After graduating from university with a journalism degree, I was eager to jump headfirst into the world of PR and absorb as much information, knowledge and tips as I could. Through unpaid work experience (something I still don’t agree with), graduate schemes and persistently knocking on agency doors, I explored a variety of sectors from consumer, B2B, food and music.
Eventually, I found myself in the music industry and took a leap of faith by launching my own music PR business. For five years, I ran it independently and it was exciting, creative and fun…
Until the pandemic hit and it forced me to pause and reflect. I started questioning whether this role was giving me a sense of purpose. The short and honest answer was no.
So, I went looking for a role that would not only provide me with a sense of purpose but also enable me to feel like I was making a difference – or at least making a positive contribution to something ‘bigger’.
Lived experience
Growing up in social housing, I’d seen firsthand just how important a safe and secure home was. It gave me stability, opportunity and a foundation to build on, things I’ll always be grateful for.
So, when I joined Eastlight Community Homes, the same housing association I lived with as a child, I was excited to get started and use my own experience as fuel for shaping clear, empathetic and understanding comms.
I’m really proud that my experience as a resident directly feeds into the work I do to create resident-focused comms. Helping to strike the right tone when talking about difficult topics and removing any unnecessary and confusing sector jargon (because let’s face it, it is) is vital for creating comms that is both engaging and well-received.
Nearly three years later, I’ve learned so much about the housing sector, its strengths and challenges and the incredible people working to make a difference. I’ve seen how powerful good communication can be in building – or rebuilding – trust, empowering residents and driving change.
When I tell people I “fell into housing”, what I really mean is that I found my way to a sector that has always been a part of my story. I didn’t just choose housing, I chose to use my voice and skills to give back to the sector that helped to shape who I am today.
