Sam and Bob’s Resident Engagement Journey
Sam's Story
Sam, 53, was born and raised in a council house in Leigh-on-sea and has spent most of her life in and around the area. Her career in retail management began at just 16, quickly progressing to branch management and project managing new openings for Warren James jewellers.
But Sam's life wasn't all retail. Before Warren James, she took on a different challenge - being a Butlin's Redcoat at Bognor Regis. "It was so hectic, ridiculous hours, £60 a week and poor living quarters but I loved entertaining, meeting people and when I cartwheeled down the street no one thought it weird!"
After qualifying as an Aromatherapist while supervising at a garden centre, Sam became full time mum to her son Harry, now 19. "He is brilliant, so grounded, funny and genuinely cares about people. He is also a great help when my health is poor - cooking, cleaning and cat handling."
Sam retrained as a teacher, starting with adult education and then working with children unable to attend due to illness or mental health issues. "I absolutely adored it," Sam says. "Working with each pupil , finding how they wanted to work rather than the standard mainstream lesson structure."
When COVID hit, everything changed. "I couldn't go to kids' houses anymore, and it had such a negative effect on some of my students" she explains. Combined with her own health problems Sam found herself in a very low place. "That's when my confidence went," she admits.
Having been a council tenant for 20 years, Sam had never engaged with SEH until a move to her current home in Rochford Road led to her going through the complaints process all the way to the Housing Ombudsman - this led to an invitation from SEH to get involved. "I was absolutely terrified the first time I went along to a meeting," she says. "But since then, I've made great friends such as Bob and Diane Nicholls, got my self-confidence back, and really feel valued." Today, Sam sits on multiple resident groups, using her background to contribute to policy, procedures, and staff wellbeing. "The best part is that it really makes a difference, I encourage every resident to give it a try, I guarantee you'll be welcomed."
Bob's Story
Bob, 68, has always been active and community minded. He left school at 14 and began a six-year apprenticeship in the print trade, learning everything from typesetting to machine operation and plate making. When the firm went bust, Bob adapted, gaining experience across the business before moving on.
After completing his apprenticeship, Bob pursued his dream job - becoming a milkman. "I always wanted to be one! Out in the community, meeting people," he recalls. Unfortunately, a motorbike accident cut that short, and Bob returned to the print trade where he became a works manager/overseer in two separate firms he worked in, commuting from Southend to Bromley for years.
His entrepreneurial streak led him to take out a government career development loan to start his own business making gold foil printed greetings cards and promotional items. "I ended up selling gold blocking printing work back to the firm I worked for because I could undercut other suppliers," he laughs. Alongside that, Bob ran a successful mobile DJ business, hosting quiz nights, karaoke, and even rock 'n' roll bingo both in the UK and in Turkey.
Community involvement has always been part of Bob's life. In Kent, he served as a school governor and even saved a playschool from closure. After moving to Southend 21 years ago to live with his partner Ingrid, his journey with SEH began when he raised concerns about security doors and car park misuse at Barringtons. "Basically because I was a pain in the bum," he jokes. That led to focus groups, repairs panels, and eventually nine different SEH groups, plus a role as a resident void inspector.
"I enjoy doing things for the benefit of the community - not just where I live, but the wider community," Bob says. His experience and commitment have made him a trusted voice, even sitting on local policing meetings to tackle anti-social behaviour. He was vice chair of Southend Tenants & Residents Federation for three years and he has also been involved with the Mendip Community Garden Foundation charity for the past four years, serving as chair for part of that time and remaining actively involved today.
Together: A Dynamic Duo
Sam and Bob met at SEH's first Big Conversation in January 2025. Since then, they've become an inseparable team, working on focus groups and panels to improve services and communication.
"We banter and argue like an old married couple," Bob says. "We disagree on a lot, but we chat things through and respect each other." Sam adds, "We challenge each other and find the right middle ground."
Their efforts have led to tangible changes, like making Insight magazine more accessible and improving policies for residents. Both are passionate about bridging the gap between SEH and its tenants. "If more of us speak up and suggest solutions, that will help," says Sam.
Why Get Involved?
Sam and Bob agree: joining SEH groups isn't just about fixing problems - it's about building community. "Before I started all this, I was isolated and lonely," Sam shares. "Now I feel valued and appreciated. Also I get to laugh, a lot!" Bob echoes this: "It feels good to be wanted and needed."
Getting involved offers friendship, purpose, and the chance to make a real difference to where and how we live. Whether you join a focus group, committee, panel or just attend an event or meeting become a resident void inspector, or help shape policies, your opinion really matters. It doesn't matter what your background is, everyone is welcome and equally important.
Bob added: "Most people join a Focus Group when they have an unresolved issue of their own that they want to fix. However, this is not the point of becoming a Focus Group member. The real magic happens when you start thinking bigger. It's about improving things for everyone, not just yourself. That's when we make real change."
Want to find out more?
Visit www.southessexhomes.co.uk/community-street-ways-to-get-involved for more details about getting involved with South Essex Homes.
You can email the Resident Engagement Team on residentengagement@seh.southend.gov.uk or call us on 0800 833160.
We have lots of focus groups, so why not come along and see what it's all about? See which focus groups are available here: Focus Groups | South Essex Homes
As Sam says: "Every voice matters. You'll be very welcomed. Doesn't matter what your background is - your opinion will be valued."
