Hello, I'm Harry!
I’m one of five tenants currently on a six-month paid work placement through the Employment Support Service (ESS). Funded by Salford Futures and Salford Employment Hub, this opportunity is helping us gain experience, build confidence, and explore career paths within the housing sector. I thought I’d share a bit about my own experience. I started gaining employment support at ForHousing in May this year after being long-term sick. I wanted to find work that fits my health issues and helps me regain confidence and develop new skills. The ESS team has been absolutely amazing in helping me with that.
So far, I’ve completed an eight-week voluntary placement in EDI, which was fantastic. It gave me a real insight into how ForHousing works and the inspiring things happening around equality, diversity, and inclusion. After that, I landed a paid six-month placement with the Employment Support team, which is what I’m doing now.
For me, this journey has been empowering. It’s shown me that despite my health challenges, I can add value to my life and to the lives of other tenants like me.
The placements have had a huge impact on me. Before joining the Employment Support Service, I was in a difficult place and unsure how I could move forward in the world of work. Most of my previous jobs were very physical, and I didn’t know how I’d manage in office-based roles.
ForHousing has been incredibly supportive throughout this journey, and my confidence has grown massively. I now feel ready to take the next step. In fact, I’ve applied for an access course to university with the goal of studying environmental science. I’m passionate about the Net-Zero movement and want to get more involved in that. This experience has truly shaped my life goals.
The most rewarding part has been the people I’ve met and the inspiring work everyone is doing. Receiving positive feedback has been amazing. I really enjoyed working with the Head of EDI; she was so supportive and encouraging. Now, on my six-month placement with the ESS, I feel like I’m in a great place. It’s a positive environment focused on helping people realise their potential, and that’s something I’m proud to be part of.
The value is huge. As tenants, we bring insight and lived experience that can make a real difference. We know what it’s like to live in social housing, to be part of these communities, and to face the challenges tenants experience. That perspective helps build trust and ensures services are shaped by the people they impact.
Having tenants involved shows that the organisation is committed to improving lives and listening to those it serves. It’s about creating the best housing association for tenants by including their voices in the process.
Ideally, I’d love to secure a permanent full-time position within ForHousing. I really like the culture here, it fits well with me. I’d love to continue working with the Employment Support Service, but I’m also interested in communications and getting more involved with the net zero movement within the organisation.
Alongside that, I’ll continue my Open University course in environmental science, which is something I’m passionate about. I want to keep building on this journey with ForHousing and see where it takes me.
It’s been inspiring to see how each of us brings something unique to the table. We’re not just gaining experience, we’re helping shape a more inclusive workplace. I’m proud to be part of this journey, and I hope these stories encourage more conversations about tenant representation and opportunity. Are you looking for work, or maybe you know someone who is? Our Employment Support service can help. Click here to find out more about the Employment Support Service.
