Stafford and Rural Homes customer Neil McKay was taken by surprise when members of his local community told the housing association about their good neighbour.
Residents of a close-knit neighbourhood in Trinity Fields, Stafford, said that Neil’s help began in lockdown and now continues with errands, support and help for vulnerable people.
As part of Housing Plus Group SARH asks tenants to celebrate great neighbours using its online Local Hero form. Choosing from these nominations, the landlord sends surprise ‘thank you’ chocolate gifts.
“It is our mission to make a positive difference and with 18,000 customers, our residents are doing that every day, in communities throughout Staffordshire and Shropshire,” said Housing Plus Group Chief executive Sarah Boden. “We love to hear about Local Heroes like Neil and are delighted to thank them, on behalf of their neighbours.”
Neil, who moved into the community in 2019, reached out to neighbours at the start of lockdown in 2020. Realising that elderly residents were unable to leave their homes, he circulated menus from a local bakery and arranged deliveries. Soon, he was providing reassurance by telephone and doing small jobs in his people’s gardens.
“He always wants to help,” said his partner, Lynne. “He’s such a kind person and everyone around here knows that they can get in touch with him if they need anything.
“Every neighbourhood should have a Neil!”
SARH got together with his neighbours to deliver chocolates to Neil. Anyone who would like to let the landlord know about a Local Hero among its tenants can nominate using this form.
