mark Volunteers' Week, we'd like to thank every member of the Influencers Group for their time, ideas and commitment. Their contributions continue to help shape our services and strengthen our communities.

We're looking forward to building on this success in the year ahead and welcoming even more residents to get involved.

To hear more from our Resident Influencers, visit our Volunteering Page.