Message from our new Executive Director

What a strange time it has been, with all our worlds turned upside down by COVID-19. By way of an introduction to me, my background is not all about housing. In fact, I have had a very varied career after training as a social worker and working in many parts of the Criminal Justice System before moving into local government in 2016.  

Throughout my career, however, my passions have remained strong. I want to support individuals and communities to be resilient and to thrive. Having a home you can be proud of, living in a neighbourhood that is welcoming, and knowing how you can get help when things are tough, are critical to enabling this.

So, while I know the bricks and mortar of our homes are vital, the neighbourhoods and communities we live in are, for me, equally important. I am delighted to be working with Steve Smith and Jason Murphy who are heading up our newly created Stronger Communities Team. I am looking forward to meeting many of you in the weeks and months to come,  hearing what matters to you and how we can work collectively to achieve safer, stronger more resilient communities across our neighbourhoods in Southampton.

There are so many housing-related projects happening in the city and I am keen to get stuck into the 1,000 council homes programme, the Townhill Park regeneration, the launch of the new Potters Court housing with care scheme, improving the Repairs service and much, much more.

These exciting plans have all been developed in partnership with residents and I feel passionately that you - our tenants and leaseholders - have opportunities to make your voices heard and can get involved with us in order to help shape the service you receive now and in the future. If you have an idea or suggestion on how we can improve the housing service or enhance your home or neighbourhood please do get in touch. Our various tenant engagement groups and forums are continuing online due to COVID restrictions and our upcoming Tenants’ Conference will be held virtually (check out the article in this month’s issue), enabling you to influence our work without having to leave home.

- Mary D'Arcy, Executive Director for Communities, Culture and Homes