I’m Emma Nicholas, and I live in a Trivallis home. In August, I had the Comms team come to my house to take some pictures, so I sat down to list my favourite things about living in social housing. The Comms people normally ask questions and I like to be prepared, lol! As I sat down drinking a cuppa while the kids were in bed, I found myself surprised (pleasantly) by how many things flew straight to my mind.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading my list:
- Friendly neighbours: One of the best things is that my neighbours don’t judge me. We’re all different, but we treat each other the same.
- Great community: The community spirit of my estate (it’s one of the friendliest places I’ve visited or lived in).
- Never alone: I’m never lonely here, but I also have space to do my own thing. And if you ever need anything, even if you’re not friends, everyone pulls together. My grandson had a medical emergency, and everyone came to help – not stare or film on their phones as is the norm these days.
- Repairs: The security of knowing faults and repairs will be fixed by Trivallis (yes, some take time if they’re not urgent) no matter how skint I am.
- Stable home: A long-term roof over my head. I know I’ll have a place to live for a long time.
- Personal touch: I can decorate and make the house into my own home, a family home, having previously lived in private accommodation where the norm seemed to be no decorating allowed.
- Extra support: The support services my landlord offers above and beyond their duty. When I was going through a tough time I was supported, not judged.
- Family matters: The knowledge that (touch wood) if anything was to happen to me, my son would be allowed to stay here or would be rehomed nearby if he was old enough.
- Affordable rent: Yes – had to be here somewhere – the affordable-ish rent. Let’s be honest, everyone is finding it tough, but in comparison to private rent it’s ok.
- Outdoor space: The outside space, my garden, the land around my home. My garden is huge, big enough to build a little house for my children, and before I’ve always just had a yard and straight onto roads.
I love our home.
I love my community and estate.
Do I feel poor or under anyone because I live in social housing? Hell no, I’m proud and feel lucky and privileged to have all the above and so much more 🙂
If you would like to share your story, get in touch with us at comms@trivallis.co.uk.