Eastlight Community Homes

At Eastlight, we believe in creating opportunities that make a difference 👇 That’s why we’re proud to introduce Wendy, our first participant in the new Dale Butcher Resident Work Experience Programme. As a resident for more than 30 years, Wendy is gaining hands-on insight into the housing sector, supported by experienced professionals. This includes Development Manager, Debbie Mitchell, and Asset Manager, Charlie Edgar MCIOB, and the programme’s namesake, Dale Butcher, our former Vice-chair of Board. The programme also provides Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) training, offering valuable skills and an industry-recognised qualification. An excited Wendy said: "I have never done anything like this before, but I think it’s a brilliant opportunity. “All being well, it will be great to gain a new professional qualification, have a wealth of practical knowledge, and to find out if I might like to pursue a new career in housing and construction. “I think it’s such a good thing that Eastlight want to involve residents in as many directions as possible, with regards to how they operate and their aspirations in housing people.” #community #workexperience #development #sustainability

Ever wondered how a housing association really works? Get the inside scoop on how Eastlight operates! 👀 In this eye-opening Resident Academy video, filmed in 2023, our CEO Emma Palmer, Chair of the Board Hattie Llewelyn-Davies, and former Board & Committee member Dale Butcher take you behind the scenes of Eastlight. 🙌 They share how our Board and Committees collaborate to shape the future of Eastlight, from strategic decision-making to fostering meaningful resident involvement. 🌱 Don’t miss out – discover the decisions that are building a brighter, more connected future for our communities. 🏡✨ Watch the full video here: https://bit.ly/4hcaGHj #ResidentEngagement #Leadership #CommunityBuilding #HousingInnovation #UKHousing #EastlightCommunityHomes

🚨 We’re hiring! 🚨 We’re seeking a passionate and committed Senior Customer Resolution Manager to lead and improve our Customer Experience and Complaints Service. In this key role, you’ll manage both the strategic and operational aspects of customer resolution – driving continuous improvement for residents and ensuring we’re compliant with the Housing Ombudsman Code. You’ll influence senior leaders, analyse trends and lead a team focused on mitigating risks and enhancing service outcomes. What’s in it for you? 🔑 ⭐ Salary: £66,997 per annum 💰 ⭐ 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays 🌴 ⭐ Group stakeholder pension plan & health benefits 💼 ⭐ A truly supportive work environment focused on trust and growth 🙌 ✍️ For more details, and to apply before the deadline of 9am on Monday, 10 February, click here: https://bit.ly/3ClWf4j #SeniorManager #CustomerResolution #EastlightCommunityHomes #HousingJobs #Leadership #Hiring

Looking for an exciting Board role? Want to make a positive difference in social housing? 🏡 You’re in luck! Eastlight is seeking two passionate individuals to join our Board and to help shape a brighter future for our residents and communities. As a Board Member, you’ll also bring the following expertise to one of two Committees: 👉Audit & Risk Committee – A qualified accountant with audit experience or treasury knowledge 👉Governance & People Committee – A strong governance or HR background in social housing/third sector, with the ability to lead EDI initiatives. We’re also looking for someone who is: ✔ A high-quality leader and collaborator ✔ Resident and community-focused ✔ A strategic thinker with sound business acumen. If this sounds like you, then join Eastlight and help us improve the quality of our homes and services for the residents living in our 14,500 homes. Apply now to make a difference: https://bit.ly/4hwqW5P Applications close: Sunday, 9 February. 📅 #BoardVacancy #LeadershipRoles #SocialHousing #AuditAndRisk #Governance #PeopleLeadership #HousingAssociation

When Sofiya G., now an Eastlight Governance Advisor, attended her Badminton Club’s Christmas party two years ago, she never imagined it would lead to her volunteering for the popcorn community project – all thanks to fellow badminton-lover, Paulina Kostaś', enthusiastic persuasion 😅🍿🎾. Co-created, supported and funded by Eastlight and other partners, Popcorn creates a safe space for isolated young adults to learn new skills, make friends and build confidence 💪🏽. After attending Popcorn’s pilot launch in Witham, Sofiya was inspired to get involved. She said: “When I learnt that Popcorn was created and funded by Eastlight, it made me want to work there even more, and be part of a big social purpose. It really resonated with me. Popcorn creates connections, and we’ve had great feedback on the activities, which include crafts and bakery classes.” Great to have you on board at Eastlight, Sofiya, and to see you volunteering for this brilliant cause! It was also our pleasure to recently fund Popcorn £2,500 from our joint fund with Braintree District Council to support its life-changing work 🤗 Mark Garnham FdSc

Good luck to our Communications Manager for Customers and Communities, James Calnan, who’s helping to host a session on communicating with empathy at the National Housing Federation’s Comms & Influencing in Housing Conference tomorrow 👊🏾😎 The interactive session will cover everything from tone of voice and inclusive communication to use of the word "vulnerable", and will be led by James, Kai Jackson from Black Country Housing Group, Lauren Dearden from Onward Homes, and Andrea Marchetti from SNG (Sovereign Network Group). We hope all the speakers and attendees have an enjoyable and very worthwhile time at the event.

Did someone say puppies? 🐶 When a struggling Eastlight resident couldn’t care for six rescued puppies, Intervention and Enforcement Co-ordinator, Jill Fleming, helped them find their fur-ever homes – four of which made their way to colleagues! Jill said: “I knew the puppies needed to be rehomed before it got too cold and they got too big and too noisy. I also felt the resident would struggle mentally to rehome them all herself. I asked around at Eastlight and was so pleased that four colleagues said they’d each take one, with friends of theirs taking another two, and the resident keeping one herself.” Head of Development, Andrew Allocca's new pup, Merlin, is very chilled and loves toys, cuddles and shoes, which is a bit of a problem with Andy’s extensive trainer collection… Andy said: “Once I had sent my husband, Andy, a picture, we just couldn’t say no. He has settled in really well, and, although he loves the cats and wants to play, they have very different ideas…” What a paw-some story to brighten up January! 🐾 Well done to Emma Smith, Janette Sheldon and emma Webb for also taking a pup into their homes and lives – just in time for Christmas! 🎄

To help tackle the national housing crisis alongside peers and MPs, Eastlight’s Strategy Manager, Louise Hillier CIH CM, went to a joint Parliamentary Reception in Westminster in December. Launched at the Reception was the "Healthy Homes in the East of England" Report, produced by the East of England Local Government Association, with support from Eastlight, Flagship_Group and others. The report highlights the crucial link between health and housing, and gives practical suggestions on how to address housing inequalities. We very much hope the suggestions are listened to and actioned, to help to decrease homelessness and poverty across the country. Saffron Housing Trust Limited James Francis, Paul Edwards #planforhousing

Here's our Man in the Know, Ian Christmas, with his first five market updates of 2025 👇🏽

Community Shed project is preventing loneliness and changing lives 🥳👏🏽 When Kevin Pryke planned to retire from his bandsaw blade business in Halstead, Essex, he never imagined it would spark a life-changing community project. Feeling inspired after visiting another Men’s Shed to donate his tools, Kevin decided to create a space where people could connect, stay active and support each other. After finding a disused building and receiving funding - including £20,000 from our joint fund with Braintree District Council - Kevin’s dream came to life. Over 7,000 people visited the Housing Community Shed last year, including those attending classes to improve health and wellbeing, and those working on meaningful, practical projects together in the Men’s Shed workshop, like creating a cart for the Halstead in Bloom competition, and refurbishing a rocking horse for a local children’s hospice. Rod, a regular visitor to the shed, said, “It’s lovely coming here. You have a chat and help each other with your projects. It’s better than sitting at home.” Thanks for administering the fund, Essex Community Foundation ☺