Lynne Evans retires after 34 years making a difference at North Wales Housing
It was a fond farewell and many happy retirement wishes to our long serving Head of Supported Housing, Lynne Evans recently.
Before she headed off on her new adventures, we asked her to tell us all about her 34- year career at North Wales Housing (NWH), from how it began in 1991 to her tips for a successful career in social housing!
Rights campaigns
“Unbelievably, I started with North Wales Housing on 1st April 1991,” reveals Lynne.
After graduating from Bangor University in 1985, she got involved in various welfare rights campaigns and helped set up the first Child Poverty Action Group in Gwynedd.
“I also volunteered with Bangor CAB’s legal advice sessions, soaking up knowledge from the solicitors who gave their time for free. The mid to late ‘80s were the “Thatcher years” (if anyone remembers!) and I was quite political!
“I juggled two part-time jobs, one working with young people for the Family Planning Association, and one teaching Sociology A-Level at Coleg Llandrillo. In 1988, I got a full-time job with NACRO, helping adults who were unemployed into work and I quickly became a Scheme Manager there.
“My next job was in North Wales Housing as the Supported Housing Officer. The job looked interesting, so I applied. I thought I might stay for a while and find out what these new housing associations were all about, see how they matched my personal values and what benefit they were bringing to our communities.”
Supporting others
Over her years in NWH, Lynne has been instrumental in supporting women who experience domestic violence and in need of refuge; those experiencing homelessness and in need of accommodation, and her work has made a real impact on the supported and social housing sector in North Wales.
“I have been involved in opening two new women’s refuges, more shared housing for people with learning disabilities and mental health needs, and, very memorably, setting up accommodation for those experiencing homelessness.”
Lynne recalls that things were so different then, it’s almost impossible to describe.
“One minute I would be planning to develop a new scheme, the next I would be writing out a rent receipt, or helping get someone to a place of safety, or listening to someone’s hopes and dreams for the future and helping them achieve them. My boss used to physically collect rents!”
Memories
“Really, there are too many memories to mention. NWH and our Supported Housing services have grown and developed over the years. And I was lucky to come in at a time where we were building partnerships with Probation, Health, Substance Misuse Services, Youth Justice Service, women’s refuges, learning disability teams, young people’s services – the list is endless.
“There are plenty of funny stories, of unexpected pets for example (snakes and tarantulas), incredibly happy stories, sad stories. More recently, some of our people’s very moving stories, read out in their own words at our staff conference, was a lovely experience. And I will never forget my wonderful colleagues in Supported Housing and throughout NWH, who make it all happen, every single day.”
One standout memory for Lynne is hearing of a visit to an NWH hostel by someone in a professional capacity. That person shared that he had lived in that same hostel when he was a teenager. He shared how he now had a young family and a home of his own. He thought Lynne Evans might remember him. She certainly did!
Lynne adds that a safe and secure home, with the right type of support, can make a huge difference to people’s life opportunities.
It’s crucial, adds Lynne that in a funding environment which is complex and where there a strong emphasis on regulation and so many different forms of data reporting, that “we keep the person we are supporting at the centre and always remember they are the reason we are here doing the work.”
The work, she says, can be challenging and it’s essential the people delivering the services also get the support and recognition they deserve.
“I truly hope that the Supported Housing service continues to grow and adapt and continues to work with people towards a world where homelessness ideally becomes something in the past. And I hope that my colleagues carry on gaining satisfaction and joy in the support they provide.”
So, does Lynne have any advice for anyone thinking of working in the world of social housing work?
“If your values match the ethos of social housing, just go for it! You will never be bored, you will be challenged to think creatively and learn continuously, you will be part of a great team, and the satisfaction from making a real difference to people’s lives can stay with you for ever.
“Finally, I just want to thank NWH for my wonderful career.”
