Did you know we run two housing knowledge courses that allow you to build your skills, understand how to get involved in shaping our services, boost your employment prospects and gain an accredited qualification?
Our Improving Housing Services and Introduction to Local Housing courses, run in association with London Metropolitan University (LMU) and funded by the Lewisham Tenants Fund, are based at our offices in the Old Town Hall in Catford.
One person who has taken advantage of the scheme is Sam Dias. A resident of Honor Oak estate, which includes both Lewisham Homes and Peabody properties, Sam not only took part in the course but was invited back to LMU to talk to students studying Community Development and Youth Studies as part of the university’s Fast Forward programme.
Sam gave an uplifting talk about how she overcame some difficult barriers to become a local councillor and national award winner. She highlighted the role of volunteering in her success, and was able to encourage people to get involved in their local tenants’ and residents’ association (TRA), something Sam is involved in at Honor Oak.
Sam also mentioned the true value of volunteering and its relevance to employment and building stronger communities, something we at Lewisham Homes strongly support.
Sam is grateful for the opportunity to share her experiences with the students, and thanked both Lewisham Homes for organising the course and the LTF for funding her place. All in all, she says, it has been an ‘inspirational experience’.
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