Surprise for Local Hero Neil
Retirement Living customer Neil McKay was taken by surprise when members of his local community told us about their good neighbour.
Residents of a close-knit retirement living neighbourhood in Stafford explained that Neil’s help began in lockdown and now continues with errands, support and help for vulnerable people.
We invite customers to celebrate great neighbours using the online Local Hero form which can be found on our landlord websites. Choosing from these nominations, we send 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 in to the community in 2019, reached out to neighbours at the start of lockdown in 2020. Realising that some 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 want 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!”
Recently, we got together with his neighbours to deliver chocolates to Neil. If you know a great neighbour among our tenants, tell us about them using the online form on your landlord’s website.