Our Gateway Membership Team

I am the current Chair of the GMT and have been involved since the transfer of the Housing stock with Watford Borough Council. I have represented tenants at a national level, but I am also very passionate about local resident groups, including the Sherwoods Community Group which I am a part of.

I am really passionate about the local community coming together and I am active in my local resident group. I am a very curious person who loves to learn new things and I adore music. As a young carer, my family are really important to me.

I became a Watford Community Housing tenant in 2016 and since then I have taken part in a Level 2 Housing Practice course that was funded by Watford Community Housing, as well as scrutiny panels, becoming a Customer Representative and most recently a GMT member. I am not afraid to discuss difficult topics, and I regularly review Stage 2 complaints with members of staff. All of these things have empowered me with so much knowledge about the housing sector and its challenges, so that now I can be a voice for the wider social housing community.

I was a Watford Community Housing tenant for over 30 years as well as a member of their Housing team for 17 years. I recently became a member of the GMT in order to share my housing experience and to be the voice of tenants who are unable to raise their concerns. I also wanted to help support Watford Community Housing and the team as they continue to provide an efficient and effective service for our customers. I am committed to equal opportunities, and taking into account policies and procedures.

I have been a member of the GMT for several years now. I am glad that I volunteered to be a part of the group because it has helped me to develop my understanding of how tenants are managed by Watford Community Housing, where to find support and to find out what is going on in the housing community. Previously, this was all unclear to me and most tenants in my locality – now I can speak out and adequately present issues that bother me and my fellow residents, such as anti-social behaviour and repairs, which I have found very useful and rewarding. Making our voices heard has always been my passion and I would like to continue working with the team to make this happen. 

People getting involved in their own spaces and communities is a great idea. I have had experience of things not working well where I live and it is really important to speak up to make things better. I hope I can bring new ideas to the GMT.

I have been a member of the GMT since January 2023, but I first got involved in 2019 after I completed my housing practice qualification funded by Watford Community Housing. I am passionate about helping others and as a disability advocate, I feel I can look at things from a different perspective. I strive for equality in housing and better homes for all. Being on the GMT opens opportunities and it’s great to be part of such a fabulous team. It’s so rewarding to create a positive impact.

As well as being a member of the GMT, I am also a resident inspector and a proud mental health champion, particularly for residents with bipolar disorder – I am a firm believer in using my experiences to give back to others.

Tony has written a book that captures his journey to understanding his own body, mind and spirit, and gives ‘how to’ tips that readers can apply to their own wellness journey – read our story on that here.

I have spent many years working in community centres all over Watford and I know a great deal of tenants and partner organisations. Community groups are really important and I want to work with others to tackle issues like fly-tipping and ASB.

I have a wide variety of skills from my professional life and also bringing up my family. I worked in the care sector for many years and understand the challenges for both providers and carers, and I am passionate about the community having a voice.